University of Notre Dame
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

The University of Notre Dame is governed by a two-tiered structure (Fellows of the University and the Board of Trustees), in which lay men and women have joined with religious of the Indiana Province of Holy Cross in the governance of the University. The Fellows of the University are a “self-perpetuating body,” consisting of six members who at all times must be “members of the Priests Society of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Indiana Province, and six of whom shall be lay persons.” The Fellows are the “successors and associates in office” of the original founders of the University and perform the following duties of office:

Determine powers to be delegated to the Board of Trustees;
Elect the Trustees of the University in accordance with the Bylaws;
Adopt and amend the Bylaws of the University;
Approve the sale or transfer of substantial parts of the University’s physical property;
Ensure that the University maintains its essential character as a Catholic institution of higher learning.

On April 8, 1967, the Board of Fellows of the University approved new Bylaws which, except to the extent of those powers reserved for the Fellows, delegated the general power of governance to a Board of Trustees. This Board of Trustees consists of members of the Congregation of Holy Cross as well as laymen and women. The Trustees hold at least three regular meetings each academic year and operate under the following committees: Executive Committee, Committee on Athletic Affairs, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, External Engagement Committee, Faculty Affairs, Research and Scholarship Committee, Governance and Nominating Committee, Investment Committee, Stewardship Committee, and the Undergraduate Education and Student Life Committee.

Notre Dame Student Government is an established part of the Student Union that strives to amplify student voices, plan and promote student development initiatives, and better campus life through policy and programming.(https://studentgovernment.nd.edu/) This allows for student involvement in key decision making. The Faculty Senate was conceived as an assembly through which the Faculty can exercise a collective and independent voice in the governance of the University. In forming its recommendations, the Senate pledges itself to the principle of reaching conclusions based on research and free and open discussion. (https://facultysenate.nd.edu/) Graduate students have a similar structure called Graduate Student Government. The Graduate Student Government (GSG) exists to improve the quality of life for all graduate students at the University both in the classroom and laboratory, library and in everyday life. (https://gsg.nd.edu/). The Staff Advisory Council (SAC) is a group of Notre Dame nonexempt employees that serve as a pipeline of information between the University administration and staff. SAC members are elected to two-year terms and represent staff from every corner of the campus and every operational area. (https://sac.nd.edu/).

A top-tier goal of the University’s Strategic Plan for 2014-2024 is to “Engage in external collaborations that extend and deepen Notre Dame’s impact.” Previous work toward this end garnered ND’s receipt of the Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement elective classification. The University of Notre Dame embraces its identity as a longstanding anchor institution in the local community. This identity is claimed directly in our guiding mission statement, as we seek to foster among students “a disciplined sensibility to the poverty, injustice, and oppression that burden the lives of so many.” In day-to-day operations, the University’s budget allocations, classroom and research initiatives, and public leadership consistently demonstrate the institutional commitment to community engagement for the common good.

The Community Engagement Coordinating Council seeks to establish and deepen a culture of community engagement at the University of Notre Dame.
Notre Dame is an integral part of and partner to many communities - local, regional, national, and Church - and strives to be actively engaged in all through our leadership and the participation of our faculty, staff, and students in academic, research, service, and faith activities.
The University has made a commitment to be actively involved in scholarly engagement within these communities.
Notre Dame has the infrastructure in place to support and enhance faculty-developed, community-based research, learning, and service, in order to enhance the quality of learning for our students and add value to the community.
The University aims to be an active, collaborative member of its communities, contributing to the common good of residents and participants through individual projects, as well as sustained partnerships and commitments.
Notre Dame is a leader and convener among Church and higher education institutions in the area of community engagement.