TO: Deans, Directors and Department Heads

FROM: Robert H. Bruininks, President

SUBJECT: Shared Governance

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting governance at the University of Minnesota this past academic year. More than 1,000 faculty, staff, students, and alumni participated in University governance in 2008-09, either by serving in the Senate, on a committee or subcommittee, on the Council of Academic Professionals (CAPA), or on the Civil Service Committee. 

Shared governance is of great importance to the University.  I realize that you are facing serious budget cuts, which could impact the workloads of faculty and staff.  However, I believe that participation is critical for an effective governance system, perhaps more so now than ever. Therefore, I encourage you to allow employees adequate time and/or adjustment to their work schedules as appropriate so they may participate in University governance activities, should they be elected or asked to serve.

Thank you.

cc: Carol Carrier, vice president, Human Resources

Emily Hoover, chair, FCC, 2008-09

Marti Hope Gonzales, chair, FCC, 2009-10

Susan Cable, chair, Civil Service Committee, 2008-09

Karen Lovro, chair, Civil Service Committee, 2009-10

Pamela Stenhjem, chair, CAPA, 2008-09

Sarah Waldemar, chair, CAPA, 2009-10

Vickie Courtney, coordinator & program director, University Senate Office