UToledo Faculty Senate Executive Summary
September 1, 2026
Executive Committee Report
Faculty Senate President Heberle outlined several priorities for the 2026-27 academic year. The Executive Committee is monitoring state and federal higher education policy developments, including implementation of Senate Bill 1 and Ohio Senate Bill 461.Faculty input was encouraged. The committee also reported efforts to strengthen engagement with the Board of Trustees, address parking through newly formed advisory committees, conduct a faculty service workload survey, complete upcoming dean evaluations, improve curriculum workflows, and enhance communication regarding university finances.
Provost McKinney's Report
Provost McKinney highlighted 100% compliance with Simple Syllabus and welcomed many new faculty members, of which a vast majority are tenure-track or tenured. Other major updates included accreditation of the new Doctor of Nursing Practice Nurse Anesthesia program, transfer enrollment from Lourdes University, reaffirmation of institutional accreditation with no recommended monitoring, and forthcoming updates on core curriculum reform and artificial intelligence. The University will rebid the Barnes & Noble bookstore contract, shift textbook distribution online, and transition faculty activity reporting from Interfolio Faculty180 to Watermark beginning with implementation and testing this academic year.
Teaching and Learning Center Update
Dr. Jeanne Cusino introduced the renamed Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) and announced expanded faculty development initiatives. Major items included an AI-focused faculty reading circle, a new AI Teaching Certificate, a faculty showcase on AI and teaching, and a planned January 2027 campus workshop with Jose Antonio Bowen. The Center will also expand support for teaching assistants, course design, faculty development, and instructional challenges across career stages.
President Holloway's Report
President Holloway reported positive enrollment momentum, with increases in new domestic undergraduate and graduate students despite significant declines in international enrollment. He presented the draft strategic plan, Growing for Toledo, which sets 2032 goals for enrollment, research expenditures, healthcare reach, and experiential learning. Its five pillars are realizing the UToledo advantage, driving research and innovation, building for a healthy Toledo, engaging partners, and optimizing institutional systems. Senate discussion focused on recruitment and retention, faculty resources, budget transparency, research and AI infrastructure, healthcare growth, summer campus utilization, facilities planning, and the University's response to state legislation.
Committee Representation and Shared Governance
Senator Barnes reported that several standing committees still lack representation from multiple colleges, including key committees addressing academic programs, budget, student affairs, faculty affairs, recruitment and retention, and curriculum. Senators and other faculty were strongly encouraged to volunteer.
Athletics and Campus Planning Discussions
Senate leadership discussed reestablishing a substantive faculty advisory structure for athletics. Additional discussion addressed the evolving campus master plan, research and instructional space needs, possible renovations or future construction, and the changing role of Rocket Hall.