Primary Documents

The University Statutes | The University Senate shall be a unicameral body whose membership shall be composed of representatives from the following categories:

• Administration
• Faculty members
• Student members
• Affiliated institution members
• Professional library staff members
• Research members
• Administrative staff members
• Alumni members

• University Senate By-Laws |  The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, by their Resolution of May 13, 1969, have authorized the Executive Committee of the Faculty "to promulgate such initial By-Laws of the University Senate as shall not contravene the Charter or Statutes of the University and which By-Laws may thereafter be amended as provided in Section 26 of the Statutes of the University." 

The By-Laws of the Trustees [Last updated May 2026] specify the rules by which the Trustees operate. The By-Laws set the schedule of Trustee meetings, the election procedures for Trustee officers (chair, vice chair(s), clerk), and election procedures for Trustees. The role and powers of the Trustees' Standing Committees are also stated in the By-Laws.

• University Senate Rules for Electronic Meetings | In November 2020, the University Senate adopted a set of rules for electronic meetings. 

• Rules of Procedure of the University Senate |  The Columbia University Senate is governed by the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, and, in addition, by the rules appearing below which have a particular application to this body. 

• University Senate Guidelines on Confidentiality | In general, the records of plenary meetings of the University Senate are public in order to involve the largest number of University Community members and further self-government and records of Senate committees are confidential in order to most fruitfully advance the work of these committees. It is intended that, in general, these committee records will remain confidential for 50 years. Additionally, a procedure is set forth in the event that a request is made for scholarly use of this material before this confidentiality period is over.

• University Senate Elections Code [Last Updated May 2026] | The purpose of this Elections Code is to provide a comprehensive set of rules and regulations to all parties concerning the conduct of University Senate elections. For such elections, these rules and regulations take precedence over any rules, regulations, policies, or practices adopted or followed by the various Divisional Elections Commissions established under this Code.

Guide to the University Senate 2025-2026

University Senators have access to listservs to communicate with their constituency about the business of the University Senate, with more detailed usage information available here. To learn more, please contact [email protected]. 

This policy is intended to improve transparency and representation in University Senate committee assignments while preserving the University Senate’s role as a faculty-led governance body.