ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY 1.7
Title & #: College Advisory Councils - 1.7 |
Executive Sponsor: KCTCS President |
Date Effective: 07/06/2026 |
Supersedes Version: N/A |
College Advisory Councils
INDEX PURPOSE REASON FOR POLICY ENTITIES AFFECTED DEFINITIONS POLICY STATEMENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES COMPLIANCE AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS EXCEPTIONS APPROVALS RELATED DOCUMENTS REVIEW AND REVISION HISTORY The purpose of this policy is to establish the framework for the creation, composition, authority, and responsibilities of the College Advisory Councils within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS). This policy is intended to ensure effective regional advisory support that advances the mission, strategic goals, and accountability of each KCTCS college, while maintaining alignment with the authority of the KCTCS Board of Regents and the President of KCTCS. College Advisory Councils serve in an advisory and advocacy capacity to strengthen community engagement, support student success, and promote the educational, workforce, and economic development objectives of the Commonwealth. This policy exists to ensure a consistent, transparent, and systemwide framework for the establishment and operation of College Advisory Councils across the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. By defining the purpose, authority, and limitations of College Advisory Councils, the policy reinforces appropriate governance relationships, prevents ambiguity regarding decision-making authority, and ensures alignment with the statutory authority of the President of KCTCS. The policy also supports effective regional community engagement, accountability, and advocacy by clarifying the role of local councils in advancing institutional missions while preserving centralized governance and operational oversight. This policy applies to all KCTCS Colleges. College Advisory Council - is a regionally based advisory body established for each Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) college to ensure the college remains responsive to the educational, workforce and economic needs of its region. The College Advisory Council operates within the authority delegated by the KCTCS President and serves in an advisory capacity to the College Chancellor. Its members represent community, business, industry, and educational stakeholders and provide regionally informed guidance, advocacy and support to advance student success, workforce development, and the college’s service to the communities it serves. College Advisory Council Member – individual either selected by the KCTCS President to serve an appointed term or elected by the respective peer group at a KCTCS College. Role of the Council There shall be a College Advisory Council (“CAC”) for each college. Each CAC will be required to convene a minimum of two (2) times during the calendar year. The KCTCS President may designate that a local College Advisory Council serve more than one college. Each College Advisory Council shall:
The College Chancellor shall have full authority and discretion regarding the use and management of the budget approved for his/her college by the Board of Regents for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Membership Each College Advisory Council shall consist of at least ten (10) members, seven (7) of whom shall be appointed by the KCTCS President from nominees selected by the College Chancellor. An appointed member's term shall be four (4) years. Appointed members may serve two consecutive terms. The other three (3) council members shall be: one (1) member of the teaching faculty, one (1) member of the staff, and one (1) member of the student body. The terms of the members shall be staggered so that appointments do not conclude at the same time. Nomination & Selection for Appointed Members Each College Chancellor shall be responsible for nominating individuals from their respective communities to serve on the local College Advisory Council. The College Chancellor shall ensure that appointed nominees are broadly representative of the community served by the college, including but not limited to individuals from business and industry, workforce and economic development partners, donors and philanthropic leaders, education representatives, and other community‘based organizations whose perspectives and expertise support the college’s mission, operation plans, and regional needs. Prior to submitting nominations, the College Chancellor shall ensure that the nominees have completed a KCTCS conflict of interest form. Elected Members Each College Advisory Council shall have one member representative of the faculty, staff, and student populations. The faculty and staff members must be employed full-time by the respective college at the time of the election and throughout their service. Each faculty and staff member shall serve a two (2) year term and may be re‘elected for one additional consecutive two (2) year term, for a maximum of four (4) years of service. The student member shall serve a single one (1) year term. The associated procedure governs the election procedures for the faculty, staff, and student members. Elections shall take place prior to the first meeting of the academic year. Elected members must be in good standing (i.e. not subject to discipline per the applicable process depending on their status) prior to and during the term of their service. Vacancies When an appointment vacancy arises on an advisory council, the respective College Chancellor will provide a minimum of two (2) names for nomination to the KCTCS President within thirty (30) calendar days. The KCTCS President is not required to select one of the two candidates. The selection shall occur within sixty (60) calendar days of the vacancy. If one of the elected members vacates or does not maintain the qualifications to serve, the alternate in the previous election shall be installed for the remainder of the term. Conflict of Interest Each member, regardless of whether they are appointed or elected, will complete a KCTCS conflict-of-interest form. This form must be completed prior to their respective nomination or election and if a conflict is determined, the conflict will be managed per the KCTCS Conflict of Interest and Commitment Policy. No citizen member of the College Advisory Council shall have a conflict of interest in accordance with KRS 45A.340 and KCTCS policies or be a relative of any employee of the college under its jurisdiction. As used in this section, "relative" means father, mother, brother, sister, husband, wife, son, daughter, aunt, uncle, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law. Removal The KCTCS President may remove either an appointed or elected member if a conflict arises that cannot be appropriately managed or if there is a violation of an applicable KCTCS policy. If a member is removed, there is no appeal and the member is ineligible to serve for a period of at least three (3) years. KCTCS President – shall be responsible for appointing respective members to the local College Advisory Councils. College Chancellor – shall be responsible for recommending prospective members of the College Advisory Council to the KCTCS President. College Advisory Council Member – each member shall serve on the respective College Advisory Council per their nomination or election term and shall be required to complete an annual Conflict of Interest disclosure. Each College Chancellor will be required to comply with this policy within 90 calendar days of the adoption of this policy. The members of the College Advisory Council receive no compensation for their services but shall be paid for their actual and necessary expenses. College Advisory Councils can meet even when a full quorum is not present however an official action as listed in the role of the council may not be taken without a quorum. Approved by Executive Leadership Team – June 22, 2026 Approved by President’s Leadership Team – June 25, 2026 Signed by KCTCS President – July 6, 2026 College Advisory Council Procedure Sample Bylaws for College Advisory Councils This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years from the date of the original adoption. Original Adoption – July 6, 2026. Next Scheduled Revision, on or before July 6, 2029. |