Update on Shared Governance
Barbara Altmann, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs and Professor of French
March 6, 2013
Shared governance among the university’s governing board, president, and faculty has been a long-established tradition at the University of Oregon both in setting educational priorities and in guaranteeing academic freedom. It is also now the topic of a great deal of discussion as we negotiate this first contract. We all want to get it right. In its counterproposal, the University reaffirms its commitment to this important tradition of shared responsibility, accountability, and cooperative action.
The University counterproposal also reaffirms the spirit of the statement on government of colleges and universities jointly formulated in 1966 by the American Association of University Professors, the American Council on Education and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.
This basic approach to shared governance recognizes and clarifies the respective roles of university governing boards, faculties and presidents. The goal, which hasn’t changed since that joint statement was formulated, is to foster communication and decisions advancing our common purpose.
Section Five of the 1966 statement specifies that the faculty has the primary responsibility for curriculum. The University’s counterproposal clearly states that the president is the president of the faculty and that the faculty, which consists of the president and the professors, has primary responsibility for curriculum, methods of instruction, and aspects of student life relating to the educational process.
The University’s counterproposal also acknowledges the authority and statutory role of the university’s governing board, which has ultimate control over all matters involving the University. The counterproposal notes, however, that the power of review and final decision lodged within the governing board with respect to curriculum, methods of instruction, and aspects of student life relating to the educational process “should be exercised adversely only in exceptional circumstances and for reasons communicated to the faculty.” Retaining and reaffirming the faculty’s responsibility for educating our students is the objective.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the contract negotiations, please contact me at baltmann@uoregon.edu or (541) 346-2172.
