What is Shared Governance?
Shared Governance is a collaborative decision-making process between university administration, faculty, staff, and students. Members work together to advance the mission of the University as a community dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.
Shared Governance maximizes opportunities for input/participation of staff members—at all levels—in discussions, idea-sharing, and input to the decision-making processes. These processes serve to guide the strategic decisions of the organization and institution. Shared Governance also promotes collaboration and assures that diverse perspectives and collective wisdom informs actions. Because of these actions, it provides a strong foundation for the success of the institution.
Sustainability in Shared Governance
The UI Presidential Sustainability Charter Committee (SCC) advises the president and administration. They provide guidance on the integration of sustainability into in education, research, operations, and community outreach. Committee members include faculty, staff, and students from a variety of university colleges and departments.
The Advisory Board (AB) provides strategic guidance to the Office of Sustainability and the Environment. They ensure the OSE aligns with institutional goals and advancing sustainability initiatives. The AB is composed of a diverse group of campus representatives, including faculty, staff, and students.
Many other shared governance bodies include members from diverse colleges and departments. They contribute sustainability expertise and integrate a sustainability perspective into decision-making processes. Additionally, some shared governance bodies have established sustainability leadership roles and/or subcommittees. This underscores the critical importance of integrating sustainability into shared governance.