Resolution on Shared Governance
Resolution on Shared Governance
RF00-170
At its meeting of September 12, 2000, the Academic Senate unanimously approved
the following 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. |
|