MEMO DATE: 8/23/99

TO: Institutional Planning Council

FROM: Component Administrators

SUBJECT: Multi-Campus Structure Philosophy

In an effort to further dialogue concerning the implications of a multi-site organization, the Component Administrators have reviewed the Multi-Site Task Force reports and discussed the need for further clarification. The primary philosophical basis for SRJC's multi-campus structure has already been established, a single college with a single curriculum. All other issues stem from that defining point. However, clarification is necessary to assist the transition process. To that end, the Component Administrators propose the following basic philosophical points for our multi-campus structure.

1. Centralized policy

Based on the single college concept, all policy decisions must be consistent throughout the District. This concept mirrors the notion of a single curriculum. Similarly, all policies guiding governance, operations, and review must be consistent. However, this requires that those policies be determined from a District perspective, not just examination of status quo in Santa Rosa. While the notion of a centralized policy manual will reflect no change from the current practice, the implementation of a District perspective will. It is common now that formal and informal policies are developed without consistent consideration of other sites, and revision often occurs during the review process. It is imperative that the District perspective be a part of the development process.

Included in the term "policy" are factors other than the official Board Policy Manual. We need to consider the procedures associated with policies including things like how/when petitions are reviewed, how and for whom enrichment status is granted, and many other examples driven by the collective bargaining contracts and long standing practices. These issues also need to be centralized (that is, consistent) in this philosophy to ensure that students and employees are treated equitably regardless of location.

2. Decentralized delivery

While policies and associated procedures are centralized (i.e. consistent), delivery is decentralized given the physical distance between sites and the differences which exist between sites, areas of concentration, needs of the clientele, levels of staffing, and other limitations. As in the example of the single curriculum, while the catalog is singular and consistent, the delivery of instruction is decentralized and varies in format, schedule, and content based on the needs of the given location. The same concept applies to other services as well. Decentralized delivery allows for a degree of variance in how a service is delivered as long as the approved policies are followed. This concept, therefore, allows for some local autonomy with the requirement that the delivery methods follow the intent of centralized policies.

It is in the implementation of this philosophical concept that the need for on-going dialogue is most evident. It should not be a requirement that District policies are implemented at each site in exactly the same way, and the administrative and support staff at each site are in the best position to deliver services commensurate with local needs and District policies.

3. Intelligent Flexibility

Given that philosophical concepts can only provide an initial base for decision making, we need to accept that the movement to a multi-campus structure will be an evolutionary process. That process will require intelligent flexibility, a willingness to learn from the experience at hand and determine when to be flexible. This approach will assist us through the rough spots that are inevitable to any change process.

4. MSTF Basic Principles

The reports from the Multi-Site Task Force reflect the thinking of several constituencies as well as the vision of a multi-campus structure. Those reports articulate five Basic Principles and emphasize the need for an evolutionary approach. Given the substantial work involved in those documents, the philosophy statement for a multi-campus structure should value those judgments.

Multi-Site Task Force Basic Principles (1994)

a.) "While it must respond to growth, the Sonoma County Junior College District should remain a single-college district, with centers and campuses developing in response to need within the restraints of available resources."

b.) "Given the desire to remain a single college, the college community must maintain a 'district-wide' perspective in all its planning and operations."

c.) "At the same time, we must preserve what is best in our current structure and operations."

d.) "The College needs to develop clear, working definitions of some key terms as it develops operational models and procedures."

e.) "Finally, implementation of operational procedures that follow from these assumptions should be gradual and evolutionary."

5. Component Administrators as Review Committee

As the conversion process to a multi-campus structure progresses, areas of discussion and possible disagreement will arise. Those issues should be reviewed by the Component Administrators for the purpose of reaching consensus to the District's best interest. The President must be kept informed of any situation of this type. In the event that the Component Administrators can reach no consensus on a resolution, the issue would be forwarded to the President for further discussion and decision. This approach will assist the development of a District perspective and underscore that it is in the Components' best interests to discuss and solve problems collectively.

Taken as a group, these five points serve to frame the discussion of a multi-campus philosophy. As we address specific issues through implementation, our body of knowledge will increase and further define the District's philosophy.

Santa Rosa Junior College