2.1 Shared Governance
The principle of shared governance in universities is long established by tradition and was formalized in the 1966 Joint Statement on Government of Colleges and Universities, jointly formulated by the American Association of University Professors, the American Council on Education, and the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (see https://www.aaup.org/report/statement-government-colleges-and-universities). The Joint Statement affirms that the academic institution is a "joint effort," requiring communication and consultation among all constituencies, and addresses the distinctive responsibilities of trustees, administration, faculty, staff, and students in university governance.
The distinctive responsibility of the faculty is the academic mission of the university. In particular, the joint statement asserts:
The faculty has primary responsibility for such fundamental areas as curriculum, subject matter and methods of instruction, research, faculty status, and those aspects of student life which relate to the educational process. On these matters the power of review or final decision lodged in the governing board or delegated by it to the president should be exercised adversely only in exceptional circumstances and for reasons communicated to the faculty.
2.2 Faculty Senate
The UNH Faculty Senate is the legislative body that reviews and develops policies concerned with the academic mission of the university. The Faculty Senate’s Constitution and Bylaws provides for the faculty to exercise the above-mentioned responsibility through elected Faculty Senate members. The Faculty Senate is designed to work in close communication and collaboration with the Board of Trustees, principal administrators and the Council of Deans, the PAT and Operating Staff Councils, and the Student Senate, each of which have their own distinctive responsibilities as well as overlapping areas of concern. More information about the UNH Faculty Senate, its constitution and bylaws, committee structure, goals, agendas, and minutes can be found at https://www.unh.edu/fac-senate/.
2.3 Tenure Track Faculty Union
All tenure track faculty are represented by the UNH Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP-UNH) in matters of salaries, benefits, working environment, and other terms and conditions of employment. AAUP-UNH is the exclusive agent for collective bargaining negotiation and in the settlement of grievances regardless of whether the faculty involved are dues-paying members of the union. As stated on the website, the goals of the UNH AAUP are:
to strengthen faculty governance, provide fair procedures for resolving grievances, promote the economic well-being of the faculty, and safeguard academic freedom.
Please visit http://aaup-unh.org for additional information.
2.4 Extension Educator Council
The Extension Educator Council (EEC) examines issues that affect Extension Educators as employees of the University of New Hampshire. The Extension Educator classification includes the job titles of Extension Field Specialist and Extension State Specialist. The EEC represents UNH Extension Educators in UNH administrative affairs. Individuals representing the EEC serve on the System Personnel Policy Committee and on UNH committees of importance to Extension Educators. More Information
2.5 Lecturers Union
UNH Lecturer Faculty are represented by Lecturers United (UNHLU), a national AAUP-affiliated union at UNH. For more information, please visit http://www.unhlecturersunited.org/. An updated agreement between the UNHLU and UNH was reached effective July 2022. This contract is a useful reference for Lecturers seeking information on a variety of employment topics such as benefits, leaves, and promotion processes.
2.6 Research Faculty Council and University Policies Relating to Research Faculty
The Research Faculty Council was formally recognized by President Huddleston in July 2013 and is guided by a set of By-Laws. The Research Faculty Council provides a structure and forum for Research Faculty to strengthen and broaden research and engagement across UNH, to interact across departments and colleges, and to contribute to entrepreneurial initiatives.
The Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Research has compiled information about employment policies and procedures that impact UNH Research Faculty in particular. Please see https://www.unh.edu/research/research/research-faculty for more information on topics such as responsibilities and privileges, appointment, hiring process, annual reviews, promotion, compensation, and benefits as they apply to Research Faculty.
2.7 Clinical Faculty
Clinical Faculty are represented by an elected, university-wide council.
