How does the Cuesta College Board of Trustees and the Academic Senate interact?
Our local board has agreed to “rely primarily” on the Academic Senate for matters related to curriculum, degree requirements, grading policies, standards regarding student preparation and success, college governance structures as related to faculty roles, faculty roles and involvement in accreditation process, and policies for faculty professional development. “Rely primarily” means that the Board will accept faculty recommendations unless there are legal or serious budgetary reasons for not accepting the recommendations. Those reasons must be given to the Senate in writing. On the remaining items, the Board has a “mutually agree” provision with the Senate. “Mutually agree” is almost as restrictive as “rely primarily” with the exception that the Board expects to mutually agree with the Senate on the issue. Both sides must negotiate in good faith. If no compromise is reached we continue with past practice while making an effort to reach agreement.
