Collegial governance and participation more important than ever

The world around us is in turmoil, and the consequences of authoritarian world leaders are evident and alarming. The developments we have witnessed in the United States over the past month threaten academic freedom, restrict colleagues at American universities from freely formulating questions, and risk delaying scientific progress that the world needs in a time of ‘polycrisis’.

In light of this, it is crucial to uphold Uppsala University’s collegial principles for management and governance and develop them for the future.

What characterises a collegial organisation?

Waters (1989) defines a collegial organisation as one that is both founded on knowledge and produces and disseminates it. In a collegial organisation, authority is granted to those who possess expertise and competence and, worth noting, no particular expertise or field of knowledge is considered superior to another.

Decisions are made collectively by the collegium, or by representatives appointed by the collegium, following a process in which arguments are presented, debated and refined. By its very nature, not all opinions expressed will be recognised in the final decisions, but the arguments leading to them are welcomed and considered in the process.

Collegial governance serves several essential functions. The division of power and the safeguarding of academic freedom in research and education, free from political or authoritarian influence, seem most critical. But collegiality must be maintained, modernised and taken forward.

Strengthened collegial participation at Medfarm

At Medfarm, work is underway to propose measures to strengthen the collegial culture and regrowth, and to develop forms for future collegial governance and decision-making. It is in its final phase and in April several action packages will be presented and discussed with the collegium before being submitted to the Disciplinary Domain Board for decision.

Several measures can be implemented relatively quickly, such as training programmes, introductory material for new employees, and dissemination of knowledge about the Electoral Assembly and its role in the approaching elections for the next term of office. Other proposals require further preparation and are well-suited to be incorporated into the upcoming revision of Medfarm’s goals and strategies.

Many thanks to all colleagues who contributed to this process, and remember that there is still time to make a difference. You are welcome to discuss the proposals at the working group’s seminars on 24 or 25 April!

Pernilla Åsenlöf, Vice-Dean for the Faculty of Medicine