The proposed partnership between BP and the University of California, Berkeley raises a host of concerns. The faculty forum of March 8 intensified rather than allayed these concerns. Chief among them is the integrity of the principle of shared governance -- a cornerstone principle that has served this campus long and well. Specifically, we are concerned that decisions about appointments and the allocation of resources appear to be going forward without appropriate Academic Senate review.

We are aware of the challenges posed by new sources of funding and of the need to respond constructively, thoroughly, and efficiently. In the interest of providing such a response to the BP arrangement, we propose that the Committee on Committees -- in consultation with other relevant committees -- immediately convene a blue ribbon Ad Hoc Committee to review those aspects of the partnership that impinge on the Senate's mandate. This committee may additionally (and perhaps subsequently) make a recommendation to the Senate about adjusting present procedures, or putting into place new ones, to ensure that future proposals of this kind meet all of the terms of shared governance.