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UMS staff propose Google Drive for advance review of program proposals; some trustees raise governance concerns
Summary
Staff proposed a January Google Drive to share draft program proposals with trustees for early feedback; Trustee Alexander objected that individual trustees should not intervene in proposals outside public meetings and asked for a public discussion of the plan before implementation.
Staff told the ASA committee they will set up a Google Drive in January to share academic program proposals with trustees ahead of ASA consideration so trustees may provide feedback before proposals reach the committee.
"The goal, Trustee Alexander, is to get your feedback in advance and the feedback of any other trustee in advance," a system presenter said, explaining that advance comments would be collected and conveyed to provosts so proposals would not require doubling ASA meetings.
Trustee Nipam Alexander said he had a "big problem" with individual trustees reviewing and commenting on individual proposals outside of public meetings, arguing the purpose of ASA meetings is to discuss items in a public forum. "I don't think individual trustees ought to be meddling in individual proposals outside of our meetings," Alexander said, and asked that the idea be delayed pending a public discussion of process.
Staff said they welcome a conversation with board leadership and would look to clarify the board’s preferences and rules for trustee involvement. They proposed using trustee feedback compiled in advance and routed through the provost to avoid informal interference with curricular details.
Why it matters: Trustees sought a mechanism to be better informed before voting, but some warned that informal review risks undermining shared governance or appearing to micromanage curricular content. Staff emphasized the process is intended to solicit high‑level feedback about fit and strategic alignment, not to change curricular content.
Next steps: Staff will meet with the board chair and interested trustees to define parameters for advance review and will return with a clarified process before populating the Google Drive.
