An Introduction to
Strategic University Governance

Effective governance is now more important than ever to ensure that universities preserve the autonomy fundamental to the important role they play in our society. These exciting institutions are at the forefront of research and teaching and are expected to be drivers and facilitators of social and technological change, innovation, commercialization, and knowledge transfer. As educators and recipients of significant public funds, they are the focus of public opinion, close financial scrutiny, and must work to comply with ever-changing government policy and increasing regulation.

This book is for those who want to learn more about and to participate in university governance.  The governance context for universities is unique.  To play a positive and effective role in university governance requires understanding this uniqueness: important concepts, the complex stakeholder context, decision-making structures and, the allocation of responsibilities within the university sector.

An Introduction to University Governance is a resource to support current and prospective university governance professionals, those serving on university boards and academic governing bodies, and will be of interest to members of government, consultants, lawyers, mediators, arbitrators, and others who work closely with universities. It is intended to be an accessible rather than an academic book written to encourage more engaged university governance participants and more effective university governance within Canada’s more than 150 universities.

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