The North Orange County Community College District follows a collegial and transparent governance process, where the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, administration, and students work together in the decision-making process. Campus-based and District-wide governance groups meet regularly to assess current practices and develop recommendations.
Types of Groups that Develop Recommendations
The NOCCCD groups that provide recommendations in the decision-making process are organized into three categories based on the group's responsibilities and its source of authority. The groups in all three categories are essential to the NOCCCD community in that they create opportunities for constituencies to be informed about issues of District-wide importance, making decisions, and serving as conduits of information to and from the constituents.
- Governance Groups
Examples of District-level governance groups are District Consultation Council and Council on Budget and Facilities. Examples of campus governance groups are Academic/Faculty Senates and Associated Student Government. Members of District-level governance groups represent specific constituencies and as such, serve as a liaison to bring information from the constituent group into the District-level dialogue and from the District-level governance group back to their constituents. Recommendations developed by District and campus governance groups flow through a sequence of well-defined steps before the recommendations are forwarded to the Chancellor.
- Organizational Groups
Organizational groups assist the Chancellor in implementing the Board's plans and policies by coordinating operational, procedural and policy implementation. The authority for the members of organizational groups is derived from the Board of Trustees or the Chancellor through the assignment of responsibilities on job descriptions and appointment to positions within NOCCCD. Examples of District-level organizational groups are Chancellor's Staff and the Banner Steering Committee. Membership in NOCCCD organizational groups is determined by the position held within the District.
- Ad Hoc Workgroups
Ad hoc workgroups are formed to create a venue for conversations on topics deemed by NOCCCD to require timely and concentrated District-wide energy. Instead of being required by law or regulation, these groups are charged by the Chancellor or one of the Coordinating Councils to perform specific functions that benefit the entire District. Ad hoc workgroups function for a specific purpose for a limited period of time. Membership in an ad hoc workgroup is either voluntary or by appointment.