Shared Governance - Administration Policy - 10230

Shared governance provides checks and balances necessary to create the ideal educational atmosphere supporting the overall purpose of the College. The principles of shared governance should permeate the College, reaching every level of decision-making. Whenever possible, those who will be affected by a decision on policy or procedures are entitled to be informed in a timely manner and have opportunities to influence the discussion in a collegial and transparent way.

Germanna Community College is committed to shared governance, a formal partnership between the administration and constituencies of faculty, support staff and students. Germanna’s shared governance system is based on the core values of:

• Informed and inclusive decision-making
• Transparency and clarity of operations and decision-making;
• Open lines of communication between and among all components and members of the College community;
• Accountability; and
• Mutual respect and trust.

The governance principles of this system are intended to ensure that all members of the Germanna community are represented in a decision-making process based on an open flow of information, diverse involvement, mutual respect, and collective deliberations that advance the interests of the College as a whole.

The mechanism for sharing governance involves five College standing committees or associations:

• College Council;
• Curriculum Committee;
• Faculty Senate;
• President’s Cabinet; and
• Student Government Association.

It is understood by administration, faculty, staff, and students that shared governance relies upon mutual respect and consistent, trustworthy communication that is multidirectional. It is further understood that all members of the College community hold themselves and each other accountable to living up to this ideal and to the values expressed in the Mission, Vision, and Values. While decisions by the College administration, College Board and/or the State Board, and the administration of the Virginia Community College System are final, such decisions should be informed by collegial discussion, creative disagreement, and timely but thorough recommendation by appropriate constituencies and bodies within the College.

College Council: The purpose of the College Council is to foster effective communication and create channels of communication throughout the College community. It serves as an advisory council to the College President and staff for advisement, decision, and/or recommendation on matters of college-wide concern.

Curriculum Committee: Composed of elected faculty and staff representatives, the Curriculum Committee reviews requests to change College curriculum. Such requests include adding to or eliminating academic programs, adding to or removing courses from the transfer list, and approving advanced placement or standing options. The Curriculum Committee serves as an advisory committee to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Faculty Senate: Composed of all teaching faculty with elected teaching faculty representatives, the Faculty Senate recommends changes to College policies, practices and procedures that affect the roles of teaching faculty. The Faculty Senate serves as an advisory council to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

President’s Cabinet: The President’s Cabinet is composed of the executive leadership team. The President’s Cabinet advises the President on all policies, personnel and budget matters related to the College. Shared Governance: a formal partnership between the administration and constituencies of faculty, support staff and students.

Student Government Association: The mission of the Student Government Association (SGA) is to provide students with representation, services and advocacy within the College structure. The SGA provides leadership and accountability to its constituency by recognizing that strength arises from diversity, engagement, and dialogue.

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President's Office

Approval: September 17, 2026

Cabinet: October 29, 2025

College Council – Second Reading/Vote: November 21, 2025

College Council – First Reading: from the floor: October 30, 2025