In recent years, many faculty have expressed frustration over the lack of faculty involvement in various educational decisions.  From development of the “Prepared Learner” initiative and reconfiguration of the Associate of Applied Sciences degree, to implementation of statewide curriculum, faculty have concerns over their participation in critical decisions that impact classroom instruction and student services in the technical colleges.    

As faculty, this is of great concern to you.  Faculty are responsible for the day-to-day delivery of instruction and student services in the technical colleges.  You understand the impact that educational policy changes, implementation of systemwide projects and other educational initiatives have on students, on the classroom and on the college.  I believe – as I think you do – that faculty need to play a fundamental role in these decisions.

That is why faculty representatives organized the Academic Leadership Council in 2008 - to increase faculty voice in technical college decision-making.    

The Council, which has been recognized by the WTCS State Board, provides leadership on educational issues, facilitates communication and collaboration among faculty, encourages openness in technical college decision making, and makes policy recommendations to technical college system constituents.

As a part of its efforts, the Council recently established a Web site:

Academic Leadership Council

Here you will find information on the Council's activities and a discussion board meant to increase collaboration among technical college faculty.

Check out the site and provide your feedback.  And please remember:

the Council’s effectiveness will depend on information flowing from the faculty to the Council representatives.  So please use the discussion board or the Council's email - wtcscouncil@gmail.com - to relay educational concerns.

Please also consider attending one of the Council meetings, which occur regularly throughout the year.  Meetings are open and will take place around the state, primarily at technical college campuses.  Here are the 2010 dates.