Democracy and the Governing of the University

Abstract

This article argues that although the case for popular participation in university government is not the same as the case for participation in a democratic state, some of the principles and structures of representative democracy can contribute to furthering the traditional purposes of the uni versity. The institution of the university council or senate is examined, and the role of students in decisions on academic matters is discussed. Finally, the growing external pressures on the university and the reluctance of students and faculty to participate in university politics are cited as factors affect ing the prospects of university governance.