The Butte College Academic Senate Constitution clearly identifies its purpose and mission: to promote the development and maintenance of high standards of teaching and education; to share in the determination of the goals of the college and in the fulfillment of these goals; to promote the welfare of the entire faculty and to represent the entire faculty in its academic and professional relations with the district; to facilitate communication among the entire faculty, classified personnel, student body, college administration, and the governing board of the district; to make recommendations to the college administration and governing board concerning the academic and professional matters enumerated in the Title V of the Educational Code; to concern itself with any legislation relative to the welfare of the college; and to do all that is necessary and proper to achieve a realization of the purposes of this Association. At the core of the college’s mission is our desired outcome: to create a student-centered, community-based learning environment that empowers students to become productive, literate, and responsible members of a diverse society.

According to California State Educational Code, an Academic Senate is an organization whose primary function is to make recommendations with respect to academic and professional matters. "Academic and Professional matters" refers to the following policy development matters:      

1.   Curriculum, including establishing prerequisites.
2.   Degree and certificate requirements.
3.   Grading policies.
4.   Educational program development.
5.   Standards or policies regarding student preparation and success.
6.   College governance structures, as related to faculty roles.
7.   Faculty roles and involvement in accreditation processes.
8.   Policies for faculty professional development activities.
9.   Processes for program review.
10.  Processes for institutional planning and budget development.
11.  Other academic and professional matters as mutually agreed upon.

Thus, the Academic Senate of Butte Community College is the voice of the faculty in support of student success. All faculty are invited to attend meetings and forums, and to become meaningfully involved in this crucial organization.