B-500 Participation in Local Decision-Making

The District Board is the ultimate decision-maker in those areas assigned to it by state and federal laws and regulations. In executing that responsibility, the District Board is committed to ensuring that appropriate college members participate in developing recommended policies for District Board and President/District Director action, including college procedures for President/District Director action under which the College is governed and administered.

Each of the following shall participate in the decision-making processes of the College:

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (EC)

The Executive Council reviews recommendations and may recommend that they be forwarded to the District Board for approval in cases where District Board action is required or may recommend adoption for governance issues for which District Board action is not required.

BLACKHAWK ADVISORY COUNCIL (BAC)

The Blackhawk Advisory Council’s mission is built on shared governance, promoting inclusive, transparent decision-making that aligns with the College’s goals. This approach fosters collaboration among faculty, staff, and administration, empowering the College’s committees.

The BAC has four (4) core functions:

• Strategic Leadership: Establish and maintain a shared governance framework that ensures agile, inclusive and transparent decision-making processes.

• Policies and Procedures: Enhance the effectiveness of the College’s policies and procedures through thorough review, standardization and alignment with operational and strategic goals in coordination with the Executive Council and District Board.

• Continuous Improvement: Foster a continuous process improvement culture by seeking input from faculty and staff to help diagnose potential improvement opportunities and suggest possible solutions with associated divisions/departments.

• Strategic Planning: Provide proactive support in the development and execution of the College’s strategic plan in close coordination with the Executive Council and District Board by helping to align departmental initiatives with long-term institutional goals.

Except for unforeseeable emergencies, the District Board shall not act on matters subject to this Policy until the appropriate constituent group or groups are allowed to participate as described in Procedure B-500.1 – Strategic Leadership.