FAQ

What is the purpose of the Participatory Governance System?

College of Marin’s Participatory Governance System consists of two councils and seven standing committees that provide all constituencies – students, faculty, classified professionals, and managers with an opportunity to participate in making recommendations regarding the policies and procedures that govern the college. According to California Ed Code 7-1901 (b)(1)(E) governing boards of community college districts will “ensure faculty, staff and students the right to participate effectively in district and college governance and the opportunity to express their opinions at the campus level and ensure that these opinions are given every reasonable consideration and the right of academic senates to assume primary responsibility for making recommendations in the areas of curriculum and academic standards as well as other professional matters.” An effective governance system is also required to maintain accreditation. Recommendations are advisory to the President. The Board of Trustees has the final decision-making authority.

Where can I find the Participatory Governance System (PGS) Plan and other information about the PGS?

The PGS Plan, links to committee web pages, and other governance resources are posted on the PGS homepage.

What committees form the college’s Participatory Governance System?

The PGS is made up of two councils and eight standing committees. They are:

  • College Council (CC)
  • Governance Review Council (GRC)
  • Planning and Resource Allocation Committee (PRAC)
  • Educational Planning Committee (EPC)
  • Facilities Planning Committee (FPC)
  • Guidance, Resources, Integration and Transformation Committee (GRIT)
  • Instructional Equipment Committee (IEC)
  • Professional Learning Committee (PLC)
  • Career Technical Education Committee (CTEC)
  • Technology Planning Committee (TPC)

The Academic Senate, Classified Senate, and Associated Students of College of Marin (ASCOM) have a role in the governance system, but they are independent entities and are not subject to the operating guidelines of the PGS committees listed above. A committee organizational chart is posted on the Participatory Governance homepage. 

Where can I find out the names of committee members and chairs?

  • Committee members are listed on each committee’s web page along with the name of the chair and staff resource(s) for each committee.
  • Links to committee web pages are posted in the left-hand menu of this website.

How can I get appointed to a governance committee?

Committee representatives are appointed by their respective constituent groups.

  • Administrators are appointed by the College President
  • Classified Professionals are appointed by CPLC (Classified Professionals Liaison Committee – check CSEA President, SEIU leadership, or Classified Senate President to find out CPLC contact)
  • Faculty are appointed by the Academic Senate
  • Students are appointed by ASCOM

If you are interested in serving, contact your representative.

Where can I find PGS committee agendas and minutes?

Each committee has its own web page where agendas and minutes are posted. Links to each committee’s web page are posted in the left-hand menu of this website.

When do PGS committees meet?

  • Governance Committees meet regularly during the fall and spring semesters when classes are in session.
  • The meeting schedule is posted on the committee web pages and the Participatory Governance System homepage, events section.
  • Contact the committee chair or staff resource to confirm specific meeting dates and locations to ensure changes haven’t occurred since the information was posted.

How frequently do the PGS committees meet?

  • Most governance committees meet once or twice a month during the fall and spring semesters when classes are in session.
  • Check the committee web page for frequency.
  • Governance committees do not usually meet during winter and spring break or during the summer.

Who can I contact to find out more information about a particular committee?

  • Contact the chair, staff resource or any committee member.  Names are posted on the governance committee web pages

Can I submit an item for consideration on the agenda?

Contact the chair of the appropriate committee to request that your item be included on the agenda.

How is quorum established for PGS Committees?

According to the PGS Plan, quorum is defined as a simple majority (50% + 1) of the Council or Committee’s filled seats.

I can’t attend my committee meeting. Can I send a substitute?

Yes. If you can’t attend a meeting you are encouraged to send a substitute and notify the chair that you will not be there.

Can non-members attend PGS committee meetings?

Yes. All meetings are open to the public.

What is the role of a “staff resource” on a committee?

A staff resource may be assigned to a committee to facilitate record-keeping and distribute meeting materials or to provide expertise to the committee on a particular topic or area of knowledge.

How are committee recommendations moved forward through the governance system?

  • PRAC subcommittees make recommendations to PRAC for consideration. When recommendations are approved by PRAC they are sent to College Council for recommendation to the College President.
  • GRC makes recommendations related to changes in the governance system directly to College Council.
  • College Council makes recommendations to the Superintendent/President who makes the final decision or forwards the recommendation to the Board of Trustees as appropriate.

How can I find out what happens to committee recommendations?

  • For immediate information, contact the committee chair.
  • Each fall the Office of Planning, Research & Institutional Effectiveness publishes a Governance Digest that summarizes each committees’ recommendations from the previous year and the resulting actions and outcomes.
  • The Governance Digest is posted on the Participatory Governance homepage.