University of New Hampshire
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

The numerous representative bodies by which students participate and provide a voice within university governance include, but are not limited to:

• Two students are elected to the 29-member Board of Trustees of the University System of New Hampshire, the highest governing body.
• Undergraduate and graduate students are also elected to the Student Senate (http://www.unh.edu/student-senate; https://www.unh.edu/student-senate/officers ; https://www.unh.edu/student-governance/graduate-student-senate  
• Students sit on numerous steering committees and task forces including Watershed EcoSystem Task Force, Zero Waste Task Force, Energy Task Force, and commissions (e.g., University Commission on Community, Equity and Diversity). 

There representative bodies by which staff participate and provide a voice within university governance include, but are not limited to:

• The Professional and Technical (PAT) Council, Operating Staff Council, and the Extension Educators Council
• Numerous steering committees and task forces including the Watershed Ecosystem Task Force, Zero Waste Task Force, Energy Task Force, and commissions including the University Commission on Community, Equity and Diversity.  
   

Faculty participate in numerous representative bodies, including, but not limited to:

• The Faculty Senate --an elected body of faculty representatives from each academic department at UNH. The Faculty Senate is the legislative body that reviews and develops policies concerned with the academic mission of the University.
• Faculty also sit on numerous steering committees and task forces including the Watershed EcoSystem Task Force, Zero Waste Task Force, Energy Task Force; commissions including the University Commission on Community, Equity and Diversity; and councils, including the Research Administration Advisory Council and Lecturer’s Union. 

• The University policy that aligns with State law directs the University to provide written notification to the Town Planning Board of any construction, which constitutes a substantial change in use or a substantial new use; and then follows up with a public presentation at a Planning Board meeting.  
• The Town of Durham has representation on the Campus Master Plan Steering Committee and the broader Campus Master Planning Committee, which participate in updates of the Campus Master Plan.  
• There is a written agreement with the Town of Durham for the University Architect & Director of Campus Planning to meet monthly with the Town Planning Director to report all planning and design initiatives of the University.  
• New Hampshire state law RSA 187-A:13 establishes the University of New Hampshire as part of the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) which is governed by a Board of Trustees with representation recommended by the Governor and appointed by the Executive Council. Trustee membership includes explicit representation by student leadership and alumni from each of the University System campuses. The RSA ensures that members represent a wide range of interests of the general public, educational, and agricultural interests in the state.
• The University participates (along with the Town of Durham) in the New Hampshire regional planning process through Strafford County Regional Planning Commission and is a formal member of the federally designated Strafford MPO (metropolitan planning organization) given our transit system operation in eight communities. As a grantee, we fulfill all required public input and hearing processes for transit projects within our operational area.
• The University offers the town of Durham membership on the Transportation Policy Committee. Currently, three town staff members (Town Administrator, Town Planner, and Chief of Police) have active input on UNH transportation and parking demand policy development.
• The Town and University mutually attend and participate in each other’s Traffic Safety Committees, which schedule public meetings to review issues of mutual concern.
• The Town and University mutually fund development and use of a Town-UNH traffic/land use model for evaluation of major development and transportation system changes impacts on traffic and air quality.
• Community members representing interests of the private sector sit on all of our major boards, including the Board of Trustees of The University System of New Hampshire (https://www.usnh.edu/trustees), the UNH Foundation Board of Directors (https://www.unh.edu/give/board-directors), and the UNH Alumni Association Board of Directors.  
• Part of the mission statement of the University System of New Hampshire is to be recognized as a valued partner to the people and communities of our state. We take this seriously and are working hard to enhance partnerships and provide assistance. We strive to be the partner of choice with our businesses and have launched many new initiatives to further partnership efforts. This includes establishing a Business Advisory Council to advance economic development and increase the skilled workforce in the state. https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2019/06/unh-forms-business-advisory-council
• In addition,
  • The University President meets monthly with the Town Administrator
  • The Town Planner has a formal position on the University CORPAD (Committee on Real Property Acquisition and Disposition).  
  • UNH officials regularly meet with the Durham Business Association and the Durham Landlord Association  
• UNH Extension, the outreach arm of the university, has an advisory council in each of the ten NH counties as well as a State Advisory Council. The County Advisory councils are made up of 10 volunteers from the community as well as one county commissioner and one county delegation member. The State Advisory Council has two representatives from each of the County Advisory Councils. Extension Advisory Councils in each of New Hampshire’s 10 counties help identify the educational needs of county residents and work with Extension staff and volunteers to meet those emerging needs.
• NH Sea Grant: The Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) provides advice and oversight for all aspects of the management and operation of the NH Sea Grant College Program. Its members play a critical role in strategic planning, including determining program priorities in research, extension, education and communications. The PAC also guides the implementation of these priorities through its role in reviewing and advising the program on operational policies and practices.
• The NH Small Business Development Center Advisory Board lends expert voices to our vision, strategic directions, and program development. The Advisory Board is comprised of small business owners and representatives from funding sources, host and partner organizations, and economic development agencies.
• UNH Alumni Association Board - The mission of the UNH Alumni Association is to advocate for the University of New Hampshire and its alumni, and promote the University's historic land-grant mission of teaching, research, and public service. Through its programs and services, the Alumni Association develops a spirit of loyalty to the University, engaging and serving alumni, students, parents, faculty and staff, and the public.