Reaffirmation
Reaffirmation and Recommitment to Core Values and Operating Principles
Board of Trustees
San Mateo County Community College District
February, 2004
This year, public higher education in California is facing one of the most difficult and challenging budget environments experienced in the State since the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978. This follows two consecutive years of decline in the total revenue available for community colleges. Although the amount of the budget impact this year is not yet known, experienced budget watchers believe that community colleges will see another decline in revenue as a result of the Governor's budget, policy and fee proposals. It is likely that the budget picture will not become clear until late Spring or early Summer, because it is dependent upon decisions yet to be made by the people of the State, the Legislature and the Governor.
The Board of Trustees recognizes that dealing with the impact of one more year of budget reductions and the related uncertainties will be extremely difficult for the Board itself, as well as for the faculty, staff and students of the San Mateo County Community College District. The decisions we face will not be easily made and likely will not satisfy everyone. Given these realities, the Board reaffirms and recommits itself to the following core values and principles for operation of the District:
- Student Centered Mission: The Board places top priority on our mission of recognizing each individual's right to education, and to provide the occasions and settings which enable students to develop their minds and their skills, engage their spirits, broaden their understanding of social responsibilities, increase their cultural awareness, and realize their individual potential. The Board is committed to maintaining this District's leadership in providing quality education and promoting life-long learning in partnership with its community and surrounding educational institutions.
- Shared Governance: The Board is deeply committed to the shared governance process as it has been established in this District, and believes that this process can produce decisions that are comprehensive, fair and in the best interests of students, the community and employees. The Board encourages and expects the participation of all constituents in shared governance and recognizes shared governance as the means for having the voices and opinions of various constituencies heard. The Board believes that shared governance must be conducted in an environment of truth, openness, forthrightness and mutual respect and that all parties participating in the process share responsibility for assuring that such an atmosphere is created and maintained. The Board is committed to the exchange of ideas and opinions, including unpopular ones, which are presented in a spirit of free and open dialogue and constructive debate; the Board will not tolerate retaliation against anyone for voicing an opinion. Participants in the shared governance process must accept responsibility for keeping themselves informed about the issues under discussion and must attempt to balance-to the greatest extent possible-their special interests with best interests of the District as a whole.
- Final Decision Making Authority: When, in a shared decision-making environment, conflicts arise that cannot be resolved among the parties, the Board, to the full extent authorized as the elected representatives of the people of San Mateo County, will make the final decision based upon what it believes is in the best interests of the District as a whole. In reaching its decisions, the Board acts independently, but considers the informed viewpoints of all participants; it relies on the research, advice, experience and management expertise within the District. Accordingly, the Board re-affirms its very strong support for the Chancellor and College Presidents.
- Employment Philosophies: The Board subscribes to the principles of human resource management which promote: equal access; equal opportunity; equal treatment and fairness; staff development and training opportunities; fair compensation and accountability. The Board promotes policies and practices that ensure that Employees are representative of the communities the College District serves.
- Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity: The Board reaffirms the long-standing District policy that it always seeks to employ the very best qualified applicant for each job and does not make decisions about employment, retention, compensation, promotion, termination or other employment status which would discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, medical conditions or other similar factors. The District is proud of the fact that it seeks applicants who represent the diversity of the surrounding communities.
- Harassment Not Tolerated: The District is committed to providing an educational and work environment free from unwelcome harassment based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental disability. Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other improper or unwanted verbal, visual, or physical conduct or communications between or among employees, students and non-employees will not be tolerated. To that end, the District will strictly and fully enforce its sexual harassment policy and will not tolerate behaviors that constitute any form of harassment on the part of both employees and non-employees associated with the District.
- Support for Innovation: The Board believes that its strong support for innovation and creative solutions to problem solving is essential for the overall advancement and leadership of the District. The Board acknowledges all Employees who have made major contributions individually and collectively to the many recent successes of the District. Examples of recent innovative programs include developing the Centers for Teaching and Leaning to support the use of technology; obtaining Title III, Title V and TRIO Upward Bound and Student Support Services federal grants to support curricular innovation and support for students; developing partnerships with local schools, businesses and County agencies including the Center for Workforce Development Airport Project, the Regional Public Safety Center, and the University Center at Cañada College--the first of its kind in the State. In addition, recent accomplishments include passing a $207 million bond measure; implementing a comprehensive Districtwide facilities master plan; developing a solution for the housing difficulties employees face; and making significant progress in improving employee salaries. All employees are encouraged to continue developing innovative and creative solutions to the problems that we face today and in the future
The Board believes that adherence to these core values and operating principles has helped define this District as one of the most innovative and progressive in the State, and these values and principles will continue to support the District and advance the interests of students, faculty, staff and the community.
