Participatory Governance

San Diego Continuing Education Governance Structure

The highest-level governance group, the Executive Governance Council (EGC), accepts recommendations that have been passed through the committee structure. EGC accepts and reviews committee recommendations, rendering an executive recommendation to the President.

A guiding principle is that issues should be resolved at the most direct level possible, with broader level issues being recommended to the EGC. Recommendations should be brought before EGC if:

  • The matter will change current policy or procedure,temporarily or permanently; or
  • The matter will establish a new policy.

Committee proposals relating to academic and professional matters should be submitted to the Academic Senate and be available for review by other affected groups. If there is a question about which committee would address a particular issue, please contact an EGC member and they can help direct you to the appropriate committee.

Sharing Information And Making Recommendations

The standing committees bring members of the institution together from all constituencies and components of the administrative structure. Issues should be raised by taking concerns directly to the appropriate committee for review and recommendations.

Supporting committees participate in the decisionmaking process within the scope of their committee charge. The purposes, goals and responsibilities of committees vary from committee to committee, but may include identifying, studying and reviewing issues, and making recommendations concerning policies, procedures, programs and services.

The Collegial Consultation Process

The purpose of the committee structure is to assure the effective participation of all constituencies in decision making as well as to fulfill the intent of state law and regulations. The structures, procedures and committees supporting participatory governance include provisions for the effective participation of students and staff on issues which affect them.

The implementation of the committee structure takes a commitment of time and effort by each participating member, along with a commitment of resources by San Diego Continuing Education (SDCE). Committee members are chosen for their expertise and area of responsibility, not just to represent a constituent group.

It is understood that effective collegial consultation requires mutual respect and understanding among faculty, staff and administration. A well-structured institutional structure, with established principles and practices, supports the open and honest exchange of ideas. The participatory governance process works best when participants trust and commit to working cooperatively toward joint action to benefit students.

Primary Constituencies

San Diego Continuing Education comprises four primary bodies that work together in committees and administrative divisions to further the work of SDCE:

Academic Senate

The primary function of the Academic Senate is to allow faculty to have the opportunity to express their opinion and to ensure that those opinions are given every reasonable consideration, and that faculty assume primary responsibility for making recommendations in the areas of curriculum and academic standards.

Administration

The administration consists of the president, vice presidents, deans, and managers. The President’s Cabinet and President’s Executive Cabinet are advisory groups to the president.

Classified Senate

The primary function of the Classified Senate is to participate in the governance structure; to actively collect, evaluate, and disseminate information for the classified professionals; and to represent the collective interests of the classified professionals before or on any governance, college or District committee.

Students

The Associated Student Body (ASB) promotes the interests and welfare of students and the campus community. Membership is open to all students and is voluntary.

Committee Structure

Committees are an avenue to bring together members from all constituencies and components of the administrative structure. Members represent various interests and levels of expertise. Committee responsibilities may include making recommendations, identifying and studying institutional issues and reviewing services and programs to achieve strategic goals. Committees meet throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Members actively participate to further institutional directions. Members are chosen for their expertise and area of responsibility, not just to represent a constituent group. The appointment of faculty members to serve on committees is made by the Academic Senate, after consultation with the President or designee. Similarly, the appointment of Classified Professional members is made by the Classified Senate.

Committee Member Responsibilities

  • To the extent possible, attend all meetings.
  • To maintain quorum, absent members should appoint a designee. Members should arrive prior to the scheduled meeting time.
  • Serve as the major conduit for the distribution of information that must flow between the committee and the constituent groups in a timely manner.
  • Prepare for, and contribute to, informed decision-making by reviewing all committee materials, completing agreed upon tasks, and responding to communications in a timely manner.
  • Consider, and make accommodations for, the time required for student, faculty and staff participation.
  • Participate in any required Participatory Governance training.

Meeting Recommendations

  • Meeting times should be arranged whenmembers are available.
  • Written agendas should be prepared and sent to committee members prior to each meeting.
  • Written minutes should be kept of all meetings and posted to the SDCE website.
  • Scheduled meetings should be posted to the SDCE Master Calendar.

Mission: San Diego College of Continuing Education commits to student success and community enrichment by providing tuition-free, accessible, equitable, and innovative quality education and support services to diverse learners in pursuit of lifelong learning, training, career advancement, and pathways to credit college. Read more about the SDCCE mission »