The president of Illinois State University says shared governance --the input of faculty, staff and students into the way ISU operates-- is strong.
The concept was called into question late last month when some 50 faculty members signed a letter opposing some ideas they say the Education Advisory Board touts that conflict with the tenets of a liberal arts education. ISU pays nearly $100,000 annually as E. A. B. members. President Larry Dietz said, in an interview airing Tuesday during Sound Ideas, shared governance encourages disparate points of view.
"Any individual who questions that, in my estimation, they have the right to do that. But they also have the right to become a part of that shared governance process through their own departments and be a part of the conversation," Dietz said.
Dietz said the Chronicle of Higher Education recently surveyed ISU faculty and staff on shared governance and the result was praise for the campus' approach. Dietz said he hasn't seen the letter that was sent to one media outlet, but said the E. A. B. membership pays dividends in a number ways, including enrollment management.
"I find it unfortunate that it's been characterized as being something that's not a part of our culture. I think pursuing different ideas, pursuing options that will help us chart our own destiny are really about the future of this institution," Dietz said.
He added just because the Education Advisory Board might advocate one style of teaching doesn't mean the university agrees it's the best approach.
Dietz also discussed the likelihood stop-gap budgets could be the norm until at least the end of Governor Rauner's current term in office. He also talked about his opposition to a plan that would allow community colleges grant four-year degrees in nursing.
