In a recent development at the University of Michigan, Craig Smith, a senior associate librarian, has been appointed to the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA). This committee serves as the executive branch of the university’s central faculty governance system.
Smith’s appointment follows the resignation of Tom Braun, a biostatistics professor from the School of Public Health, who stepped down from his role in SACUA in August.
The Senate Assembly, the legislative body of the university’s governance system, initiated a nomination process in late September, lasting three weeks. Smith emerged as the sole nominee for this special election and was officially elected on October 28.
In his candidate statement, Smith expressed his commitment to advocating for “equity, inclusion, justice, diversity and accessibility” at the university. He voiced his concerns over the challenges that the University of Michigan has encountered, stating, “I am passionate about pushing for equity, inclusion, justice, diversity and accessibility at U-M, and feel concerned about the hurdles U-M has faced — and created — in these areas in recent years.”
Smith emphasized his dedication to fostering an environment characterized by “care, empathy and commitment” to the university’s values. “I would advocate for meaningful shared governance at U-M, and I would push for a university environment infused with care, empathy and commitment to our stated values,” he added.
His term on SACUA began on November 25 and is set to conclude on April 30, 2025. Come March, the Senate Assembly will elect three new members for the nine-member SACUA, whose terms will start on May 1, 2025.
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