Shared Governance

What is shared governance?

The shared governance structure at the University at Albany includes the faculty, professional staff, students, the University Council and the SUNY Board of Trustees. The University is committed to a strong and productive partnership among these key constituencies.

Shared governance is the set of principles and practices through which these stakeholders, where appropriate, participate in the process of informed decision and policy making whose impact is advancing the mission of the institution.

This shared responsibility depends on the good faith consultation, among stakeholders, prior to and open communication throughout the decision making process.

The result being a shared responsibility for the identification and pursuit of an aligned set of strategic initiatives.

Shared governance does not mean that all decisions are made by consensus or that all ideas have merit and will be implemented. Rather, shared governance promotes an environment that fosters opportunity for stakeholders to engage in the process and to be heard.

The main entities in UAlbany's shared governance structure are:

• University Administration
• University Senate
• University Council
• Student Association
• Graduate Student Association

Consultation & Responsibility