Shared Governance Policy : 5:02:04:00

Responsible Executive: President

I. Purpose

Motlow State, pursuant to Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Policy 1.03.10.00, provides this policy to establish a framework for shared governance that enables students and faculty to participate in the development of campus policies and programs related to student and academic affairs. This policy affirms the College’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and effective institutional decision-making. Motlow State recognizes that interaction among administration, faculty, staff, and students is essential for the continued growth of the College and for fostering positive involvement with all its constituencies. To that end, the College provides a systematic process for appropriate campus-wide participation in decision-making, while acknowledging that final responsibility and authority rests with the administration.

II. Definitions

1. Shared Governance
   A collaborative decision-making process that involves the participation of faculty, staff, students, and administration in the development, execution, and maintenance of institutional policies and programs. It ensures that multifaceted perspectives are considered while final decision-making authority remains with the administration.
2. Administration
   The executive leadership and management personnel of Motlow State hold responsibility for institutional oversight, strategic planning, and final decision-making on policy and operational matters.

III. Responsibilities

1. Communication: Avenues of communication will be maintained in order to give the campus community adequate opportunity to provide appropriate input into the governance process. Through the use of the collective intelligence of the college community comes a shared confidence that extends to all areas of responsibility within the institution. The shared governance process requires appropriate solicitation and receipt of advice from administrative staff, faculty, support staff, and students.
2. Motlow State recognizes that students, faculty, staff, and administration are vital contributors to the continued progress and overall welfare of the College. While the President serves as the final authority on campus and is responsible to the Chancellor and the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), effective shared governance depends on meaningful collaboration and communication across all constituencies.
3. Modeling collegiality, the decision-making process must be adaptable and responsive to both internal and external forces that affect the institution to reach decisions that are consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the college community.
4. Participation: Motlow State affirms the need for joint participation and effort in such institutional initiatives as strategic planning, budgeting, and the use of physical resources.
   1. Faculty are expected to take the lead in matters related to curriculum, academic program development, and recommendations concerning faculty status, admission and graduation requirements.
   2. Administration is responsible for the implementation of policy derived through campus processes and sources such as the TBR and legislative mandates.
   3. Students should have a primary interest in matters of student life, including discipline.
   4. Both students and faculty should have a direct interest in both student, student success programming, and academic affairs.
5. Committee Representation: Institutional standing committees have broad-based representation. Faculty, staff, and administrators are represented by their respective council representatives. Their recommendations are forwarded through the President to the Cabinet and the Institutional Oversight Committee (IOC). Students are represented by the Student Government Association Organization at IOC meetings.

Sources

Tennessee Board of Regents 1.03.10.00: Student & Faculty Participation in Development of Campus Policies & Programs

History

• Revised: February 20, 2007; February 3, 2017; February 17, 2025
• Leadership Council Approved: February 3, 2017
• Institutional Review: August 11, 2025; August 11, 2025
• Institutional Oversight Committee Approved: September 19, 2025
• President’s Cabinet Approved: October 7, 2025
• Effective Date/Approved: February 3, 2017; October 7, 2025