Governing Style Policy

Policy Title: Governing Style 

 

Policy Statement: 

The board process will emphasize outward vision rather than an internal preoccupation, encouragement of intellectual flexibility in viewpoints, strategic leadership more than administrative detail, clear distinction of board and President roles, collective rather than individual decisions, future rather than past or present, and proactivity rather than reactivity. The board will: 

1. Execute powers designated by federal and Kansas statute.
2. Enforce upon it whatever discipline is needed to govern with excellence, allowing no officer, committee, or individual to impede fulfillment of this responsibility. A quorum of four board members will be required to conduct binding business at any meeting, and a majority vote of the entire board (four) will be required to approve any action by the board. Discipline will apply to matters such as attendance, meeting preparation, policy‑making principles, respect for roles, and speaking officially with one voice.
3. Robert's Rules guide the decorum of the meeting, facilitate dialogue and orderly decision making. While order and guidelines are needed, strategic relevant dialogue and opportunity for board members to express opinions and ask questions are essential to decision-making.
4. The clerk is charged with maintaining Roberts Rules and advising the board to remain on task.
5. Reference: Roberts Rules of Order- Simplified
6. Direct, control, and inspire the college through careful establishment of the broadest values and perspectives in the form of written policies.
7. Focus chiefly on intended long‑term impacts on students and community (ENDS), not on the administrative or programmatic means of attaining those effects.
8. Be an initiator of policy, not merely a reactor to staff initiatives. The board, not the staff, will be responsible for board performance.
9. Use the expertise of individual members to enhance the ability of the board as a body, rather than to substitute their individual values for the group’s values
10. Monitor and regularly discuss the board’s own process and performance. Ensure the continuity of its governance capability by continual training and development. 

 Change from the Policy Governance only by majority vote of the entire board. 

 

Policy History: This policy is reviewed annually. 

July 7, 2025: Revised for accessibility format.  

March 12, 2024: Revised  

April 13, 2021: Revised  

January 9, 2018: Reviewed 

June 27, 2017: Reviewed  

May 10, 2006: Reviewed