Board of Trustees Report

Because the Academic Senate meets on the first and third Monday, we have not had a chance to conduct regular business since the last Board of Trustees meeting. The Senate did, however; meet for a Special Session to take action on the Accreditation Midterm and Special reports. Shepherding these accreditation documents, in conjunction with other College leaders, has been one of my primary concerns.
A summary glance at the events around the Accreditation Midterm and Special Reports would glean one simple conclusion; the documents have moved through the various shared governance bodies and have been approved by them all. As a matter of fact, the Academic Senate did unanimously approve them. Nevertheless, a more poignant analysis would reveal that we are indeed a College that is in need of changes in areas that significantly affect our ability to function optimally.
Producing the accreditation document has brought to light areas of amazing progress at Solano College and at the same time has driven home the point that we have much work to do.
We must:
      • have a clearer understanding of our planning processes
      • increase transparency in budgeting and prioritization
      • ensure that Faculty is involved in all processes, even       though we may not have the authority to execute them.
      • engage in lively and healthy dialogue with the Board
      • change the campus climate regarding Accreditation.
      • begin our next self-study TODAY.
      • get training on the Accreditation process and its       Standards.
      • routinely collect evidence.
      • avoid saddling any one individual with producing any       Accreditation response
      • get out of a “response” mode and work proactively.

I am sure that my colleagues across the campus could add to my list, but initially these are some thoughts. For myself, I am eager to begin a constructive process or renewing our College and working cooperatively to enhance what we do well and change what we don’t.