Strategic Advisory Council (SAC)

The Strategic Advisory Council (SAC) is South Seattle College’s primary leadership and planning body, bringing together administrators, faculty, staff, students, and internal community stakeholders to support inclusive, transparent, and mission-aligned decision-making.

Working in close partnership with the President’s Cabinet, SAC provides guidance and recommendations on the college’s long-term goals, strategic priorities, and institutional effectiveness. The Council promotes data-informed planning, cross-divisional coordination, and continuous improvement to advance student success, equity, fiscal sustainability, and community engagement.

Purpose

SAC serves as a representative advisory body that supports college-wide policy development and strategic initiatives that extend beyond individual departments or constituencies. Through collaborative dialogue and shared governance, the Council ensures that diverse perspectives inform institutional priorities and resource decisions.

Role and Responsibilities

The Strategic Advisory Council plays a central role in South Seattle College’s annual and long-term planning processes. Key responsibilities include:

  • Advising the President’s Cabinet on college-wide policy proposals and strategic initiatives
  • Participating in the annual planning and evaluation cycle
  • Reviewing environmental scans and institutional data
  • Supporting goal setting and action planning
  • Contributing to budget planning and resource alignment
  • Elevating and addressing campus-wide concerns
  • Promoting alignment with the college’s mission, vision, and values

Through these activities, SAC strengthens institutional effectiveness and supports sustainable progress.

Governance and Strategic Alignment

The Strategic Advisory Council reflects the college’s commitment to inclusive governance and integrated planning. Formerly known as the College Council, SAC was rebranded and approved by President’s Cabinet to strengthen strategic alignment, collaboration, and accountability.

By connecting institutional planning, assessment, budgeting, and governance, SAC helps ensure that South Seattle College remains responsive to student and community needs while advancing long-term institutional goals.

Request for Strategic Advisory Council (SAC) Consideration

Any member of the South Seattle College community may submit an issue, proposal, or recommendation for consideration by the Strategic Advisory Council (SAC). Community members are encouraged to use the “Request for SAC Consideration or Budget Recommendation” form to share items for review.

Faculty, staff, and students are welcome to submit recommendations related to institutional priorities, campus-wide concerns, and resource allocation. Submissions may also include budget-related recommendations that SAC will review and, as appropriate, forward to the President and President’s Cabinet for consideration during the college’s planning and budgeting processes.

Through this process, SAC helps ensure that diverse perspectives inform institutional decision-making and support the college’s mission, strategic goals, and long-term sustainability.

Contact Us

If you have questions, would like to submit an item for Strategic Advisory Council (SAC) consideration, or are interested in the date and time of an upcoming meeting, please contact us at SAC@seattlecolleges.edu.
We welcome your engagement and look forward to supporting inclusive, transparent, and mission-aligned governance at South Seattle College.

Budget Recommendation Process and Guidelines

The Strategic Advisory Council (SAC) supports transparent, inclusive, and data-informed budget planning at South Seattle College. Throughout the year, SAC gathers input from the campus community through surveys, open forums, and review of proposed budget plans. This feedback is synthesized and shared with the President and President’s Cabinet to inform budgetary recommendations and resource alignment with institutional priorities, strategic goals, and student needs.

While SAC plays a central advisory role in the budgeting process, final authority for campus budget decisions rests with the President and President’s Cabinet.

South Seattle College is accountable to the state legislature, students, faculty, staff, and the community it serves. All budget decisions are guided by the College’s commitment to providing high-quality programs and services that support student learning, retention, equity, and community responsiveness, while also promoting the professional development of employees.

Budget Review Principles and Guidelines

As part of ongoing institutional planning, the following principles guide budget discussions and decision-making across the campus community. These guidelines promote openness, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability in resource management.

Commitment to Quality and Mission Alignment

  • Budget decisions prioritize the enhancement and preservation of academic quality and student support services.
  • Resource allocation aligns with the College’s mission, Institutional Directions, and long-range strategic planning goals.
  • Decisions reflect unit-level goals and institutional priorities.

Flexibility and Responsiveness

  • Budget planning remains adaptable in response to changing institutional, enrollment, and community needs.
  • The College supports the thoughtful phasing out of declining programs and the development of innovative initiatives.

Equity, Transparency, and Community Impact

  • All members of the SSC community are valued and considered in budget decisions.
  • Potential impacts on students, faculty, and staff are communicated in a timely and transparent manner.
  • Program managers and administrators are responsible for keeping stakeholders informed about proposed changes.

Strategic and Selective Resource Management

  • Long-term budget reductions prioritize selective, strategic approaches rather than across-the-board cuts.
  • Resource decisions are guided by institutional priorities and evidence of effectiveness.

Inclusive and Collaborative Decision-Making

  • Budget planning involves broad consultation with faculty, staff, students, and administrators.
  • SAC facilitates campus-wide engagement and ensures community input is incorporated into recommendations.
  • Program managers and unit administrators communicate recommendations to the President’s Cabinet.

Data-Informed Decision-Making

  • Budget decisions are informed by program review, institutional research, and other relevant data sources.
  • Evidence is used to evaluate effectiveness, identify priorities, and guide sustainable investments.

Governance and Final Authority

In collaboration with the Strategic Advisory Council, and campus stakeholders, the President and President’s Cabinet review budget recommendations and make final determinations. The President and Cabinet, in consultation with the Chancellor, serve as the final authorities on campus budget decisions.

This integrated approach ensures that budgeting at South Seattle College remains mission-driven, equitable, accountable, and focused on long-term institutional success.