Susquehanna University
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

Susquehanna University’s Board of Trustees is responsible for the stewardship and well-being of the institution. A student representative and a two faculty representatives are full voting members of the Board of Trustees.

The Student Government Association (SGA) is Susquehanna's student governing body and the highest governing body for students. Class representatives are elected by peers, with four representatives for each class (First Year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior) as well as an executive board.

The Staff Council is a representative body of all non-academic staff. Staff members may reach out to any member of the staff council to voice concerns or share ideas. The council positions are three year terms and are voted on by staff in different blocks of campus to ensure all areas of campus are represented.

“The University Council serves as the principal Faculty advisory body to the President on broad planning and policy issues and related budget allocations, with these special areas of interest and concern: 1) to recommend budget guidelines and priorities for the next academic year as consistent with planning goals and to review the proposed University budget in light of these goals; 2) to advise on annual increases in tuition and fees, and on salary increases for all constituent groups of the University; 3) to contribute to the development of the University's strategic plan as it is periodically revised; and 4) to advise the President on other matters of broad University concern. Faculty and staff representatives and the Deans of Schools will systematically consult with Faculty and staff colleagues, as appropriate, and attempt to represent the views of such groups fairly in discussions; each member of the Council, however, is expected to present his or her own judgment as to the best interest of the University.” From the Faculty Handbook.

Faculty Meetings are the highest governing mechanism for faculty. All full-time faculty and those who hold the rank of faculty are considered governing faculty and have a vote in all motions brought to the floor. The Speaker of the Faculty chairs the faculty meetings where faculty discuss and vote upon academic related business. Faculty meetings occur 4 times per semester. In addition to the faculty meetings, faculty and university committees conduct business on behalf of the faculty body. These committees include but are not limited to Curriculum, Faculty Affairs, Faculty Scholarship, Teaching and Learning, and Central Curriculum.