Ann Arbor Times

The University of Michigan and the University of California Riverside have announced the launch of the Center for Strategic and Inclusive Governance (CSIG), a new initiative aimed at supporting campus governance across higher education. The center is designed to provide university leaders with research-based resources to guide mission-focused decision-making and maintain financial stability.

The CSIG was established by Demetri Morgan from the University of Michigan and Raquel Rall from UC Riverside, both researchers in governance. Their goal is to address what they see as a gap in accessible, timely tools for those involved in university governance, including presidents, senior administrators, board staff, faculty leaders, and student representatives.

Elizabeth Birr Moje, dean of the Marsal Family School of Education at the University of Michigan, commented on the importance of this work: “CSIG represents the best of what research universities can offer—translating scholarly insights into practical tools that strengthen governance across the campus community. This work couldn’t be more timely or important.”

The launch comes as higher education institutions face increasing challenges such as political pressures, budget constraints, legislative changes, demographic shifts, and questions about institutional value. In response to these challenges, CSIG’s Resource Hub will offer over 30 research-based tools organized into three categories at its debut. The center also plans to expand its offerings with rapid-response toolkits developed alongside partner organizations.

Demetri Morgan emphasized CSIG’s commitment to accessibility: “CSIG ensures that boards have the research-based resources they need for effective governance, with open access that empowers every stakeholder invested in the institution’s mission—presidents, board staff, faculty leaders, students—to engage constructively in the governance process.”

Raquel Rall highlighted the connection between strategic thinking and inclusivity: “Good governance isn’t about choosing between strategic thinking and inclusive values—it’s about recognizing that you can’t have one without the other. When boards make decisions that serve their entire campus community, they’re making the strategic choice that strengthens their institution’s long-term viability and impact.”