Faculty Senate Elections - Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a senate term?

A term is three years and you may be re-elected for a consecutive three-year term. The Faculty Senate constitution outlines the following:

"The term of office shall be three years. Senators are eligible for re-election. However, the maximum that a senator can serve without a year intervening is two consecutive three-year terms. Election as an officer in the senate shall be the exception to this limit. The term of office with full voting privileges shall begin with the first meeting of the new senate."

What if I can't fulfill the remainder of my senate term?

If you are in the middle of your term, but are not able to finish, reach out to your caucus chair and the office of Faculty Senate. The Faculty Senate constitution outlines the process for filling a vacancy in its by-laws:

"A position on the Faculty Senate (a) held by a senator who is appointed to a position in a different college or unit from the college or unit which elected that member to the Faculty Senate, or (b) held by a senator who is appointed to any position which makes that senator ineligible for election to the senate, shall be declared vacant at the end of that senator's current term."

"If a vacancy occurs in the last five months of a senator’s term, it may be left vacant at the discretion of the caucus chair. Should this occur, another senator in that caucus shall carry the proxy for that seat until it is filled."

"In the event the office of president-elect or secretary is vacated, a new election shall be held."

"As a vacancy occurs in the senate, the caucus where the vacancy occurred will appoint to the senate for the unexpired term the individual who received the next highest number of votes in the most recent election within the unit. In the case of a vacancy in the Term Appointment caucus, this same procedure will be used, except that the required composition of the caucus will be maintained when filling the vacant seat (see Article II, Section A.1.b.) In the case of a vacancy within the General University caucus for the senator from Olathe, the individual who received the next highest number of votes for that seat in their most recent election will be appointed for the unexpired term. Notification of the replacement will be provided at the next regularly scheduled executive committee and Faculty Senate meetings.

Each caucus shall go back no further than the final ballot to find replacements for vacancies. When the names on the final ballot are exhausted, a special election will be called at the time of the vacancy to fill the vacancy. In the event the names on the final ballot are exhausted and yearly elections are in process, the vacancy may be filled utilizing the current elections. This will be handled on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the caucus chair and election committee." (Article II, Section D.5)

I am in the middle of my senate term, but I took a new job within K-State? Must I vacate my seat?

In short, the answer is no. However, if you are in the middle of your term, and have changed jobs, let your caucus chair and the office of Faculty Senate know. The Faculty Senate constitution outlines the following:

I am in the middle of my term, but was approved for a sabbatical? Must I vacate my seat?

It will depend on the length of your sabbatical. If it is one semester long, a senator in your caucus will need to take your proxy for that semester. If it is for longer than one semester, you will need to vacate your seat. The Faculty Senate constitution outlines the following:

"In the event senators are on leave, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to function for a time greater than one semester, the office shall be declared vacant and shall be filled by the procedure of Article II, Section D.5. The person appointed to fill the vacancy will serve for the remainder of the term. Senators unable to function for one semester or less may designate a proxy as outlined in the by-laws."

For other questions not addressed here, reach out to the Office of Faculty Senate (facsen@ksu.edu) or one of the election committee members.

2026-2027 Election Committee:

Colby Moorberg, Faculty Senate President
Marcus Kidd, Faculty Senate Secretary
Matt Basel, Co-Chair of Faculty Affairs
Roger Adams, Co-Chair of Faculty Affairs
Gina Nixon, Co-Chair of Professional Staff Affairs
Mishelle Hay McCammant, Co-Chair of Professioal Staff Affairs