Our Collegial Model – a timely explanation
Recently, we have heard some members of the University administration describe the Capilano University Collegial Model (Articles 2.5 to 2.8) as if it is no more than a simple practice of being civil to each other. Some have reframed it as “collegial management.” We believe it is critical that we move together with a shared understanding of what a collegial approach to decision-making means here at CapU, so we want to correct these inaccurate statements. We will be exploring this further in upcoming workshops.
While many post-secondary institutions subscribe to “collegial management,” the Collegial Model as codified in our Collective Agreement is unique. We have talked with chief stewards and bargainers from across the province who confirm that no other university or college has a model like ours.
What makes our model unique is not the word “collegial”—it is that we have a decentralized Collegial Decision-making Model. This model delegates decision-making authority over a defined set of subjects to functional areas and coordinators. This approach supports the autonomy of faculty to manage their immediate spheres of influence. This statement from our Collective Agreement underscores the distinction of our approach:
“This model is predicated upon a belief that indicated recommending bodies are usually best positioned and qualified to make the following decisions and determinations." (Article 2.8.1.1) - In other words: for certain subjects, groups of faculty (departments and schools) are in the best position to make the decision.
The subjects are set out in article 2.8.2.5. On these subjects, the departments are the initial decision-makers. They pass their decisions to deans, who can object to the decisions if they have specific reasons to do so (valid reasons listed in 2.8.2.1). But the decisions begin with the departments, not the other way around. And they are decisions, not requests. If a dean refuses a decision, the dean must cite specific reasons. This enables two-way dialogue, but dialogue that empowers faculty.
It is vital to CapU that we move together with a shared understanding of what our unique collegial model means, and not let it get watered down as if it means only that we are nice to each other. While being civil or “nice” to each other often helps, it is not at the core of our decision-making model. Our framework fosters collaboration, autonomy, and trust, reflecting participatory values that are central to our faculty association's identity and our institution’s history.
You may recall that, in the last round of bargaining, the administration proposed deleting the Collegial Model. They proposed replacing it with deans making the decisions, after consulting departments if, when, and how the deans chose. We refused to give up our model for that kind of managerialism. But if we forget what makes our model unique and accept the idea that it is merely about being collegial, we risk accepting in practice what we refused to accept in bargaining and will risk losing our decision-making authority..
We will be holding more workshops on the model in the spring term, starting with new employee orientation on 14 January, and as part of a set of workshops during reading week in February. We look forward to continued dialogue with you about how the model works, why it matters, and how to make it better.
In solidarity
CFA president Tim Acton and CFA stewards Michael Begg, Doug Alards-Tomalin, and Diana Twiss