January 28, 2000

Bowling Green, Ky. -- The Western Kentucky University Board of Regents today (Jan. 28) approved a new University Senate for academic governance.

The new senate will combine the existing Faculty Senate and Academic Council into one governing board that will deal with academic program and curriculum matters and issues relating to faculty status and welfare. In addition to faculty, the senate will include three student members. Key administrators will also serve as non-voting members of the senate.

WKU President Gary Ransdell said the senate will be created this spring and begin meeting in the fall.

The board's action follows a vote earlier this week by the WKU faculty. With more than 88 percent of the faculty voting, the senate passed by four votes, 248 to 244.

While the decision was close, Dr. Ransdell said he was encouraged by the level of faculty participation.

"Our faculty take very seriously the role of governance," he said.

In other business, the board:
*Swore in Regent Beverly Wathen of Owensboro;
*Approved a resolution of appreciation to Gov. Paul Patton for the priority he has given postsecondary education in his budget proposal;
*Approved a new bachelor of science degree in applied technology; and
*Approved new bachelor of science degrees in construction engineering and management, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.