Statement from American University Deans on
Board of Trustees' University Governance Reform

May 19, 2006

The deans of the six schools and colleges of American University, the Acting University Librarian, and the Acting Dean of Academic Affairs value the broadly consultative process through which the University's Board of Trustees' Special Committee on Governance developed its report and recommendations.  We are encouraged by the evidence of positive engagement with the wider campus fostered by members of the Board over the last eight months. This atmosphere of collaboration has facilitated the consultative process and has contributed in important measure to the potential for progress represented by the committee’s report. Collaboration and inclusiveness such as we have witnessed can only enhance our university's mission and effectiveness as we continue our work of learning, teaching, and scholarship.

The deans are pleased that the five core principles and eighteen recommendations contained in our December 5, 2005, Preliminary Proposal on Governance Reform are so clearly reflected in the report. The final document supports the core principles of integrity, transparency, accountability, engagement, and legitimacy. While there are differences between our recommendations and the final proposals, we are satisfied that the Special Committee’s report reflects serious and thoughtful consideration of the issues. It is our view that the proposals themselves, which will be reviewed within five years, will foster meaningful reform and include substantive voice for the various constituencies of the university community.

Richard Durand, Dean of the Kogod School of Business
Louis Goodman, Dean of the School of International Service
Claudio Grossman, Dean of the Washington College of Law
Larry Kirkman, Dean of the School of Communication
William LeoGrande, Dean of the School of Public Affairs
Haig Mardirosian, Acting Dean of Academic Affairs
Kay Mussell, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Diana Vogelsong, Acting University Librarian