Shared Governance
The Faculty Senate at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) operates under the guiding principle outlined in The California Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA), Section 3561(B), which states, “joint decision-making and consultation between administration and faculty or academic employees is the long-accepted manner of governing institutions of higher learning and is essential to the performance of the educational missions of such institutions.” Joint decision-making and consultation are important components of shared governance at CSUSB that ensure faculty have a voice in the governance of the University. This democratic approach to governance enhances the effectiveness of our academic initiatives and fosters a sense of ownership among all stakeholders.
Shared Values *
The Faculty Senate at CSUSB is guided by a set of core values that shape our interactions and provide a foundation for effective shared governance. These values ensure that the Senate remains a robust forum for advocacy, oversight, and leadership in the academic affairs of the University.
Respect: We are committed to fostering an environment where all members are respected and valued. Recognizing and appreciating the diverse perspectives and experiences of each member leads to richer discussions and more inclusive, informed decision-making.
Transparency: In all our activities, we strive for transparency to ensure that decisions are made in an open and accountable manner. Honest and direct communication demystifies the decision-making process, fosters trust in our work, and allows for greater participation among constituents.
Trust: We believe that the trust we build with each other through respect, transparency, fairness, and accountability in all our dealings is essential to our success. Trust facilitates the free exchange of ideas and provides a foundation for developing a collaborative approach to our work.
Collaboration: We recognize that collaboration is essential to effective shared governance. By working together, we are more effective in advancing the academic mission of the university, advocating for the collective rights of faculty, and protecting academic freedom.
Equity and Justice: We strive to speak the truth about injustice and to cultivate a culture of equity, inclusivity, and respect that enhances the success of all faculty. All aspects of our work – from representation on committees to policy development – must be shaped by our commitment to promoting equity and justice at CSUSB.
These values guide our interactions and serve as the foundation for a more effective, inclusive, and responsive Faculty Senate. Our commitment to these values enhances the function of the Senate, and fosters an atmosphere that encourages all constituents to serve as thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens of the university community.
Norms for Interaction *
- We intend to act in the best interests of the CSUSB community.
- We encourage everyone to express their ideas.
- We value and recognize that a diverse pool of ideas and approaches are required for problem solving.
- We actively listen to everyone’s ideas, even if we disagree, and we practice listening before we respond.
- In teamwork, we assume that everyone has good intentions and we behave towards others, as we want them to behave toward us.
- We are constructive in our criticism of ideas.
- We strive to find solutions that benefit those affected.
- We make decisions based on evidence.
* Resolution: Statement Shared Values and Norms for Interaction, adopted by the Faculty Senate on September 24, 2024.