Bylaws and Constitution

MISSION STATEMENT 

It shall be the mission of the Peralta Classified Senate (PCS) to enhance the decision-making process by participating in the shared governance of the Peralta Community College District (PCCD). The Peralta Classified Senate will bring a pragmatic, collaborative, frontline perspective, to bridge policy making and procedural implementation, and promote professional growth and development. In keeping with the PCCD mission statement, we will, through direct participation in district-wide governance, increase understanding, communication, transparency, and raise the quality of service, thus improving students’ educational experience in support of student success. 

PREAMBLE 

We, the classified staff of the PCCD, do hereby establish the Peralta Classified Senate to promote participation of classified colleagues at the campus and district level, and to enhance our professional growth and development in the pursuit of fostering student success. 

ARTICLE I - NAME OF ORGANIZATION

The name of this organization shall be the Peralta Classified Senate, hereinafter referred to as the PCS. 

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE & SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Section 1: Purpose 
It shall be the function of the PCS to participate in the PCCD governance system to actively collect, evaluate and disseminate information to the classified staff, and to represent the collective interests of the classified staff before any governing body. 

The PCS is organized to: 

1. Provide a means through which the classified staff will coordinate with our Chancellor, Administration, and Faculty to ensure opportunities for input from classified staff regarding college and district business and classified representation on college and district committees, thus assisting in the shared governance process; 

2. Provide a body representing the needs, concerns, and experience of the classified staff, unrelated to union negotiation matters; 

3. Articulate the professionalism and expertise of the classified staff so that it is properly recognized, and valued; 

4. Provide an opportunity for enhancing the democratic process of governance within the Peralta Community College District; 

5. Provide an opportunity to develop individual leadership among the classified staff, as well as increase the professional standards of its members; 

6. Promote and support activities that develop new competencies, increase skills, productivity, and professionalism of the classified staff; advocate and promote the interests of the classified staff in the development and formulation of policy and practice related, but not limited to: 

• Selection and retention of administration 

• In-service education and training 

• Facilities and services 

• Finance and budget 

• Inclusion and Collaboration among Faculty, Administrators, Students, and Classified Staff. 

Section 2: Scope of Responsibility 
1. The PCS shall: 

a. Establish principles, make recommendations, and act on behalf of the district-wide classified staff; 

b. Collect, evaluate, and disseminate information of interest to the district-wide classified staff; 

c. Consider recommendations on policies and procedures put forth by administration and/or shared governance committees, and submit amendments or revisions that are based on evidence, and professional perspectives; 

d. When applicable, make known the Classified Senate’s position on recommendations made to the Chancellor and/or Board of Trustees. 

2. The PCS Executive Committee will select an alternate to appear before the Board of Trustees to express the views of the Peralta Classified Senate on issues relating to policy, procedures, or governance if the designee is unable to attend. 

ARTICLE III – ORGANIZATION 

Section 1: Membership 
1. Eligibility: PCS membership shall be comprised of three senators from each of the four college senates and the District Administrative Center (DAC), hereby referred to as campus senates, for a total of fifteen senate members. 

2. Senators: The PCS is comprised of the aggregate of President, Vice President, and designated alternate from each of the five campus classified senates. PCS Senators are official voting members at general meetings. A PCS senator in good standing is defined in the Bylaws - Article III, Section 3. Senators are expected to regularly attend the general PCS meetings. To maintain District-wide representation, the PCS reserves the right to appoint replacement Senate alternates in collaboration with the respective campus senate officers, should a Senator fall out of good standing. 

Should a campus senate be determined by the PCS to be inactive or nonviable, a Senate Reformation Ad-Hoc Sub-Committee will be formed according to Article V, section 2. 

A senate may be deemed inactive or nonviable for reasons including: 

a. Lack of PCS representation for two (2) or more consecutive PCS general meetings; 

b. Consistent lapses in participation in PCS activities; 

c. Non-reciprocating communication with PCS; 

d. A determination by the PCS that a campus senate is no longer active. 

 

3. Officers: A candidate for PCS Officer must be an eligible PCS senator in good standing. Officers are selected in accordance with Bylaws–article V, Sections 2 and 3. 

Section 2: Composition of the Executive Committee 

The executive power of the PCS shall be vested in an Executive Committee which is composed as follows: 

1. The President, Vice president, Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian. 

2. The past PCS president shall serve as a non-voting advisor to the Executive Committee for a period of up to six months that follows the previous election. 

3. A Non-voting representative from each of the two collective bargaining units (SEIU Local 1021 and IUOE Local 39) to serve in advisory roles. 

Section 3: Autonomy 

The PCS shall be distinct from any other classified organization. Members elected to serve on the Executive Committee may not serve concurrent terms of office as President and Vice President of the District’s classified collective bargaining unit(s). 

Section 4: Representation 
The PCS shall seek full representation on all campus committees and councils deemed relevant for its purposes by the Executive Committee. The appointments to those committees and councils must be ratified by the Executive Committee. 

Section 5: Sub-Committees 
The Executive Committee, representing the PCS, shall have the power to form sub-committees and/or ad hoc committees, and chaired by a PCS officer. Membership will consist of PCS Senators on a voluntary basis, or non-PCS Senators (with the majority approval of the executive committee). 

ARTICLE IV - DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF SENATORS AND OFFICERS 

PCS Senators shall elect a President, Vice President, Secretary, Parliamentarian, and Treasurer as outlined in the Bylaws–Article V, sections 2 and 3. 

The PCS President shall conduct meetings out of which decisions and recommendations shall be made. With the consent of the Executive Committee, the PCS President is authorized to publicly express the Peralta Classified Senate’s position on issues and recommendations relating to governance. The PCS President, Vice President, or the President’s designee may appear before the Board of Trustees to express the views of the PCS on policies, procedures, and governance. 

Section 1: Senators 
The PCS Senators shall: 

1. Consistently attend regular PCS meetings. 

2. Shall cast their vote when resolutions are put before the PCS. 

3. Advise their respective constituencies regarding PCS issues and activities. 

4. Bring issues of their respective constituencies to the attention of the PCS. 

5. Perform other duties as required by their office. 

Section 2: President 
The President shall: 

1. Preside at meetings of the PCS and of the Executive Committee. 

2. Have the power to form a Sub-Committee(s) and or Ad-Hoc Committee(s) subject to the consent of the Executive Committee. 

3. Serve, appoint, or remove a designee as a PCS representative to PCCD governance committees. 

4. With PCS Executive Board approval, deliver a report at the Board of Trustees meetings or designate a representative, as appropriate. 

5. Establish an annual schedule of meetings for the PCS, standing committees, and the Executive Committee. 

6. Publish an agenda for all Executive Committee and PCS meetings. 

7. Maintain PCS records for the next elected President. 

8. Perform other duties as may be required by the office. 

Section 3: Vice President 
The Vice President shall: 

1. Act as President in the absence of the President. 

2. Become President of the PCS in the event of early termination of the officer. 

3. Assist the President in coordinating the reports and recommendations of all PCS committees for presentation to the Executive Committee. 

4. Serve as alternate to PCCD governance committees. 

5. Perform other duties as required by the office. 

Section 4: Secretary 
The Secretary shall: 

1. Consistently attend all PCS meetings. 

2. Assume the duties of President in the absence of the President and Vice President in regards to facilitating meetings. 

3. Be responsible for correspondence from the Executive Committee, PCS, and the general membership. 

4. Distribute information to the PCS body, including notices of meetings and minutes. 

5. Distribute special reports as directed by the President or Executive Committee. 

6. Record all minutes of the PCS and Executive Committee meetings. 

7. Keep an attendance roster for all PCS meetings. 

Section 5: Parliamentarian 
The Parliamentarian shall: 

1. Consistently attend all meetings called by the President. 

2. Advise members on parliamentary procedures as requested or deemed essential. 

Section 6: Treasurer 

The Treasurer shall: 

1. Consistently attend all PCS meetings. 

2. Set up and maintain the budget for the Executive Committee with PCS approval. 

3. Collect proceeds from fundraising efforts, order the disbursement of funds as directed by Executive Officers, maintain financial records, and submit financial reports to the PCS during regular meetings. 

4. Perform other duties as may be required by the office. 

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS 

The Executive Committee shall meet at least quarterly at a minimum for the purpose of planning. In addition, regularly scheduled meetings with the Chancellor and the PCS shall be established. 

ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES 

Section 1: Standing Committees 
Except for the Executive Committee, the Standing Committee appointments shall be made by the President with the consent of the Executive Committee. Standing PCS Committees include: 

• Executive Committee 

• General PCS Committee 

• Professional Development 

Section 2: Ad Hoc Committees 
Ad Hoc committees may be established by the President of the PCS, upon the advice and consent of the Executive Committee. Such committees shall be formed for special purposes and shall be of finite duration that is established at the initial meeting. The Sub-Committee will regularly report to the PCS on its progress. Examples of Ad Hoc committees include, but are not limited to: 

• Constitution/Bylaws 

• Senate Reformation 

• Fund Raising 

• Other … 

Section 3: Committee Chair Responsibilities 
Each Committee Chair shall: 

1. File with the President of the PCS a schedule of committee meetings. 

2. Report on its activities at regularly scheduled PCS meetings. 

3. Prepare recommendations relating to its functions for review and approval by the Executive Committee. 

4. Perform other duties as determined by the Executive Committee. 

Section 4: Standing Committees’ Purpose and Duties 
Executive Committee 

The duties of the Executive Committee shall include, but are not limited to: 

1. Develop PCS meeting agendas. 

2. Present reports and recommend course of action for consideration on PCS agenda. 

3. Consider recommendations from other shared governance stakeholders for placement on the PCS agenda. 

4. Call special meetings of the PCS when necessary. 

5. Authorize and approve expenditures. 

6. Update the PCS Procedures and Best Practices Handbook which facilitates PCS operations. 

7. Provides executive oversight and consent on governance matters, recommendations, and PCS positions to the public. 

General PCS Committee 

The General PCS Committee shall: 

1. Meet regularly every third Thursday of the month at 3:00 PM, except for holidays and during the summer. 

2. Report on PBIM and PCS Sub-Committee work/progress. 

3. Serve as the collective voice of Classified campus senates and act in an advisory role. 

4. Support activities and actions of the PCS such as formulating recommendations and drafting resolutions. 

Professional Development 

The Professional Development Committee shall: 

1. Develop and uphold the Strategic PD Goals and Funding Plan for Classified professionals which includes best practices, such as an approval rubric for PD activities, coordinating workshops, webinars, and other PD offerings across the district. 

2. Serve as the conduit for campus Senate budget coding. 

3. Ensuring that the campus PD committees are operational and meeting the needs of Classified professionals. 

4. Responsible for funding allocations and reports. 

Section 5: Ad Hoc Committees’ Purpose and Duties
Constitution/Bylaws 

The Constitution/Bylaws Committee shall: 

1. Review and amend the PCS Constitution and Bylaws based on recommendations from the PCS. 

2. The Committee may choose to take on additional work beyond the scope of the PCS recommendations upon consensus and within the Mission of the PCS 

3. All revisions will be presented to the PCS in accordance with Article X, Section 2. 

Senate Reformation 

The Senate Reformation shall: 

1. The committee collaborates with campus Senate officers to identify and assess perceived issues. 

2. Develop and implement a resolution plan with an agreed upon timeline. 

3. Committee regularly meets with campus senate officers to assess progress and reports to the PCS. 

4. Committee provides recommendation for closure or extension to the PCS. 

ARTICLE VII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY/ GOVERNING RULES 

Section 1: Parliamentary Procedures 
Parliamentary procedure is based on the principles of allowing the majority to make decisions effectively and efficiently (majority rule), while ensuring fairness towards the minority and giving each member or delegate the right to voice an opinion in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. Voting determines the will of the committee. 

Robert’s Rules of Order shall generally be used as a guide for consensus in decision making. 

This method will be used to formulate solutions or recommendations which do not compromise District policy and procedures. 

If consensus is not applicable to the situation or cannot be reached, the PCS may elect to employ modified rules for voting that are in keeping with the PCS bylaws. 

Section 2: Governing Rules 
The rules contained in the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order, newly revised or an approved adaptation, shall govern the Executive Committee and PCS in all cases to which they are applicable wherein they are inconsistent with PCS bylaws and any special rules of order the PCS may adopt. 

ARTICLE VIII – RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE SENATE 

Recommendations to the Senate may be submitted in writing to the President or any Executive Committee representative by any classified staff member no later than 7 working days prior to the regular PCS meeting. Recommendations shall include rationale and supportive information which will enable the Executive Committee to give full and serious consideration to the recommendations. Classified employees may appear at any PCS meeting to voice their opinion on a recommendation. The Executive Committee reserves the right to request any further supportive information on a recommendation. 

ARTICLE IX – MULTI-CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS 

Nothing in this constitution shall be construed to prevent the PCS from forming a joint committee with any other Peralta Community College District organization(s). 

ARTICLE X – ADOPTION/ AMENDMENTS 

Section 1: Adoption 
All amendments to the PCS Constitution/Bylaws take effect upon the approval at a General PCS Committee meeting by a vote of two-thirds of the quorum of the PCS following a 30-day review period. 

Section 2: Amendments/Revisions to the Constitution 
A proposal for amendments/revisions to the PCS constitution may be initiated by any PCS senator. Major revisions to the constitution may warrant the creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee. Proposed amendments/revisions must be approved by the PCS by a vote of two-thirds quorum of the PCS electorate following a 30-day review period.