Q and A with David Sanders, University Senate chair

David Sanders, chair of the University Senate and associate professor of biological sciences. (Purdue University photo/Rebecca Wilcox) Download image

David Sanders, associate professor of biological sciences, today (Sept. 12) will lead his first meeting as chair of the University Senate for 2016-17. Here, Sanders answers questions from Purdue Today about his service with the Senate and goals for the following year.

How long, and in what positions, have you worked at Purdue?

I am an associate professor of biological sciences at Purdue University and have served here for 21 years.

Why did you decide to become involved in the University Senate? In what capacity/on which committees have you served?

My colleagues encouraged me to participate in the University Senate because of my dedication to Purdue University as an institution and my commitment to education as a positive good independent of its job-training capacity. I was elected the chair of the Steering Committee three years sequentially and also served on the Faculty Affairs Committee.

What did you learn as vice chair or as a committee member that will assist you as chair this year?

The major lessons have been that it is important to work with other members of the leadership to achieve outcomes and that following rules and maintaining the structure of the Senate are critical.

What will the University Senate be working on during the upcoming academic year?

Academic integrity, academic excellence, more valuable instructor evaluation, budgetary and human resources transparency, benefits review, and athletics oversight.

What are your own goals as the chair of the University Senate?

Increase participation and engagement in the Senate. Help the administration, staff, faculty and students see Purdue University as a community. Work with the academic leadership of other Big Ten universities to achieve common goals.

What would you like faculty and staff to know about the University Senate?

We are your representatives and are working actively on your behalf. http://www.purdue.edu/senate

How can faculty/staff get involved with University Senate?

Volunteer for a faculty committee. Attend Senate meetings and forums. Seek election to the Senate. Contact your senator (or me!) about issues of concern.

What do you hope to have contributed to the Senate and to the University once your term as chair ends?

The Senate should be a more active and effective organization. The University should reorient and return to valuing academic excellence and educational achievement. There should be a strengthening of the concept that a Purdue University education should be less of a commodity and a mere credentialing experience and more of a mind-broadening exploration.