Shared Governance
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) is committed to fostering collaboration and transparency through a robust shared governance system. This system promotes internal communication and teamwork by bringing together faculty, staff, administrators, and students to contribute to our institution's decision-making processes.
Our shared governance framework includes councils, committees, and governing bodies that ensure diverse voices are heard and respected. Faculty, staff, and students each play a vital role in addressing the issues that impact their respective communities, fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for the university’s progress.
This page includes access to foundational documents that guide these efforts:
- The University Constitution: Establishes the principles and processes governing UAFS.
- Faculty Senate Bylaws: Details the responsibilities, structure, and operational guidelines for faculty representation
in university governance.
Read Faculty Senate Bylaws - Staff Senate Bylaws: Defines the role and structure of staff representation in university governance.
Read Staff Senate Bylaws - Student Government Association Constitution and Bylaws: Details the mechanisms for student representation, leadership and advocacy at UAFS.
Read SGA Constitution & Bylaws
UAFS Governing Bodies
The Chancellor’s Cabinet at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) plays a
vital role in shaping the university’s strategic direction. Serving as an advisory
council to the Chancellor, the Cabinet comprises leaders from across the institution
who bring diverse perspectives and expertise. Together, they collaborate on critical
decisions, address challenges, and work to ensure UAFS continues to thrive as a center
of academic excellence and community engagement.
This council advances the educational mission of the university and addresses issues of concern related to academic programs including adding and sunsetting programs, program delivery and review, quality of programs, and advising.
The Deans Council also provides a conduit for discussion of issues within the colleges to ensure uniformity in implementing university policies and procedures.
Chair: Dr. Shadow Robinson, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs
Council Members:
Dr. Latisha Settlage - dean, College of Business and Industry
Dr. Toni Alexander - dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Dean Cantù - dean, College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences
Dr. Margaret Tanner - associate provost and director of graduate studies
Voting members of the Faculty Council shall be:
- Those full-time employees of the university with teaching included as 50 percent or more of their appointment and;
- Professional librarians.
Adjunct faculty and visiting faculty are considered non-voting members of the Faculty
Council.
All questions concerning membership in the Faculty Council shall be resolved by the
elected officers of the Faculty Senate, subject to appeal to the Faculty Senate.
The Faculty Senate provide a forum wherein any matter associated with academic policy can be openly discussed by any faculty member; enables the faculty to reach informed collective recommendations on academic matters; advises the administration on academic matters including new and existing academic programs; provides advice to the administration on fiscal, personnel, and long-range planning matters; and provides the faculty a representative voice in issues relating to the exercise of academic freedom, professional rights, general welfare, working conditions, and professional responsibilities in the university community.
Staff Senate facilitates participation in university governance, fostering staff development and commitment to university goals, and operates in an official capacity with authority delegated by the chancellor.
The recognized voice of the student body, members represent student issues and concerns before university administration and actively work to improve the university experience for every UAFS student.
More information about these governing bodies is available in the Faculty and Staff Handbook.