The Academic Senate has enjoyed over a 30-year history as the university’s primary policy-making body for a wide range of issues involving academic life at CMU. The senate has a long tradition of productive and open debate and is committed to enhancing the academic experiences of students and faculty. The senate is the final faculty curricular authority for graduate and undergraduate programs, both on campus and off campus at CMU. 

As a shared decision-making body, the senate’s membership consists of representatives elected by each academic department, six student representatives chosen by the Student Government Association, the academic deans, the provost, and the president. Academic Senate meetings are open to the public and are held bi-weekly on Tuesdays, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., in Pearce Hall, Room 138.

Much of the work of the senate takes place through an elaborate network of committees. The senate is indebted to the many faculty, students, and administrators whose efforts have been responsible for the senate’s success.