Policy 1.4 - College Governance/Shared Governance

Date: November 17, 2025, Resolution #25-126

Supersedes:
June 16, 2025
April 18, 2022
March 20, 2017

Purpose

Ensuring all stakeholders understand the governance structure of an organization is extremely important for the continued success of SUNY Schenectady. This policy identifies not only the governing body of the College, but how the College shares in the governance process. Shared governance is a fundamental aspect that helps SUNY Schenectady achieve its mission and goals in a manner that is effective, efficient, and beneficial to the College’s stakeholders. Each institutional constituency has separate but complementary roles and responsibilities, and shared governance engages these institutional constituencies to offer informed and timely input on College policy and decision-making. SUNY Schenectady has a strong and proven commitment to shared governance in institutional practice that is structured on relevant SUNY and Faculty Council of Community Colleges statements and policies.

Policy

SUNY Schenectady is governed by a ten member Board of Trustees. Five trustees are selected by the Schenectady County Legislature, four by the Governor of New York, and one is elected by the SUNY Schenectady student body each year. The Board holds a regular meeting each month, except July, on the College’s campus.

The College President is appointed by SUNY Schenectady Board of Trustees, with the approval of the SUNY Chancellor and SUNY Board of Trustees.

The College President is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and reports directly to the Chairperson of the College’s Board of Trustees. The College President’s governing authority is stipulated in 8 NYCRR 604.3, which provides the responsibilities and duties of the President.

The College also maintains a rapport with the County through the County Executive and Committee Chairpersons/Members of the Schenectady County Legislature.

SUNY Schenectady recognizes four (4) institutional constituencies within its shared governance framework:

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees structure supports the organization of the College and can carry out its scope of its policy and governance responsibilities as outlined within New York State Education Law. This includes, but is not limited to, adopting curriculum; preparing a budget; acquiring property; protecting, preserving and improving property; entering into contracts; appointing and evaluating the President; appointing and reappointing officers and other College employees, upon recommendation of the President; and reviewing and approving College policies.

Administration

The Administrative structure of SUNY Schenectady provides an organization within which it can administer the affairs of the College within the bylaws, resolutions, and policies of the Board of Trustees. The President serves as the College's CEO with full authority to administer this scope of duties and the responsibility to provide leadership for achieving the College's long-range goals and short-term objective in support of the College's mission. The President is advised by the President’s Council, which is comprised of the College’s senior leadership who meet to review, discuss and plan strategic initiatives for the College.

Faculty

The purpose of the Academic Senate of SUNY Schenectady is to serve as a deliberative body providing the College's professionals with a voice in shared governance. The Academic Senate complies with applicable New York State laws and regulations, and is consistent with applicable Middle States Commission on Higher Education Standards. The purpose of the Academic Senate is to:

  • Participate in the formulation of policies relating to student health, scholarship, standards of admission, attendance and discharge of students, curriculum and other study programs, the granting of degrees, student activities, and student discipline.
  • Present recommendations to the President of the College regarding the instructional budget, appointments, reappointments, tenure, special salary adjustments, promotions, sabbaticals, and leaves of absences of members of the professional staff.
  • Provide a forum for discussions of academic, administrative, faculty, and student related issues.
  • Create and maintain an environment of academic freedom and intellectual integrity.
  • Foster reciprocal accountability and responsibility among all participants in institutional governance. 

Students

The Student Government Association (SGA) plays a strong role within the governance structure of the organization. The SGA represents the interests of students, furthers the social and personal growth of students, and promotes the general welfare of the members of the student body. The SGA can develop and recommend policies and guidelines in areas impacting student life. Recommendations from the SGA shall pass through its President to the Administration, through the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs who will present such recommendations to the President.

While working within this governance structure, the College recognizes that certain areas of authority must fall outside the scope of this Policy as they are set by New York State law, Board By-Laws, and/or negotiated labor contracts.