Terms of Reference
"Learning above All"
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Our Mission
Mohawk College is committed to empowering each learner to achieve the highest level of academic success through the collective efforts of the entire College community in a nurturing and innovative environment. |
As legislated through provincial Ministry guidelines, Mohawk College Council is an assembly of students, faculty, support staff and administrators who advise the President on College issues and direction. The underlying goals of College Council are to foster communication and consultation between the President and all areas of the College with regard to collaborative decision-making.
Mandate
To recommend policies and procedures to the President and to provide representative stakeholder consultation on issues pertaining to:
- - educational opportunities and services,
- - the learning and working environment,
- - the quality of college life.
In examining issues, policy recommendations, procedures or practices to determine their congruency with College priorities, the foundation of Mohawk College Council's mandate firmly lies in the membership continually asking the following:
- How does this action specifically contribute to Mohawk College's vision, mission and strategic direction regarding:
- - high quality education and service?
- - superior learning and working environment?
- - financial viability and accountability?
Primary Roles
In support of Mohawk College's vision and mission, Mohawk College Council:
- - promotes a collaborative College culture;
- - contributes positively to planning
and decision-making processes;
- - provides a forum for stakeholder discussion
and debate of policy, strategic directions
and planning issues;
- - establishes standing committees, task forces
or other ad hoc committees as required
to investigate issues and report back to Council.
In examining issues, policy recommendations, procedures or practices to determine their congruency with College priorities, the foundation of Mohawk College Council's mandate firmly lies in the membership continually asking the following:
Relationship with the President and Other College Committees
Mohawk College Council is advisory to the President and keeps public records and minutes of its proceedings. The President welcomes and addresses the membership on College matters and direction at the first Council meeting of the year. An invitation may be extended to the President to attend designated meetings and provide insight to issues that Council may be addressing. Council provides the forum through which students, faculty, administrators and support staff may offer input directly to the President at such meetings. While it is recognized that the Board of Governors alone can approve policy, Council frequently makes recommendations to the President that ultimately become policy.
Accordingly, Mohawk College Council is poised to perform a major advisement role to the President. As a result of its broad and varied constituency and deep commitment from its membership, Council makes a positive contribution to College life and success.
As one of many voices, Mohawk College Council is the forum seeking to ensure ongoing open communication and co-operation regarding issues with all other College committees and decision-making bodies. Although such committees do not report to Council, they are encouraged and welcomed to bring issues forward to and work with College Council as needed.
Membership
Mohawk College Council's elected representation crosses all campuses, divisions, classifications and reporting levels as outlined in its operational guidelines.
The Academic and Student Representatives comprise the majority of the voting membership on Council.
The elected employee members of Mohawk College Council usually serve a three-year term while the student representatives serve a period that coincides with their student government term of office.
Elected members can serve a maximum of two consecutive full terms.
Meetings
Mohawk College Council meets a minimum of eight times a year from September until June, with additional meetings at the call of the Chair. Meetings are open to all employees, students and members of the Board of Governors to attend as observers.
Structure
The Mohawk College Council Chair and Vice Chair are elected by members of Council for a one-year term. An individual may stand for election to the position of Chair or Vice Chair after having served as a member of Mohawk College Council for one year.
Secretarial support to Council is reviewed and determined on an annual basis.
A Council activity plan and budget is developed with the membership at the beginning of the Council year for recommendation to the President.
Committees
Mohawk College Council accomplishes its broad mandate through three standing committees. The membership of these committees reflects Council representation.
- i. Council Planning and Promotion Committee
- This committee is established to facilitate the forum for stakeholder discussion and recommendations. It assists the Council Chair in receiving items and in the preparation of meetings and/or special events. The membership is comprised of representatives from College Council and includes the Council Chair and Vice Chair. The Council Chair convenes this committee, and the Council Secretary provides support.
- ii. Standing Committee for Academic Excellence
- This committee is established to facilitate the development of recommendations that improve teaching and learning through an ongoing policy review process. Committee membership is drawn from the members of Council who may be assisted by resource persons from the College community on an "as needed" basis. The chair is selected by the standing committee membership.
- iii. Standing Committee for College Environment
- This committee is established to facilitate the development of recommendations that improve learning/working situations for students and employees through an ongoing policy review process. Committee membership is drawn from the members of Council who may be assisted by resource persons from the College community on an "as needed" basis. The chair is selected by the standing committee membership.
Council may also appoint ad hoc committees or task forces as deemed necessary by the membership. Such committees may include Council members and individuals drawn from the College community whom Council believes will make a special contribution. Committee appointments shall be approved by the general membership.
Responsibilities of Members
Voting Members:
Voting members must attend all meetings or send an alternate from the represented constituent group when unable to attend. The alternate will have the right to vote. To honour the value of constituency representation, elected members are expected to consult their constituencies, study policies and issues scheduled for discussion, bring forth concerns and ensure feedback.
Ex-officio Non-voting Members:
Ex-officio members act as a resource to Council and provide a link with other College committees and decision-making bodies. If an ex-officio member is unable to attend a meeting, he/she will send a designate.
Recognition for Participation
Participation on Mohawk College Council and its committees is on a voluntary basis. To acknowledge contribution and service on Council,
- student representatives are given the opportunity to earn a General Education elective credit in recognition of learning acquired through active and regular participation on College Council and student government,
- a certificate of appreciation is awarded by the President at an appropriate ceremony to employees following completion of their term as a College Council member.
In reviewing the Mohawk College Council Charter, we are reminded of the College's original motto,
SCIENTIA OPUS OMNIUM - Knowledge, the work of all
All activities at Mohawk College are intended to contribute to student success. The work of College Council is grounded on how its actions contribute to the goals of high quality education, service and an innovative working environment with sound financial practices. Council's recommendations will honour Mohawk's traditions while serving to advance our College as a forward-looking educational institution.
September 8, 1993 (approved by the Board of Governors)
January 10, 1994 (revised to include Operating Guidelines)
March 6, 1997 (revised by President Keith McIntyre)
March 12, 1997 (approved by the Board of Governors)
June 24, 1998 (revised)
September 21, 1998 (endorsed by Mohawk College Council)
September 21, 1998 (approved by President Catherine Rellinger)
October 14, 1998 (approved by the Board of Governors)
April, 1999 (revised)
June 14, 1999 (endorsed by Mohawk College Council)
September 20, 1999 (approved by the Board of Governors)
April 2000 (revised)
May 8, 2000 (endorsed by Mohawk College Council)
June 14, 2000 (approved by the Board of Governors)
March 12, 2001 (endorsed by Mohawk College Council)
April 11, 2001 (approved by the Board of Governors)
September 16, 2002 (revised and endorsed by Mohawk College Council)
November 13, 2002 (approved by the Board of Governors)
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