The Olympic College Board of Trustees: A Bunch of Regular Folks (Usually)
Ever wondered how the folks in charge of Olympic College get their jobs? You know, the ones who decide everything from tuition fees to whether or not your favorite professor gets tenure? Well, buckle up, because the answer might surprise you.
It’s not a Game of Thrones power struggle, nor is it a “who’s who” list of the richest people in Kitsap County. The Olympic College Board of Trustees is a group of everyday folks selected by none other than the almighty Washington State Governor. Yes, you heard that right! The Governor decides who gets to hold the reins of this fine institution.
Now, before you start imagining a swarm of politicians descending upon the Olympic College campus, let’s be realistic. The Governor doesn’t personally interview every potential candidate. Instead, they rely on recommendations and a process that’s probably more tedious than fun. Think of it like this: the Governor gets a bunch of names and resumes, then they pick the ones that seem the most qualified, based on experience, expertise, and a whole lot of other factors.
So, who are these illustrious individuals who get to wield the power of a college board? Well, they’re not all billionaires or political powerhouses. They’re usually folks from the community, with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. They could be business owners, educators, retired professionals, community leaders, or even folks who just have a passion for education.
But why the Governor? Why not the students? Well, that’s where things get a bit sticky. The whole “public college” thing means the state has a big say in how things are run. The Governor, as the state’s representative, gets to appoint the trustees to ensure the college is operating in the best interest of all Washingtonians. It’s a bit like having a parent who makes sure your school is doing a good job, even if you don’t always agree with their choices.
A Look at the Olympic College Board
The Olympic College Board of Trustees is comprised of five members, each appointed for a five-year term. They’re not paid for their service, which means they’re doing it because they truly believe in the mission of the college.
The board’s responsibilities are pretty extensive, including:
- Hiring and retaining the college president – Yep, they get to decide who gets to be the top dog of the college. No pressure, right?
- Awarding tenure to faculty – It’s a big deal for professors, and the board plays a key role in deciding who gets the coveted status.
- Adopting or amending policies – Everything from tuition fees to student conduct rules gets a thumbs up or down from the board.
- Approval of collective bargaining agreements – They have a say in the terms of agreements between the college and its employees.
- Approval of tuition and fees – Let’s be honest, nobody likes paying tuition, but the board has the final say on the price tag.
- Approval of the operating and capital budgets – They have to make sure the college has enough money to function and grow.
Is it Fair? Is it Democratic?
Now, some people might raise an eyebrow at the whole Governor-appointed board thing. “What about student voice?” they might ask. “Shouldn’t the students have a bigger say in their own education?”
It’s a fair question, and Olympic College does have a system for student participation in governance. There are various committees and forums where students can share their opinions and concerns. However, the final decision-making power rests with the Governor-appointed Board of Trustees, which can be frustrating for some students.
Others might argue that the board is essentially a rubber stamp for the Governor’s agenda, lacking true independence. But that’s a whole different can of worms, and we’re not going to get into the political machinations of the Washington state government here.
Let’s just say that the system, for all its flaws, is designed to ensure that Olympic College remains a public institution, accountable to the state and its citizens.
The Bottom Line
So, there you have it. The Olympic College Board of Trustees is a group of individuals chosen by the Governor to oversee the operation of the college. It’s not a glamorous job, but it’s an important one, and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart.
If you have any further questions or want to know more about the process of selecting the Board of Trustees, or you just want to vent about the latest tuition increase, feel free to reach out to us at JobLoving. We’re always here to help!