Governance in Graduate Studies at the University of Toronto October 31, 2013 Emma Thacker Governance & Policy Coordinator

Louis Charpentier’s presentation “Understanding the University: Governance, Administration and Decision Making.” Also offered by ODLC: Next session: Tuesday, November 5, am–12 pm 2

Topics What is Governance? Parts of Governance Governance—Roles Graduate Governance o Quality Assurance o Consultation o Accountability & Transparency Best Practices Policies & Guidelines Contacts References 3

What is Governance? Shared purpose consistent with the institution’s mission. Process and practice through which an entity organizes itself to achieve its mandate. Concerned with the structures and procedures for decision-making, accountability, control, and codes of conduct. Expressed through legislation, policies and by-laws, and informal norms. Goal to achieve peak performance 4

Parts of Governance Effective governance has: Structure: e.g., Unicameral Structure, Faculty Council, Delegated Committee systems Instruments: e.g., University of Toronto Act (1971); UTQAP (2011); Policy, Regulations, Frameworks Process: e.g., Consultative process (also a Principle of Governance) 5

Governance—Roles Roles in the Faculty o Faculty members, Chairs/Directors o Faculty Council, standing committees o Chair of Council, Members, Secretary Roles at SGS o Graduate Education Council o Dean, School of Graduate Studies/ Vice-Provost Graduate Education (dual role) o Vice-Dean, Programs o Director, Quality Assurance & Governance o Coordinator & Officer, Governance & Policy 6

Graduate Governance Policy, regulations, guidelines SGS Calendar New programs Major modifications Minor modifications Program reviews o Collaborative programs o Graduate degree programs 7

Principles of Governance Governing Council—October 2010 Good governance begins with appropriate disclosure, transparency, and clear lines of accountability between governance and administration. Aspects of this framework include: o Membership, Role, Nature of Meetings, Expectations and Attributes, Identification and Selection, Orientation and Education, Evaluation 8

Quality Assurance What is Quality Assurance (QA)? Why is it important? o Changing landscape in higher education o Graduate studies is dynamic o QA increases accountability o Protection of students and the University reputation o Tool that allows for autonomy, academic freedom How is QA linked to Governance? o Governance is a shared process by which QA functions 9

Consultation Consultation allows for broad and diverse representation. It enriches decision-making by bringing all stakeholders to the table. Stakeholder consensus and participation is an important principle—consensus is reached through consultation. Examples: working groups, advisory committees, steering committees, process for approval of program modification/new program (UTQAP). 10

Accountability & Transparency The University is made accountable through transparency, appropriate disclosure of its actions, and communication to both internal and external stakeholders. Governance processes are clear and communicated. An example of transparency: Faculty Constitutions and by- laws that clearly lay out the process for all decision-making within the Faculty. Another example is the GCT, which hosts all modifications for programs, making change apparent. Lastly, the SGS Calendar has several functions, but is also a tool to ensure transparency for students. 11

Accountability & Transparency Good governance records will: Clearly identify the item to be discussed/approved Provide the item’s jurisdictional information Indicate the governance path of the proposal Share any relevant background on the proposal item, including the previous actions taken; e.g., consultation process, proposal proponents Specify what is the recommendation sought by the Council/committee 12

Best Practices Application of the principles of good governance. Minute-taking—ODLC offers tutorials. Online/web access to (non-confidential) governance documents (agendas, minutes, proposals for consideration, etc.). Understanding governance—orientation of governance processes and roles to those involved. E.g., A & S—Intro to Faculty Governance document— plain language. Engage in good governance record-keeping. 13

Policies & Guidelines Where to find them: Relevant to graduate studies: Guidelines.aspx Others available from Governing Council: 14

Contacts Emma Thacker Governance & Policy Coordinator Erin McMahon Governance & Policy Officer Jane Alderdice Director, Office of Quality Assurance & Governance 15

References Principles of Good Governance, U of T Governing Council 2010 Mandate of Governance, U of T Governing Council, 2010 University of Alberta, Governance FAQ, 2010 Chait, Holland and Taylor, “Improving the Performance of Governing Boards,” Shattock, M. “Managing Good Governance in Higher Education,” Principles of Institutional QA in Canadian Higher Education, AUCC Gayle, Tewarie, White, “Governance in the Twenty-First Century University,” Oxford Dictionary—Definition of QA. 16