About Us

The purpose of the District Academic Senate shall be to assure that the faculty at the San Mateo County Community College District have formal and effective procedure for participating in the formation of District policies on academic and professional matters, in accord with the provisions of the California Administrative Code providing for the establishment of district senates, especially sections 53200 through 53206.

What we do
 
A primary function of the District Academic Senate is to represent the college faculties in making recommendations to the administration of the District and to the governing board of the District with respect to the formation of District policy in academic and professional matters.

Academic and professional matters of the District Academic Senate, as set forth in Title V and District Rules and Regulations section 2.06, shall include but not be limited to the following policy development matters:

1. Curriculum, including establishing prerequisites.
2. Degree and certificate requirements.
3. Grading policies.
4. Educational program development.
5. Standards or policies regarding student preparation or success.
6. College governance structures, as related to faculty roles.
7. Faculty roles and involvement in accreditation processes.
8. Policies for faculty professional development activities.
9. Processes for program review.
10. Processes for institutional planning and budget development.
11. Other academic and professional matters as mutually agreed upon.

The District Governing Councils consist of no more than two representatives from each of the colleges in the District, chosen by each college's Senate or Governing Council. The President is elected by members from all three Senates.
 

The District Curriculum Committee is a sub-committee of the District Academic Senate, and is comprised of the Curriculum/Instruction Committee Chairs at each of the three colleges. In addition, they invite a Vice-President of Instruction from one of the three colleges as a consultant to the committee. They are charged with communication and coordination between the three colleges on curricular matters.