Siena University believes that a system of shared governance where all relevant stakeholders have a voice, either directly or indirectly through committee representation, promotes a free exchange of ideas which expands the menu of options available to decision makers and improves overall decision quality. This can help to ensure that all perspectives are considered when making decisions.
A report completed by a Shared Governance Task Force in July of 2025 vigorously defends this philosophy by linking shared governance to institutional outcomes. The report also examines the roles of each community stakeholder group in shared governance and offers recommendations.
The task force also developed a decision matrix – a tool that clarifies who has the authority to make decisions and who within the community should be consulted, offer recommendations, and be informed. As the University grows and changes, the decision matrix will require periodic updating.
President Chuck Seifert created the Shared Governance Task Force in the fall of 2023 in response to a recommendation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education Self-Study Report, Section VII on Governance, Leadership, and Administration. Task Force members included Siena Trustees, faculty, administrators, students, and staff. They completed their work over 18 months accomplishing these stated goals.
