UMUC

Shared Governance

A Message from the Provost

Shared Governance: An Essential Component

James Sherwood, PhD
Greg von Lehmen, PhD
Acting Provost and
Chief Academic Officer

UMUC’s shared governance initiative is an essential component of the university’s organization and culture. Our governance bodies—Student Advisory Council, Staff Advisory Council, Faculty Advisory Council and University Advisory Council—foster better communication and provide input to UMUC’s strategic direction. These contributions are largely due to the hard work and dedication of the elected members of the various councils, who have overcome the geographical barriers of UMUC’s worldwide presence to fulfill their role as advisory bodies to the university’s leadership.

As UMUC grows, administrators, faculty, staff and students together move forward to implement UMUC’s new mission and strategic goals. This involves adding additional programs, establishing better quality assurance processes, improving our student services and reaching more individuals who seek to fulfill their dreams by obtaining a bachelor’s degree and beyond. In each of these important endeavors, we need the input and advice of our stakeholders. Because of UMUC’s size and unique global structure, the shared governance councils play an important role in ensuring that students, faculty and staff have a say in the direction of the university as it moves forward. And I can assure you that the direction is evolving and we are moving.

I hope that you will consider seeking election to your stakeholder council and lending your talent and support to these crucial efforts. We need your help and your perspective as we work together to make UMUC the institution of choice for adult or nontraditional students who want to learn, and for those who seek to aid them in this journey to serve.