A. Governing Board

1. The governing board is an independent policy-making board capable of reflecting the public interest in board activities and decisions. It has a mechanism for providing for continuity of board membership and staggered terms of office.
2. The governing board ensures that the educational program is of high quality, is responsible for overseeing the financial health and integrity of the institution, and confirms that institutional practices are consistent with the board-approved institutional mission statement and policies.
3. The governing board establishes broad institutional policies and appropriately delegates responsibility to implement these policies. The governing board regularly evaluates its policies and practices and revises them as necessary.
4. In keeping with its mission, the governing board selects and evaluates the chief executive officer and confirms the appointment of other major academic and administrative officers.
5. The size, duties, responsibilities, ethical conduct requirements, structure and operating procedures, and processes for assessing the performance of the governing board are clearly defined and published in board policies or by-laws. The board acts in a manner consistent with them.
6. The governing board has a program for new member orientation and governing board development.
7. The board is informed about and involved in the accreditation process.

B. Institutional Administration and Governance

1. The institutional chief executive officer provides effective leadership to define goals, develop plans, and establish priorities for the institution.
2. The institutional chief executive officer efficiently manages resources, implements priorities controlling budget and expenditures, and ensures the implementation of statutes, regulations, and board policies.
3. The institution is administratively organized and staffed to reflect the institution's purposes, size, and complexity. The administration provides effective and efficient leadership and management which makes possible an effective teaching and learning environment.
4. Administrative officers are qualified by training and experience to perform their responsibilities and are evaluated systematically and regularly. The duties and responsibilities of institutional administrators are clearly defined and published.
5. Administration has a substantive and clearly-defined role in institutional governance.
6. Faculty have a substantive and clearly-defined role in institutional governance, exercise a substantial voice in matters of educational program and faculty personnel, and other institutional polices which relate to their areas of responsibility and expertise.
7. Faculty have established an academic senate or other appropriate organization for providing input regarding institutional governance. In the case of private colleges, the institution has a formal process for providing input regarding institutional governance.
8. The institution has written policy which identifies appropriate institutional support for faculty participation in governance and delineates the participation of faculty on appropriate policy, planning, and special purpose bodies.
9. The institution clearly states and publicizes the role of staff in institutional governance.
10. The institution clearly states and publicizes the role of students in institutional governance.

C. Multi-College Districts and/or Systems

1. The district/system chief executive officer provides effective leadership to define goals, develop plans, and establish priorities for the institution.
2. The district/system chief executive officer efficiently manages resources, implements priorities controlling budget and expenditures, and ensures the implementation of statutes, regulations, and board policies.
3. The district/system has a statement which clearly delineates the operational responsibilities and functions of the district/system and those of the college.
4. The district/system provides effective services that support the mission and functions of the college.
5. The district/system and the college(s) have established and utilize effective methods of communication and exchange information in a timely and efficient manner.
6. The district/system has effective processes in place for the establishment and review of policy, planning, and financial management.