Gustavus Adolphus College
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

The President’s Environmental Sustainability Council (PESC) is charged with bringing environmental sustainability into the top-level discussions of strategic planning at Gustavus. Comprised of the College President and select members of the President’s Cabinet, staff, faculty, and student body, the PESC demonstrates the college’s determination to work together to overcome difficult challenges and weave sustainability into everything we do. The PESC meets once a month to develop policies and plans, establish benchmarks and report on progress to ensure that we meet our goals

The President’s Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is charged by the Gustavus president with the following responsibilities: Articulate Gustavus’ vision, expectations, and goals with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion: Identify and examine institutional barriers related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including those associated with Gustavus’ history, values, and structures; Review evolving best practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion and recommend improvements in policies, practices, and programming; Coordinate and participate in implementation of applicable Gustavus Acts strategies. Identify diversity, equity, and inclusion-related goals and assess progress toward their achievement annually;
Propose and coordinate events and initiatives that will enhance community engagement around issues of diversity, equity and inclusion; Develop a communication plan and report regularly on plans and progress to the Gustavus community and others; Serve as representatives of, advocates for, and liaisons to the stakeholder groups associated with the Council (students/student organizations, faculty, administration, support staff, alumni).

The Gustavus Adolphus College Student Senate serves to hear and address concerns from fellow students. The senate’s goal is to act as a gateway for communication between students and administrators to promote an active dialogue on campus.

The Gustavus Adolphus College Faculty Senate serves as liaison between faculty and administration to coordinate faculty responsibilities and activities as carried out through the various committees under this governance body.

The Curriculum Committee serves as the primary curricular planning body for the faculty, responsible for recommending to the faculty policies and programs that affect the college in general and for reviewing and recommending departmental, interdepartmental, and interdisciplinary programs and policies. The Curriculum Committee also approves new and revised semester and January Term courses, General Education Area courses, Writing courses, and First Term Seminars.

While there is no longer a formal Staff Personnel Committee for non-academic staff, non-academic staff are involved in many formal councils and committees, including the President's Environmental Sustainability Council and the President's Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.