Shared Governance Through Bylaws: Transformation Within a College of Nursing

Enhancing faculty voice and promoting shared governance within academia has long been called for but has not been well-reported. A college of nursing in the midwestern United States identified shortcomings in its organizational structure including lack of faculty voice, communication barriers, lack of faculty participation in decision making, and academic programs operating independently.

A workgroup was formed to transform the bylaws to promote shared governance, including faculty voice, equality, and engagement.

The bylaws were revised and presented to faculty for discussion, further revisions, and vote. The revised bylaws were approved and implemented in August 2021.

Through transformation of the bylaws, the college's 12-committee structure was reconceptualized to five standing committees and 13 subcommittees. Clear communication lines and cross-committee collaboration was established to break down the former academic program silos. Faculty with primary teaching assignments are equally represented throughout the structure with voice, vote, and responsibility. [.