The 2011-2012 academic year will be a busy one for the Faculty Senate.

The group held their first meeting of the academic year on Sept. 13, where they discussed issues such as the possible formation of a new school of education.

“We had the opportunity to spend a lot of time particularly about the formation of the school of education,” said Steven Freeman, president of the Faculty Senate. “Many faculty questions were answered.”

Freeman said that the Senate plans to address policy changes, reorganization and new curriculum issues. Member Veronica Dark echoed this statement, saying that last year was a time of looking particularly at policy changes. The group also plans on addressing the university review of the budget as well as reviewing campus leadership.

An issue the senate plans to be heavily involved in is the ongoing presidential and dean searches. The open forums taking place this week are of particular interest.

“The presidential and dean searches are our top priorities,” Dark said.

While the main focus might be on faculty issues, the welfare of students is always at the forefront of Faculty Senate actions.

“The connection to the students is curriculum,” Freeman said. “Faculty Senate works hard on this issue, regardless of the college or discipline. We set policies on the academic sides and address student concerns.”

The Faculty Senate represents all general faculty here at ISU. The group is comprised of 82 representatives elected by their colleagues and then divided into caucuses representing each of Iowa State’s seven colleges.

The next Faculty Senate meeting will be held Oct. 11 at 3:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.