The Constitution of the Council of University of System Faculty states:

Basic to the effective operation of any system of higher education is the acceptance of the concept of shared governance. It is the faculty, whose careers are dedicated to the advancement of learning, who provide the thrust and direction of any academic institution. Therefore, the faculty shall have wide powers in determining professional and academic matters, an informed advisory role in areas of administrative responsibility, and a voice in basic decisions which affect the welfare of the system as a whole.

The Council of University System Faculty advises the Chancellor and reports regularly to the Board of Regents. Its responsibility will be to consider and make recommendations on matters of System wide professional and educational concern to the faculty and matters to which faculty bring special expertise.