The “What” of Shared Governance
Steven C. Bahls, an AGB consultant, defines shared governance as a system in which faculty, governing board members, and administrators actively engage to share responsibility for pursuing an aligned set of mission-driven sustainable outcomes and priorities. In a departure from some interpretations, the definition of shared governance is not “equal rights” among these groups; nor is it merely an obligation for administrators to consult with faculty on institutional decisions or follow preset “rules of engagement.”
Rather, shared governance should align stakeholders on institutional direction by developing a common understanding of challenges and should serve as a system of checks and balances that strengthens institutional operations. To build this shared governance system, Bahls lays out strategic elements that include (but are not limited to) a culture of transparency, a commitment to make timely decisions, and a shared set of metrics to measure success.
Finally, Bahls showcases leading practices for forging a sustainable shared governance system. These recommendations center on fostering trust among stakeholder groups, highlighting diverse voices and sharing information, and building respect for faculty self-governance. The publication also includes appendices with questions for governing boards, examples of documents to model effective shared governance, and a sample shared governance survey for institutions to conduct.
From: Shared Governance for Agile Institutions: A Practical Guide for Universities and Colleges. {On order in the Library}
Berkshire Community College Shared Governance Guide. This is from 2021, but you'll find this one really useful. It gets into the nitty gritty of how the process was formed and how it works on a granular level. It provides useful directions, particularly when it comes to organization and direction.
Monroe Community College Shared Governance Policy and their 2020 explanation for their "2.5 shared governance policy."
American River College has adopted a framework for governance which describes the concepts, structure, functions, and processes. Their Institutional Governance Online Repository contains a variety of training materials including “how to” guides.
Lake Tahoe Community College District The Lake Tahoe Community College District has prepared a handbook on their governance structure. It is designed to recognize "that authority derives not only from the powers vested in governing boards and their staff by law, but also from the knowledge and experience possessed by the faculty, administration, staff, and students. Because both sources of authority are vital to the development and implementation of sound educational policy, the Board of Trustees wishes to encourage to the greatest extent possible, the practice of participating effectively in the governance process at the College."
