How can I participate in governance at YCCC?

One of the cornerstones of governance at YCCC is Empowerment. Our model of governance, through College Council, is based on the ability of all College community members to make and influence decisions and to have their concerns and opinions heard and respected. There are many opportunities for you to participate in governance at YCCC including:

• Being a member of College Council
• Being a member of a committee
• Attending College Council meetings
• Attending College Council Open Forums
• Bringing an issue, idea, or concern to College Council by making an Agenda Item Request
• Speaking during the Public Comment period at the end of each College Council meeting
• Sending feedback or input through the College Council website
• Communicating directly with a College Council member
  

How do I submit an agenda item request to College Council?

Download an Agenda Item Request form, fill it out, and email it to the College Council Chair.

How do I decide if something needs to be brought to College Council?

Items brought before College Council for action or discussion should have campus-wide impact that would benefit from broad-based discussion and input.

What does a “Proposed Motion” mean?

Generally, when you bring an action item to College Council, you know what kind of response you are looking for. For example, you may want College Council to approve the Bylaws of your new committee. It helps to streamline the process if you draft a motion to that effect and include it with your Agenda Item Request. Example:

“Motion to approve the bylaws of the Fun & Games Committee as presented.”

What kinds of supporting documents should I include?

You should include any and all documents that will help College Council members to understand your Agenda Item and to make informed decisions about it. Examples might include draft bylaws, draft policies, survey results, strategic planning progress reports, etc.

What kind of work should I do before submitting an agenda item request form?

Depending on the item, you should seek the input or endorsement of various groups on campus, such as the appropriate Steering Committee, a Standing Committee, a specific constituency (students, faculty, staff, community), or a workgroup. Shop your idea around and gather necessary information. Un-researched, unsupported, and undeveloped ideas will probably be sent back to the submitter for further work. You might also choose to consult with College Council members for guidance as you’re developing your ideas.

Does my Agenda Item have to have a tie-in with the Strategic Plan?

The work of the College Council is guided by the Strategic Plan. Not all agenda items will tie in with the Strategic Plan, but College Council is more likely to provide support for items that contribute to progress on the Strategic Plan.

What if my Agenda Item Request is denied?

When you send in an Agenda Item Request, you will receive a response from the College Council Chair. In the rare event that your request is denied, the Chair will explain why and will give you feedback on how to proceed with your idea. Please note that all agenda item requests must be received by noon on the Thursday preceding the College Council meeting.