Governance Structure at Columbia College

The Participatory Governance Handbook describes the structure for making decisions at Columbia College. The handbook outlines the processes and mechanisms through which the college’s constituent groups (administrators, faculty, classified professional, and students) participate equitably and collegially in decision-making. We recognize our common interest in the success and well-being of the Yosemite Community College District (YCCD), Columbia College, and its students. In order to ensure success, we all share the responsibility of acting jointly so that the college speaks to the district and the community with one voice, maintains stability and continuity, and effectively fulfills its stated mission.

The forum for discussion and final recommendations for college action or initiating recommendations or reactions to District Council shall be the Columbia College Council. Any decision made by the Columbia College President that differs from the consensus should be communicated in writing with specific reasons to the members of the Columbia College Council. All constituent groups and individuals must recognize that outside bodies and agencies having jurisdiction over the YCCD and/or the college will, at times, set limits on the time available for action. At such times, every effort will be made to communicate with or through the Columbia College Council, but the ultimate responsibility for responding lies with administration and must be met. In such cases where time does not allow lengthy consideration, action taken will be communicated to the Columbia College Council.