Faculty Senate

Provost search reignites debate over faculty handbook

Citing concerns over their role in the provost search process, Mason’s Faculty Senate passed a resolution reaffirming a provision of the faculty handbook concerning the selection process for key administrative positions.

In a 20-4 vote on Oct. 9 2013, the Faculty Senate reaffirmed part of the faculty handbook that says, “The search and selection process must include opportunities for the General Faculty to meet with candidates who are finalists for the presidency.”

Cabrera 'all for' football, if able to pay

Mason currently has a club football team, but last week during a meet-and-greet with the Faculty Senate, incoming president Angel Cabrera left at least some room for more.

BOV rector calls search confidentiality practice ‘infraction,’ not ‘violation’

Rector Ernst Volgenau responded at a recent Faculty Senate meeting to faculty concerns about the contractual nature of the Faculty Handbook, which outlines processes not observed in the selection of Ángel Cabrera as Mason's sixth president.

The remarks come amongst debate about confidentiality and whether or not closed search processes return "better" candidates.

‘Doc Nix’ embracing new role with faculty committee

Michael Nickens, better known as “Doc Nix,” is most recognized for his presence at Mason basketball home games as director of the pep band, the “Green Machine.” This semester, Nickens is taking his knowledge from within the Mason’s School of Music to the Board of Visitors as a new faculty committee representative.

Nickens attended his first meeting as a faculty representative on Jan. 25 and said the environment was a shift from what he’s used to seeing at the Patriot Center.

Final candidates to replace Merten to meet with Faculty Senators

President Merten speaks at a champagne toast to President Merten and his wife, Sally, during Alumni weekend. (Jake McLernon)

A small number of Faculty Senators are expected to meet Sunday in a closed meeting with an unreleased number of final candidates for the university president position.

Resolution to allow faculty input in presidential search passes Faculty Senate

The resolution that would allow faculty to have input on the final candidates for the presidential search, if approved by the Presidential Search Committee, passed the Faculty Senate Wednesday with a vote of 31-2; and will be given to the committee in the coming days.

Faculty Senate introduces proposed Code of Ethics and budget outlook

The GMU Faculty Senate met Nov. 10, to hear reports from several senate committees, approving several additions and amendments. The senate convened at 3 p.m. in Robinson Hall, room B113. The meeting was open to all members of the Mason community.