Faculty of the University of Florida are encouraged to participate in the collegiate system of shared governance. The information contained in this section deals with those structures and processes involved in university decision-making.

Rules and Documents

As a state educational institution, the university is governed by federal and Florida law, the policies and directives of the Board of Governors and the University of Florida Board of Trustees, and the University of Florida Rules as set forth in the Florida Administrative Code.

Florida Constitution and Statutes

The Constitution of the State of Florida is an organized system of fundamental principles for the government of the state. It is of a permanent and general nature and originates from the people rather than from the Legislature. Article IX, Section 7 addresses the State University System.

The Florida Statutes are a permanent collection of state laws organized by subject area into a code made up of titles, chapters, parts, and sections. The Florida Statutes are updated annually by laws that create, amend, or repeal statutory material. Title XLVIII covers the K-20 Education Code.

Florida Administrative Code

The Florida Administrative Code (FAC) is a compilation of the rules and regulations of state agencies that have been previously adopted and filed with the Department of State pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

Chapter 6C1 of the Florida Administrative Code covers the University of Florida Rules, and is divided into seven sections:

Constitution of the University of Florida & By-Laws of the Faculty Senate

The Constitution, originally approved in 1929 by the Board of Control, was amended and ratified by action of the University Senate in 1964. The Constitution, as well as the Bylaws of the Faculty Senate have since been amended by action of the Senate. The provisions of the Constitution and By-laws are governed by and subordinate to the rules and regulations of the Florida Administrative Code, and the legal requirements of state and federal statutes.

Governing Bodies


State of Florida

The Florida Board of Education consists of 7 members appointed by the Governor. The Board is the implementing and coordinating body for public education in Florida.

The Commissioner of Education is the chief educational officer of the state, and is responsible for giving full assistance to the Board of Education in enforcing compliance with the mission and goals of the seamless K-20 education system.

The Florida Department of Education is the administrative and supervisory agency under the implementation direction of the Board of Education. Within the Florida Department of Education is the Division of Colleges and Universities headed by the Chancellor of Colleges and Universities.

In addition, the Florida Board of Governors coordinates the State University System. It also strengthens and supports the function of the 11 individual University Boards of Trustees.

University of Florida

The University of Florida Board of Trustees is the "body corporate" for the university and as such holds the institution's financial, physical, and human assets and operations in trust. It is also responsible for the efficient and effective use of resources. The Board may adopt rules and policies consistent with the university's mission, as allowed by law.

The Faculty Senate considers matters of concern to more than one college or school, and matters of general university interest. The Faculty Senate may make such rules, regulations and by-laws as it deems advisable for the fulfillment of its duties. The Senate's actions are subject to the approval of the President and, in appropriate instances, the Board of Trustees, and are not otherwise required to be adopted as rules by the university pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act.

The Administrative Council consists of the President, Provost, Vice Presidents, Vice Provosts, Associate and Assistant Vice Presidents, Deans, Presidential Appointees, Student Representatives, Associate Members, and Trustees. The Administrative Council provides a channel for communication among its members for matters of general university concern. The Council does not make policy, but provides a vehicle for consideration of policies brought forth by the President or other members.

University Committees, Boards, and Councils exist to consider university issues ranging from academic freedom to Title IX intercollegiate athletics. Faculty are appointed to committees by the Faculty Senate and/or the President or vice presidents. Faculty are encouraged to serve on university committees and can indicate their willingness to do so by contacting their department chair, dean, Chair of the Senate Nominating Committee, or the Office of the Provost.