The University of Miami Faculty Senate has elected JoNel Newman, a professor of law and director of the School of Law Health Rights Clinic, chair of the body for the upcoming one-year term.
Newman has held numerous leadership positions in the law school, on appointments and as chair of the curriculum committee, and with the university, on the faculty senate, and as chair of the Faculty Senate’s Student Affairs Committee. She also has a history of service in professional leadership positions with the American Bar Association, its section of litigation, and as a commissioner on immigration. Newman is an American Bar Foundation Fellow. She presently serves on the board of directors for the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.
“I congratulate JoNel for her appointment as chair of the Senate following years of service to the University,” said Nell Jessup Newton, interim dean and visiting professor. “She is a leader on the Law School faculty, and she will be an effective and balanced chair of the Faculty Senate who will work well with the faculty and University leaders to help the University continue to develop a world class faculty and programs.”
The Faculty Senate is the vehicle by which the faculty is authorized to share in the planning and governance of the university. Through its committees and as a deliberative and legislative body, the Senate plays a vital role in dealing with academic policies, proposals for developing new programs and degree approvals, compensation and the annual budgets, reviews of chairs and deans, and countless other matters of collegial concern and interest.
It is also the instrument for hearing faculty grievances regarding rank, salary, and conditions of employment, as well as appeals on tenure decisions. Senate meetings are held monthly during the academic year. Senators are elected from each school for three-year terms, and senate officers are elected annually. As directed by the Senate, the chair acts as adviser in administering the university’s affairs.
“I am honored by the trust placed in me by my peers,” Newman said. “I look forward to serving the University and our outstanding faculty in the coming year.” said Newman
Newman has just finished three years in the position of first vice-chair of the Senate. In this position, she was charged with drafting numerous pieces of legislation for the faculty manual and was frequently called on to interpret the manual. She worked closely with the outgoing Chair, Linda Neider, and Second Vice Chair, Helen Bramlett, on multiple initiatives and advocated for the faculty’s interests during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More on the health rights clinic at Miami Law
