Collegial Governance

The purpose of the Collegial Governance system is to provide structures and processes that allow employees and students to have input into the decisions that will affect them. It is characterized by open communication, trust, and collaboration, and decisions are made through the lens of the College's mission, vision, values, resources, and goals.

Collegial Governance at Harford Community College supports shared decision-making and regular communication across its major constituency groups, including the All-College Committees, Coordinating Group, President’s Cabinet, Board of Trustees, and other committees operating across the College.

CONSTITUENCY COUNCILS

It is comprised of four constituency councils representing staff, faculty, administrators, and students. The councils serve as the voices for employees and students to the president and the president’s cabinet for input on issues and decisions that will affect them.

COORDINATING GROUP

A Coordinating Group comprised of the chairs and vice chairs of the four constituency councils will define parameters when an issue or decision will affect more than one constituency. The Coordinating Group is responsible for communication among constituency councils and to all employees on issues considered though the governance process.

All College committees

While the Coordinating Group facilitates the operation of the eight All-College Committees, the latter are charged with addressing issues of importance to the entire College. Membership of the All-College Committees include representatives from faculty, staff, and administrators. They are as follows:

Student Success

The Student Success Committee reviews and communicates student success data and key performance indicators in order to recommend changes to policies, practices, and procedures that support student success at HCC.

Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity

The DICE committee advises appropriate committees on campus about trends, issues, or opportunities for the HCC community related to diversity, inclusion, culture, and equity.

The committee both sponsors related programs by other campus groups and creates its own original programming to support its goals. Finally, DICE both maintains the Cultural Diversity Plan that is approved by the BOT every three years and writes the annual report submitted to the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC).

For more information regarding the College's commitment to diversity, inclusion, culture, and equity, visit the DICE Committee page.

Strategic Partnerships and Planning

The Strategic Planning and Partnerships (SPP) committee is focused on implementing the College’s Strategic Plan.

Committee membership is comprised of operational leaders associated with tactics that support the strategic plan.

Committee members are responsible for implementing associated tactics and conducting annual assessment using the established continual improvement assessment framework.

Ethics and Compliance

The College Ethics and Compliance Committee (CECC) serves as a partner, educator, and source of guidance for the Harford Community College community to promote ethical conduct, proper stewardship of resources and other assets, and compliance with all applicable laws and College policies.

Resources, Planning, and Budget

The Resource Planning, Budget and Operations Committee assists in assuring resources are planned for and aligned with institutional priorities outlined in the Strategic Plan.

Campus Climate

The Campus Climate Committee monitors the health of the college community to promote a welcoming environment where intellectual pursuits, social interactions, and professional experiences are valued and supported.

Health and Safety

The Health and Safety committee ensures a safe and healthy environment for all employees, students, visitors, and the general public as well as to protect the buildings, equipment, grounds and other property.

Campus Technology

The Campus Technology Committee (CTC) guides the vision, strategy, and direction for the institution's adoption, prioritization or retirement of technology solutions and services. The Committee stewards technology-related policies and procedures at the College.

To facilitate feedback and information sharing pathways, the Collegial Governance structure allows the Coordinating Group and the other constituency councils (Student Government Association, Administrator Council, Staff Council, and Faculty Council) to meet with the Board of Trustees and the President’s Cabinet on a regular basis.