TUCSON, Ariz. – University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella has not signed a memorandum of understanding outlining shared governance practices, a document previous UA presidents have formalized upon taking office. The existing agreement, initially developed between 2020 and 2022 and signed by former President Robert Robbins, aims to define the collaborative relationship between the administration and faculty in university governance. While the Garimella administration has shown some alignment with the memorandum’s suggestions, full commitment through a signed agreement has not materialized.
The lack of a signed agreement has raised concerns among faculty regarding transparency and collaborative decision-making at the university. Mona Hymel, chair of the UA Shared Governance Review Committee, explained that the agreement is crucial for establishing clear boundaries and processes for key university functions. “Basically, we have a statute that says you shall govern together,” Hymel said, referencing Arizona Revised Statute 15-1601B, which mandates shared governance at the state’s public universities. “That doesn’t give us much detail, so we work together again in our shared governance committee to draft, to negotiate the boundaries of who is going to do what and how we’re going to do it.”
What the Agreement Covers
The memorandum typically outlines procedures for areas such as hiring, academic searches, and grievance processes, clearly delineating the roles and responsibilities of both the administration and faculty representatives. Hymel provided an example: “If we hire vice presidents, there needs to be three (faculty) senators chosen by the faculty chair on that committee.” This ensures faculty input in key leadership appointments. The current situation, where the agreement remains unsigned, leaves some faculty members questioning the extent of their influence in these critical areas.
Arizona Revised Statute 15-1601B, passed in 1992, explicitly states that faculty members “shall share responsibility for academic and education activities and matters related to faculty personnel” and “shall participate in the governance of their respective Universities and shall actively participate in the development of University policy.” ARS 15-1601B
A Tradition of Collaboration
The University of Arizona has a tradition of reviewing and updating the shared governance memorandum with each new presidential administration, according to Hudson. The document signed by Robbins is considered “quite good,” and Hymel noted that the Garimella administration, including the provost, has implemented some of its recommendations. However, full adherence to all commitments outlined in the memorandum remains a point of contention.
President Garimella assumed office on October 1, 2024, according to the University of Arizona. University of Arizona President’s Biography He previously served as the 27th president of the University of Vermont from 2019 to 2024, where he oversaw a doubling of research funding and a tuition freeze. University of Arizona President’s Biography
The situation highlights the ongoing importance of checks and balances on executive power within the university system. The shared governance agreement serves as a framework for ensuring that faculty voices are heard and considered in key decision-making processes, fostering a more collaborative and transparent university environment.
Looking ahead, the UA Shared Governance Review Committee will likely continue discussions with the Garimella administration to address concerns and work towards a formal agreement. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial in shaping the future of faculty involvement in university governance and ensuring a collaborative approach to leading Arizona’s land-grant institution.
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