Resolution on Shared Governance

RESOLVED:

That the Academic Senate of San Francisco State University join with

the Academic Senate of the California State University in recommending

that the Chancellor establish, in collaboration with the Academic Senate

CSU and Trustees, processes to ensure, a) greater faculty involvement

in shared governance at all levels, b) greater and more timely interaction

with faculty representatives as initiatives are planned, developed, and

implemented, c) candid and effective communication during decision-making,

including explanations when decisions are contrary to faculty recommendations,

and d) that an annual joint evaluation by the Chancellor and Academic

Senate CSU Chair be conducted on the state of shared governance in the

CSU; and be it further

RESOLVED:

That this Senate join with the Academic Senate CSU in its recommendation

that the Chancellor and the Academic Senate CSU Chair report on the evaluation

of the state of shared governance at the ASCSU's first meeting each academic

year, and be it further

RESOLVED:

That the SFSU Academic Senate call upon the President and his administration

to join with all members of the campus community in a renewed commitment

to shared governance and to the implementation of the ASCSU's recommendations

as they pertain to San Francisco State University.

RATIONALE:

At its May 2000 meeting, the Academic Senate of the California State

University passed without dissent Resolution AS-2489-00/FGA, titled "Shared

Governance in the CSU". As the SFSU Academic Senate begins a new academic

year it is fitting that Senate members and other SFSU leaders commit themselves

to the pursuit of excellence in shared governance on this campus and in

the CSU.

Shared governance is necessary for the assurance of educational quality

and the proper functioning of an institution of higher education. As the

Board of Trustees' report on Governance, Collegiality, and Responsibility

clearly states "collegial governance allows the academic community to

work together to find the best answers to issues facing the university."

CSU faculty point to the need for improved and more explicit procedures

that enhance and ensure effective shared governance at all levels. The

San José State University Academic Senate Out of Crisis paper (11/99)

and subsequent campus senate resolutions express anxiety over a perceived

isolation of the Chancellor and Trustees from campuses. Endeavors to offset

this anxiety and promote understanding are essential to improving shared

governance.

The Asilomar Academic Conference (11/99) is an excellent example of the

benefits to be realized when the Chancellor, faculty, and Trustees have

an opportunity to interact. An annual meeting of faculty and Trustees

to discuss the CSU's needs, for example, could be one of many mechanisms

employed to enhance shared governance. In addition, Trustee involvement

periodically with Academic Senate CSU standing committees might be considered.

Improved communication and collaboration are central to improving the

level of trust and respect each of us holds for the other. The faculty

seek tangible evidence that the Chancellor and Board of Trustees truly

understand their concerns.