The 16-member Board, appointed by the Governor, formally interacts with state and federal officials and other state organizations. The Board of Governors selects a Chancellor for the system. The Chancellor, through a formal process of consultation, brings recommendations to the Board, which has the legislatively granted authority to develop and implement policy for the colleges.

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Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC):
The ASCCC is the primary community college faculty voice for academic and professional matters. Every college in California has a representative on ASCCC at two annual statewide meetings held to develop position on critical issues facing community college teachers. The ASCCC President has direct input to both the Board of Governors and the state executive and legislative branches.

Other faculty organizations: Community college faculty are also represented by lobbying organizations such as the Faculty Association of California Community Colleges (FACCC) or unions such as the Community College Association (CTA) and the California Federation of Teachers (CFT). Adjunct instructors are represented by the California Part-Time Teachers Association (CPTA).

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Today app. 40% of the funding for community colleges comes from the state government. Community college allocations are proposed by the governor and approved by the legislature. The state also creates the legal framework for community colleges through the Education Code. The courts interpret the Ed Code and other laws affecting community colleges.

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The public holds the ultimate control over community colleges through their voting for local Boards of Trustees, the governor, state legislators, and state court justices. The public also votes for local and statewide bonds that can be use to finance community colleges.

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The Chancellor's Office administers statewide projects, issues grants to local colleges and faculty, and collects data. It is divided into the following Divisions: Economic and Community Development; Fiscal Policy; Human Resources; Legal Affairs; Policy, Planning and External Affairs; and Student Services and Special Programs.

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The Ed Code as it's commonly called is the body of laws governing all of California education from kindergarten through university.

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Title V refers to the administrative law that governs education. These are very specific regulations dealing with such subjects as grading, attendance, or credential policy. Title V regulations for community colleges are formulated by the Chancellor's Office and approved by the Board of Governors after the consultation process.

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Every community college in California is governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees. Boards approve local policies, curriculum, and contracts. Trustees are elected for four years.

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The state made local academic senates the primary vehicle for faculty voice on academic and professional matters in AB1725. This legislation created a concept often referred to as "shared governance" that provides faculty input into the decision-making process at colleges.

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The shape of the administrative organizational structure is locally determined. Administrators carry out Board Policies, Title V Regulations, the Ed Code, and local contracts. Administrators must work with the faculty through the shared governance process.

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Most community colleges have selected a bargaining unit that is affiliated with the California Teachers Association (CTA) or the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Districts vary in whether part-time instructors are part of the full-time teachers' bargaining unit or have their own.

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