November 17, 1997
SUBJECT: Discussion of Proposed Replacement of College Policy B-5, Policy Development
RECOMMENDATION
That the Board of Trustees review the proposed policy and comment on any improvements or alternatives they wish to have developed for consideration when the policy is voted on at a later meeting.
RELATED BOARD POLICY OR PLANNING PRIORITY (Directive/Goal/Action Plan)
This item is consistent with Board Policy, B-1, Board Policy Principles, and B-2, Duties and Responsibilities, Board of Trustees.
RATIONALE
The proposed policy more clearly separates the Board's role in policy development from the role of the President and staff in developing Administrative Rules and making implementational decisions.
BUDGETARY CONSIDERATION
None.
RESOURCE PERSONNEL
Carol Nasworthy, Chair, Board of Trustees
Richard Fonte, President
Proposed replacement of Policy B-5 (draft -- 11/6/97).
B-5. POLICY DEVELOPMENT
The Board of Trustees has responsibility for formulating policy for the operation of Austin Community College. Accordingly:
[1] Division of responsibility: The governance activities of the College shall maintain a clear distinction between:
[a] strategic, values-based policies, which are the responsibility of the Board of Trustees,
[b] administrative rules for employees to follow in implementing College policies, which are the responsibility of the President, and
[c] specific tactical decisions made in operating the various sectors of the College, which are the responsibility of various operating units, structures, or positions designated by the President.
[2] Policy development and review: In accordance with the policy-governance model of Board operation, the Board itself will set its agenda for policy development and review, based on its analysis of the strategic needs of the College after internal and external consultation, including consideration of any areas of policy development or revision suggested by the President or employee associations.
The Board Chair has primary responsibility for coordination of the policy-development activities of the Board, and shall act, with the assistance of the President, to ensure that the policy topics identified as important by the Board are scheduled for consideration and that appropriate supporting information is provided.
[3] Discussion of policy proposals: Proposed policy changes shall be placed on the agenda for discussion at one or more Board meetings prior to that at which adoption is voted on. College legal counsel shall report on any significant legal implications of policy proposals. The President shall report on any significant educational, operational, fiscal, or administrative implications of policy proposals, including any feedback provided via internal consultative structures. Direct advice to the Board on policy is also appropriate from any other interested groups or individuals.
B-5. POLICY DEVELOPMENT
The Board of Trustees has the responsibility for formulating policy for the operation of Austin Community College.
As the chief executive officer of the College, the College President is charged with the duties and responsibilities of developing and revising policy within the College's five-year policy renewal plan, recommending policy to the Board, and implementing Board policy.
Before developing and implementing policy, the College President will seek the advice and recommendation of the appropriate College units through their administrative structures, the appropriate recognized employee groups through their elected officers, and the appropriate units where such policies have an impact. The College President should seek input from students through student organizations as appropriate.
In recommending new policies and policy revisions to the Board of Trustees, the administration's presentation will summarize points of consensus and lack of consensus that resulted from the consultation process.
When the policy evolves from federal law, Texas law, or agency regulation, the policy must also be reviewed by College legal counsel.