ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses on the key concepts associated with academic self-governance within universities. Academic self-governance refers to the internal governing mechanisms and bodies that shape the borders of authority and responsibility for academic activities within a university. It addresses concepts such as academic freedom, collegiality, tenure, and the functioning of academic governing bodies, along with their relationship to other governing bodies within institutions. Academic freedom is one of the philosophical cornerstones of the academy that has a long and contested history. Collegiality has been the bedrock of university governance practice for centuries and has been touted as the vehicle of institutional effectiveness in the academy. The existence of tenure, and the increasing employment of other categories of academic workers have important implications for traditional forms of academic self-governance. The chapter focuses on various elements of academic self-governance within the context of broader global changes in higher education governance.
