The faculty senate is the agent of the faculty, and its mission statement stakes the faculty's claim in the institutional decision-making process. It is in this context that the chair of the faculty senate at a large southwestern state university tasked an ad hoc committee (comprised of the authors) with writing its inaugural mission statement.…

Multiple rounds of budget cuts have created tensions on many campuses, prompting questions from faculty about whether institutions are using resources wisely and spending funds appropriately (Minor 2003). As institutions respond to fiscal challenges, it is important that administrators and faculty have a common understanding of budget issues and…

Firm planning objectives, clearly stated relationships to overall institutional objectives, faculty involvement, and active leadership are advocated for successful academic planning. Faculty involvement is dependent on the strength of the technical, marketing, and budgeting staffs, and involvement in the planning process may kindle faculty…