Accreditation - Hartnell College!!

Institutional Self Evaluation – 12-05-12
IV.A.2
The institution establishes and implements a written policy providing for faculty, staff,
administrator, and student participation in decision-making processes. The policy specifies
the manner in which individuals bring forward ideas from their constituencies and work
together on appropriate policy, planning, and special-purpose bodies.
Descriptive Summary
In the conclusion to its response to the District‘s Institutional self evaluation of 2007, the
Academic Senate proposed a task force to assess the efficacy of the shared governance
structure and recommend changes (IV.A.33). Within a year, and with the participation of
numerous faculty and staff, a comprehensive overhaul of the share governance process was
finalized and described comprehensively in a Shared Governance Handbook. (IV.A.17) The
handbook outlines the governance structure and decision-making processes, emphasizing the
importance of timely communication and broad participation in decision-making. The shared
governance structure is based on the continuous improvement model as a way of conducting
business and assessing progress.
The Salinas Valley Vision 20/20 document was published after surveying more than 1,300
residents and after extensive commentary from the Hartnell community. (IV.A.34) Its
findings supported the Educational and Facilities Master Plans (E&FMP) for the Main
Campus (IV.A.35) and the King City Education Center. (IV.A.36) These were similarly
developed with extensive input from all disciplines, and cite shared governance processes in
analysis and decision-making.
The Academic Senate works through its Steering Committee to develop agendas to develop
annual goals. Its processes include mechanisms by which items are brought forward for
consideration by the Senate. Recommendations for academic policies are brought to the
Board of Trustees for discussion and ratification. Actions of the Curriculum Committee are
brought to the Board for ratification.
The Student Senate also reports directly to the Board and has brought forward projects for
support and ratification. (IV.A.37)
The Hartnell College governance policies outline the role of the faculty, staff, administrator,
and students in planning and their participation in the decision making process of the college.
(IV.A.38)
Self Evaluation
The college has a history of identifying and committing to serving the needs of the
community, as well as the instructional programs it provides. In the most recent versions of
the planning documents, great emphasis is placed on the fact that they are faculty-driven
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