that is referred to as “shared governance.” The students, faculty, staff, and administration at the University of North Alabama worked together to carefully craft a statement of principles regarding shared governance which was implemented in the Fall of 2002. The “Shared Governance Document” expresses our commitment “to a common vision of the mission of the institution” and the importance of “the legitimate involvement of these constituencies in the planning and decision-making processes of the University.”

Through Shared Governance, each chief group in the University community participates in decision-making. The decision making process rests upon a comprehensive committee structure enabling real participation through representative membership on committees whose charges collectively cover the entire range of University governance issues. Membership structures and appointments are carefully balanced, based on the principle that each group has the largest influence in matters that concern it most. Decisions made by shared governance bodies have actual influence in all areas of University decision making, including strategic and budget planning, faculty and staff welfare, creation and elimination of academic programs, selection and retention of academic and administrative officers, campus planning and development, and organizational accountability.