A.5.01 - Governance Structure

The Board, through its adoption of policy, provides direction for the System to accomplish its mission. The ultimate authority in the structure is the Board, and final decisions on matters of governance will always rest with the Board.

The Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer of the System, interpreter of policy adopted by the Board, and the only employee reporting directly to the Board. Operating under a line and staff form of organization, appropriate reporting lines are defined by the Chancellor.

The System shall create and maintain a council and committee structure to create opportunities for employees, students and others to have input into the decision making process of the System.

The executive officers have direct access to the Chancellor and have line authority in their respective areas of responsibility.

A5.02 - Participatory Governance

Participatory Governance is the process whereby faculty and staff have the opportunity and the responsibility to provide input, ask questions, and pose possible outcomes during the information-gathering phase of decision-making. In this context, "participatory" refers to the responsibility for adequate consideration of an issue from all points of view. "Governance" refers to the process whereby policy issues are considered, formulated, presented and finally supported. Central to the decision-making process is the development of an environment characterized by openness and mutual trust and respect.

LSCS Policy Manual Section adopted by the Board of Trustees on August 7, 2008