A Faculty Guidebook for Effective Shared Governance and Service in Higher Education

A Faculty Guidebook for Effective Shared Governance and Service in Higher Education bridges the gap between training and work experience, offering a blueprint for academic workers effective participation in service and governance in higher education. Unpacking skills of problem solving, critical analysis, politicking, negotiation, coalition building, and emotional labor, this book provides flexible, adaptable strategies that are relevant across institutional settings and that draw from research, experience, and multiple perspectives.

The principles in the book will guide faculty in developing policies and implementing practices to better serve students, colleagues, communities, and the larger mission of postsecondary education. With an emphasis on shared governance and committee service that advances equity, inclusion, access, and justice, this book pushes back on the view that service is not worth our time and offers specific recommendations for doing governance work effectively. Chapters provide strategies for policy development, implementation, and assessment, as well as tools for navigating common roadblocks to accomplishing sustainable and progressive faculty leadership. This accessible book demystifies a critical part of the academic workload, and is designed for instructors, faculty, and academic advisors at any stage of their career who want to advocate for and create better conditions in higher education.