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Learn essential Senate procedures and legal obligations for effective collegial consultation in educational institutions. Understand the role of Academic Senates and their influence in academic decision-making processes. Advocate for faculty rights and professional standards through collaborative governance.
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Effective Senates:The Key Ingredients of Collegial Consultation Angelica Bangle, Chris Hill, Wheeler North, Beverly Reilly, Cheryl Stewart
ASSEMBLY BILL 1725--1988 • SEC. 61. The Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges shall, by January 1, 1990, do all of the following: • (a) Develop policies and guidelines for strengthening the role of the academic senate with regard to the determination and administration of academic and professional standards, course approval and curricula, and other academic matters
Defining Consultation Scope and Authority • California Education Code Title 1-3, or Part 1 – 69 • California Regulations Title 5 – Education
Education Code §70902 (b)(7) “The Governing Board shall … ensure … the right of academic senates to assume primary responsibility for making recommendation in the areas of curriculum and academic standards.”
TITLE 5 § 53203 - Powers (A) Governing Board shall adopt policies delegating authority and responsibility to its Academic Senate. (B) Policies in (A) shall be adopted through collegial consultation with the Academic Senate. (C) Guarantees the Academic Senate the right to meet with or appear before the board.
TITLE 5 § 53200 - Definitions (A) Academic Senate means an organization whose primary function is to make recommendations with respect to academic and professional matters. (B) Academic and Professional matters means the following policy development and implementation matters:
The “10 +1” Section 53200 (c) • Curriculum, including establishing prerequisites • Degree & Certificate Requirements • Grading Policies
The “10 +1” Section 53200 (c) • Educational Program Development • Standards & Polices regarding Student Preparation and Success • College governance structures, as related to faculty roles
The “10 +1” Section 53200 (c) • Faculty roles and involvement in accreditation process • Policies for faculty professional development activities • Processes for program review • Processes for institutional planning and budget development
The “plus 1” Section 53200 (c) • Other academic and professional matters as mutually agreed upon.
Collegial Consultation Section 53200 (d) District Governing Board is required to consult collegially with the Academic Senate and develop policies on academic and professional matters through either or both: 1. Rely primarily upon the advice and judgment of the Academic Senate 2. Reach mutual agreement with the Academic Senate by written resolution, regulation, or policy
Collegial Consultation - Definitions Section 53200 (d) Requires procedures for responding to Academic Senaterecommendations that include: (A) When rely primarily, the recommendation of the Academic Senate will normally be accepted, and only in exceptional circumstances and for compelling reasons will they not be accepted. (B) When mutual agreement and an agreement has not been reached: • Existing policy remains in effect except in cases of legal liability or fiscal hardship • Board may act - after a good faith effort - only for compelling legal, fiscal, or organizational reasons.
Compelling Reasons These terms mean that … the board’s decision to disagree must be: in writing, and based on a clear and substantive rationale which puts the explanation in an accurate, appropriate, and relevant context. --Participating Effectively in District and College Governance
TITLE 5 § 53203 – More Powers (A) Academic Senate may assume responsibilities and perform functions as may be delegated by the Governing Board (B) Appointment of faculty members to college committees shall be made by the Academic Senate - requires consultation with CEO or designee
Education Code Section 87359 (b) Waiver of Minimum Qualifications and Equivalency Section 87360 (b) Hiring Criteria Section 87458 (a) Administrative Retreat Rights
Education Code Section 87610.1 (a) Tenure Evaluation Procedures “The faculty’s exclusive representative shall consult with the academic senate prior to engaging in collective bargaining regarding those procedures.”
Education Code Section 87615 (b) Minimum Degree Requirements Section 87663 (f) Evaluation Procedures - Association shall consult with Senate Section 87743.2 Faculty Service Areas - Association shall consult with Senate
Legal Basis vs Real Life IT IS THE LAW but THE BALL IS OFFICALLY IN YOUR COURT
How can we make it work? • We need to encourage participation by our faculty on collegial consultation committees • Focus efforts on areas where you can make progress
How can we make it work? • Establish working relationships with: • Board members • Bargaining Agent • Chancellor/Superintendent
Senates need to advocate for the faculty’s position, but also need to help ensure that dialogue moves successfully toward a consensus
Senate President Duties Include: • Be familiar with statutory regulations as well as local policies and procedures • Maintain contact with ASCCC • Develop senate and governance participation and leadership
Senate President Duties (cont’d) Include: • Foster communication • Secure adequate resources for senate • Foster efforts to appoint and retain qualified personnel
Tips for Effective Participatory Governance • Set senate goals and provide reports on progress • Conduct local senate meetings • Keep faculty informed • Encourage faculty participation • Make use of available resources
Resources • Empowering Local Senates: Roles and Responsibilities of and Strategies for an Effective Senate • www.asccc.org papers and links to online Title 5 and Education Code