![]() ![]() She thinks that shared governance “should resemble shared decision making in the college organization. Vikki Howard (Leech Lake Ojibwe, Makwa Clan) is academic dean at LLTC. “It is important to remember that as a board of trustees member, when you make a decision based on fear or reaction due to political pressure, it will not be a decision that is made from a place of love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty, humility, or wisdom,” says Jennifer Cross, chair of LLTC’s board of trustees. Basically, shared governance is an assurance that all of these voices are heard and everyone is involved with the decision making,” she says. Helen Zaikina-Montgomery, president of Leech Lake Tribal College (LLTC) in Cass Lake, Minnesota, takes a pragmatic approach to defining shared governance: “We have a strategic plan, a document that pulls in the input of constituents such as students, staff, and faculty, and community members from numerous separate and independent committees. ![]() They were also asked how they implement and balance their governance structures, what they thought could be improved, and how tribal politics affect TCU governanceĮQUAL REPRESENTATION AND LIFELONG LEARNINGĭr. Staff, faculty, students, administration, and regents from six TCUs were asked to discuss and define what shared governance means to them. But by extending representation and including various voices representing all stakeholders, the corrosive effects of politics can be at least somewhat contained. As with virtually all organizations or institutions of higher education, politics can invariably creep into decision making and affect how TCUs operate. This does not mean, however, that politics are absent in the governing structures at tribal colleges. ![]() When sovereign Native nations work in tandem with higher education institutions, they can produce individuals who safeguard tribal priorities and development. Models and structures of shared governance vary as they reflect the distinctive history of tribes within their radius. Also interwoven throughout the broad spectrum of Native identity is the guiding principle that higher education and knowledge are invaluable. This perspective has always placed great emphasis on inclusivity and cooperative participation. Shared governance for tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) is unique, primarily because it cannot be separated from the cultural perspective of Native peoples. The collective responsibilities that evolve from this shared governance model can foster unity within a tribal collegial system and strengthen relationships. These individuals are generally elected to their appropriate committees and reflect the interests of their constituents. This governing body of individuals may include faculty, administrators, students, regents, and staff. Shared governance in higher education means that everyone involved in making decisions and developing policies for a particular college or university has legitimate input. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |