One of the things we are working on at UNH, and will continue to work on, is the development of structures for shared decision-making within the University. A university is an organization in which "shared governance" is important. At UNH we have student government and the Faculty Senate, as well as councils for our PAT, OS, and Extension educators. Each makes decisions and recommendations important to the constituencies they represent. In addition, I chair the University Governance Communication Council where decisions that need to involve more than one constituency can be discussed. I have been pleased with the progress we have made over recent months in strengthening shared governance on the campus.

We are particularly conscious of our responsibility to develop student leadership qualities at the same time that students acquire their academic preparation. In classrooms, students serve as role models, teaching assistants and instructors. Out-side the classrooms, students have opportunities to assume leadership roles within their residence halls, the Greek System, the athletic programs, and within a multitude of other student organizations. In the seacoast community, students serve as interns and volunteers in schools, soup kitchens, non-profit organizations, hospitals, adult education programs, domestic violence shelters, and child-care centers.

The University also has a responsibility to develop leadership opportunities among our faculty and staff. I have observed that many of the senior women on campus who are now in leadership positions were at one time members of the Women's Commission. On reflection, it is not surprising that the Women's Commission is a good launching pad for leadership across the University. In order to make effective decisions on behalf of the University, it is important to understand as much as possible about the total university and how it is that the various pieces fit together.

Bringing together faculty, staff, and students, the Women's Commission looks at issues ranging from classroom climate, child care, salary equity, sexual harassment and assault, employee benefits, diversity, Title IX, budget impact, leadership and curriculum development. Members of the Women's Commission think deeply about the University's values, about its history, and its goals for the future. As a consequence, the Women's Commission is a sound vantage point for understanding the entire University and a good place to develop its future leadership.

I am very grateful to the people who serve on the Women's Commission. The work that they do on behalf of the Commission is important to the entire community. In addition, I am confident that in the years ahead these same people will be involved in decision-making across the University. That expectation bodes well for the future of the University of New Hampshire.