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Shared Governance

Shared Governance at DMACC

DMACC’s Quality Initiative Proposal (QIP), Increasing Shared Governance at Des Moines Area Community College, was approved by the Higher Learning Commission on October 9, 2023. The intent of the QIP was to improve and expand the practice of shared governance at the College.

The Shared Governance Handbook communicates information about the shared governance structure and processes at DMACC.

Values of Shared Governance

DMACC values the wide range of experiences and perspectives held by members of the College community. To benefit from this wealth of collective knowledge, the College has established a series of structures and processes, collectively referred to as shared governance, that allow appropriate stakeholders the opportunity to participate in institutional decision-making. DMACC’s practice of shared governance provides transparency and builds a community based on accountability, collaboration, collegiality, and interdependence of stakeholders making up the established shared governance structure.

Principles of Shared Governance

  • The College utilizes policies and procedures to assist in meeting its governance objectives for students, business, and community.
  • It is in the best interest of the College to have policies developed cooperatively, disseminated widely prior to adoption, and reviewed periodically according to procedures and timelines.
  • Those affected by a decision on a policy or procedure should be informed and should have the opportunity to provide input into the decision.
  • Consideration and utilization of data is paramount.
  • Shared governance relies upon consistent, trustworthy communication that is multidirectional and reciprocal and focused on the mutual goals of student success and institutional effectiveness.
  • Shared governance requires mutual accountability of all members of the College community for the proper execution of their roles and responsibilities in a timely manner.
  • Shared governance should not supplant the proper chain of command for employees.
  • The final responsibility for decision making, including solicitation of input through shared governance, rests with the President and the Board of Directors who are ultimately held accountable by the public and its elected leaders.

Shared Governance Structure

Institutional decision-making is the responsibility of the Executive Committee and the President of the College. They have been assigned, through their job positions, the highest levels of responsibility and authority for College operations. It is the responsibility of the President and Executive Committee to ensure that the College community is given opportunities to consider issues aligned with DMACC’s mission and strategic plan. This is accomplished through the many interactions that occur regularly as part of College operations and through a shared governance structure with procedures that allow for timely decisions on critical issues.