The University Faculty Senate serves as the deliberative voice of the faculty in University governance. In consultation with ex officio representatives of other constituency groups both on its standing committees and in general meetings, the UFS develops and recommends academic-related policies to the University President, and through the President, to the Board of Trustees.

The UFS was created by the University Faculty Assembly by amendment to its Constitution in January 2000 and will commence operation in Fall Quarter 2000. Unlike the University Faculty Assembly whose membership includes all full service faculty, the UFS is a representative body of some twenty one faculty. The University Faculty Assembly will continue to loosely function as an oversight body of the UFS and may appeal the actions of the UFS. A UFA-conducted referendum in October 2001 will determine if the UFS continues as the voice
of the faculty.