University of California�Academic Senate�Santa Barbara Division
Chair for 2026–28:
Prof. Rita Raley
English
rita.raley@senate.ucsb.edu
UC faculty, via the Academic Senate, are empowered by UC's governing body, the Board of Regents, to exercise direct control over academic matters of central importance to the University:
• determining academic policy
• setting conditions for admission and the granting of degrees
• authorizing and supervising courses and curricula
The Senate also advises the administration on these crucial matters:
UCSB Senate Standing Councils and Committees
Committee on Committees (CoC)
Appoint faculty to Senate councils and committees and recommend faculty for various administrative committees.
Committee on Academic Personnel (CAP)
Expanded review (formerly non-routine) academic personnel actions, including appointments, merits, and promotions. Consideration of COVID-19 impacts on personnel cases.
Committee on Faculty Welfare, Academic Freedom, and Awards (CFW)
Review university-wide proposals for adjusting faculty salary scales. Convene selection committees for Academic Senate awards.
Committee on Diversity and Equity (D&E)
Coordinate with campus administrators to address the impact of COVID-19 on faculty of color and female faculty.
Committee on Privilege and Tenure (P&T)
Advise on cases involving infringement of faculty rights and grievances.
Committee on Planning and Budget (CPB)
Meet with the academic deans to discuss FTE plans for future faculty hires.
UCSB Senate Standing Councils and Committees
Undergraduate Council (UgC)
Consider adjustments to undergraduate academic policy to increase flexibility for students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Graduate Council (GC)
Consider enrollment planning at the graduate level.
Committee on Courses and General Education (CCGE)
Reevaluate the approval process for online courses.
Committee on Research and Instructional Resources (CRIR)
Review policy changes regarding ownership and recovery of research-related data. Prepare for review of faculty research grant proposals.
Committee on Admissions, Enrollment, and Relations with Schools (CAERS)
Reconsider the selection process for freshman admissions in response to the UC Regents’ decision to eliminate the use of standardized tests.
Committee on International Education (CIE)
Prepare for roll-out of international student survey focused on COVID-19 and collaborate with Office of International Students and Scholars on videos documenting international student experience.
Committee on Rules, Jurisdiction, and Elections (RJE)
Review proposed changes to Academic Senate bylaws.
Structure of the
Santa Barbara Division of the Academic Senate
senate.ucsb.edu
Senate Research and Travel Grants
Senate Awards
Some issues of interest to the Senate in 2026–27: