IPBM - Guiding Principles of the District Wide Committee

V. Guiding Principles of the District Wide Committees

1. The role of district-wide committees is to provide uniform data, assure consistency processes, and to encourage and promote coordination and communication. Colleges are the primary source because they are closest to student needs and have educational expertise.
2. There needs to be a clear flow of communication between committees so that the development of recommendations is transparent and logical.  Additionally, some recommendation cross committee boundaries and clear communication insures the recommendations are developed in the spirit of transparency and there is a logical process for review.
3. This IPB process provides a clear path from recommendation(s) inception to consideration/enactment in the decision-making cycle.
4. All decisions and minutes shall be documented and publicized widely, using all available means. This ensures effective communication to colleges and constituencies.
5. The Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC-formerly the DBSG) has the authority to make recommendations to the chancellor and to make recommendations on initiatives proposed by the Chancellor. The Chancellor on behalf of the Board, and/or the Board Chair, provides a response to advisory and constituency bodies if the recommendations are not adopted or are substantively modified.
6. All committees have the right to make recommendations directly to the Chancellor and Board of Trustees.  No committee can veto a recommendation; however comments and/or modifications are encouraged in order to promote widespread support.
7. The PBC is charged with using a district wide viewpoint of what is best for the organization as a whole. The PBC should avoid using the old logic of members’ taking a narrow perspective of “protecting the college”.
8. There needs to be consistency of membership to ensure the ability to function as a team in making tough decisions. Therefore, alternates are not allowed. Decisions will continue to be made if members are absent and they cannot challenge decisions made in their absence. If a member misses three sessions, the PBC will ask the appointing group to name a replacement, but the appointing group can only do this once during a term to avoid a loss of continuity and efficiency.
9. The initial term of membership will be two years to allow the system to be developed and run effectively before a new slate of members is installed. This allows for continuity and the development of a collaborative practice. Members are allowed to miss three meetings with no penalties; additional absenteeism will allow the appointing body to select a new member for the remainder of the term.
10. Start with a retreat to review the Chancellor’s and Board’s goals at the beginning of the year. This will help ensure a common direction and focus across the committees.