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Postdocs gain representation on the Faculty Senate

by Nicole Jimenez & Alane Dy
collage of uapa representatives

Following the special-election outcome at the end of October that establishes a dedicated, voting Faculty Senate seat for postdocs, we are happy to share more about the leadership and collaboration that made this possible. The Faculty Senate is essential to processes related to the operations of the university and has the ability to influence policies and procedures at the institution, which impacts all staff, students, and faculty. Current representation includes the Arizona Board of Regents, faculty, undergraduate, graduate,  staff, and, with this new ruling - postdocs.

Our sincere thanks go to Dr. Katharine Zeiders, Secretary of the Faculty, for stewarding the bylaw process, and to former Provost Dr. Ronald Marx and Vice Provost Dr. Kirsten Limesand, for their strong advocacy.

Building on foundational efforts by former University of Arizona Postdoctoral Association (UAPA) leadership Drs. Angie Greenman, Rob Jackson, Holly Andrews, Nicole Jimenez and Alane Dy carried this initiative forward. Their collective efforts ensured that postdoctoral scholars will now have a formal voice in university governance.

UAPA is seeking interested postdoctoral scholars to serve as the inaugural Faculty Senate representative. This position would enhance career development by providing experience in high-level service, leadership, and visibility among the university's executive leadership. 

Expectations would be 1) attend monthly Faculty Senate meetings (~2 hours, can be in-person or virtual), 2) attend quarterly UAPA virtual meetings (~ 1 hour), 3) interact and convey knowledge of meetings to UAPA and UA Postdoctoral Affairs, and 4) vote on university policies and decisions on behalf of UA postdoctoral scholars. Expected time commitment is ~5 hours per month for a one-year term. 

Please send your CV and a short paragraph describing your interest and goals for the role to UAPA chair Dr. Nicole Jimenez (nicolejimenez@arizona.edu). Evaluation will be based on leadership experience, passion for advocacy, and ability to participate. For more about UAPA, our mission, events, and opportunities to get involved, visit uapostdocs.weebly.com.