Using shared governance to advance completion and transfer

Abstract

AbstractThis article explores shared governance in advancing access, completion, and transfer. Shared governance is a critical vehicle for consultation and collective decision‐making in higher education. It is the structure and process through which priorities are set and decisions are made in academic institutions. The demographic cliff facing higher education across most of the country for admissions demands coordination and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of institutions. Additionally, to address the completion and transfer challenges, presidents need to engage stakeholders including trustees, students, faculty, and staff to identify and implement related strategic priorities. The article calls for constructive engagement of unions in advancing these priorities through legislative advocacy for funding and collaboration on student enrollment and persistence efforts. The 2020 pandemic highlighted how well college stakeholders can mobilize and respond to a crisis. The demographic threat most institutions are facing calls for the same level of organization and response.