A Publication for the faculty, staff, administrators and friends of California State University, Chico
March. 10, 2005 Volume 35 / Number 5

How ‘They’ Become ‘Us’: Join a Decision-making Committee

This column often is used by Academic Senate chairs to comment upon the importance of the shared governance processes at our university. Heck, I’ve even written about them myself.

Most faculty believe in the importance of faculty participation in campus decision making, if only on the general theoretical level. “Why, if those well meaning, but out-of- touch administrators only did what we know is the right thing to do, this whole place would be better off.”

In short, I think it’s fair to say that many of us believe that, if only the rest of the University listened to us, things would be swell. There are many formal and informal ways to get the rest of the University to hear you. In addition to the Academic Senate, Staff Council, and the Associated Students, there are lots and lots of committees. Yes, the dreaded “C” word.

As much as committee work is shunned, avoided, laughed at, and ignored, it really is a vital part of keeping the University running. These multiple, intertwined groupings at the departmental, program, college, university, and system levels can be the best way by which we get us to listen to me, I mean we, I mean us … is there an English major around?

The foundation of good government is an informed, active citizenry. The foundation of good campus governance is a network of informed, active committees. These groups, in turn, are only as good as their members. Here’s the center of my sales pitch.

It’s that time of year again, when we seek participants in a variety of important committees. Too often, there are not enough applicants for the many opportunities of influence on campus. We need you to consider putting your time where your mouths are. We need you to volunteer for next year’s committee openings and senate positions.

Our campus has the reputation of running one of the best co-governance structures in the CSU system. We have the opportunity to participate in all manner of decisions, and we are listened to. We make a difference.

If you currently are involved at the university level, please stay involved. If you are getting a little burned out on your current assignment, look for a different one that can get those creative juices flowing again. If you are not now a part of the glory of university governance, get involved. If you know someone who would be good, encourage that person to apply.

Faculty members, please visit http://www.csuchico.edu/fs/committeeapplication.html to see the many opportunities for service that exist at the campus level, and let us know where you want to share your wisdom, vitality, intelligence, and (don’t laugh) optimism. (Staff members are encouraged by the Staff Council to visit http://safari.csuchico.edu/STAC/.) After all, do you really want that other person to be making these decisions without you?

—Marc Siegall, chair, Academic Senate