Monks vote to share governance via mixed board
New model to take effect on March 31, 2009
By Mike Atkinson
The monastic chapter of Saint Anselm Abbey voted Tuesday morning to adopt new bylaws that will implement a system of shared governance for Saint Anselm College beginning on March 31, 2009, Fr. Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., president of the college, announced within hours of the decision.
By accepting a model of shared governance, the Monastic Chapter has moved to resolve the governance debate which has hovered over the Hilltop for nearly two decades.
Tuesday's historic vote means that the affairs of the college corporation will now be in the hands of a mixed board of trustees of both monastic members and lay people. The new system of shared governance will legally divide the college corporation and the college's Monastic Chapter.
"I think this decision is a very, very positive thing," Edward Hjerpe '81, chair of the advisory Board of Trustees, said. "I must also say that the board is very pleased with the progress that has been made and the path that we are now on."
This change in the governance structure of the college will go into effect on March 31, 2009, coincidentally the same day that the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) will be on campus to start the college's reaccreditation process; the college goes through a reaccreditation process every 10 years. New regulations from NEASC call for a governance model that is more open than the traditional form essentially employed at Saint Anselm since its foundation.
Hjerpe also believes that this change in governance will be well-received by NEASC.
"I think it [shared governance] will be received positively by NEASC. I feel that these changes go a long way toward meeting the governance standard that NEASC has; NEASC has asked the college in the past to be more consistent with the guidelines they have for governance."
The "governance" of Saint Anselm College as it currently stands rests with the Governing Board, a body of monks elected by their fellow monks or appointed by Abbot Matthew Leavy, O.S.B., abbot of Saint Anselm Abbey and chancellor of the College. However, the monastic chapter, made up of all monks in solemn, or lifelong vows, has final authority over some major areas of the college, including changes in governance. Come March 31, this governance model will be changed, and the new model of shared governance will take effect.
By accepting a model of shared governance, the Monastic Chapter has moved to resolve the governance debate which has hovered over the Hilltop for nearly two decades.
Tuesday's historic vote means that the affairs of the college corporation will now be in the hands of a mixed board of trustees of both monastic members and lay people. The new system of shared governance will legally divide the college corporation and the college's Monastic Chapter.
"I think this decision is a very, very positive thing," Edward Hjerpe '81, chair of the advisory Board of Trustees, said. "I must also say that the board is very pleased with the progress that has been made and the path that we are now on."
This change in the governance structure of the college will go into effect on March 31, 2009, coincidentally the same day that the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) will be on campus to start the college's reaccreditation process; the college goes through a reaccreditation process every 10 years. New regulations from NEASC call for a governance model that is more open than the traditional form essentially employed at Saint Anselm since its foundation.
Hjerpe also believes that this change in governance will be well-received by NEASC.
"I think it [shared governance] will be received positively by NEASC. I feel that these changes go a long way toward meeting the governance standard that NEASC has; NEASC has asked the college in the past to be more consistent with the guidelines they have for governance."
The "governance" of Saint Anselm College as it currently stands rests with the Governing Board, a body of monks elected by their fellow monks or appointed by Abbot Matthew Leavy, O.S.B., abbot of Saint Anselm Abbey and chancellor of the College. However, the monastic chapter, made up of all monks in solemn, or lifelong vows, has final authority over some major areas of the college, including changes in governance. Come March 31, this governance model will be changed, and the new model of shared governance will take effect.
This article was published on 1/29/09 in the News section.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Steven M. Karr '91
posted 1/28/09 @ 4:35 PM EST
My goodness, it's about time!!!!!
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