The governance structure of the California Community Colleges (CCC) system has much in common with that of K–12 education.

Local boards and the statewide Board of Governors share the policy role

The system’s 72 community college districts—whether they comprise one campus or several—have locally elected boards with members that serve four-year terms. Their responsibilities include approving the district’s budget, establishing policies for planning and operations, approving courses and programs, establishing personnel policies, and hiring the district’s chief executive officer. They may also set up partnerships with local organizations and seek local funding. College faculty and administrative staff generally play an active role in governance as well.

At the state level, the 112 community colleges are governed by a 17-member Board of Governors appointed by the governor. Twelve of these must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate and serve six-year terms. The remainder—two faculty members, two students (one of whom does not vote), and one classified employee—serve two-year terms without Senate approval. The law requires that two locally elected trustees (current or former) be among the members of the board.

The Board of Governors sets policy for the CCC system as a whole. It establishes requirements for graduation, credit and noncredit courses, and employment; prepares and adopts a budget for the system; and administers federal and state programs to support the colleges. It approves local educational programs, helps coordinate programs among districts, and works with other higher education segments in the state. The board appoints the CCC chancellor, who manages the system with board approval.

A variety of other bodies and organizations also exert influence

The board and chancellor receive feedback on major decisions from the Consultation Council. This 18-member council, which includes representatives of various CCC constituencies, is the formal means through which local districts provide input and advice regarding the formation of policy for the system as a whole.

The state Legislature and governor use the budget and legislative processes to control funding and regulate the CCC system, partly through the use of categorical funds, which are directed toward specific students or programs and have established reporting requirements.

Various other organizations also exert some influence. Among them:

• The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) serves as the state-level voice for CCC faculty on professional and academic issues.
• The California Postsecondary Education Commission (CPEC) coordinates and conducts long-range planning for postsecondary education and serves as an adviser to the governor and Legislature on fiscal and program matters.
• The California Student Aid Commission handles financial aid issues.
• The Community College League of California serves as a hub for various organizations that provide formal representation for constituency groups within the system, including local boards and chief executive officers. The commission develops consensus among the campuses and then advocates for specific issues, working with the chancellor.
• The Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) that assists K–12 schools in financial crisis also helps struggling community colleges.
• The Student Senate for California Community Colleges serves as the state-level voice and representative for community college students.