Welcome back to campus
August 24, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
Fall semester is here! As we begin a new academic year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the work you do every day on behalf of our students and our institution. Whether you are teaching in the classroom, mentoring students, conducting research, providing service, supporting our clinical mission, or contributing in countless other ways, your dedication is what makes our University thrive.
The beginning of a new academic year brings renewed energy, new opportunities, and a shared sense of purpose. Students arrive with intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm, and faculty return ready to make meaningful contributions through teaching, research, and service. We welcome new faculty members and reconnect with colleagues across the university. Our campus comes alive!
As Faculty Senate Chair, I am grateful to serve alongside an exceptional group of 32 senators who represent the diverse perspectives and expertise of academic and administrative faculty across our university. The Faculty Senate remains committed to fostering shared governance, promoting transparency and communication, and ensuring that faculty voices are heard in decisions that shape the future of our institution.
This year we have an outstanding Senate Executive Board including Chair-Elect Ned Schoolman, Past Chair Jennifer McClendon, Parliamentarian Roz Bucey, At-Large Members Anna Panorska and Kari Johnson, and Senate Manager Heather Kemmelmeier. The Executive Board has been hard at work this summer setting priorities for the coming year. Much of the Senate’s work is done in collaboration with our 10 standing committees and I am grateful to those individuals willing to serve in these very important roles.
Some of the priorities for this upcoming year include:
- Evaluating the Student Experience Questionnaire (SEQ)
- Reviewing the Academic Standards process (UAM 6,502)
- Developing Institutional policies around the use of AI
- Non-Tenure Track Promotion guidance
- Recognition and guidance for community engaged scholarship
This is a legislative year, and the decisions made during the upcoming session will have significant implications for higher education in Nevada. Michael Flores, Vice President for Government Relations and Community Engagement, works hard to ensure that the needs and accomplishments of our institution are heard and understood. Equally important, however, are the voices of faculty. Your expertise, experiences, and stories help legislators understand the impact of higher education on our students, our communities, and our state. If you are interested in becoming involved in the legislative process, I encourage you to contact the Faculty Senate Office.
The Faculty Senate meets on the third Friday of each month, and agendas and minutes are made available to the campus community. I encourage you to connect with your elected senator, stay informed about issues under discussion, and share your perspectives. I also encourage you to visit the Faculty Senate website, which provides valuable information about the Senate's work and resources available to faculty.
It is truly an honor to serve as your Faculty Senate Chair for the 2026-2027 academic year, representing over 2400 faculty members. You are the heart of this university and your voices matter. Please feel free to email me with any issues, questions or concerns about faculty life or just to say hello. I look forward to working with all of you.
I was inspired watching Artemis 2 in their recent mission around the moon. Similar to the astronauts, we are a “crew.” Together we will be charting the course for this upcoming year with a mission of shared governance. You have all been selected for this mission because of your unique expertise, perspective, and leadership. As a crew, we need to work closely together, to listen, to engage, to think creatively, to be innovative and to problem solve. Together, we have an entire solar system of ideas, energy and creative thought. The best missions are never flown alone! I wish for each of you a happy, productive and rewarding semester.
Cheryl Hug-English
Faculty Senate Chair 2026-2027
Medical Director Student Health Center
facsenchair@unr.edu