A Letter on Change, Continuity, and What Matters Most

We are in the middle of significant changes in higher education. It's a lot, and I won't pretend that navigating them will be simple. Policies will shift. Current paradigms will evolve. New structures will become standard. As a Senate, we start with and stay focused on one question: How does this affect our ability to teach our students, advance our research, and continue to build our programs?

The Faculty Senate will remain a meaningful voice in Shared Governance, not just a rubber stamp, nor a roadblock. That's our responsibility to each other and to the University.

Transitions are also opportunities. As we rebuild parts of the Senate, we will evaluate what is working and what we are doing just because "that's how we've always done it." Some values are worth keeping, while some will deserve a fresh look. This includes a redesign of our tenure system, where faculty interests will guide our work. This year, we will shape the future of Senate and Shared Governance with intention.

I cannot promise this year will always run smoothly, but I can promise the faculty perspective will be at the heart of every conversation. Shared Governance only works if it's shared. Talk to your senators. Raise your concerns and ideas, and please don't hold back. We need your voice in this work.

Roar Lions,

Tom

Tom Lukowicz
Faculty Senate President 2026/2027

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