Michelle Moosally

At my ten-year mark at UHD, I see the Senate presidency as an opportunity to build new connections within the institution while drawing on my experiences to move UHD forward in meaningful and productive ways along with my senate colleagues.

During my tenure (ten-year!) here in the English Department, I've worked with students, staff, administration, and faculty in a range of capacities: search committee member and chair, elected member of chair's advisory committees and departmental review committees, General Education Advisory Committee member, Graduate Studies Task Force member, UHD College Bowl team advisor, Study Abroad Scholarship Committee member and chair, university Grievance Hearing Committee chair, and Academic Affairs Council representative. As Faculty Senate Vice President over the past two years, I was able to put together many of the separate pieces of my earlier service experiences to build a more cohesive understanding of how UHD works (and sometimes doesn't). I have learned tremendously from my wonderful colleagues on the Senate, especially the Executive Committee. While much has been accomplished under the leadership of Dr. Sikka, some important initiatives have not yet come to fruition. I would like carry forward the work on such significant issues as faculty workload reduction, development of a faculty handbook, increased support for faculty scholarship/creative activity, innovative strategies for student success, and meaningful, well-supported assessment programs. Our institution also began the important process of long-term strategic planning in which faculty have a strong stake--we need to ensure ongoing commitment to that process and its outcomes. More importantly, we need to extend that model of vision and planning to other layers of our institution. For example, at the Senate level, I would encourage a new look at the constitution and committee structures with focus on efficiency, productivity, and continuity of leadership.

I have come to greatly value the collegiality and dedication among the faculty as well as the staff and students. As UHD expands, we need to maintain those strengths via more effective communication and decision-making mechanisms throughout the UHD infrastructure. As Senate President, I will seek to maintain open communication with all stakeholders, representing the faculty voice and advocating for initiatives that will create a learning environment in which faculty and students can thrive.

Back to main page