The Power of Faculty

As I offer consulting services to higher education faculty officers, I often ask about their rapport with the chief academic officer. My theory is that, barring extraordinary circumstances, virtually anybody in an administrative position serves at the pleasure of faculty consensus.

When I voice this opinion, sometimes there will be pushback. Arguments vary: the faculty is weak, the board is strong, the president wields the power, the University is public, facilities people are invisible. I'm now emboldened in my opinion. Why? You might ask.

Developments this past week at the University of Virginia have been extraordinary.  The ouster of the President (no less) was reversed by the the Board of Visitors (Virginia-speak for the Board of Trustees) after a rebellion led by many groups, including the university faculty senate.  See what the Chronicle of Higher had to say at http://goo.gl/uOYNA. In any event, do you suppose a lowly facilities officer would ever survive a faculty movement? I still doubt it.

At a minimum, facilities people need to have an awareness and appreciation for the academic mission. Too preachy? Let me know what you think?