2015 Decision Making Document: Evaluation & Recommendations
Evaluation Process
Initial 2010 Baseline Survey
To assure the effectiveness of college-level decision-making processes as described in this document, a formative evaluation began in spring 2010. The initial “baseline” survey assessed perceptions about the adequacy of representation of employee and student groups in college-level decision making, and the effectiveness of decision-making processes at Bakersfield College. It also included items about constituents’ location, role, and opinion of draft documents.
Results from the baseline survey provided feedback about this document as well as baseline information for future comparisons. Results provided a basis for improvements in the decision-making processes and corresponding changes in the document.
On-going Evaluation
The continual evaluation process, including an annual on-line survey, will be the responsibility of College Council. All employees and student government representatives will receive an email invitation from the College president to participate in the survey. Communication of results will be through College Council.
Initial 2010 Task Force Summary and Recommendations (2010)
As a result of a year-long series of meetings that consisted of many in-depth discussions of the issues related to decision making at Bakersfield College, the Task Force believes the next steps should include a series of recommendations. These recommendations emerged from the result of ideas for improvement that surfaced during working sessions, responses to the baseline survey about decision-making at the College conducted in May 2010, and extensive review of existing processes and governance structures.
One overriding theme emerged, namely that communication is crucial to effective decision making. The necessity for all College constituents to seek, use and share information constructively continues as a priority for all of us. Consistent, timely, and two-way communication needs to be embedded in campus conversations and become integrated into the expected practice of all members of the college community.
In order to encourage full participation in decision making, the (2010) Task Force makes the following recommendations:
Recommendation 1
Adopt the following process developed by the Task Force when making a decision or approaching problems and issues:
- Identify:
- What is the issue/problem?
- Who could be affected and should they be consulted?
- Solve:
- What are some possible solutions?
- How do the solutions support the mission and goals of the college?
- Communicate:
- How will the decision be communicated?
- With whom shall the decision be communicated?
Recommendation 2
All governance committees should develop a process for forwarding written input, suggestions and proposals to College Council to assist the president in the decision-making process. The Bakersfield College Academic Senate “Guide for Effective Senate Proposals for Change” (located in Public Folders under Academic Senate---select the link to download the Senate's change proposal Word document; you'll need to login to Outlook Web first) is one tool that could be used to generate a written proposal.
Recommendation 3
All governance committees should provide an update or annual report to College Council that may include recommendations generated throughout the year, explanations of the committee’s progress toward implementation, or a list of the work that should continue into the next academic year. Written annual reports will be placed on the College Council website, making them available for consultation purposes.
Recommendation 4
Based on review, analysis, and comparison of results of the surveys conducted in spring 2010 and subsequent years, College Council should re-evaluate all of the following:
- the decision-making process
- the utility of this document
- related training and communication
Recommendation 5
College Council or the president should share examples of successes related to the decision-making process with the campus community in an appropriate venue.
Recommendation 6
Review and update governance committee charges, scope and authority in accordance with the college goals and values.
