The Internal Governance System In America Public University

In the process of exploring classification development,establishing modern university system and "double first-class" university,how to govern university and improve the quality of higher education has became an issue of concern.The United States is an educationally developed country with a large number of world-glass universities,so the governance system of university in America is worth of studying in hope of providing some experience for the university in China.This study selected the University of Wisconsin as a case study,the internal governance system of University of Wisconsin were investigated deeply by using the method of literature analysis,case study and international comparison,based on stakeholders theory and the power check and balance theory.On the one hand,the relevant governance subject related to the University of Wisconsin internal governance system was found on the basis of the stakeholder theory,such as the board of trustees,President,Chancellor,Dean,Chair,faculty,academic staff,students,university staff and so on.On the other hand,the power allocation and operation of stakeholders in the university governance were studied,based on the decentralization and balance theory.The distribution of power and the interrelation between the decision-making system of the Board of Regents,administrative governance system headed by the president,and academic governance system represented by Faculty Senate in internal governance system of University of Wisconsin were analyzed.The shared governance system of University of Wisconsin participated by academic staff,university staff and student who participate in decision making was investingated.This study finds that the main characteristics of the internal governance system of University of Wisconsin:(1)Ensure restriction and supervision of power by hierarchy.The power and responsibility of each level of stakeholder is different in the internal governance system of University of Wisconsin.In such a situation,it ensures not only that all stakeholders can participate in governance and achieve the power constraints and supervision,but also the quality and efficiency of decision-making.(2)The mode of co-governance ensures the different powers can participate in the governance of higher education.Co-governance makes the main stakeholders in the system,such as faculty,academic staff,university staff,student,etc.,have a variety of opportunities to participate in decision-making of the university.Each group has specific duties and responsibilities,which has checks and balances at the same time.(3)The running procedure becomes the cage to institutional power.In public university of the United States,there are the general rules and regulations,each stakeholder group also have their own rules,procedures,and management system,so that the co-governance has a solid institutional foundation.(4)Governance system absorbs the students’ democratic participation.The students of each institution have the right to determine the organizational structure and select their representatives to participate in institutional governance.Students play an important role in all levels and aspects of university governance.However,it is undeniable that the American public university governance is also facing challenges.Therefore,in the process of borrowing insights we should not only absorb the essence but also be aware of the issue of localization.