Detroit Mercy’s College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences Shared Governance (CHASS SG) is an independent organization that gives voice to the faculty of CHASS . It serves as a point of contact when other University entities, such as the University of Detroit Mercy Professors Union (UDMPU), McNichols Faculty Assembly (MFA), and the University Administration seek input from the CHASS faculty. We provide a venue for faculty expertise and perspectives to work effectively with the Administration to fulfill College, University, and society’s goals.
CHASS SG makes recommendations to the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences Dean regarding academic issues of concern to CHASS faculty in part or as a whole, including issues related to the activities of the committees, protection of academic freedom as well as reorganizations and developments of concern to CHASS faculty. Under the governance process, the CHASS SG Curriculum Committee and Executive Committee have the authority to review and recommend for approval or revision proposals for new or revised courses, pedagogical methods, degree programs, majors, minors, and revisions to current degree programs, majors or minors.
CHASS SG provides a vehicle for electing representatives from the CHASS faculty to serve on the MFA, McNichols Promotion and Tenure Committee, Faculty Review Committee, and other committees, teams and taskforces as needed.
What is Shared Governance?
As noted on the MFA Shared Governance website: Broadly speaking, shared governance is a system whereby those who have a stake in decisions have a voice in the decision making processes. The underlying premise is that staff, faculty, administrators and Board of Trustees, while having different institutional roles, perspectives and levels of authority, have a shared interest in the quality of education and the welfare of the institution. Collaboration, communication and cooperation are key components to the success of any shared governance endeavor.
While shared governance may look different at different institutions, this LibGuide provides a working overview of shared governance at the University of Detroit Mercy.
Joint Policy Statement
CHASS Executive Committee
Committee Membership Roles
Committee Chairs
