Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
South Dakota State University. Academic Senate
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
South Dakota State University has a long-standing tradition of faculty governance. In 1946, faculty established the Faculty Association to advocate for faculty interests and welfare. While not a formal decision-making body, the association played a consultative role in shaping university policies. By the mid-1960s, faculty sought a more formal role in institutional governance. Following extensive discussion, they voted to establish an Academic Senate, which was implemented in 1970. The Faculty Association facilitated the transition and formally disbanded in 1972.
The Academic Senate was created to serve as a representative body for faculty, researchers, campus-based extension specialists, and non-teaching professional staff. While similar bodies exist at other institutions, the SDSU Academic Senate is distinct in its composition, scope, and authority.
As an elected body, the Academic Senate represents faculty interests, promotes institutional improvement, facilitates communication, and contributes to the development of university policies. It holds constitutional authority for formulating and approving policies related to academic, faculty, student, and internal senate affairs, within the constraints of state law and Board of Regents regulations.