13 December 2001

Dr. Joe Cox, Chancellor

Oregon University System

Portland State University CAMPUS

Dear Chancellor Cox:

On behalf of the Interinstitutional Faculty Senate, we want to take this opportunity to respond to your recent letter regarding the IFS resolution on the search for your successor.

Traditionally, decision-making processes in academic communities have taken the form of inclusive democratic conversations, seeking consensus among all parties concerned. Hence the systems of shared governance found in all seven institutions of the Oregon University System. As our institutions have grown in size, we have incorporated representational, constituency-based structures to adequately involve all members of the institutional community in governance, but the essential spirit of "shared governance" has been maintained.

It is in this spirit of participatory democracy that we, as faculty leaders, nurture our shared governance systems against the possible dangers of "top-down" leadership and control. This task is made all the more difficult by an era that demands quick decisions and extreme efficiency, but it is equally rewarding, and in many respects, the results of shared governance are superior, at least for academic institutions. People with a stake in key decisions are much more motivated to execute them.

Our various models of shared governance, so vital to the academy, differ radically from many corporate or business models which currently abound. However, they suit our academic mission in the fullest and broadest sense because they extend the learning communities in to the decision-making process and because, although we have ranks, we are essentially a non-hierarchical group.

Because of our dedication to shared governance, we believe that all decisions made within the Oregon University System, and therefore affecting our academic missions, should be made by an inclusive, representative process.

In addition, in response to your kind solicitation of IFS's opinion on the qualities that OUS ought to seek in the next chancellor, we want to communicate suggestions from a discussion at our December meeting.

IFS believes the next chancellor should be:

--Someone who understands the diversity of the system and that each institution should be valued for its unique contribution to OUS*one size doesn't fit all;

--Someone with the clear ability to work with the legislature;

--A person with sound public relations skills;

--Someone with a significant academic background;

--A person with a rich understanding of the history and mission of higher ed in Oregon;

--A person with long-range vision, particularly useful in planning ahead for changing biennia;

--A consensus builder.

--A person who can articulate a collaborative relationship with the entire educational system of Oregon;

--Someone with leadership qualities sufficient to facilitate collaboration with university presidents; and

--An individual with the ability to see Oregon Higher Ed as part of a national context.

 

Sincerely,

Craig Wollner President, IFS

Elaine Deutschman President-Elect, IFS

Craig Wollner Professor, Social Science Fellow, Inst. of Portland Metro. Studies Portland State University P. O. Box 751 Portland, OR 97207-0751 503/725-5484 (v) 503/725-5162 (f) wollnercr@pdx.edu