California State University, San Bernardino
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

Shared governance is the process by which various constituents (traditionally governing boards, senior administration, and faculty; possibly also staff, students, or others) contribute to decision-making related to college or university policy and procedure. When done well, shared governance strengthens the quality of leadership and decision-making at an institution, enhances its ability to achieve its vision and meet strategic goals, and increases the odds that the very best thinking by all parties to shared governance is brought to bear on institutional challenges. When done well, shared governance engenders an institutional culture of collective ownership and accountability for the institution’s present and future. Further, when faculty, administrators, and boards are actively and collaboratively involved in decision-making processes, decisions are implemented more quickly and more effectively.

The President maintains primary administrative responsibility for the university. In areas where primary responsibility rests with the faculty, the faculty’s opinions, recommendations, and advice are routinely sought by and conveyed to the President in a manner consistent with shared governance. As defined in the AAUP Statement of Government of Colleges and Universities, faculty have primary responsibility for such fundamental areas as curriculum, subject matter and methods of instruction, research, faculty status, and those aspects of student life which relate to the educational process. The faculty is also consulted on fiscal matters that affect the instructional program of the university. At CSUSB, the Faculty Senate is the primary consultative body for instructional and academic related professional matters on campus; however this does not exclude the Senate from providing input on other important matters.

The CSUSB Staff Council and the Associated Students, Inc. are also important consultative bodies at CSUSB. Both of these bodies should be involved in the consultative process as appropriate. Staff employee participation in the shared governance process provides the opportunity to contribute staff expertise, experience, and institutional knowledge in a variety of areas for the mutual benefit of all parties concerned. Students also provide key insight into student perspectives and offer important contributions to the success of shared governance.