Academic governance may also be referred to as collegial governance, or collegiality:

Collegial governance means that academic staff (alongside other members of the institution’s scholarly community), through direct or representative membership on governing bodies such as senates and faculty councils, and consistent with the foundational principle of collegiality, play the decisive role in the governance of academic affairs. (CAUT, 2024)

Collegiality is a fundamental condition of academic work … Academic governance matters influence collective agreement language, pedagogy, education curricula and discipline, as well as workload and working conditions. (FPSE, n.d.)

VIUFA members and VIU committees

VIUFA members participate in effective governance by contributing faculty expertise and perspectives to these committees of the University:

Board of Governors

“The management, administration and control of the property, revenue, business and affairs of the university are vested in the board.” (University Act 27 (1))

Board membership includes:

  • Two  faculty members elected by the faculty;
  • One person elected by and from the employees of the university who are not faculty members.*
    *Note: this is the constituency designated for non-enrolling members of VIUFA. The position is competed against members of other bargaining units.

Senate

“The academic governance of the university is vested in the senate.” (University Act 37(1))

Senate membership includes:

  • Two faculty members for each faculty, elected by faculty members of the faculty
  • Two support staff elected by the support staff.*
    *Note: this is the constituency designated for non-enrolling members of VIUFA. The position is competed against members of other bargaining units.

Budget Advisory Council 

(viu login required)

“The BAC was established by the President & Vice-Chancellor in 2024 to advise and make recommendations on budgetary matters. BAC members do not serve as representatives of particular interests and were chosen for their knowledge, individual expertise and to ensure fair representation of employee groups as well as students.”

  • Instructional Faculty Members (appointed from Senate)
  • Employee Representatives (non-instructional)

University Leave Committee

Collective Agreement 12.4.10

The committee shall consist of eight members, including

  • the Vice-President Academic, or designate, who shall be an ex officio, non-voting member;
  • a Dean of an Academic program; and
  • normally six faculty representatives – including one elected by the non-instructional faculty

 

Hiring committees

Selection of academic administrators: Collective Agreement 6.4.2

Recruitment of faculty: Collective Agreement 6.4.1

Ad hoc committees

For example:

Academic governance resources

VIUFA

VIUFA supports academic governance work of members by:

  • Recruiting nominees and holding elections as needed
  • Promoting development of members’ capacity and skills in relation to collegial governance through funding opportunities and events
  • Facilitating consultation with VIUFA members regarding matters of collegial governance and representation, including tools (e.g. online meetings, surveys)  that are independent from VIU systems
  • Developing and offering guidance through Policies and Procedures.

VIUFA representatives to VIU committees may arrange for VIUFA support by contacting the VIUFA Office or VIUFA’s FPSE Academic Governance Committee Representative.

VIU

CAUT

FPSE

  • Academic Governance Committee, FPSE.
  • [TBC 2025-6 Strategic Priorities and Ongoing Commitments]
  • [TBA – FPSE AG campaign re: elections]
  • [FPSE webinar series – topics TBD]
    • See FPSE AGM report for details re: pending resources
  • Support for locals’ independence from employer systems and infrastructure