"Field Notes" is an occasional Connect column covering practical and philosophical issues facing admissions and registrar professionals. The columns are authored by various AACRAO members. If you have an idea for a column and would like to contribute, please send an email to the editor at connect@aacrao.org.
by Bianca M. Thompson-Owen, MA, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Management and Academic Success, School of Health Professions - Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Shared governance is a term that is used to describe organizational structures that promote decision making and collaborative efforts among institutional leaders. The term ‘shared’ implies that there is a concerted effort among campus leaders to promote a shared vision and representation on campus. The makeup and design of colleges and universities and all its entities require a system of leadership and shared governance to foster academic integrity, promote student success, and to support the campus climate. Many colleges and universities utilize shared governance to ensure that the institutions’ mission and vision are clearly defined and carried out (Morphew, 1999).
As higher education institutions evolve, so shall the definition of shared governance. When considering employing a shared governance approach, here are three quick questions you can use to get started. This concept of shared leadership helps ensure the accountability of each entity and promotes a student centered approach to decision making.
Who is included in your shared governance?
The “Who” is perhaps the most important question when consider using a shared governance approach. This is the first step to consider when introducing a new idea, or simply changing an existing practice in your office. Shared governance is an inescapable interdependence among governing boards, administration, faculty, students and others to perform the complexity of tasks required of higher education institutions. (AAUP, 1966, as cited in Morphew, 1999). As such, when looking to develop new ideas, policies, and or procedures, it is important to include a shared governance approach. Including a variety of stakeholders from students, faculty, key administrators, and office staff will help to develop a more refined process.
Does your office have a statement on shared governance?
Statements on institutional governance in higher education are important because it helps the college community understand the governance structure and the decision making process (Schloss & Cragg, 2013). However, it cannot stand alone without good leadership and collaboration between campus constituents. In order for the mission and vision of your office to be clear, it is important that your shared governance members understand these core values. Institutional statements on shared governance are not sufficient alone, they must be accompanied by good practice, good leadership, and the support of your shared governance community. Your statement on shared governance should be provided during your first governing meeting. This statement will serve as a reminder of your purpose and the role of all constituents on the shared governance committee.
What is recommended shared governance practice?
While shared governance provides institutions with the framework to operate using a democratic model, distributed leadership is necessary in order to solve problems that may arise.
A recommended practice is that of the Birnbaum’s Collegiate Model which illustrates the relationship between two cores, the administrative and technical arenas. In viewing shared governance from this perspective, “there are singular as well as shared areas of responsibilities for both the administrative and technical elements of the college, (Morphew, 1999, p.74)”. This model provides a key look at how all shared governance groups should include a technical member of the college community. Marheim Larsen (2001) posits that it is important that governing boards consist of a diverse population of the campus community. As such, governing boards should have a role for campus leaders, students, administrators, and faculty. All of these roles are important stakeholders to the institution and therefore, should have a role in the decision making process.
References:
Marheim Larsen, I. (2001). The role of the governing board in higher education institutions. Tertiary Education and Management, 7(4). 323-340.
Morphew, C. (1999). Challenges facing shared governance within the college. New Directions for Higher Education. 105. 71-79.
Schloss, P.J., & Cragg, K.M. (Eds.). (2013). Organization and administration in higher
education. New York, NY: Routledge