Editor:
I believe the discussion of faculty governance at the last senate meeting needs some clarification.
The Committee of Eleven has unanimously adopted a Declaration of Governance Principles for the University of Arizona. The Declaration contains seven principles including these:
˜ An organizational and operational structure shall be developed for the university.
˜ Academic administrators, including department heads, deans, vice provosts, vice presidents, and the provost, can have a clear mandate and strong support only if they are elected for specified term limits. Each academic administrator shall undergo periodic review by the Faculty to ensure accountability.
˜ A university budget shall be prepared, publicized, and approved by the Faculty Senate. Records of all University expenditures shall be open to inspection by elected faculty.
˜ Decisions to create or remove programs, units, and positions shall be regulated by unambiguous, clear, and readily accessible policies and procedures.
I am convinced that the discussion and adoption of these principles must precede the discussion of any "co-governance" proposal. The proposal by the self-appointed "Co-governance Working Group" has not been approved by any elected body, but it has already been distributed by a miscommunication. This is why I request that a copy of the Committee of Eleven's proposal be sent to every faculty member.
Miklos Szilagyi
Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor