The University Council’s Elections Committee might use computerized ballots during next fall’s elections after years of discussion according to the committee chairwoman.

Hopefully, computerized ballots would be used this semester, but it will take more time to get the system going, said Pam Farris elections committee chairwoman.

Computerized ballots are expected to make the election process more timely and accurate.

Spring semester, departments will hold elections for the council after the third week of February, Farris said. Council members elected by the Faculty Assembly will now serve two-year terms.

The longer terms might result in consistently having experienced members sitting on the council.

In addition, the committee will notify dean secretaries earlier about the nomination process for prospective council members, Farris said.

Last fall there was a “controversy” because some felt the election process was rushed, she said. However, this semester, “the elections committee will set forth guidelines for departments to use,” Farris said.

This semester’s elections will have a new 80-member Faculty Senate. New members will be elected by and from the faculty of each academic department and school, the College of Law and the university libraries. “It will be interesting to see how the senate reacts,” Farris said.