Clemson's Faculty Senate came into existence in September 1955 when F.M. Kinard, Dean of the Clemson College, formed a Special Committee on Faculty Organization. That Committee's proposal of a "Constitution and By-Laws" of the Academic Faculty and the Faculty Senate of Clemson College was approved at a general meeting of the faculty on January 27, 1956 and ratified by the Board of Trustees on April 9 of the same year. Originally a 24-member body (now 35 full members and 11 alternates), the Senate has become increasingly active in the governance of the University and serves as the official representative body of the faculty and link between the faculty and the administration on matters of general and specific concern. The Senate reviews and recommends academic policies and procedures, which are compiled in the Faculty Manual. It also handles grievance procedures, makes recommendations concerning the welfare of the faculty, and participates in the selection of top University administrators. In recent years the Senate has worked to establish greater rapport with the Board of Trustees. The Senate's president attends meetings of the Board's Educational Policy Committee and addresses the Board at its regular quarterly meetings. The president reports to the faculty twice a year at the general faculty meeting.