Understanding University Committees

Committees are indispensable tothe governance of higher education, yet there is seldom guidance to faculty andadministrators on how committeesshould be conducted or how to maximize committee obligations. Thisis the first handbook on how both to manage committees and how to engage effectively asmembers to achieve departmental or broad institutional goals, and howparticipation valuably contributes to individual learning and advancement. Based on empirical research,organizational theory, and interviews with faculty and administrators, Dr. DavidFarris provides an informative and vivid examination of the dynamics ofcommittee work, addresses the planning, conduct, roles, composition, and dispositionsof members as well as the institutional context and structures in which theyoperate that are vital to organizational success. Committees are not just laboratoriesfor implementing the vision of university leadership, developing solutions toinstitutional challenges, and refining organizational procedures; they are theproving ground for future leaders in higher education. How members perform incommittees reflects our professionalism, aptitude, integrity, and character -all-important considerations given that we serve as ambassadors for ourdepartment, college, office, and colleagues. Inaddition to reviewing the mechanism of committees, Dr. Farris providespractical information regarding the functional application of committees(tactical, operational, or strategic), committee leadership and management,group dynamics that influence committee performance, and the importance ofdiversity and inclusive committee cultures to institutional performance.