This paper describes the establishment of shared governance in the College of Education at Mississippi State University, and the transformation of a dean's advisory council into a representative council with an expanding role. Emphasis is on the importance of defining the faculty council's role, its constituencies, its assessment procedures, and its Relationship to the dean. Goals to guide its work during the second year include: (1) determining a fair formula for allocating resources; (2) studying revisions in tenure and promotion guidelines and recommend a faculty position; (3) reviewing the required core courses of study in relation to curriculum congruence and instructional quality; and (4) shaping the organizational culture through displays recognizing faculty accomplishments. Advantages of the site-based council are seen to include determining short- and long-range interests and needs of faculty, articulating expectations, developing goals, establishing standards for review of proposed administrative actions (curricula, budgets, and staffing), improving interdepartmental communications, and allocating resources fairly. Appended are: the council's guidelines, results of a faculty survey, and a council meeting agenda. (BF)