Shared Governance

What does "Shared Governance" mean at Platt College?

Shared Governance at Platt College means the College, as a whole, is committed to a common vision found in our college mission of offering quality undergraduate education and providing graduates with competencies, skills and levels of education for employment and continued success in higher education. Because our board members, faculty, staff, students, and external constituents play a role in the shared governance process, the College operates in a consensus-building fashion where open communication and accountability are paramount.

Shared Governance utilizes the collective intelligence of the college community in planning and decision-making and involves joint effort in the development of college policies and procedures. This process fosters a shared confidence that is extended to all other areas of responsibility within the College as demonstrated through College-wide, program, and ad hoc committees.

Platt College Standing Committee Memberships

Fulfillment of Platt College’s mission requires the active involvement of all members of the College community. The committee structure represents the joint interest of all College constituencies in the operations of the College and provides a formal avenue for participation in shared governance of the institution. The suggestions, comments, and recommendations from the committees provide meaningful input into developing policies and procedures and the decision-making processes of the College. This input is vitally important to those responsible for the administration of College functions. Platt College Standing Committees make recommendations concerning governance of the College. The purpose of standing committees at Platt College is to implement and ensure shared governance of the College by making recommendations concerning said governance. 

Types of Committees and Terms of Appointment

Standing Committees

  1. These are permanently established committees with responsibilities related to College functions.
  2. With the exceptions of student members who serve one-year terms and those who serve by virtue of their position, the term of appointment is for two years, unless specified differently in the committee’s bylaws/rules. 

Ad Hoc Committees

  1. These are temporary committees assigned the responsibility of investigating specific issues or topics and making recommendations relative to them.
  2. The term of appointment is for the duration of the assignment.

Composition and Membership

A key consideration in determining committee membership is equitable representation of the College and its diversity. Committee membership of committee represents faculty, staff, and students and external constituents (if applicable).

  • The membership of committees takes into consideration the need for appropriate representation by college constituencies and the need to have personnel knowledgeable of the assigned area on the committee. Because of the nature of some committees, certain members may serve by virtue of position or may be re-appointed regardless of the length of service on these committees.
  • Committees are designed to be working committees.  The size of the committee is determined according to the responsibilities and duties of the committee. Persons appointed to standing committees will be notified by January 1.  Appointments to committees typically expire December 31, except for standing committees that serve for additional periods of time.  Requests for committee service should be made to individuals at least 30 days before the appointment begins. 
  • The administrative officer to whom the committee reports serves as an ex-officio member. Committees may also avail themselves of the advice and assistance of other members of the College faculty, staff, students, and alumni as needed.