Faculty Senate Meeting Recap | October 22, 2025

Farrell Hall, Room 111

The Faculty Senate met on Wednesday, October 22. The agenda included updates on academic freedom initiatives, the presidential search process, and a presentation from University leadership regarding the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics.

Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom

Senators received an update on efforts to clarify and strengthen University policies on Academic Freedom. Senate President Steve Virgil and Sarah Morath, chair of the Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility, are drafting a policy to guide how complaints submitted to the Provost’s Office will be reviewed. The Senate will consider this draft at an upcoming meeting.

Associate Provost Stacie Petter has developed a new FAQ, now available on the University’s Free Expression website, to help faculty navigate current policies.

The discussion also addressed recent federal developments, including a proposed compact encouraging preferential grant allocations based on ideological criteria and ongoing visa processing delays. Administrators affirmed that Wake Forest has not endorsed the compact, and current funding remains unaffected.

Presidential Search

The University has engaged Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) to support the presidential search. Listening sessions took place November 4–5, including one dedicated to Faculty Senate members.

Four faculty members, including one senator, serve on the search committee. Senators emphasized the importance of meaningful and ongoing faculty input throughout the process.

Ongoing Senate Initiatives

• A faculty feedback link has been added to the Faculty Senate website, beginning with comments related to September’s enrollment growth presentation and October’s athletics presentation. Feedback is anonymous unless faculty choose to identify themselves.
• Faculty Handbook revisions remain underway and will be shared for review following Executive Committee guidance.

Senate President’s Report

President Virgil highlighted continuing work related to academic freedom, protections for untenured and non-tenure-track colleagues, and faculty involvement in key University committees. Upcoming meetings will include presentations related to the medical school and government affairs.

Athletics Presentation

Athletics Committee Chair Jason Parsley introduced a presentation on the University’s approach to athletics in a changing regulatory environment.

President Wente, EVP & CFO Jackie Travisano, and VP & AD John Currie discussed Wake Forest’s participation in the ACC and Power 4 conferences and emphasized that athletics complements the University’s academic mission and does not draw funding from academic areas.

Athletics represents a small percentage of the University’s total budget, and half of the Athletics budget supports student scholarships. Recent analysis by the Art & Science Group reaffirmed that academic excellence remains the primary driver of student enrollment, though competitive Division I athletics contributes to institutional visibility.

Travisano noted that athletics investments are managed within existing operating margins and supported by long-term contingency planning. Currie reviewed the pending federal SCORE Act, which would establish national standards for revenue sharing and NIL agreements. 

Faculty questions focused on financial sustainability, student protections, and the separation of athletics funding from enrollment growth investments. Administrators reiterated that revenue from enrollment growth is designated for academic and strategic priorities.

Committee Updates

Committees reported on capital planning, salaries, fringe benefits, and University-wide integration initiatives. The Senate continues to seek a representative for the University Task Force on Parking and Transportation.

Next Meeting

The Faculty Senate will next meet on Wednesday, November 19, 4:00 p.m., Farrell Hall Room 111.