Shared Governance

1.0    Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a framework for shared governance at Casper College, ensuring that faculty, staff, students, and administrators collaborate in decision-making processes that impact the institution. Shared governance fosters transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in institutional planning, policy development, financial management, and operational decision-making.

2.0    Revision History

3.0    Persons Affected

3.1. The shared governance structure consists of the following entities: 

3.1.1 Board of Trustees: holds final decision-making authority and ensures alignment with the College’s mission and strategic goals.

3.1.2. President: provides overall leadership and administrative oversight of the institution. Exercises decision-making authority except in areas reserved for the Board and ensures that institutional decisions are informed by appropriate shared governance consultation. May consult with The Board of Trustees regarding decisions made by executive authority. 

3.1.3. Executive Council: provides strategic direction, fosters collaboration and communication across divisions, and monitors institutional performance and compliance.

3.1.4. College Council: a representative committee comprised of the President, Vice Presidents, designated Executive Council members, and representatives from college alliance groups (Faculty, Staff, and Administrative Alliance, as well as Student Senate).

3.1.5. Management Council: facilitates communication, collaboration, and informed decision-making across academic and administrative divisions.

3.1.6. Administrative Alliance: on behalf of administrative employees, provides input on administrative and operational matters that affect workplace conditions, institutional effectiveness, and policy development.

3.1.7. Staff Alliance: on behalf of classified staff employees, provides input on administrative and operational matters that affect workplace conditions, institutional effectiveness, and policy development.

3.1.8. Faculty Senate: on behalf of faculty employees, participates in academic decision-making, curriculum development, and institutional planning in addition to providing input on administrative and operational matters that affect workplace conditions, institutional effectiveness, and policy development.

3.1.9. Student Senate: engages in governance through student government and provides input on policies affecting student life.

4.0    Policy

The policy of Casper College is to ensure the following:

4.1. Elicit the participation and feedback of appropriate stakeholder groups regarding decisions that affect the operations of the institution. 
4.2. Ensure that those tasked with assessment of these initiatives utilize appropriate channels of communication to keep the campus community informed. 

5.0    Definitions

5.1. Shared Governance: a collaborative decision-making process that involves faculty, staff, students, and administrators in shaping policies and practices within an institution. Shared governance promotes collective responsibility in areas such as academic policies, financial management, institutional planning, and student success initiatives.
5.2. Executive Authority: under the shared governance model, the President acts as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and holds final administrative authority delegated by the Board of Trustees, but executes that authority in consultation with key stakeholders. Decisions made through executive authority may not utilize the shared governance process.
5.3. Financial Management: the strategic planning, allocation, and oversight of financial resources to ensure the institution operates efficiently, meets its educational and developmental goals, and remains financially sustainable. This includes budgeting, revenue management (such as tuition, grants, and state funding), expense control, financial reporting, compliance with regulations, and long-term financial planning. Effective financial management supports student success by ensuring resources are allocated to academic programs, faculty, facilities, and student services while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

6.0    Responsibilities

6.1. An understanding that certain areas of authority within college governance and policy are established by state or federal law, Board bylaws, or other external governing or accrediting agencies, and therefore may be outside the scope of this policy.
6.2. This policy will be reviewed every 5 years to ensure effectiveness and alignment with institutional needs. 
6.3. Shared governance at Casper College reflects the institution’s commitment to collaboration, transparency, respect, and accountability in decision-making, ensuring a thriving and inclusive academic and professional community.