students walk across the quad against the backdrop of the mountains

Leadership

Governance at Williams

At Williams governance is a shared enterprise, and everyone plays a role. This system of shared governance, attentive to the interests of all constituent groups, is central to the enduring excellence of the college and the vitality of our community.

Governing bodies

Board of Trustees

College President and Senior Staff

Faculty Steering Committee

Williams Staff Committee

Three Pillars (student government)

College Committees

Williams Society of Alumni

Faculty carry primary responsibility for the curriculum and related matters. They also share responsibility for creating and implementing college policies. Much of this work is done via standing committees and meetings of the full faculty.

Staff have a voice through the Human Resources Policy and Strategy Advisors and the Williams Staff Committee, as well as roles in many college committees and advisory boards.

Students shape many aspects of campus life through three interconnected groups known as the Three Pillars. Like staff, students also hold seats on many college committees and advisory boards.

The President and Senior Staff manage the college’s strategic and day-to-day affairs. Three key members of senior staff are drawn from within the Williams faculty: the Dean of the College, Dean of the Faculty and Provost.

The Board of Trustees is the ultimate corporate and fiduciary authority responsible for the college’s policies and programs. The Board governs and oversees the college’s affairs through delegation and oversight, rather than active management.

Beyond campus, the college is supported by the famously loyal Williams College Society of Alumni. The society, founded in 1821 and the longest continuously operating organization of its kind in the world, is led by its Executive Committee in partnership with the college, “for the promotion of literature and good fellowship among ourselves and the better to advance the reputation and interests of our Alma Mater.”

Decision-making

Williams values shared governance and encourages participation in the life of the college. Options for involvement range from being informed and providing input (which is universally encouraged) to participating in advisory bodies and committees. Many of these opportunities are open to staff, students and faculty.

The following defines the rules of conduct and governance that apply to staff, faculty and students:

The Board of Trustees is the corporate authority ultimately responsible for the college’s policies, programs and annual budget, but it does not carry out day-to-day activities directly. It delegates management responsibilities to the President and officers of the college and assigns responsibility for the college’s academic program to the faculty.

The President and Senior Staff may in turn delegate decision-making authority within their offices, in accordance with votes and directives by the Board of Trustees.
At Williams, the faculty governs the curriculum and academic programs. Under the leadership of the President and the Dean of Faculty, much of the work is organized through standing committees, including the Curricular Planning Committee, the Committee on Educational Affairs and the Winter Study Program Committee.
Administrative decisions regarding college policy and operations are made by the President and Senior Staff, often with input from faculty, staff and student governance and advisory groups.
The Provost and the Vice President for Finance and Operations are responsible for decisions related to the budgeting, accounting and allocation of college funds. The Committee on Priorities and Resources, which includes faculty, staff and students, is briefed on major budget and financial issues and represents community points of view.
The Dean of the College is responsible for the student code of conduct and related processes.

The Faculty Steering Committee guides the faculty’s maintenance of the faculty handbook.

The Dean of Faculty is responsible for the professional conduct of faculty members.

Human Resources maintains the staff handbook and works with unit managers and college leaders on staff conduct processes.
The Director of Athletics oversees Williams’ 32 intercollegiate varsity sports, club teams, Physical Education, recreational and intramural programs and associated facilities. The Student Athlete Advisory Committee advises the college on ways to support student-athletes. And the faculty Athletics Committee evaluates and makes recommendations on issues concerning the intersection of academics and athletics. Williams is a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference.