Join the Senate

Serving on the Unclassified Senate has given me a chance to have a closer look at how the university runs, what the important issues are for both the university and unclassified professional staff, and the process for effecting change. I have a better understanding of governance at the university as well as new insight into issues facing colleagues from other sectors all across campus.

- Susan Mercer, Associate Director of the Institute for Policy & Social Research

Being part of the senate is an amazing opportunity, not only to serve the university, but to develop professionally and meet great people from across campus. People who share a sense of responsibility for their community.

- Easan Selvan, Information Specialist I in Information Technology Services

Become a Senator

Any Unclassified Professional Staff member can be a senator. Elections are held each April, with nominations collected from staff. Self-nominations are welcome, and the entire staff body is invited to vote in elections. Senators represent four categories:

• Academic
• Administrative
• Information Services
• Research
• Student Affairs

Elections will soon be held for the 2011-12 academic year. If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague, send an e-mail to unclassifiedsenate@ku.edu. Senators serve three year terms, and the full Senate meets nine times per year. Even if you are not a senator, you can attend meetings, or serve on senate committees. To read more about committee service, click the Senate Committees link on the left side of this page.

Join a Committee

All staff members are invited to serve on senate, or university wide committees. To volunteer, fill out the Unclassified Senate Committee Interest form below.