University Senate Records

In the spring of 1970, UNC Charlotte faculty and students approved a university constitution. The document was "designed to provide a broader and more effectual participation in the process of considering and formulating policies, practices, and procedures for governing and improving The University of North Carolina at Charlotte" (preamble). The principal feature was the creation of the University Senate, which included representatives from the faculty and students.

Chancellor D. W. Colvard authorized the establishment of the Senate, and the first meeting was held on May 6, 1971. Dr. Loy H. Witherspoon was elected chairman pro tempore. In 1973, the Constitutional Review Committee was appointed to consider changes in the initial constitution. The committee recommended a number of revisions, especially in regard to election procedures and representation, and in April 1975, the faculty and students approved a new constitution. The new Senate included faculty, students, and support personnel all elected by their constituencies.

The Senate dealt with a wide variety of issues, among which were representation in the Senate, academic programs and planning, university governance, campus planning, employee grievance procedures, traffic and parking, and the University Court. The issue which it could not resolve and which eventually led to its dissolution in 1979 was the definition of its role in university governance, particularly vis-a-vis the faculty and student governing bodies.