Message to the College Community from the Governance Committee

More than a year ago, CCRI president Ray Di Pasquale charged the Governance Committee with creating a plan to ensure that the college’s institutional structure, decision-making processes and policies were clear and consistent with the college mission, while ensuring and supporting institutional effectiveness. Over many months, the committee met numerous times to exchange ideas and to review literature on college governance and to research and study the governance practices at more than 30 community colleges, colleges and universities.

Now, for the first time in the 43-year history of the Community College of Rhode Island, a draft governance plan is being presented for review by the entire college community.

While it would have been easy to appropriate the model of another institution, the committee felt strongly about creating a plan that embodied the unique features of CCRI, and incorporating the previous work of faculty and staff. Deliberations were conducted in an atmosphere in which particular interests could be articulated openly and understood in relationship to other interests or groups throughout the college. As this will be a historic document, the committee also felt strongly about creating a plan that valued the history of the college.

While the document appears complex, it is really quite simple. It is divided into four distinct sections:

Founding Principles of the CCRI Governance System
Design of the CCRI Governance System
Roles and Responsibilities within the Governance System
The Operation of Councils and Committees

As the draft notes, the governance plan maximizes participation, recognizes and values expertise, and places authority at the appropriate level. All constituents, including faculty, professional and classified staff, students, and the office of the president, can make contributions

To provide for an informed discussion, the committee is asking that you review and respond to the draft governance plan (PDF*) and FAQs. Your thoughts and comments should be submitted no later than September 28. In addition, forums will be held at each individual campus on the following dates and times:

September 11 at 12:30 p.m. in Room 1134, (across from cafeteria), Warwick campus

September 21 at 1 p.m. in the theatre, Newport County campus

September 25 at 12:30 p.m. in the theatre, Providence campus

October 1 at 1 p.m. in the rear faculty dining room, Lincoln campus

The committee also welcomes the opportunity to appear before college departments and other groups to answer questions.

Whenever possible, suggestions will be incorporated in the formal Governance Plan to be completed no later than early October.

Thank you.

*PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view - Download here