One of the colleges I want to examine relative to models for shared governance is Valencia Community College in Florida. The reason that the President of the college offers for establishing a shared governance structure is as follows:
"A learning college needs decision making structures that honor the fact that the faculty and staff who mediate student learning know things about the students and about the organization that the rest of us cannot know. Therefore, they must have a powerful voice in the collaborative decision making that characterizes a learning organization (Valencia,2001 para. 5)."
This is a powerful statement about the mission of the college as a learning institution and how the governance structures can support this mission. It will be interesting to examine if this structure does indeed support the goals for improved student learning.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
East Austin Summit
I had forgotten what a small community Austin is! It was fun to connect with old friends at the East Austin Summit. I even was able to network with a foundation funder who is interested in a couple of non-profits that I support.
I wish that ACC was more represented at the event. Dr. Tyra Duncan-Hall, retired Provost for th college, was the master of ceremonies. One board member, Jeffery Richards, was a presenter, but he was representing his agency, the Urban League. Loretta Edelen, the college's community outreach director was there as well. One art faculty member was there representing his outside business. I would like to see more students and more faculty involved in business or other relevant arenas of the college at the event.
The biggest aha was about the role of assets in creating stability and building wealth. The need for both education and strategies to assist individuals in improving their conditions seems paramount. The one of the greatest challenge to change this situation are the welfare policies that prohibit assets, but do not offer enough of a foundation for getting out of poverty. A new paradigm is needed.
I wish that ACC was more represented at the event. Dr. Tyra Duncan-Hall, retired Provost for th college, was the master of ceremonies. One board member, Jeffery Richards, was a presenter, but he was representing his agency, the Urban League. Loretta Edelen, the college's community outreach director was there as well. One art faculty member was there representing his outside business. I would like to see more students and more faculty involved in business or other relevant arenas of the college at the event.
The biggest aha was about the role of assets in creating stability and building wealth. The need for both education and strategies to assist individuals in improving their conditions seems paramount. The one of the greatest challenge to change this situation are the welfare policies that prohibit assets, but do not offer enough of a foundation for getting out of poverty. A new paradigm is needed.
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