should be invited to participate on task forces and committees when their perspective would strengthen the conversation and broaden the ideas being considered. Additionally, in the state of Washington, a student sits on the Board of Trustees providing another avenue for student participation in the governance of the university. IV. Shared Governance Commitments The following commitments of shared governance have been developed through careful study of internal practices and policies, as well as key documents from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), the American Council on Education (ACE), and the Association of Governing Boards (AGB). These commitments are intended to guide the way in which the various shared governance groups interact with each other to align priorities, communicate transparently, and foster innovation, ultimately advancing the vision and mission of the university. Ultimately, shared governance at Central Washington University depends upon the creation of a culture of collaboration and consultation. 1. Engagement and Institutional-Thinking – We will commit to a culture of meaningful engagement that is based on understanding and honoring the various roles, authority, and responsibility of the shared governance groups at CWU, recognizing that respecting boundaries is essential to healthy shared governance. We will balance support for our own constituencies and areas with institutional thinking, adopting a shared governance mindset that advances the vision and mission of the university. 2. Mutual Trust and Respect – We will operate through an ethos of mutual trust and respect, recognizing that shared governance depends on collaboration rather than competition among faculty, staff, students, administrators, and trustees. We will engage each other believing in the good will and intentions of others, and we will ask questions and provide feedback when we sense that mutual trust and respect have not been a part of a decision-making process. 3. Communication – We will establish open and regular channels of communication so that decision-making processes are clear, with accessible documentation that ensures inclusivity and accountability. Transparent communication between shared governance groups and from shared governance leaders to their constituency is a key to the success of shared governance and should exist through formal and informal channels. 4. Academic Freedom – We will maintain a strong commitment to academic freedom as a cornerstone to the teaching and learning experience that faculty provide for students and to the scholarly endeavors of faculty as they seek to expand the boundaries of knowledge. Academic freedom exists within the disciplinary areas of faculty to support their expertise in teaching and scholarship. 5. Accountability – We will take the assessment of shared governance seriously, recognizing that holding ourselves accountable to these principles and honoring the roles, authority, and responsibility of various groups is essential to healthy shared
CWU Shared Governance
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