The University of Illinois Statutes authorize the faculty senate on each campus to be the legislative body for matters of educational policy. According to the Statutes, the UIC Faculty Senate determines “matters of educational policy including but not limited to: requirements for admission to the several colleges, schools and other teaching divisions; general requirements for degrees and certificates; relations among colleges, schools and other teaching divisions; the academic calendar; and educational policy on student affairs.”

The Senate Committee on Research (SCR) focuses on support and promotion of research conducted on or in the name of the Campus. It monitors and make recommendations for Senate action concerning Campus and University policies and procedures in support of research in general. Additionally, it reviews policies concerning, monitor the performance of and make recommendations for Senate action on Campus-associated, free-standing and Campus-wide research facilities. It makes recommendations to the Senate concerning Senate action on initiation or discontinuance of, or changes and enhancements in, Centers and Institutes.