Members of the Faculty Senate approved a resolution yesterday to support the University's affiliation with the Big 10, although some objected to the administration's lack of consultation prior to the decision.

Ron Danner, professor of chemical engineering, said the senate should send the legislation back to committee to admonish the administration for demonstrating its "lack of respect" for the senate.

"There's a big problem with de facto rubber stamping of administrative policy," Danner said.

The administration had intended to consult the faculty senate, Executive Vice President and Provost William C. Richardson said.

However, because of a "leak" to the press and a positive response from the Faculty Advisory Committee to the President, the administration accepted the Big 10 invitation, he said.

The advisory committee consists of the senate chairperson, chairperson- elect, secretary and three faculty senators elected by their peers.

In addition to the senate advisory committee, President Bryce Jordan consulted and received a positive response from the board of trustees and the Council of Academic Deans prior to accepting the Big 10 offer, Richardson said.

University consultation with the senate may have taken months, making the University appear "indecisive", said Roger L. Sweeting, chairman for the senate committee on academic and athletic standards.

Other senators voiced concerns about the lack of consultation and two questioned whether the recommended resolution originated in the administration rather than the senate itself.

Janet Atwood, senate chairwoman said the resolution originated in the senate committee on academic and athletic standards. This committee met with Jordan in December shortly after the Big 10 acceptance was announced, Sweeting said.

While controversy surrounded the administration's method of accepting the Big 10 invitation, most senators applauded the academic benefits of the conference.

Besides participation in sports, membership in the Big 10 means academic support for the University, Richardson said.

Greater cooperation in international exchange, a program for student exchange between the Big 10 schools and regular consultation on all academic programs are several non-athletic advantages gained through conference membership, he added.