Call for applications for University Senate secretary
The University Senate is seeking applications for its next secretary, who will serve a three-year term beginning this summer. Applications should be submitted to the University Senate office via senate@osu.edu by Monday, April 27, and applicants should provide a letter outlining their qualifications and a current curriculum vitae. The applications will be shared with the Senate’s Steering Committee, which will identify three finalists and present them to President Bellamkonda, who will make the final appointment.
Shared Governance and University Experience
Experience in shared governance leadership.
The Secretary of the Senate (Secretary) functions as a "resource person" regarding the rules and policies of the university and for the shared governance system. One way the Secretary will have gained the experience and knowledge is to have served on a core senate committee such as the Council on Academic Affairs, the Rules Committee, or the Steering Committee. This experience ensures that from day one, the Secretary can provide quick and accurate responses to queries about the Senate and the governance of the university.
Familiarity with the University and Faculty.
The learning curve for this position is steep. Familiarity with the duties and responsibilities of the Senate committees, as well as how various central administrative offices function, is crucial. The Secretary should be familiar with the deans, vice-presidents and vice-provosts who oversee central administrative offices. This knowledge is essential both for giving and seeking advice and counsel. It is also important for the Secretary to have the skills to recruit faculty to senate committees and to other leadership opportunities on campus. It is recommended that the Secretary to have a minimum of eight years of employment at the university, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the university's organizational structure, familiarity with a diverse range of faculty members, and awareness of the various issues and challenges facing the institution.
Distinguished record of research, teaching, and service.
The Secretary holds the highest-ranking faculty position in the university. As the voice of shared governance to the Board of Trustees, central administrators, faculty, students, and the media, the Secretary should have an outstanding performance record as a faculty member. This individual is frequently called upon to defend independent actions of the Senate or its committees will benefit in those arguments from the respect associated with a distinguished record as a tenured professor.
Interpersonal and Organizational Skills
Ability to function effectively with administrators and constituent leaders.
One major function of this office is to coordinate the work of Senate committees and constituent bodies. The Secretary may be called upon to help resolve differences of opinion or priority in the development of Senate resolutions and proposals. Mediating issues between the Senate and central administration is also a critical function. A candidate's ability to listen, mediate, collaborate, and manage differences between interested parties are necessary skills of the Secretary.
Strong organizational skills.
Administrative efficiency is necessary to handle the heavy workload and simultaneous management of multiple projects. The secretary is in constant communication with the senate recording secretary, senate faculty leaders, various senate committee chairs, constituent body leaders, and administrators in academic and support positions. The Secretary must be proficient at initiating, tracking, following through, and completing projects in a timely manner. Success requires collaborative communication and coordination with the Senate Recording Secretary, and the senate faculty leaders.
Commitment to Shared Values
Commitment to Excellence and Impact.
This commitment involves striving to support the best ideas, evidence-based solutions, and the most broadly impactful initiatives to address the issues facing the university. Shared governance is richly rewarding and a learning experience that brings together students, staff, faculty, and administrators in the interest of having a more cohesive and outstanding university, leading to a greater positive effect on the state, the nation, and the world.
Commitment to Diversity and Innovation.
Given the diversity of academic disciplines, the Secretary should have a broad perspective and appreciation for all disciplines at the university. The senate works best when it’s able to produce creative and integrated solutions that comes from broad consideration of all representative perspectives. Shared governance allows for a great cross-fertilization of ideas, strengths, and thoughts.
Commitment to Inclusion and Equity.
The Secretary fosters a culture of engagement and service for all constituencies involved in shared governance ensuring equitable, thorough, and well-considered collaborative procedures.
Commitment to Care and Compassion.
The Secretary promotes collegiality and models support and gratitude for all members of the university community.
Commitment to Integrity and Respect.
A strong understanding and application of university rules and policies are essential for the Secretary to maintain an atmosphere of integrity, including the defense of open, fair, and due processes.
Qualities of Character and Ability
Discernment and sound judgment.
It is crucial to uphold confidentiality and exercise discernment when engaging in discussions about sensitive topics with fellow institutional leaders. This ensures a trustful and secure environment for open dialogue while safeguarding sensitive information. The Secretary must exercise good judgement in providing an informed opinion in interviews, meetings, and discussions with both internal and external stakeholders about important issues facing the university.
Integrity.
Integrity and ethical conduct stand as paramount job qualifications. It is important for the Secretary to foster a working environment characterized by credibility and accountability. Prioritizing the principles of shared governance over personal self-interest and partisan perspectives is essential.
Excellent Communication Skills.
Communication is a central aspect of the Secretary's position. Writing well and speaking with precision and accuracy, both orally and in writing, are essential skills for effective communication. The ability to listen and communicate with people who may have vastly different views on a single topic is essential to the success of the Secretary.