Shared Governance

At UConn, shared governance is the joint responsibility of employees, UConn governing bodies and boards, and State of Connecticut officials and bodies.

The Legislature

  • Establishes, by state statute, the composition and authority of the Board of Trustees.
  • Advises and consents to each appointment of a trustee made by the Governor to the Board.
  • Passes legislation, including a budget, and other statutes.

The Governor

  • Appoints twelve trustees and serves as the president of the Board.
  • Proposes a budget to the Legislature, which includes proposed funding for the University and UConn Health.
  • Signs or vetoes legislation related to the University or UConn Health passed by the Legislature.

    The Board of Trustees

    • Governance and Policies: Sets rules and general policies for the University, including admissions, establishment of academic units, and fund expenditure. Appoints the University President.
    • Mission and Scope: Develops the University's mission statement, addressing educational needs, degrees offered, and the roles of each campus.
    • Program and Budget Oversight: Reviews and approves new academic programs, institutional budget requests, and capital expenditure priorities.
    • Comprised of members appointed by the Governor, elected by students and alumni, and ex-officio (e.g., Commissioners of several state agencies and the Chair of the Board of Directors of UConn Health).
      • Trustees serve on committees related to academics, finance, compensation, student life, UConn Health, and other matters.

    The University President

    • Serves as chief executive of the University, responsible for carrying out and enforcing all policies and regulations adopted by the Board.
    • Oversees administration, strategic planning, budget coordination, and staff appointments, while acting as the University's official representative in external relations, government matters, and communication between the Board, University officers, and employees.

    The Provost 

    • Serves as the chief academic officer of the University, responsible for appointing and directing the deans of the schools, colleges, and regional campuses.
    • Manages academic operations, coordinates policy formulation, oversees faculty appointments, presides over academic meetings, and directs the use of university facilities.

    The University Senate

    • Serves as a legislative body responsible for establishing minimum rules and general regulations of the educational program and mission of the institution, excluding UConn Health, that are not reserved to the Board of Trustees, to the administration, to the Graduate Faculty Council, or to the several faculties.
    • Appoints representatives to the committees of the Board of Trustees who have a voice but not a vote during meetings.
    • Comprised of employees representing various constituencies (e.g., faculty, professional staff, deans, students).

    The Council of Deans

    • Convened by the Provost, the Council of Deans consists of all the deans of the schools, colleges, and campuses and others, as deemed appropriate by the Provost.
    • A forum for members to discuss matters of common interest.

    The Schools and Colleges

    • Led by a dean.
    • Establish policies and procedures, enforces University Senate rules, sets up degree programs and curriculum requirements, administers courses, sets admission standards, plans research and service programs, and monitors student progress. 

    The Academic Departments

    • Led by a department head, who reports to the dean of the school or college.
    • Focus on teaching, research, clinical activities, and service within their subject areas.
    • Develop and improve educational programs, recommend changes, and integrate their efforts with the University's overall programs and initiatives.