From the U of A Governance website: www.governance.ualberta.ca
Governance encompasses the processes and practices through which an entity organizes itself to achieve its mandate. It is concerned with the structures and procedures for decision-making, accountability, control and codes of conduct. It is expressed through legislation, policies, bylaws and informal norms. The goal of effective governance is to facilitate a robust organization that achieves peak performance, and is accountable to the people it serves.
The U of A Governance unit is responsible for much more than facilitating changes that are reflected in the Calendar. However, even the Calendar governance processes - a relatively small part of governance as a whole - can seem complex. With a few resources and some determination the process will become easier over time!