Preamble

       Principles. Shared governance is the collective commitment of the faculty and administration at the University of Houston to work cooperatively, together with other University constituencies, to achieve a common vision of excellence for the University. Successful shared governance requires an active partnership at all levels of the enterprise, from individual programs to the overall University, to provide a basis for joint participation in setting priorities and formulating policy. Effective implementation of shared governance depends on mutual trust, shared confidence, and on-going communication between faculty and administrators, informed by an appreciation of their interdependent roles and responsibilities.

       Faculty Role in Shared Governance. The faculty provides the excellence in teaching and research that determines the quality and reputation of the University. The faculty has a major role in devising academic policies, establishing performance standards, and in protecting academic freedom. Therefore, the faculty has the primary responsibility for curricular matters and degree programs. Recommendations about appointments, retention, and post-tenure review are a central faculty responsibility. The faculty has significant input in the formulation of budget priorities, including compensation policies. The faculty has a major role in the selection and review of administrators at all levels of the University. The faculty assists in setting goals to improve the quality of campus life, the surrounding community and the national academic standing of the institution.