Message from the President
Dear Colleagues,
Senate Bill 37 abolished all faculty senates effective September 1, 2025; however, the bill allows the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System to reestablish faculty senates consistent with Senate Bill 37’s parameters that faculty senates are advisory only and may not be delegated the final decision-making authority on any matter. In compliance with state law, UTRGV’s Faculty Senate and its subcommittees were dissolved by operation of law on September 1. College and department councils and committees are unaffected by this change pending further action by the Board.
The Board recognizes that the faculties of UT System institutions provide advice and perform functions, as authorized by Regents’ Rules and Regulations or institutional policies, necessary for the operation of the UT System institutions. While the Board considers policy recommendations for the reestablishment of faculty senates and councils, it authorized institutional presidents to establish and convene faculty advisory groups, as appropriate, to perform the work of faculty governance bodies, including faculty senates and councils, consistent with the requirements of Senate Bill 37 and as contemplated in Regents’ Rules and UT System and institutional policies.
With approval from UT System, UTRGV will convene faculty advisory groups to perform these functions until the Board authorizes a new faculty senate. We recognize the important role the faculty plays in the success of the University, and we look forward to continued collaboration among our campus community.
Sincerely,
Guy Bailey
President