UToledo Faculty Senate Executive Summary
September 15, 2026
Executive Committee Report
Faculty Senate President Heberle emphasized continuing challenges facing international students because of changing visa and immigration rules and urged faculty to refer immigration questions directly to the International Student Office. She also reported ongoing work on curriculum workflow, MyUT class-schedule functionality, coordination of dean evaluations, facilities planning, and expanded engagement between faculty and the Board of Trustees.
Annual Review, Workload, and Watermark Transition
Dr. Scott Molitor reported that the University is transitioning faculty activity reporting and review processes from Interfolio Faculty180 to Watermark. Existing data are being migrated through a pilot process, training is anticipated in Spring 2027, and Watermark is expected to support review processes beginning Fall 2027. Because of continuing Interfolio problems, annual evaluations will be delayed by at least one month, while workload submissions will move to early Spring 2027 after annual evaluations. Sabbatical deadlines remain unchanged, and department chairs should continue assigning instructors for the 2027-28 schedule.
Provost McKinney's Report
Provost Mitchell McKinney reported encouraging census-day outcomes. Overall new-student enrollment increased in new undergraduate and graduate students. New transfer enrollment increased, and direct-from-high-school enrollment rose for the first time in several years. International enrollment continued to decline substantially. The University also recorded institutional highs in graduation rate and freshman-to-junior persistence rate.
Ohio Faculty Council and State Policy
Senator Allred summarized statewide concerns regarding proposed legislation affecting civic literacy centers, including faculty curriculum oversight, program demand, and universities’ potential long-term financial obligations. Additional concerns included proposals involving 90-credit-hour degrees, financial transparency, faculty governance, student well-being, and the effects of online gambling. The report noted that Ohio State’s civic center is working through its Faculty Senate on curricular review.
Student Affairs Report
Vice Provost and Dean of Students Sammy Spann described expanded efforts to support the whole student through the Center for Advocacy and Student Experience, international student services, military and career services, student engagement, food-security programs, and wellness initiatives. Welcome Week participation increased substantially, with strong attendance at the campus involvement fair and other events. Faculty were urged to use the Report a Concern system when students show signs of distress or need academic, financial, mental-health, or other support; Student Affairs emphasized that faculty are often the first people students approach for help.
Research Council and Faculty Service
Faculty Senate selected a new representative to the newly configured Research Council, which will include college representatives, Faculty Senate and Graduate Council nominees, and additional members chosen to provide needed expertise. Senators also raised concerns about inconsistent workload credit for Senate and committee service. President Heberle indicated that service equity, recognition in promotion and tenure, and expectations for lecturers will remain Faculty Senate priorities, supported by a forthcoming faculty service survey.