Since the founding of the College of Letters & Science, the L&S Executive Committee (EC) has been charged with a singular responsibility: “the general oversight of the welfare and instruction of the students of the College.” For a unit with the broad scale and complexity of L&S, this mission requires deeply thoughtful and collaborative governance.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the L&S Administrative Advisory Committee (AAC) invited three former and current Executive Committee chairs to reflect on the committee’s purpose, evolution, and lasting impact on the undergraduate student experience.During the L&S Brown Bag Lunch and Learn, the chairs helped demystify the EC’s broad charge and explored the important relationship between executive policy and the essential work of L&S staff. The conversation was moderated by Roia Ferrazares, Director of Administration for the Department of Physics, and the panel featured:
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Scott Saul, Professor of English (Chair 2017–2019, 2022–2024)
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Kim Shelton, Professor of Ancient Greek and Roman Studies (Chair 2020–2022)
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Linda Wilbrecht, Professor of Psychology (Current Chair)
Each panelist shared the motivations that drew them to the committee. “The Executive Committee is a key place where undergraduate welfare is the focus of attention, and I always interpreted ‘welfare’ to mean ‘intellectual welfare.’ We want to help students develop their minds,” noted Professor Saul. The chairs agreed that the ability to think broadly about education across diverse disciplines is both a privilege and a significant responsibility.
Navigating Policy and Crisis
The EC’s portfolio is broad, ranging from standard academic program reviews to the high-stakes approval of new majors and minors. However, the past decade has required the committee to move beyond traditional policy in order to respond to unprecedented crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, labor strikes, and the adoption of AI in the classroom.
Reflecting on her tenure during the pandemic, Professor Shelton highlighted the weight of these decisions, such as the shift to Pass/No Pass grading. “It was a big discussion,” she recalled. “We knew what we’d be sacrificing, but we also knew it was what needed to happen. These aren’t easy decisions.”
Saul added that the committee has had to evolve to meet these unforeseen demands: “The EC was not originally built to respond to crises like this. It’s a struggle, but the EC has been reinventing itself to respond to this moment and adapt to a different pace.”
Looking Ahead: Governance and Elections
The chairs emphasized the importance of transparency and faculty engagement to manage the college's educational policy. As the body overseeing Senate regulations pertaining to L&S, major and minor requirements, and general requirements of L&S, the EC relies on a dedicated and representative faculty body. Feedback for the EC can be shared via email at lsec@berkeley.edu
Following the Lunch & Learn, the Executive Committee announced the upcoming election cycle. All L&S faculty are encouraged to participate in shaping the future of L&S governance.
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Nomination Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT. (Submit via this Nomination Form)
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EC Election Date: April 20, 2026.
The L&S AAC continues to bring staff-focused initiatives to the community, including opportunities for recognition. More information about these events and programs can be found on the L&S website, and staff may reach out to the AAC directly by emailing lsaac@berkeley.edu.