Title: #III-3. Roles of Individuals and Groups in College Decision Making

Date: July 21, 2009 (replaces version dated November 18, 1986)

l. The college recognizes that the Faculty Assembly, Staff Assembly, and student body have the right to gather for the purpose of discussing issues and concerns of particular importance to the respective group.

2. The assemblies have the right to elect or appoint members of their constituency to represent them, with the identified group (Faculty Senate, Staff Council, Student Government Association) being viewed as the communications link with the larger assembly. Further, each assembly will elect or appoint a leader (i.e., chairperson) who will facilitate the work of the representative group.

Assemblies will nominate faculty, staff and student representatives for appointment to major committees (standing and ad hoc).

3. The primary involvement of an assembly (faculty, staff, and students) in decision-making is through the appointment of representatives who will serve on committees and task forces. Matters of group welfare are dealt with by the specific committee (Faculty Senate, Staff Council and Student Government) appointed for that purpose, and resulting requests and recommendations must be forwarded in writing to the appropriate administrator(s).

4. The role of an individual in decision-making is prescribed through:

a. The position description for each assigned role in the institution (administrator, faculty member, staff member, etc.)

b. Participation in ongoing activities (planning, budgeting, etc.) of a college unit or division, and

c. Participation as a member of a college committee or task force with defined responsibilities.

5. Administrators to whom standing committees make recommendations are expected to review and consider the committee's judgments. When there is no accord, the administrator will be expected to communicate to the committee the reason why he or she is unable to honor committee recommendations. A written explanation will be provided for those committees that make recommendations that deal with institutional governance. Specific areas are promotion, tenure, grievances, sabbaticals and appeals.