AGB BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT ON Shared Governance
Introduction O ne of higher education’s most distinctive values is its commitment to shared governance. Simply put, shared governance is a fundamental principle of inclusion in key areas of institutional responsibility and decision making. Governing boards hold ultimate authority for an institution, as defined in bylaws and other foundational documents as well as state fiduciary principles. There is very little debate on this point. However, through longstanding academic practice, this authority is delegated to—or “shared with”—institutional leaders and faculty. Typically, presidents are charged with institutional leadership, strategic planning, and daily management, while faculty are charged with educational design and delivery. As the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) said in its Statement on Board Responsibility for Institutional Governance (2010), shared governance “has historically resulted in continuous innovation and the concomitant effect that American college curricula and pedagogy define the leading edge of knowledge, its production, and its transmission.” Despite the remarkable value of shared governance, the stakeholders who are fundamental to its impact often lack understanding of, appreciation for, and even commitment to it. Boards, faculty, and presidents—the key players in the relationship that defines shared governance— continue to struggle with its value and its effectiveness.1
1 This statement focuses on the long-established participants in shared governance—boards, faculty, and presidents. While this group retains its traditional responsibilities in shared governance, for important decisions many leaders today regularly seek consultation with other stakeholders such as staff, students, part-time faculty, alumni, and others. The majority of governing boards do not include reserved board seats for faculty, staff, and students, but some have voting representatives from one or more of these groups. Others allow representatives to attend board meetings but not to vote. AGB does not advocate the inclusion of faculty, staff, and students on governing boards because of the fiduciary responsibilities involved in governance. However, broad consultation that values insights and wisdom from an array of constituencies is often appropriate and helpful.
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