University Senate to discuss open committee meetings

The University of Oregon Senate will discuss a motion at its Feb. 12 meeting that would change the way many senate committees have operated, by making their meetings open and requiring advance notice of the meetings.

A vote on the motion is expected at a future meeting.

"Because the motion would change the way university committees have operated, we've created a two-step process for processing the motion: first a discussion in the February meeting and then a vote during a later meeting," Senate President Margie Paris said in an email this week to the UO community.

"In addition, I've solicited feedback from current senate committee chairs and committee members," said Paris, who included a link to a PDF containing the feedback.

The senate's agenda for the meeting also includes consideration of six motions. One would define the governance roles of ex-presidents of the senate, and other motions would create liaison relationships between the senate and the UO Board of Trustees and between the senate and the United Academics faculty union.

The senate meets monthly. Its February meeting will be at 3 p.m. next Wednesday, in Room 115, Lawrence Hall.

- from the UO Office of Strategic Communications