Governance structures
Purpose of a governance structure
A general understanding of the way in which a university campus is organized is critical to your life as a faculty member. The governance structure enables members of the campus community to make decisions, set policies, approve new programs, and set future directions for the campus. Depending upon the age of the campus and the particular focus, governance structures vary, but there are basic components to be aware of as you begin a faculty position. In order to illustrate a university governance structure, we will look at the California State University example. While each university may have slightly different governance practices, the CSU will illustrate some of the major components.
CSU Board of Trustees
The California state legislature adopted the Donahoe Higher Education Act of 1960, establishing a Board of Trustees for the California State Colleges (designated The California State Universities in 1982). The Board of Trustees governs the diverse and complex 23 campus system.
CSU Chancellor and Vice-Chancellors
A chancellor for the CSU system reports to the Board of Trustees with four executive vice-chancellors reporting to the chancellor. The vice-chancellors represent four areas of system operation: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Academic Officer, University Relations and Advancement, and Human Resources.
CSU Campus Presidents
The CSU Campus Presidents serve as chief executive officers of their respective institutions as a primary liaison between the university and the greater community, and as the public face of the institution. The presidents maintain a close working relationship with the systemwide Chancellor’s Office, reporting to the chancellor and representing the campus on the systemwide Executive Council.
CSU Campus Provosts and Vice Presidents
Each campus has a number of vice presidents and a provost (also vice president for academic affairs) reporting to them. The structures vary by campus, but generally have vice presidents in the areas of: Administration and Finance, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and University Advancement.
CSU Campus Colleges, Deans, and Associate Deans
Each campus is broken into academic programs grouped under colleges based on fields of study. There is variety across CSU campuses, but colleges commonly include: business administration, education, arts, natural sciences and math, and may include engineering, health and human services, or liberal studies among others. Each college is administered by a dean and associate deans who report to the provost or vice president for Academic Affairs.
CSU Campus Academic Affairs
Faculty members in the CSU are led by the campus provost or vice president for Academic Affairs. This division of the university is responsible for delivering instruction, developing academic programs, providing library and technology support services to students and the campus, promoting opportunities for faculty to engage in research and creative activities, facilitating international exchange opportunities for students and faculty, and offering programs for life-long learning.
CSU Academic Senate
Under the Higher Education Employer-Employee Act (HEERA) of 1978, the Academic Senate is preserved and encouraged. The Academic Senate of the CSU generally meets five times per year. Through this body recommendations concerning systemwide policies are channeled to the Chancellor. Representatives are elected by each CSU campus and serve three year terms.
CSU Campus Academic Senate
CSU faculty members conduct their business through various councils and committees whose representatives meet monthly as an Academic Senate. The Academic Senate develops policy subject to approval by the president, and serves as a communications link between the faculty and the administration of the university. Membership is from the full university community, including full time tenured and probationary faculty, librarians, student services professionals related to academics, lecturers, emeritus representatives, administration, staff, and students. A sub-group of the senate serves as an Executive Committee, specifically charged to plan and schedule senate meetings, prepare and distribute agendas to senators, propose and interpret rules of procedure for the senate, and serve as a budget council for the senate, etc.
Examples of Governance Structures
CSU Board of Trustees Overview
The Board of Trustees site describes details of Board operation, agendas, resolutions, and reports of the chair.
CSU Board of Trustees Organizational Chart
This organizational chart demonstrates the reporting structure between the Board of Trustees, the CSU Chancellor, the four executive vice-chancellors, and the campus presidents. The reporting role of the General Counsel and University Auditor are also indicated.
Division of Academic Affairs
Work of Academic Affairs
The CSU Division of Academic Affairs supports CSU campuses to provide quality education to the full range of California citizens. Academic Affairs staff work to identify educational needs and systemwide challenges in collaboration with campuses, the CSU Board of Trustees, and other divisions within the Chancellor’s Office.
Academic Council
The work of Academic Affairs is largely accomplished by Academic Council, a group of the campus provosts and vice presidents for Academic Affairs from individual campuses. It is chaired by the Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer for the CSU.
Academic Affairs System Structure
CSUSM Division of Academic Affairs Organizational Chart
This is one example of how a campus is organized.
Search Campus Academic Affairs Using Links to Campus Sites
In order to explore Academic Affairs at each CSU campus, it will be necessary to explore the appropriate websites. This link to campus home pages will expedite that search.
Governance Organizational Charts
Sample Fresno State Organizational Chart
This is one example of how a CSU campus is organized for governance.
Academic Senate Structure
Statewide Academic Senate
Campus representatives are sent monthly to the CSU Academic Senate which presides over statewide issues that concern faculty members.
Example Campus Faculty Senate
Sacramento State Faculty Senate
The Sacramento State website contains meeting minutes, faculty award announcements, and updates on issues of interest to the faculty.
CSU Long Beach Role of the Academic Senate Executive Committee
This CSU Long Beach example outlines the responsibilities of the Senate Executive Committee on one campus. Similar roles are outlined on other campuses.
