The Academic Senate is the representative body of the entire faculty at USC, consisting primarily of representatives elected by Faculty Councils at the various schools. As a voice for faculty working with the university administration, it strives to further the academic mission and integrity of the university as a community of scholars, artists and professionals dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. The Senate acts as a whole, or in committees and task forces, to address a wide range of academic and administrative issues. These include the primary concerns of advancing faculty rights, interests and responsibilities, and seeking to preserve and enrich USC as a thriving academic institution. Monthly meetings of the Senate, open to all faculty members, are held from September through May at both the University Park and Health Sciences campuses. The Senate’s Executive Board meets weekly throughout the year.