Students – did you know Madison College follows a practice of Shared Governance that promotes participation, partnership and a renewed commitment to excellence among employees and student success at every level?

Shared governance is founded on the cornerstone principles of cooperation, fairness, responsibility and ownership. Together, these principles form a culturally sensitive and empowering framework that leads to workable and accountability-based decisions that contribute to the college’s success.

It is in the spirit of “we are all in this together” that every member of the Madison College community works toward a common goal: student success. In addition, we depend on students to lend their critical voices to this process. It is the goal of Shared Governance to consider different perspectives and new ways of thinking.

Would you like to be one of these voices that we depend on? Here is the structure of the system, so you can determine how best you can help.

Shared Governance Bodies

The College Assembly is charged with overseeing the entire Shared Governance system. It makes recommendations on select policy matters to the President. It is also the main body to work on strategic planning and resource sharing. Our model draws upon the expertise and experience of every part of our college community.

Eight councils make recommendations on specific issues to the College Assembly:

• Academic Council

• Diversity & Community Relations Council

• Professional Development Council

• Facilities Planning & Investment Council

• Finance Council

• Information Technology Council

• Institutional Effectiveness Council

• Student Affairs Council

Task forces or work groups may also be used to analyze and make recommendations on issues to a specific council or the assembly. It is within these eight councils that student voices are most needed.

Communication

Open communication is the key to authentic shared governance. It is important to be heard, but also to listen with respect to all points of view. Making sure every member of our community is well informed about decisions and developments helps us all prosper. 

Our goal is to provide every member of our college community a voice and to work together to achieve student success. At Madison College, we use interest-based problem solving (IBPS) to support responsible decisions that benefit our entire college. Using IBPS, we strive to make our best collective decisions. We also promote shared responsibility for college-wide policies, strategies and priorities.

Let your voice be heard: Your issues, your interests and options can be submitted online.

Come Join Us

Applications are available for students who wish to apply to a council. Students will get a stipend for their work at the end of the semester ($300 for fall, $300 for spring, and $150 for summer work). This opportunity may also give students valuable experience creating large-scale policies and/or recommendations, which are terrific resume-builders.

See the schedule for information on when each Shared Governance group meets. If you have any questions regarding Shared Governance, please email Ann Camillo.