What is Shared Governance?

Shared governance constitutes a cornerstone of higher education. It is a model that recognizes the diverse interests and expertise of individuals involved in the educational process. Crucially, shared governance embodies shared responsibility and shared accountability among all stakeholders.

In shared governance, decisions about key matters like academic policies, budget allocations, and even the institution’s direction are made through various stakeholders. For example, faculty members, who are experts in their academic fields, might have a significant role in shaping the curriculum and academic standards. At the same time, students may participate in recommendations related to campus life and student services. This collaborative model recognizes that each group brings valuable perspectives and expertise to the table. It’s like a team effort where everyone’s input is considered. This process also fosters a sense of inclusivity and ensures that decisions reflect the diverse needs and priorities of the entire campus. In essence, shared governance promotes a more democratic and inclusive approach to making recommendations within higher education institutions.

The Value of Shared Governance

A sense of community serves as one of the most beneficial outcomes of shared governance. This involvement improves autonomy and promotes transparency and accountability. When different groups participate, it builds trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the success of the institution.

Shared governance also protects academic freedom by allowing faculty members to participate in decision-making related to curriculum, research, and intellectual pursuits. When faculty, administrators, and sometimes students collaborate, high-quality recommendations are more likely to align with the institution’s mission and values. By bringing together individuals with diverse perspectives and expertise, shared governance contributes to more informed and well-rounded judgments. This leads to better outcomes. For example, faculty members who have a meaningful role in shared governance are more likely to engage with and find satisfaction in their roles. This can positively impact morale, job satisfaction, and overall faculty retention.

Drawbacks to Ineffective Shared Governance

Drawbacks to a shared governance model may exist. However, these drawbacks may vary across institutions. Meaning, the effectiveness of shared governance depends on its design and implementation. These include slow decision-making when too many stakeholders become involved. This creates challenges, especially when emerging issues or changes require quick responses.

Power struggles and organizational conflict may also arise from an unclear shared governance model. The involvement of diverse stakeholders with different priorities may lead to disagreements about resource allocation, academic priorities, or institutional direction. This power struggle makes it difficult to achieve consensus or it fosters resistance to change. 

Unequal representation also represents a prominent obstacle. Certain groups, such as adjunct faculty or specific student populations, may have limited influence. This leads to disparities in representation. Groups that lack a voice might lose out in resource allocation and budgetary decisions. As a result, this leads to disputes over resource distribution.

To mitigate these drawbacks, organizations must integrate effective communication, defined roles, clear structures, and a commitment to collaboration.

Key Elements of Shared Governance

1. 1. Faculty Involvement: Administrators and stakeholders can create or promote shared governance through faculty involvement. Faculty members often play a significant role, participating in committees and having a voice in making recommendations related to curriculum. 
   2. Administrative Input: University administrators, including presidents, provosts, and deans, are also involved in shared governance. They collaborate with faculty and other stakeholders to make recommendations about budgeting, strategic planning, and institutional policies.
   3. Staff Representation: Non-academic staff members may have representation in shared governance structures. This ensures that their perspectives on issues such as campus operations, facilities, and support services are considered.
   4. Student Involvement: In some cases, students provide input on matters that directly impact them, such as student life, campus policies, and academic programs.
   5. Committees and Task Forces: Shared governance often involves the establishment of committees and task forces to address specific issues. These groups bring together representatives from different stakeholder groups to discuss and make recommendations on relevant topics.

Other Key Stakeholders

In addition to the groups above, colleges and universities may also include additional groups such as:

1. 1. Alumni: Graduates of the institution continue to serve as stakeholders, as they may contribute financially, serve as mentors, and actively engage in supporting the alma mater.
   2. Government and Regulatory Bodies: Government agencies at various levels may set policies, provide funding, and regulate higher education institutions to ensure compliance with standards.
   3. Accrediting Bodies: Organizations responsible for accrediting institutions ensure that they meet certain academic and operational standards.
   4. Community: Local communities where universities are located can act as stakeholders, particularly if the institution plays a role in community development, economic growth, or cultural activities.
   5. Donors and Philanthropists: Individuals, foundations, or corporations that contribute financially to higher education institutions are stakeholders with an interest in the impact of their donations.

Conclusion

The concept of shared governance believes that collaboration should shape recommendations and decisions affecting an institution of higher education. We can benefit by drawing on the expertise and insights of various members of the university community. This collaborative model aims to create a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process in higher education institutions.

Shared governance models vary among institutions. While many universities maintain a collaborative approach involving faculty, administrators, and students, the specific structures and levels of involvement can differ.

For guidance on shared governance, please contact Dr. Theresa Billiot.