DATE: November 23, 1998

TO:

FROM: Brenda Collins & Curt Groninga

SUBJECT: REVIEW OF DISTRICT GOVERNANCE PROCESS

Given the rapid and continued growth of the Petaluma Center, the Institutional Planning Council believes it is appropriate to begin to review those portions of the current District Governance Process which relate to the need to plan for change in Petaluma's operational status from educational center to campus. At this writing, IPC anticipates a recommendation for an operational status change will be made to the Board of Trustees later in the Spring Semester, 1999.

The governance structure of a community college impacts and helps define relationships for all participants. Thus, it is important to have the faculty perspective on any significant changes along with those from student and staff groups.

Sonoma County Junior College District will consist of a single college with campuses, centers and outreach locations. As a center moves to a campus structure, greater autonomy of local scheduling and assignment of faculty is assumed necessary which raises a number of important questions and issues:

• How would Petaluma and Santa Rosa be impacted? What does this mean to the scheduling of classes (# of classes, time assignments, etc)? What does this move from center status to campus mean for the college's academic senate, student government, classified senate and departmental structures?

These and other questions call for the perspective of our college faculty, staff and students. IPC is asking for your group or committee's thoughts about this matter. We assume this is the start of an on-going conversation about how portions of the governance process may need to be refashioned to meet the changing needs of the district's operation.

IPC would appreciate the perspectives of the above named committees and groups by February 1st so it can review and incorporate your group's perspective into any recommendations it may make to the President and the Board of Trustees. Should you have any questions, please contact either Brenda (4613) or Curt (4432). Thank you.