Welcome to East Carolina University!
On behalf of the faculty at East Carolina University, I would like to welcome you to our University. As Chair of the Faculty, I will be available to answer any questions that might arise as you progress through your academic career, including teaching, research, and service activities. Being able to navigate the myriad of policies, procedures, and deadlines, including understanding the ECU Faculty Manual and being aware of the actions of the Faculty Senate, is essential.

East Carolina University maintains a strong, long-standing, shared governance structure. In its 45th year, the Faculty Senate is the legislative, advisory, and primary faculty governance body for faculty representation at East Carolina University. This body provides the means by which faculty are able to fulfill their responsibilities with respect to academic and educational policies and other affairs of East Carolina University.

The Faculty Senate is comprised of elected members of the general faculty and senior administrators who serve as ex-officio members. The general faculty comprise the general electorate, and the Faculty Senate is the legislative and advisory body representing the entire faculty. The functions, duties, and privileges of these two bodies (the general faculty and the Faculty Senate) are stipulated in the ECU Faculty Manual, Appendix A. “Faculty Constitution” and exercised under the authority of the University Chancellor.

The Faculty Senate, Faculty Officers, and the various standing Faculty Senate Committees (Academic, Administrative, Appellate) serve as the primary media for the essential joint effort of faculty and administration in the government of East Carolina University, which constitutes shared governance. The Chancellor and the Chair of the Faculty facilitate communication that enables continuing and effective faculty participation in all aspects of the University community.

An overview of the Faculty Senate is available here on the Faculty Senate website, www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/fsonline. Please be aware that the ECU Faculty Manual is under review and will be completely reorganized within two years.  The Faculty Senate will continue to provide faculty with updates on these changes throughout the reorganization process. All activities relating to the Faculty Senate (including University calendars; unit codes of operation; ECU Faculty Manual; and standing academic, administrative, and appellate committee structures) are available on the Faculty Senate website.

I look forward to meeting you!  Please feel free to stop by the Faculty Senate office, located at 140 Rawl Annex (across from the Wright Student Store) anytime you have a question or concern that needs to be addressed.

Marianna Walker, Ph.D., Chair of the Faculty
Associate Professor
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders