The Faculty Senate is working on eliminating the number of at-large representatives in an effort to gain equal membership of senators from various departments.The function of the Senate may not be directly linked to the numbers, but equal representation is key to how the American Congress works. This method should be used at the university level.

Rhode Island, the smallest state, and Texas both have just two members in the Senate. Equality is reached, and levying for certain views is determined by group decisions.

Although the at-large members were supposed to represent the faculty as a whole, that is not always the case. Senate chairwoman Suzy Lockwood mentioned that some of the at-large members will use their departmental ties to sway the at-large views rather than remaining fully loyal to their nonbiased approach.

The gradual decline of at-large members is justified if the members of other departments are willing to step forward so as to keep the Senate the same size while keeping an equal proportion of representatives from each college. Since there will be more available spots in the Senate for the departments with the elimination of the at-large spots, an effort should be made to get more faculty involvement in the Senate.

If these seats are not filled, the possibility for bullying the elections with larger colleges could take place. The smaller departments have their chance for equal representation, keeping the Faculty Senate as a functioning forum of ideas that will work for the continual improvement of the student body.

This justifiable bylaw, which was passed in March, will begin going into full effect this spring. Perhaps a chance for complete representation will give a stronger sense of equality among the faculty when they meet to discuss the issues pertinent to the development of Texas Christian University.

Sports editor Marcus Murphree for the editorial board.