Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate champions the academic quality, affordability, and vibrant community that students and families count on at NSU. From shaping policies that improve classroom experiences to supporting affordable degree programs and student success initiatives, the Senate is a vital partner in delivering an education of enduring value.

Faculty Senate Officers

August 2024 – May 2025

• President: Dr. Frank Serio, Professor of Mathematics; serio@nsula.edu
• Vice President: Dr. Daniel Gordy, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and English, College of Arts and Sciences; gordyd@nsula.edu
• Secretary: Dr. Benjamin Forkner, Associate Professor of Spanish and French; forknerb@nsula.edu
• Parliamentarian: Dr. Paula Christensen, Associate Professor of Education; College of Education and Human Development; christensen@nsula.edu

Scheduled Meeting Dates and Times

Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday from 3:30 – 5:00 PM at the Northwestern State University, Natchitoches Campus in the Cane River Room of the Student Union.

If you have questions about meeting dates and times, please contact the officers listed above.

Senate Committees

1. Executive Committee
   President, Vice President, Secretary, Parliamentarian
   Elected by the Senate from nominees who are senators
2. Committee on Committees
   Chaired by the Vice President of the Senate
   One faculty senator from each college, nominated by the Committee on Committees and approved by the senate
3. Faculty Standards Committee
   Chaired by the Faculty Senate Secretary
   Five faculty members, to include representatives from each of the academic colleges, nominated by the Committee on Committees and approved by the Senate
4. Ad Hoc Committees
   Appointed by the Faculty Senate President

Documents

• Faculty Handbook
• Guidelines for Elections
• Agendas
• Minutes
• Documents & Resolutions
• RTP Checklist
• Committee Appointments

How to use these resources

Use these PDFs and folders to prepare for meetings, confirm committee responsibilities, and stay aligned with policies that support students—especially those related to program quality, timely graduation, and the overall value of an affordable degree program.

Helpful Links

• NSU Strategic Planning
• ULS Board of Supervisors
• Senator Update Form
• University Service – Interest Form

Get Involved & Stay Informed

Quick Actions

• Attend the next meeting: Mark the 4th Tuesday, 3:30–5:00 PM (Cane River Room, Student Union).
• Update your details: Submit the Senator Update Form.
• Express interest in service: Complete the University Service – Interest Form.
• Connect with officers: Email the President, Vice President, Secretary, or Parliamentarian above to learn how your voice can help students navigate Financial Aid, college scholarships, and paying for college topics that affect their path to graduation.