Abstract
Shared governance is an important part of a healthy college or university. Shared governance, like democracy, requires open communication, trust, respect, and the ability to work toward the common good. Using the collective wisdom of faculty, staff, students, and board members, shared governance can unite diverse views and experiences to provide an institution with insight and oversight. This chapter provides an overview of why shared governance is essential to the health, strength, and future of America's colleges and universities. The chapter explores principles and models of shared governance, including the “Student Leaders Principle” and the “Principle of Equitable Representation and Jurisdiction.”
TopBackground
Throughout history, the purpose of education evolves with the needs of society, and the continued evolution of its purpose is needed (Shirley, 2020). Society is once again at a juncture where the role of higher education must be re-evaluated, due to significant civil upheaval and the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread shutdowns of the U.S. economy, wherein numerous people were furloughed, many of whom have yet to return to their employment (Redlo, Kiss, & Harris, 2020). Statistics show workers without a college education are experiencing a 15% unemployment rate due to the pandemic, whereas workers with a bachelor’s degree are experiencing a 7.2% unemployment rate (Kochhar, 2020). The current unrest in society coupled with this statistic illustrates the importance of education in preparing people for societal participation.
A key element of the student experience which prepares students for full societal participation is becoming a student representative and/or activist within a shared governance structure. This can help students to not only hone their professional skills, but to develop deeper self-awareness and communication skills, which are valued in the workplace (Succi & Canovi, 2020). Moreover, research indicates institutions of higher education need to integrate more opportunities for self-reflection and the building of student self-awareness into their curriculums, in order to produce more employment-ready graduates (Succi & Canovi, 2020). Providing students with more leadership possibilities through student representative roles in shared governance will allow students a safe place to develop critical skills for employment. Students with these valued workplace skills will be less likely to be unemployed or underemployed.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Student Governance: The doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action in support of student needs and interests in higher education or in opposition to student hindrances in higher education, at the institutional, state, and federal levels, through the use of student elected representational bodies (student governance bodies) established by, and in accordance with, the agent-principal relationship.
Student Leaders Principle: Ceteris paribus, not all students possess the attributes necessary to satisfactorily fulfill the responsibilities and obligations associated with student governance. For those that do, herein, such students shall henceforth be referred to as true “Student Leaders”.
Student Activism: The doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action in support of student needs and interests in higher education and/or in opposition to student hindrances in higher education.
Democratic Process: People being prepared to serve a government by the people through voting and understanding governmental structures.
Principle of Equitable Representation and Jurisdiction: In a shared governance system, all students have the right to equitable representation and advocacy through student governance via institutionally recognized student governance bodies in institutional matters and decision-making processes that directly or indirectly affect them.
Student Governance Bodies: Institutionally recognized entities within higher education that are formed of elected student representatives for the purpose of providing student activism and representation in institutional matters and decision-making processes that directly or indirectly affect the student population; often referred to as Student Governments or Student Government Associations (SGA’s).
Student Representation: The relationship of one student (an agent) standing for another as to have the rights and obligations of another student(s) (principle/constituency) represented by means of election, as well as the actions taken to facilitate the agent-principal relationship and fulfill all responsibilities such a relationship requires; often taking the form of a legislative body.