Making Policy in the University Senate

How does the University Senate make policy?

All members of the Columbia community can bring concerns to the University Senate by contacting the representatives from their school and delegation. Here is how concerns transform into discussions and policy in plenary meetings, which are open to all current CUID holders.

Flowchart titled "Making Policy in the University Senate," showing six numbered steps down a vertical spine. Constituents raise a concern; a senator carries it forward after considering Senate jurisdiction; the committee chair sets the committee agenda; the committee deliberates and drafts a resolution, report, or statement; the Executive Committee deliberates and votes to place it on the plenary agenda; the plenary debates and votes.

Legislative Calendar 2026-27

The deliberative structure of the University Senate requires materials to be submitted weeks before they are presented in plenary meetings. See the legislative calendar for 2026-27 below.

Roles and Responsibilities of Senator and Nonsenator Members

Many committees have both Senator and Nonsenator members. Nonsenator members are crucial to broaden participation, strengthen committees with specialized expertise, and support committee staffing.

Chart titled 'Voice and Vote by Role'. A note states that members hold seats set out in Sec. 4.k. of the University Senate By-Laws. The table compares Member–Senators and Member–Nonsenators across Committee and Plenary venues. Both roles have voice and vote in committee, and voice in plenary; nonsenators' plenary voice carries limits. Only Senators may vote in plenary. A footnote quotes Rules for Electronic Meetings, Section 16, on floor privileges for nonsenator committee members.

New Senator Orientation Materials

New and returning members of the University Senate are invited to an annual orientation with the Senate Parliamentarian. That presentation is now linked here.