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This resolution focuses on researching the effectiveness of multi-college districts, examining strengths and weaknesses, governance, funding, and curriculum challenges. Survey data reveals perceptions and strategies for improvement. Join the discussion on next steps and further information needed.
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Multi-College Districts - An Effective Practices Conversation
13.05 Research the Effectiveness of Multi-College Districts Whereas, Multi-college districts now exist in 21 of the 72 districts in the system; Whereas, The creation of a multi-college district occurs for a variety of reasons, including financial and operational; Whereas, The effects of the creation of a multi-college district on the academic needs, integrity, time and duplication of governance have not been studied; and Whereas, Sharing of effective practices for successful functioning of multi-college districts would assist colleges considering the creation of a multi-college district;Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges research the strengths and weaknesses of multi-college districts, particularly as they affect senates, time and effort of faculty, duplication of governance, implementation of governance as required by the Legislature, and other areas; and Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges collect and report on the effective practices for functioning in a multi-college district by the Fall 2007 Plenary Session.
History of Resolution • Several colleagues from multi-college districts were ruminating about the woes of such • We longingly explored the idea of irrefutably proving them to be a bad idea • As the dialog developed it became clear we could move forward with the goals being loosely defined as “examining the issues, pros, and cons of MCDs”
Survey generation and process • The inherent complexity of this was daunting to several generations of RLS committees • Parallel conversations about conducting surveys was occurring at the Exec Committee • The decision was made to hire consultants in some cases and a process was developed • This survey was the first such use of a consultant (CoBro Consulting) • The RLS committees followed by a small taskforce developed the basis which was refined, polished and administered by the consultants
Respondents*: 49% Senate presidents 48% Faculty curriculum (co)chairs 10% District Senate presidents 5% Faculty planning/budget (co)chairs 2% Program Review chairs *Some respondents indicated up to 3 separate roles Colleges in district: 34% Two colleges 36% Three colleges 30% Four colleges General Survey Info
Brief Survey Results • Equity Trends/General District Function: • 80% say colleges in district serve different types of students • 59% general perception in district that other college is favored, only 39% among respondents • 52% say multi-college district structure makes life more difficult • 51% disagree that district functions serve colleges equally well • 64% agree that more functions should be carried out at college rather than district level
Brief Survey Results • Funding and Budget Allocation • 22% not involved in district budget allocation • 66% think district budget development somewhat or not effective • 59% disagree that their colleges receive fair funding
Brief Survey Results • Governance • 72% minimally or not involved in district structure • 60% of colleges have appropriate level of autonomy in decision-making • 65% say there are issues with duplication of efforts among individual colleges
Brief Survey Results • Curriculum and Program Development
Some challenges presented by multi-college district structure • Lack of coordination of efforts/working together • Loss of college autonomy/top-down decision-making • Competition for resources • Effect of size differences between colleges - budgeting, faculty workload • Duplication of services and other efforts
Some strategies/approaches employed to resolve challenges • Lots of and effective communication • Regular district meetings emphasizing collegial consultation • Develop written, clear organizational structure, policies, and procedures • Better planning
Effectiveness of Processes in Multi-College Districts Quantitative Data Handout
General Discussion • What are some of the participant observations about the survey data? • What are some participant experiences in multi-college districts?
Next Steps • Given these data and today’s discussion, what would you like to see happen next? • Is there any additional information that you would like to have?