Faculty Governance

Faculty governance rests on the assumption that Faculty hold a substantive role in decision-making in several identified areas in the life of the College including the curriculum, Faculty professional development, and criteria for tenure and promotion.

The Faculty Senate, as the elected representative body of the Faculty, has legislative responsibility for these areas. However, to ensure that the work of the Faculty Senate is effective and occurs in an environment where decision-making is valued, we affirm that:

• A shared commitment to the mission of the College informs all decision-making and structures of governance.
• Governance is informed by maximum collaboration and consultation, respectful and reasoned discussion, trust between administration and faculty, and consistent communication.
• Governance occurs in multiple venues, is flexible to accommodate emerging institutional challenges and opportunities, and is accomplished in an institutional culture that balances stability and innovation.
• Areas of responsibility and the roles of Faculty involved in governance must be unambiguous.
• Structures of governance must be as simple and straightforward as possible and respect the time commitment of all involved.