President Allison D. Garrett communicated with ESU faculty and staff a communication signed by administrators and leaders of shared governance groups:
January 26, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
Universities are complex organizations that exist to better our communities, state, nation and world by educating students to achieve their dreams and by conducting research that enhances others’ quality of life and the economic prosperity of their regions.
Universities operate collaboratively, through shared governance. These processes allow those most knowledgeable about particular issues to weigh in on those issues and influence policies and decisions and move the university forward in a constructive manner. Those decisions are governed by policies that allow universities to make difficult decisions when, as here, a pandemic and state budget cuts create financial challenges. Policy changes should be made in consultation with those who best understand the implications of those changes.
While we understand that the Kansas Board of Regents wished to provide additional tools to the universities in the Kansas Board of Regents system, here at Emporia State University, we were already working to address the budget challenges that are ahead in a collaborative manner using existing policies. We, the undersigned, are committed to continuing that process in a constructive manner.
While we understand that the University CEO must ultimately make difficult decisions, our processes allow for consultation among the administration and shared governance groups. The President of Emporia State has engaged with shared governance groups on our campus to discuss the implications of the changes allowed in the Board’s new policy.
We have taken the time to review the policy change that the Kansas Board of Regents adopted. After review, Emporia State University does not need to employ the added flexibility that the new policy set forth by KBOR affords. We plan to proceed under our existing shared governance policy structure. At Emporia State, we are committed to our collaborative shared governance model.
With respect,
Allison D. Garrett, President
David Cordle, Provost
Sandra J. Valenti, President, Faculty Senate
Jaden Rahe, President, Unclassified Professional Senate
Derek Parks, President, University Support Staff Senate