Faculty Senate Meeting Summary, 1/22/26
Dear Colleagues,
I’m writing with a report on the Senate meeting held on January 22, 2026. As always, full text of remarks and reports can be found in the agenda. Of particular and timely note is Class A legislation on Promotion and Tenure: Elected Faculty Council Voting Hierarchy and Equitable Deliberation, which is currently out for faculty vote (see below).
Senate Chair’s Remarks
Chair Bhat gave updates on these initiatives:
- The strategic plan has entered the second part of its timeline. More info can be found here.
- The contract language with Interfolio forbids secondary uses of all data without UW’s consent (outside of defined purposes).
- The Office of Academic Personnel and Faculty has faculty development opportunities. Check their website for upcoming sessions.
UW Provost’s Remarks
President Jones was unable to attend the meeting, so Provost Serio provided remarks. She provided updates on strategic planning, noting that five listening sessions were held, a first draft was delivered before the break, and revisions are underway with a second draft expected by the end of the month. She stated that UW values were reflected in the planning process.
She also shared legislative updates from Olympia, noting that the current session runs from January 12 to March 12 and that the team is advocating for increased funding for the university.
Regarding ICE activity, the Provost stated that there are no confirmed incidents on campus and that circulating reports are rumors. She emphasized leadership’s engagement on the issue, encouraged faculty partnership to maintain community calm, and noted that resources are available to guide responses to federal agency requests.
Finally, she reaffirmed the President’s and Provost’s commitment to shared governance, while conveying appreciation for faculty as an important part of the university community.
Reports
There was a report from Dean Joye Williamson-Lott on Graduate Programs, which can be found in Exhibit F of the agenda. The Senate also received an update on the Digital Accessibility Initiative (Exhibit E).
New Business
Class A Legislation– Promotion and Tenure: Elected Faculty Council Voting Hierarchy and Equitable Deliberation: Senators passed this legislation on second consideration and it is now out for faculty vote (deadline to vote is February 6). The legislation allows schools, colleges, campuses to use non-hierarchical voting at the Elected Faculty Council (EFC) level and permits associate professor who serve as department chairs to evaluate candidates for promotion to full professor. Schools, colleges, and campuses that want to continue using hierarchy at the EFC level will have the option to continue. The decision on voting hierarchy in the FC will be made at the local level, based on the bylaws.
Class A Legislation – Faculty Legislative Representative Responsibilities and Election Procedures: Senators passed this legislation on first consideration and it will now go back to the Senate Executive Committee on February 9 for another review. This legislation changes the timing of election for the Faculty Legislative Representative (FLR) and the Deputy Faculty Legislative Representative (DFLR), revises the beginning date of the FLR and DFLR term, outlines a procedure for filing a vacancy for FLR and DFLR, and describes removal procedures for those positions.
Class C Resolution – Concerning Lack of Faculty Consultation in University of Washington Decision to Change Retirement Vendor/Advisor, Recordkeeper, and Retirement Funds. Senators passed this Class C resolution and it will be shared with faculty. The resolution details the lack of consultation with faculty and shared governance bodies before the decision was made to change the retirement vendor. The resolution calls for better consultation in the future, for faculty appointments to the Fund Review Committee, and for the resolution to be read aloud at the next Board of Regents meeting.
The Faculty Senate will meet again on February 19. The meeting schedule can be found on our website.
With appreciation for all you do,
Rania Hussein, Vice Chair, Faculty Senate