Swarthmore College
PA-3: Inclusive and Participatory Governance

As a historically-Quaker institution, Swarthmore prides itself on its collaborative decision-making structures. Swarthmore has many governance bodies and committees, including the following:

Committees of the Board of Managers, and in particular the Social Responsibility Committee: this committee is "charged with reflecting upon the College's commitment, in association with the fulfillment of its institutional mission, to prepare and motivate students to engage issues of social responsibility facing our communities and societies and to set their own paths as responsible citizens toward shaping a more inclusive, just, and compassionate world." Representative Managers, faculty, staff, students, and Alumni Council members sit on this committee.

A range of committees that support faculty, staff, student, and alumni concerns. There are about 30 committees to which faculty may be appointed, many of which also involve staff at all levels as well as students. (See the list here: https://www.swarthmore.edu/provosts-office/faculty-committees). Staff also have the Staff Advisory Council (made up of 18 elected staff members and reporting to the President & VP of Human Resources) and the Administrative Advisory Council (made up of departmental directors and reporting to President's Staff). Students have a robust Student Government Organization that includes working groups that meet regularly with staff/faculty partners. Finally, Alumni Council serves the College's alumni network and ties them to the College administration.


Additionally, we have a number of sustainability-focused committees and working groups:

Ecosphere Executive Committee: Considers the recommendations presented by the Sustainability Committee, the Crum Woods Stewardship Committee, and all subsidiary working groups, and takes action based on those recommendations. When proposals exceed the purview of the Executive Committee, it will make recommendations to the President’s staff.

Sustainability Committee: The purpose of the Sustainability Committee (SusCom) of Swarthmore College is to make recommendations to the President and to the College community regarding policies to promote environmental sustainability on campus. The Committee focuses on identifying policies and practices that promote the most efficient and responsible use of College resources; monitoring funds and grants pertaining to environmental sustainability; and coordinating and support campus sustainability initiatives and efforts. SusCom reports recommendations to the Ecosphere Executive Committee.

Carbon Charge Working Group: The Carbon Charge Working Group manages the Carbon Charge Program and allocates funding generated by the Charge to sustainability projects that advance the College’s carbon neutrality mission. The Carbon Charge Working Group reports recommendations to the Sustainability Committee.

Zero Waste Working Group: The Zero Waste Working Group oversees the College's various Zero Waste commitments related to environmental justice, waste reduction, and diversion away from incineration/landfill. The group is involved in myriad ongoing operational and educational projects. The Zero Waste Working Group reports recommendations to the Sustainability Committee.

Food Initiatives Working Group: The Food Initiatives Working Group supports the College's growing commitments to a healthy, equitable food system that enhances the well-being of our community and supports our sustainability goals. The group is involved with several campus vegetable gardens, student internships, and community partnerships. The Food Initiatives Working Group reports recommendations to the Sustainability Committee.

Crum Woods Stewardship Committee: The Crum Woods Stewardship Committee is a committee of faculty, students, and administrators with the goal of creating a protection, restoration, and stewardship plan for Crum Woods. The planning effort will begin with an evaluation of biodiversity, teaching and recreational resources in the context of the College's educational mission and its commitment to social responsibility. The Crum Woods Stewardship Committee reports recommendations to the Ecosphere Executive Committee.

The information for this credit was assembled by representatives from the Office of Sustainability.