In its role the UAB Faculty Senate represents faculty views and concerns in matters that affect the university. Michael Froelich, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology and outgoing faculty senate chair, said he considers participation in university governance as a much needed activity.
“In a way, I consider this a part of being an academician,” Froelich said.
Froelich has served on the UAB Faculty Senate for three years and has previous experience at the University of Florida. He said educational institutions recognize that it is important to have a good understanding the makeup of its faculty to be successful. This shared governance enables the senate to advise the leadership of UAB and the members of the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees in any area that may affect the faculty, students and the community.
“The faculty senate can impact every aspect of a faculty member’s work life: work hours, work support, salary and benefits,” Froelich said. “While the final responsibility for any changes to faculty life on campus rests with our administration, the wise administrators listen to the faculty senate members.”
Froelich said the concern about potential coal mining at Shepherds Bend of the Black Warrior River was an important, productive dialogue during his term as chair that involved faculty and student leaders, as well as UA System leadership.
Additionally, the faculty senate initiated a workgroup to discuss ways that purchasing and other fiscal issues could be simplified and made more uniform across campus. Froelich said members hope to create a method that will enhance faculty productivity.
| The senate comprises faculty representatives from all of UAB’s academic units and four officers elected at large by the faculty. Faculty members can get involved by becoming a candidate to represent your academic unit or running for one of the officer positions. Faculty also can provide feedback online. |
Froelich stepped down as chair at the beginning of September, but said he will continue to serve as a member.
“I enjoyed my role as chair of the faculty senate thoroughly,” Froelich said. “There were minor challenges and disputes that had to be resolved, but, overall, the feedback was genuinely positive. I was able to communicate with UAB administrators and leaders, leaders from the City of Birmingham and leaders from the university system office in a very collaborative and productive fashion.”
The best part of the job, Froelich said, was learning the inner workings of the university.
“I had interactions with so many different units, departments and divisions across campus and really learned to appreciate the role everybody plays in our institution,” Froelich said. “This knowledge is a great gift.”
The senate comprises faculty representatives from all of UAB’s academic units and four officers elected at large by the faculty. Faculty members can get involved by becoming a candidate to represent your academic unit or running for one of the officer positions. Faculty also can provide feedback online.
