“Shared Governance” is the idea that decisions made regarding the University should be arrived at in a collaborative fashion that puts the primary responsibility for decision making in the hands of those most affected by such decisions. Wisconsin is unique in that state law requires the University to be governed in this shared manner, giving students direct power to jointly run the University with Administration, Faculty, Academic Staff, and University Staff. Statute 36.09(5) allows students the ability to participate in the administration of the University. One of the most important ways students at Madison can accomplish this is to hold a position on a student-faculty committee. These committees are key to running the University, and the positions give students a chance to mold this University to the needs of Students.