Office of Shared Governance and Policy

The Office of Shared Governance and Policy at NYU Abu Dhabi upholds the University’s commitment to the principles of consultative decision-making, strategic alignment, and shared governance by facilitating collaborative policy development and the work of representative bodies, or councils, across the NYUAD community. 

The Office provides high-level strategic and advisory support to NYUAD’s representative bodies, enabling faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral associates to participate meaningfully in institutional decision-making. In addition, the Office works with academic divisions on governance-related matters, advising them on procedural requirements, and connecting them with relevant committees as appropriate. The Office facilitates communication between representative bodies and NYUAD leadership, offers guidance on the principles and practical application of shared governance, and serves as a liaison between NYUAD and the broader NYU governance system. This work supports transparent, consultative processes that ensure community perspectives are reflected in University policies and priorities.

The Office also provides strategic oversight for the framework and full lifecycle of NYUAD’s policies, procedures, and guidelines. The Policy team actively guides their development, advising on stakeholder consultation and ensuring alignment with institutional strategy, values, and governance. Critically, the Office ensures all policies are clear, consistent with existing policies, legally compliant, and widely accessible. Through these efforts, the Office fosters transparency, inclusivity, and active participation across the University community. 

Leader Profile

With a background spanning law, public policy, and higher education leadership, Karen brings a distinctive combination of analytical precision and collaborative vision to her role at NYUAD.

As Director of Shared Governance and Policy, she oversees the development and implementation of governance and policy systems that underpin NYUAD’s institutional excellence. Her work connects people and processes across the University – advising leadership, supporting governance bodies, and ensuring that structures and policies foster fairness, accountability, and shared purpose. She leads cross-functional initiatives that strengthen collaboration between academic and administrative areas and advance the University’s strategic priorities.

A registered parliamentarian and former commercial property lawyer, Karen holds a Master’s in Public Policy and Management from SOAS, University of London, and an LLB and Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Aberdeen.

Key People