Spring 2024 Newsletter

A few thoughts on collegial governance

Dear colleagues, 

As we approach the end to what has been another busy and exciting academic year, I wanted to do something a little different with my message for this newsletter; I’d like to share a few thoughts on collegial governance. 

As a faculty member, there was always something special about the end of the second semester. Maybe it was because sun, heat and summer SRC were just around the corner; but there were also the annual departmental retreats, conferences and professional association meetings to look forward to. For nearly two decades, after grades were submitted, the month of May was a special time for me to focus almost exclusively on service and SRC (after a bit of rest, refreshment and recovery from a busy semester, of course). While I participated in and signed up for all sorts of committees and professional activities that would fill some of my days in the coming months or next academic year, rarely did I stop to think about how fundamental this work was to collegial governance – one of the things that makes our profession truly unique. 

Collegial governance

Sometimes referred to as shared governance, collegial governance is relatively distinct to universities. 

It is referred to as “collegial governance” because it is governance by the collegium (scholars/peers). The use of the term “collegial” is in reference to who does the governing–collegially appointed members who themselves are professors–with the aim of, and commitment to, defending and promoting academic standards and freedoms.

Most senior leaders on the academic side of the university come from the ranks of the professoriate and are appointed by their peers (who essentially select their own leaders). The professoriate also decides whether to renew their peer leaders, for the often clearly-defined and set terms in their leadership appointment.

Collegial governance also forms the foundation for academic freedom. Academic freedom includes the right to teach and discuss without reasonable restriction; to carry out research and scholarship and to disseminate our results; to produce and perform creative works; to engage in service to the university and the community; to express opinions about the university, its administration and the systems in which we conduct our work. 

Collegial governance, or collegial decision-making depends on the participation of colleagues to make decisions. In the context of university governance, this means the participation of faculty members in academic governance. Faculty members have representation on the board of governors, university senate, faculty-level committees, and department and school councils and committees. But this requires us to “step up.”

In other words, collegial governance grants us the right to contribute to decision-making, but it also means we have a responsibility to participate. When we don’t join committees, or put our names forward to fill one of the leadership or decision-making roles in our schools, departments, programs and faculties, are we forfeiting our right to govern collegially? Are we okay with giving away our unique power and privilege as professors? Are we creating room for the critics of academia and academics to transform our sector and make decisions without our input, because we have decided not to participate in collegial governance? 

When we don’t step up to contribute to collegial governance, are we giving up some of our academic freedoms? Are we okay with that?

When your department, school, faculty or the university seeks volunteers to sit on committees or to run for election, will you say “yes”? Saying “yes” ensures your right to govern collegially. 

With all of that being said, I hope over the spring and summer months, you take time to recharge and focus on what you are passionate about; and consider your role in collegial governance at TMU.

Best wishes,

Patrizia Albanese
Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs

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Dea, Shannon. 2021. “Two misconceptions about ‘collegial governance’” University Affairs. Online

Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA). 2022. Strategies for enhancing collegial governance and effectiveness in governance spaces A University Governance Committee resource. February 2022.  (PDF file) https://ocufa.on.ca/assets/2022-02-17-Strategies-for-enhancing-collegial-governance.pdf (external link) 

The university is continuing collective bargaining with the Toronto Metropolitan Faculty Association (TFA).

In December 2023, the university and the TFA participated in two days of mediation with Arbitrator Kaplan. We were able to resolve several outstanding issues, narrowing those still on up on the table.

The next phase involves two days of interest arbitration (external link)  on April 27 and 28, to address all outstanding items.

When the interest arbitration concludes, Arbitrator Kaplan will issue an award, which usually takes several weeks. In the meantime, current pay and benefit provisions continue in place.

The university, in keeping with our values in collective bargaining, is committed to engaging in meaningful dialogue with the TFA. We are also committed to reaching a fair settlement that meets the needs of both the university and the TFA and its members.

Inclusive excellence in academic life at TMU
Resources and tools to promote awareness, education and action in the advancement of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) in academic recruitment and evaluation at TMU.

Hiring committee resources
On a hiring committee this semester, or looking to join in the future? Take a look at our hiring committee processes and resources webpage.

Resources for new faculty and academic staff
New to TMU? Check out our new faculty and academic staff resources page for information on orientation, getting to know TMU, moving to Toronto and much more.

National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD) (external link) 
Don't forget, as part of TMU's continued mission to provide diversity information and professional development, we are an institutional member of the NCFDD. To learn more and to activate your membership visit the OVPFA website.