UToledo Faculty Senate Executive Summary
September 29, 2026
Executive Committee Report
Faculty Senate President Heberle reported that the search for a new Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management is underway. Senate leadership is also preparing a faculty service survey and reviewing whether its eleven-committee structure could be streamlined. Several colleges still need representation on the Academic Programs Committee. Faculty were urged to submit curriculum proposals earlier so Senate committees can conduct substantive reviews rather than face a large volume near final deadlines. The Budget Committee is examining research indirect-cost funds, parking-sale proceeds, the Huntington loan, and allocations across University units.
Provost McKinney's Report
Provost McKinney reminded faculty to submit student progress reports and midterm grades and encouraged nominations for outstanding staff awards. He reviewed the newly approved five-year Growing for Toledo strategic plan, organized around student success, research and innovation, health, partnerships, and institutional systems. Major goals include increasing enrollment, providing experiential learning, raising graduation and persistence rates, and achieving annual growth in undergraduate and graduate enrollment. Discussion emphasized defining and tracking experiential learning and expanding financial support for study abroad and undergraduate research.
Facilities and Campus Planning
Senator Barnes summarized facilities projects involving the Recreation Center and University Hall roofs, the Student Union, academic testing spaces, classrooms, Carlson Library, the Dana Cancer Center, and IT consolidation on the Health Science Campus. The Early Learning Center is expected to relocate to the former Main Campus childcare facility. Senators also discussed Rocket Hall, the status of the capital master plan, facilities work-order delays, surveillance-system upgrades, and follow-up concerning the former Inclusive Wall of Excellence and its portraits.
Curriculum, Academic Regulations, and Student Enrollment
The Undergraduate Curriculum Committee reported approximately 85 proposals in its queue but temporarily paused reviews while awaiting clarification of revised CIM and syllabus requirements. The Academic Regulations Committee supported a proposed reorganization policy while recommending clearer definitions, transparent faculty consultation, and procedures for reporting disagreements between faculty and administrators. Senate also discussed possible changes to the residential housing policy and whether faculty signatures should be waived when students dropped for nonpayment seek prompt reinstatement.
Dean Evaluations
Senate began considering whether its biennial dean evaluations should be suspended in years when the Provost’s Office conducts its five-year renewal review of the same dean. The question is whether overlapping faculty surveys create unnecessary duplication. The Executive Committee will continue reviewing the issue before bringing it back to Senate.
Copilot, Artificial Intelligence, and Technology Strategy
Chief Information and Technology Officer McCreary addressed concerns about the cost and availability of Microsoft Copilot. McCreary said the long-term preference is to incorporate Copilot into the University’s technology environment, potentially beginning next academic year, depending on adoption and budget approval. Discussion also emphasized data security, development of a controlled environment for faculty-created AI tools, coordination among campus AI groups, transparency with students, and the need for a more proactive institutional strategy for AI adoption, training, ethics, and communication. Senate leadership will continue this discussion with the University’s AI task force.