March 4, 2024

 

Dr. Eli Capilouto

President

101 Main Building

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY 40506-0032

 

Dear President Capilouto,

The University of Kentucky chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is writing to express its strong support for the principles of shared governance as outlined in the AAUP's 1966 "Statement on Government of Colleges and Universities." As members of the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB), UK has committed itself to following the shared governance principles of the AAUP as jointly formulated with the ACE and ABG. In these principles, which provide a robust framework for such collaboration, voice and authority are to be weighted according to responsibilities and expertise, with the faculty serving as the primary voice in curricular and educational matters, and having a meaningful voice in all other important issues.

We believe that a collaborative approach to decision-making, where the faculty, administration, board of trustees, staff, and students work together, is essential for the success of our university. Shared governance fosters a climate of mutual respect, transparency, and informed decision-making, ultimately leading to a more effective and vibrant academic environment. Such openness, moreover, is a hallmark of higher education in a democratic society and is a value we must strive to model for our students. This shared governance applies to process as well as to curriculum.The structure of the University Senate and what decisions it controls therefore cannot be changed without the active participation of the University Senate.  

The AAUP statement provides a clear framework for shared governance that has withstood the test of time, emphasizing the importance of faculty involvement in areas such as:

  • curriculum development and academic policies;

  • admissions criteria;

  • faculty appointments, promotions, and tenure;

  • educational budget priorities;

  • selection and evaluation of administrators.

Shared governance does not consist of polling constituents or meeting with them in small groups; rather it is the active collaboration, through the appropriate institutional structures, of specific groups of constituents over the specific policies in which they have expertise.

We urge the university administration to fully embrace the principles outlined in the AAUP statement and to work collaboratively with the faculty to strengthen our existing shared governance structures. This includes ensuring that faculty voices are heard and meaningfully considered in all aspects of decision-making that impact the educational mission of the university.

The AAUP is committed to working with the administration to develop and implement effective shared governance practices. We believe that by working together, we can create a university environment that fosters excellence in teaching, research, and service. In light of the rapidly changing landscape of higher education, it is more crucial than ever that we adhere to these principles. The challenges we face—ranging from financial pressures to the integration of new technologies, from the continued relevance of a well-rounded liberal education to the importance of shaping a highly qualified workforce, from the need for curricular innovation to the imperative of ensuring diversity and inclusion—require thoughtful and concerted action.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these matters further with you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,




Dr. Philipp Rosemann

President, University of Kentucky Chapter of the AAUP

On behalf of the UK AAUP Chapter Executive Committee