Shared Governance

This page provides an overview of shared governance—what it is, how it works, and why it is essential to the success of our college community.


What is Shared Governance?

Shared governance is a legally mandated decision-making process that ensures faculty, staff, students, and administrators collaborate in shaping the policies and procedures of the institution. It is grounded in the recognition that each group has expertise and a unique perspective, contributing to informed and balanced decisions. Shared governance is enshrined in California Education Code (§70902(b)(7)) and Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations (§53200). These laws recognize participatory governance as a cornerstone of community college operations.

In practice, shared governance necessitates effective communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to the institution's mission of serving students. Although it can be complex and occasionally challenging, it embodies a dedication to democratic processes, institutional accountability, and the mission of advancing student success through equitable and inclusive practices.

Legal Framework and Roles

  • Faculty Involvement: Faculty, represented by their faculty senate, are legally required to have a primary role in academic and professional matters. These are outlined as the "10+1" areas, including curriculum development, degree requirements, and educational program review.

  • Staff Role: The staff, as mandated by law, must participate in the development of policies affecting their roles and areas of expertise.

  • Student Participation: Students, represented by their associated student body, are guaranteed the right to participate in discussions on policies that directly affect them, such as fees, grading policies, and student services.

  • Administrative Leadership: Administrators are legally obligated to implement shared governance processes and ensure institutional decisions comply with state mandates and college goals.


Shared Governance vs. 10+1 Authority of the Faculty Senate

At Cerritos College, both shared governance and the 10+1 authority of the Faculty Senate play vital roles in ensuring collaborative and informed decision-making. While these concepts are related, they have distinct purposes and scopes within the governance structure.

Shared Governance

  • Definition: Shared governance is the broader, campus-wide framework that involves all constituencies—faculty, classified staff, administrators, and students—in the decision-making process. It reflects the collective responsibility of the entire college community to guide policies, set priorities, and shape the institution's direction.

  • Key Features:
    • Inclusive participation from all groups.
    • Applies to decisions affecting the entire institution, such as strategic planning, resource allocation, and campus policies.
    • Emphasizes collaboration and consensus-building among diverse stakeholders.

  • Examples of Shared Governance:
    • Developing the college's mission and vision statements.
    • Setting institutional goals and priorities.
    • Reviewing budget allocations and campus facilities planning.

10+1 Authority (Faculty Senate)

  • Definition: The 10+1 authority refers to the specific academic and professional matters over which the Academic Senate has primary responsibility, as outlined in Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations (§ 53200). These areas are unique to faculty expertise and require collegial consultation between the Academic Senate and the governing board.

  • Key Features:
    • Requires the governing board to involve the senate in decision-making regarding 10+1 areas.
    • Acknowledges faculty as content experts in their academic disciplines and in curricular matters.
    • Ensures faculty expertise and decision-making authority over academic policies and programs.

  • Examples of 10+1 Authority:
    • Approving new courses and programs.
    • Developing policies for online instruction.
    • Creating faculty development plans.

Key Differences

Aspect Shared Governance 10+1 Authority
Scope Broad, institution-wide issues. Academic and professional matters specific to faculty.
Participants Each stakeholder group (faculty, staff, administrators, students). Primarily faculty.
Focus Collaborative, consensus driven. Faculty-driven, expertise in specific areas.
Committee Type College Committees. Senate Committees.
Examples of Decisions Budget planning, strategic initiatives, facilities usage. Curriculum changes, grading policies, program development.
Legal Basis Guided by California Education Code § 70902(b)(7). Defined in Title 5, § 53200 of California Code of Regulations.

 

Both shared governance and the 10+1 authority are essential to maintaining a strong, inclusive, and effective governance system at Cerritos College. Shared governance ensures that all voices are heard, while the 10+1 authority empowers the faculty to lead on matters critical to academic quality and student success. Together, these systems uphold the principles of collaboration, transparency, and accountability.