Shared Governance

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Council and Committee Structure

The college community participates in LWTech's governance through its formal council and committee structure which allows for open discussion, opportunity for input, and the development of recommendations to present to the Executive Cabinet and to the President.

All councils have at least one executive cabinet member to serve as a resource to the council and facilitate communication directly back to executive cabinet. With minor exceptions, committees are open to all members of the college community. Agendas and minutes are shared in public folders for easy access to information by all employees. Many councils and committees also maintain a web presence.

Councils

College Council

Description

College Council advises Administration on proposed actions of college policy and receives reports from all other committees on campus. College Council also provides space to consider college initiatives with an emphasis on collaboration and communication.

Contact

Elsa Gossett

 

Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Council

Description

The EDI Council serves to advocate for and support LWTech values and its strategic vision regarding equity, diversity and inclusion for all dimensions of the College community including students, faculty, staff, and administration.

Contact

Robert Britten

More Information

Equity Diversity & Inclusion Council Page

 

Instructional Council

Description

Instructional Council serves as a communications link between the faculty and the Office of Instruction; to assist with coordination of instructional activities such as advising, scheduling, budgeting, program planning, program evaluation, and to review and recommend policies and Instruction procedures.

Contact

Mike Potter and Dr. Sharon Raz

More Information

Instructional Council Page

 

Facilities Planning Council

Description

The Facilities Planning Council is composed of a cross section of campus community and is charged with managing the effective use of college facilities. Council reviews requests from the college community on improvements needed and is a recommending body to College Council and Executive Cabinet.

Contact

Marah Selves

More Information

Facilities Planning Council Page

 

Finance & Budget Advisory Council

Description

The Finance & Budget Advisory Council serves in an advisory capacity regarding the annual fiscal operations and college budget.

Contact

Darcy Kipnis

More Information

Institutional Planning and Effectiveness Council (IPEC) Page

 

Institutional Planning and Effectiveness Council (IPEC)

Description

IPEC is responsible for monitoring our progress towards the goals and strategies outlined in the college's strategic plan. This committee also reports performance outcomes, reviews surveys, and makes recommendations to college leadership. This committee also serves in an advisory role for other committees around data collection and reporting.

Contact

Cathy Copeland

More Information

Institutional Planning and Effectiveness Council (IPEC) Page

 

Committees

Description

The goal of the Applied Research Committee is to expand the use of applied research and industry experiences so that all LWTech faculty and students have an opportunity to participate. Applied research is a high-impact teaching practice that improves achievement for all students, with especially strong outcomes for students in historically underrepresented groups. LWTech's Applied Research Committee emphasizes interdisciplinary projects, with the goal of building access for students and developing working relationships among members of the college community. Specific outcomes of the committee's work include: 

  • Expanding research opportunities for students
  • Designing curriculum in support of research activities
  • Designing a sustainable program by identifying funding sources and other means to support faculty-led student research
  • Developing partnerships with government and industry
  • Publicizing research efforts in order to further develop internal and external partnerships

Contact

Michael Rodriguez

More Information

Annual Applied Research Symposium webpage

Description

The Instructional Arts Committee facilitates art choices and initiatives around campus. These include organizing an All-Staff Creativity Showcase throughout the Winter quarter and an All-Student Art Show in the Spring. Responsibilities include involvement with at least one of these shows, as well as attendance for meetings that occur on teams. 

Contact

Amber Chiozza

More Information

Art Committee webpage

Description

The Bias Response Team (BRT) works collaboratively with existing groups on campus to offer proactive education related to hate/bias incidents and advise college administration regarding a comprehensive response to hate/bias incidents that impact the college community.

Contact

Ruby Hayden

More Information

Bias Response Team webpage

Description

The Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) team uses collaboration, information collection, risk assessment, and intervention to create a safe campus community. Based upon reports of student behavior, the CARE team plans preventive strategies and interventions to assist students, faculty, and staff in supporting students who may be at risk.

Contact

Ruby Hayden

More Information

Campus Assessment, Response & Evaluation (CARE) Team webpage

Description

The purpose of the Curriculum Review Committee is to review curriculum for submission to the Instructional Council and to serve as a resource to faculty and staff in curriculum development and procedures.

Contact

Kim Castillo

Description

The Data Governance Committee works to ensure LWTech remains in compliance with federal, state, and local requirements related to data governance. Furthermore, this committee focuses on standardizing data collection/interpretation/reporting across campus to optimize data integrity and quality.

Contact

Chris McLain

Description

The Digital Accessibility Committee works to align college activities and practices with federal and state digital and content accessibility laws, regulations, and recommended practices ensuring equal access to all members of our college community. 

Contact

Katherine Kelley
Stirling Holland-Stone

More Information

Digital Accessibility webpages

Description

The purpose of Living Well@LWTech is to assist employees by promoting a healthy lifestyle. The committee is designed to educate, motivate, and support the LWTech staff in taking charge of their personal health and wellness.

Contact

Corrine Ash

Description

The Environmental Sustainability Committee facilitates opportunities for LWTech to establish environmentally sustainable practices. The Committee’s work encompasses awareness and engagement, curricular integration, operational sustainability, and community partnerships. The Committee works in collaboration with Indigenous communities whenever available through partnership with the Office of the President or Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. The Committee also serves as LWTech’s Bee Campus standing committee, a requirement for that ongoing designation.

Contact

Kimberly McClure
Sue Wozniak

Description

The Faculty Professional Development Committee works to ensure that all LWTech Faculty are provided with relevant professional development through planned learning opportunities that support the mission of the college.

Contact

Rhonda DeWitt

More Information

Professional development resources for faculty

Description

The Faculty Professional Development Fund Committee provides funding for research, conferences, classes, degrees, and other professional development opportunities that align with the College’s Strategic Plan mission and goals.

Contact

Kelly Cover-Tam

More Information

Professional development resources for faculty

Description

The HR Advisory Committee's mission is to attract and retain diverse employees that view LWTech as an ‘Employer of Choice.The Advisory Committee reviews and makes recommendations for Human Resource plans and procedures, which go to the Executive Director of Human Resources. Issues for discussion may be submitted to the HRAC from any staff member of the LWTech community by contacting the HR office.

Contact

Meena Park 

Description

The Information Technology (IT) Advisory Group considers issues related to the use of information technology at LWTech and recommends actions to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and policy changes to College Council.

Contact

Jeff Steffens 

Description

This is an engaged and active committee whose goals are to get students to freely (no cost for average use) Innovate their learning in the lab to go hands on with technology (3D printers, laser cutters/etchers, CNC’s, full wood shop, etc…) to expand their horizons and possibilities as well as drum up interest on careers in tech as they are exposed to these new experiences. All with an eye towards managing lab space use, upkeep, upgrades, and of course safety.

Contact

Dirk Haworth

More Information

International Programs webpage

Description

The LWTech Labor Management committee is made up of members from LWTech Leadership and the classified union. Leadership and union members meet on a quarterly basis to discuss and resolve issues as they pertain to the classified bargained agreement.

Contact

Heidi Davis

More Information

Contracts & Bargaining Agreements webpage

Description

The Labor Management Committee for Faculty meets as needed. Members are selected by union leadership or administration.

Contact

Meena Park

More Information

Contracts & Bargaining Agreements webpage

Description

The Labor Management Committee for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) meets three times per year to discuss effective employee and management understanding as it pertains to the bargained agreement. Up to four representatives from both College Administration and the union can participate.

Contact

TBA

More Information

Contracts & Bargaining Agreements webpage

Description

The purpose of The Lion's Pride is to showcase the creativity of LWTech's diverse student body and academic programs.

Contact

Wes Mantooth

More Information

Lion's Pride webpage

Description

The Open House Committee coordinates the annual Open House event.

Contact

Casey Melnrick

More Information

Open House webpage

Description

The Policy Review Committee provides the college with a written record of policies. The committee also reviews new or revised policies and makes recommendations on policy updates and changes.

Contact

Elsa Gossett

More Information

Policies & Procedures webpage

Description

The Safety & Security Committee is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all Lake Washington Institute of Technology employees, students, and visitors. The team reviews safety and health inspection reports to identify and correct safety hazards, evaluates accident investigations to determine causes and potential unsafe situations, and makes recommendations for corrective actions.

Contact

Anthony Bowers

More Information

Campus Public Safety webpage

Description

The Student Wellbeing Advisory Committee is responsible for developing, implementing, or reviewing various activities for students focused on different federal and state requirements. For example, the committee develops recommendations when implementing activities for alcohol and other drug, suicide, sexual misconduct, hazing, or fentanyl use prevention. Faculty and staff experience with students is crucial for informing the work of this committee.

Contact

Sheila Walton