Faculty members say that the changes undermine the Faculty Senate’s authority.

Inside Higher Ed reports.

U of Delaware trustees vote to change faculty roles and responsibilities

The University of Delaware Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to change its bylaws in ways that faculty leaders say shrink their authority. The administration contends that decisions will require cooperation between the provost and the faculty — but professors worry that the provost will now have final say over Faculty Senate decisions.

“One of the things he has now is a central veto power over the faculty,” said Robert Opila, president of the Faculty Senate.

Under the new rules, the provost has more control over changes to the faculty handbook: the provost needs to approve changes proposed by the Faculty Senate, and vice versa.