South Seattle College
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

1. Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees- "The Board subscribes to the concept that those affected by Board policies will have a voice in the development of policies. Accordingly, the District agrees that faculty will serve in a non-voting capacity on the Board of Trustees. Exempt staff, classified staff, and faculty unions are invited to all BOT meetings as ex-officio members. The union leaders can submit written reports for each board meeting and are invited to give short oral reports at each meeting. Unions are also invited to some of the study sessions that the BOT holds before regular meetings. If the BOT wants input from the unions, they will involve the union presidents and work together accordingly."
2. College Council- all of the employee 'classes' have representation on the College Council, including faculty, staff, and students. The College Council is is a participatory body that advises the President and President's Cabinet on important issues, including providing vital input to the annual budget process. It strives to be representative of the entire campus community, with membership that includes faculty, staff, students, and administrators, who engage their respective constituencies to provide opportunities to contribute to policy formation, resource allocation, and other significant issues and processes.
3. The United Student Association (USA) is the official student government of South Seattle. This body consists of elected officers who represent student concerns to the college administration. "Members of the United Student Association (USA) are committed to nurturing our community by fostering a comfortable and supportive environment. We advocate for the needs and interests of hte diverse student body at South Seattle College. We strive to accomplish this commitment by promoting and encouraging self-development, community involvement, and culture sensitivity." USA Mission Statement
4. the faculty union, AFT Seattle Community Colleges Local 1789 represents the faculty through the collective bargaining agreement, and through
college-based faculty senates, which are branches of the union in our district
5. District Faculty Shared Governance Committee- gives voice to faculty by allowing for maximum participation in district level matters of importance to instruction, such as, long-term and short-term strategic planning, conducting research, deployment of financial and human resources, use of physical resources, accreditation, institutional policies, and enrollment management. An effective shared governance model includes sharing of information and access to executive leadership on a regular basis prior to decisions being made. THE DFSGC will discuss items and provide input to the Vice Chancellor of Instruction on the areas outlined above. Recommendations of the committee will be seriously considered by the VC of Instruction and the Chancellor as appropriate. The DFSGC consists of faculty and staff. Members are chosen by their respective groups. This committee is included in the current AFT contract.

South Seattle College is part of the Seattle Colleges district. The Board of Trustees sit at the district level, with each campus having their own President's Cabinets and other similar decision-making bodies. Thus, the Seattle Colleges Board of Trustees is the institution's highest governing body.