| Purpose of the Study. The purpose of this study was to chronicle the development of the structure of faculty participation in university-level decision-making at Michigan State University. From this chronicling there developed a history of the structure of decision-making at the University and a guidepost to examine current and future governance structures.;Organization of the Study. The study is divided into eight chapters. Chapter 1 identifies and describes the area of study, the methodology, organization, limitations and definition of terms. Chapters 2 through 7 examines each of the six documents that identify the structure of faculty participation, beginning with 1955, and the five revision documents of 1961, 1968, 1971, 1975, and 1977. Each Chapter includes an analysis of the revision process and the events which impacted on the process. Chapter 8 presents a summary of the findings, the researcher's observations and recommendations for further study.;Findings. The first codified faculty organization at Michigan State University was established in 1955. This document (Bylaws) was revised in 1961, 1968, 1971, 1975, and 1977. Each revision, up to 1975, reflected an increase in the scope of faculty in the decision-making process. The 1975 revision marked a systemic change in the structure which decreased the number of participants and set limitations as to the scope of governance. The revisions that occurred between 1955 and 1971 were due the growth of the institution and the need of the faculty to be recognized as a distinct constituency. The 1971 revision reflected this faculty constituency need and recognition of the student constituency.;The five structural changes to the Bylaws did not necessarily influence the decision-making process. What became apparent is that constituent participation needs are not necessarily satisfied by structure alone. The focus for current and future participants should not be on structure. Instead, the focus should be on the process of consensus building.;Methodology. The researcher examined the Minutes of the Academic Senate, Academic Council and other documents from the period 1949 to 1977. In addition, open-ended interviews were conducted with 16 individuals identified as participants during this period. The list of interviewees includes three former Presidents. |
