Shared Governance Council
Shared governance at Central Michigan University is understood to be a dynamic collection of best practices for engaging, voicing, listening, and discussing the interests of all groups (faculty, staff, students, administrators, and trustees) when planning, making, and implementing decisions for the university.
This definition incorporates two important qualifiers:
- Many, but not all, of CMU's shared governance practices are embodied in the established collective bargaining agreements with our labor unions. These practices address and protect due process, conflict resolution, and academic freedom — all of which are fundamental to the university's community and mission.
- Following appropriate and substantive consultation by established means with all affected constituencies on campus, shared governance provides that final decisions be made by the group or individual held accountable, even when there is no clear consensus reached by all parties potentially affected by the decisions.
About the council
Central Michigan University's Shared Governance Council, formerly the Shared Governance and Communications Committee, was created in 2013 by CMU President George E. Ross and the Academic Senate. Its purpose is to hold before the CMU community the ideals of, and guidelines for, good shared governance and clear communication. Additionally, the council will measure and report on the extent to which these have been embraced in our practices. The overall objective is to make these ideals an integral part of our culture at CMU.
Council charge
Provide a means for faculty, staff, and students to share feedback, including concerns regarding perceived lapses in following the hallmarks of shared governance and communications at CMU. The council will act not as a jury, judge, or mediator, but may help open lines of communication between relevant parties and suggest possible paths to address issues. It will not, however, be involved in implementing solutions.
Conduct an objective survey of campus climate periodically (at least every five years) and disseminate the results of such a survey to the university community.
Prepare and disseminate an annual report regarding shared governance and communications at CMU, including recommendations for improvement.
Council reports, minutes, campus survey results, and other reference documents for SGCC can be found by CMICH log-in through Academic Senate Documents. (CMICH Login Required)
We welcome your input
Members of the CMU community may use the Shared Governance Feedback form to send information or ask questions of the council. Commenters may provide or withhold their names.
NOTE: Our ability to review your concern may be significantly limited if you do not submit your name. Further, we will not be able to give you a response unless we know who you are.