Abstract
This article analyzes collegial governance within the California State University (CSU) system, with a focus on how collective bargaining reshaped relationships between faculty, senates, and administration. It reviews the creation and role of campus and statewide senates, emphasizing their authority over curriculum, academic standards, and faculty status. The passage of the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) in 1978 is discussed as a turning point, granting collective bargaining rights while explicitly preserving shared governance. The article highlights tensions that emerged as administrators and union representatives navigated overlapping responsibilities, at times reducing senates to ceremonial roles. Documents such as the “Responsibilities of Senates” and the Board’s “Statement on Collegiality” sought to reaffirm shared decision-making. The analysis concludes that while collective bargaining created conflict, constructive communication and mutual respect remained essential for balancing union advocacy with the traditions of collegial governance.
Recommended Citation
Kully, Robert D.
(1987)
"Academic Governance Within a Context of Collective Bargaining Communication: The Key to Senates' Survival,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 62, Article 4.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol62/iss1/4
