• Patrick Bell - Co-Chair
• Justin McMenomy - Chair
• Jeff Downs
• Troy Wadsworth
• Joseph Bell
• Emily Metropoulos

Western Nevada College  

Digital Learning Committee  

Bylaws  

ARTICLE 1: NAME, REPORTING CHAIN, AND OPERATIONAL CONTACT  

The Digital Learning Committee is a standing college committee that reports directly to the College Council. The Vice President of Academic Affairs serves as the operational contact for this committee.  

ARTICLE 2: MISSION AND GOALS  

To empower Western Nevada College with quality course oversight and support course offerings within the Learning Management System of Western Nevada College.  

Goals  

• Oversight and review of the Digital Learning Policy  

• Identify and share Best Practices 

 

ARTICLE 3: COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP, SELECTION AND RECALL  

 

1. The membership of the committee is composed of 10 members, and should include:  
   1. Representative of Instructional Innovation 
   2. Representative of the Department of Digital Campus and Technology.  
   3. 5 Academic Faculty member representatives:  
      1. Experience Teaching Online courses within the last 12 months.  
      2. 2 representatives from the Division of Liberal Arts & Sciences  
      3. 2 representatives from the Division of Workforce Career and Technical Education
      4. 1 representative from the Division of Nursing and Allied Health  
   4. Adjunct Faculty member representative 
      1. Experience Teaching Online courses within the last 12 months. 
   5. The VP of Academic and Student Affairs or representative as an ex officio non-voting member  
   6. One WNC student representative who has taken at least one (preferred) Online class.
   7. One member form Classified Council 
2. Committee members serve two-year terms starting in August, after the spring appointments. Committee members may serve more than one term.
3. Committee members are expected to contribute to the activities and goal attainment of the committee. If unable to attend a meeting, they need to appoint a proxy and let one of the Co-Chairs know. Any committee member who misses three unexcused meetings in an academic year is subject to recall by the committee. 
4. The President of WNC formally appoints members to all college-wide committees from the annual volunteer list. Students are appointed through the Associated Students of Western Nevada. 
5. If a committee member is unable to serve out the full-term, the college president will appoint a replacement member within thirty working days of the individual’s resignation. If requested by the president, the committee will assist in recruiting new members.  

ARTICLE 4: OFFICERS  

1. The committee elects its officers by majority vote at the May meeting of the preceding academic year.  
   1. Officers serve one-year terms and may serve more than one term.
   2. One Co-Chair will be an Academic Faculty Member. 
   3. One Co-Chair will be an Administrative or Classified Member. 

 Co-Chair Duties and Responsibilities 

The Committee shall be led by two Co-Chairs who share responsibility for the effective leadership, coordination, and functioning of the Committee. 

 

Shared Responsibilities 

Both Co-Chairs shall jointly: 

•  Provide leadership and direction for the Committee in alignment with the Committee’s charge, institutional mission, and governing policies. 
• Collaboratively develop meeting agendas and establish priorities for Committee work. 
• Preside over Committee meetings in a fair and inclusive manner. 
• Ensure meetings are conducted efficiently and according to applicable procedural guidelines. 
• Facilitate productive discussion and encourage broad participation from Committee members. 
• Oversee progress on Committee initiatives, action items, and deliverables.
• Serve as primary points of contact between the Committee and relevant institutional bodies, leadership, or stakeholders. 
• Communicate Committee decisions, recommendations, and updates as required.
• Support continuity of leadership by sharing knowledge, documentation, and responsibilities. 

Division of Responsibilities 

The Co-Chairs may, by mutual agreement, divide specific responsibilities to improve efficiency, such as: 

• Coordinating meeting logistics and scheduling 
• Liaising with administration or external stakeholders 
• Overseeing subcommittees or working groups 
• Managing documentation, reports, or compliance requirements 
• Such divisions of responsibility do not diminish the shared accountability of the Co-Chairs. 

Absence or Unavailability 

In the absence of one Co-Chair, the remaining Co-Chair shall assume full responsibility for presiding over meetings and managing Committee business.  

Recorder:  

1. The recorder function shall be performed by each member of the Committee on a rotating/revolving basis. 
2. The Recorder shall: 
   1. Maintain a record of all matters considered and recommended by The Committee; 
   2. Transmit such records in a timely manner to committee members and others as directed by The Committee

ARTICLE 5: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

Members of the Digital Learning Committee are expected to actively participate in advancing digital learning initiatives in support of Western Nevada College’s mission, strategic priorities, and commitment to equitable and accessible education. 

General Responsibilities 

Committee members shall: 

• Attend and actively participate in scheduled committee meetings. 
• Review meeting materials in advance and contribute thoughtfully to discussions and decision-making. 
• Engage in collaborative problem-solving related to digital learning, instructional technology, online and flexible course design, and student access. 
• Serve as representatives of their respective departments or functional areas, sharing perspectives and communicating committee work back to their units as appropriate. 
• Support the committee’s charge by contributing to recommendations, reports, pilots, or initiatives related to digital learning. 

Digital Learning–Specific Responsibilities 

Committee members shall also: 

• Stay informed about current trends, tools, and best practices in digital and flexible learning, including online pedagogy, accessibility, and instructional technology. 
• Consider equity, accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles when reviewing or recommending digital learning initiatives. 
• Provide feedback on proposed policies, procedures, technologies, or pilot programs related to digital learning. 
• Participate in the evaluation of digital learning tools, platforms, and practices, including their impact on students, faculty, and staff. 
• Support communication and adoption of approved digital learning practices within their departments or areas of expertise. 

Working Groups and Service 

Committee members may: 

• Serve on subcommittees or working groups as needed to advance the committee’s work. 
• Assist with data gathering, review, or analysis related to digital learning initiatives. 
• Contribute to professional development efforts, such as identifying needs, reviewing content, or sharing expertise. 

Professional Conduct and Collaboration 

Committee members are expected to: 

• Engage respectfully and constructively with colleagues, even when perspectives differ. 
• Maintain a student-centered and institution-wide perspective rather than advocating solely for individual unit interests. 
• Support consensus-building and shared governance processes. 

ARTICLE 6: MEETINGS  

1. The Digital Learning Committee shall meet as needed throughout the academic year 
   1. In accordance with the annual meeting calendar established at the beginning of the academic year.
   2. Upon the call of the chair, who is responsible for informing committee members in advance of the meeting time, place and agenda.
   3. The chair shall establish a code of conduct that is consistent with these bylaws, Western Nevada College Bylaws, and the Nevada System of Higher Education Code and shall be governed by them. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th edition shall be the authority in all matters not covered by the bylaws and/or approved operating procedures.  

ARTICLE 7: QUORUM AND VOTING  

1. A quorum consists of fifty percent (50%) of the voting committee membership.
2. Voting may take place when a quorum of the membership is present or by quorum via e-mail.
3. A motion passes when it receives a majority of the votes cast.

ARTICLE 8: COMMITTEE REPORTS, MINUTES, AGENDAS AND WEBSITE  

1. The committee shall report to College Council twice during each academic year by October 1st and by May 1st.  
2. The Fall report shall include the specific committee goals and objectives for the academic year.  
3. The Spring report shall include the committee’s progress toward completing its goals and objectives for the academic year.  
4. The committee shall maintain its own web page, which shall include:  
   1. Current committee membership, including officers.  
   2. All prior meeting dates, along with agendas and minutes.  
   3. All annual reports.  
   4. All other reports or documents prepared by the committee.  
   5. All forms used by the committee to conduct its regular business, and instructions on how to use such forms when needed.  

ARTICLE 9: SUBCOMMITTEES  

There are no permanent subcommittees of the Digital Learning Committee. As determined appropriate by the Committee and voted on by the Committee, recommendations for subcommittee creation shall be brought by the Committee to College Council for approval per College Council guidelines. 

ARTICLE 10: AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS  

1. These bylaws comply with College Bylaws, NSHE Code and all State and Federal Rules and Regulations.  
2. Any member of the Digital Learning Committee may propose a change to the Bylaws.  
3. These bylaws must be amended by a two-thirds majority of the committee.  
4. No amendment of the bylaws may be both introduced and passed at the same meeting. 
5. The College Council may propose changes to the bylaws. 
6. Once amended, the bylaws are to be reviewed and approved by College Council.  

Approved by the committee: May 2022  

Revised by the committee: March 2026 

Approved by College Council:  September 2026 

• October 23rd, 2026
• November 13th, 2026
• December 11th, 2026
• January 15th, 2027
• February, 2027 - Specific Date TBD
• March, 2027 - Specific Date TBD
• April, 2027 - Specific Date TBD
• May, 2027 - Specific Date TBD

 

 

 

Under Review