Faculty Senate

Purpose & Mission

The Faculty Senate, subject to review and approval in accordance with UW Regulations, establishes policies governing the teaching, research, creative activity, and service aspects of the University’s academic mission.

Principles of Shared Governance

Shared governance is a critical element in the administration of higher education institutions, including the University of Wyoming (UW). In general, shared governance involves collaboration between faculty, administration, staff, and sometimes students, in decision-making processes to ensure that multiple perspectives are considered in the governance of the university. The benefits of shared governance include:

• Collaborative Decision-Making: Shared governance at the University of Wyoming, as in many institutions, is designed to create a partnership between various constituencies, particularly the faculty and administration. Faculty input is sought in areas related to academic programs, research policies, and other areas directly impacting teaching and scholarship (Minor, 2004). The faculty senate at UW plays an important role in making recommendations on curriculum design, academic standards, and faculty appointments.

• Faculty Empowerment: Faculty participation in governance at UW strengthens academic freedom and ensures that faculty expertise is utilized in shaping the academic and research agenda of the institution (Kezar, 2004). This empowers faculty to take an active role in shaping policies related to academic affairs.

• Checks and Balances: Shared governance serves as a mechanism to check the power of administrative decisions by ensuring faculty oversight, particularly in areas of academic importance. This helps prevent top-down decision-making that may not fully account for the educational mission of the university (Birnbaum, 2004).

• Adapting to Change: In times of financial challenges or external pressures, shared governance can help institutions like UW navigate changes through a transparent, inclusive process. Faculty, staff, and administration collaboratively develop strategies that balance financial sustainability with academic integrity (Tierney, 2006). This process can mitigate potential conflicts and promote collective responsibility in managing university resources.

• Challenges: While shared governance offers many benefits, it also faces challenges, such as balancing the need for efficiency in decision-making with the requirement for broad consultation. At UW, as elsewhere, effective shared governance depends on clear communication, mutual respect, and the willingness of different stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue (Kezar & Eckel, 2004).

Tami B. Benham-Deal, in a white paper, rather persuasively concludes: "We are thus obligated to bring rigor and commitment to Shared Governance at the University of Wyoming, from all parties. We must maintain Shared Governance principles and practices in all times, positioning ourselves for the future under the challenges that the twenty-first century inevitably brings."