Classified Senate and Participatory Governance at SRJC
Collaborate. Contribute. Make A Difference
Santa Rosa Junior College is committed to a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility. Through the Participatory Governance structure, the District invites students, faculty, classified professionals, and administrators to engage in shaping the decisions that define the college experience for everyone.
Participatory governance is where voices meet vision—your involvement brings SRJC’s values to life and ensures that decisions reflect the needs, ideas, and aspirations of our diverse college community.
What is Participatory Governance
Participatory governance is the inclusive decision-making system that guides how SRJC plans, operates, and evolves. It is grounded in the belief that all college constituencies—students, faculty, classified professionals, and administrators—should have meaningful opportunities to influence policies, programs, and institutional planning.
Our structure has developed over time, aligning with changes in state legislation, accreditation standards, and the evolving needs of our campus and community. To learn more about the framework that guides this collaborative process, refer to the Participatory Governance Manual, which outlines roles, responsibilities, and operational guidelines.
Participatory governance ensures:
- Transparent, open communication across campus groups
- Inclusive representation in decision-making
- Alignment of college processes with SRJC's mission, vision, and strategic goals
Role of the Classified Senate
The Classified Senate serves as the official representative body for Classified Professionals across the District. Our mission is to provide a unified voice for classified staff, fostering collaboration, communication, and participation in the college’s participatory governance process.
The Classified Senate works to:
- Represent Classified Professionals by sharing their ideas, perspectives, and concerns with District Administration, independent of collective bargaining activities.
- Enhance communication by serving as a vital link between management, faculty, classified professionals, and students—promoting transparency and mutual understanding across all areas of the college.
- Promote participatory governance by encouraging active involvement of classified professionals in the planning, decision-making, and continuous improvement of the district.
Through open dialogue and partnership, the Classified Senate ensures that Classified Professionals have an active and respected role in shaping the success and future of our college community.
Get Involved
Serving on a governance committee is a valuable way to:
- Connect with colleagues from across the college
- Expand your understanding of how SRJC functions
- Contribute to meaningful decisions that shape programs, policies, and student success
- Represent your department, division, or student voice in institutional planning
Your perspective matters—no matter what your title is.
How to participate
Participation is guided through established appointment processes where classified professionals are appointed by the Classified Senate. To learn more about open committee opportunities and how you can get involved, reach out to a Classified Senate member to find out how you can make a difference as a Classified Professional.