Guiding Principles and Scope

The following guiding principles and scope were affirmed by the joint meeting of Senate and Chairs held on 11/21/24.

1. Guiding Principles
   
   1. Transparency, Inclusivity, and Communication- Involve stakeholders with feedback at all stages of the process while ensuring transparency
   2. Student-Centered Approach- Keep students' experiences in mind, making the organizational structure intuitive and helpful.
   3. Long-term Vision and Flexibility- Focus on creating an organization that will serve the college well for the future and can adapt to future changes.
   4. Quality and Evidence-Based Decisions- Use reliable data and evidence to guide decisions, when possible.
   5. Departmental Considerations- Alignment with pathways/degree plans that department size parity, and across- FSA collaboration opportunities.
      
      1. Autonomy and Democratic Process- Ensure FSAs have autonomy in guiding their curriculum and services.
   6. Things will not be done TO any area, but WITH them.
   7. Budget and Efficiency - Be fiscally responsible
   8. Strategic plan indicates we’ll develop a new academic plan within the next 18-24 months; This process should be considered and aligned with other plans.
   9. No change IS a possible outcome. The committee could decide we’re at our best organization, and no change is necessary. This is exploratory/discovery right now.
2. Scope*
   
   1. All departments / FSA’s - 92% YES
   2. Supporting staff (administrative assistants, lab technicians, etc.) 84% YES
      *The joint committee voted on each of the listed items. The items with 80% agreement were included in this current scope of this process. Items with 30-80% agreement were included below as items for future consideration.
   3. Embedded Advising 68% YES
   4. Facilities/ Buildings/ Office Space 48% YES
   5. Classroom/Lab Space 42% YES
   6. Honors Department 33% YES