I will encourage the full Board to read through the survey results and the work that has been completed by the BFCC. I will also encourage them to review the suggested changes to the Code and, if they have any further feedback, to provide that input directly to the Faculty Senate Executive Committee so that you can use your approved process and the existing channels for any further revisions of the Code. As reflected in the minutes of the July 2025 Board meeting, the Board tasked me with the responsibility to oversee the collaborative implementation of the Shared Governance Document: In the coming year, we are tasking the President with making this document [the Shared Governance] a living document across the university, considering all administrative, staff, faculty, and student practices, policies, and procedures, as well as writing new documents based on what is stated in the shared governance document. This process also includes the Trustees, who are reflecting on and changing our structures, systems, and bylaws based on what we have learned.” The minutes from this BOT meeting state, repeatedly, that all this work must be done collaboratively. In order to carry out this charge, I discussed with both the current and past Faculty Senate Chairs the need to update the Faculty Code to bring the Code into alignment with the Shared Governance Document. These discussions took place in June and August of last year in light of the Board’s commitment to reviewing practices, policies, and procedures within the framework of the Shared Governance Document, and I note that at least one member of the BFCC stated that she understood these discussions stemmed from the Board’s charge. Forming a team of 3 faculty and 3 administrators to facilitate the process was an approach identified in Jeff Charbonneau’s meetings with the Faculty Senate Chair, and I adopted that approach after consulting with the Board’s Executive Committee who agreed we should go in this direction. My aim is to always act with transparency and my intentions in my conversation with Faculty Senate leaders was aimed at opening a dialogue about finding a path toward implementing the Shared Governance Document. I hope that this email provides some additional clarity to what has occurred and my role in those activities as well as that I have encouraged the Board to consider the next steps that you identify in your email below. Information coming soon about the BOT Special Meeting.
Jim
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