The University Senate of Michigan Technological University

Proposal 23-12

(Voting Units:  Full Senate)

“Proposal to establish and empower a committee to improve performance, reduce costs, and recommend a broad set of reforms and changes to achieve these goals”

Background: In a time of diminishing state resources and increasing costs, it would be appropriate to investigate ways by which Michigan Tech can continue progress towards achievement of its strategic goals, and provide an excellent education for students at all levels. The input and suggestions of a broadest constituency of the university including faculty, staff, alumni, and students should be given full consideration. To this end the University Senate recommends that an ad hoc committee be established to broadly examine the finances, operation, and functions of the university, and make strategic recommendations which include the following areas:

· Administrative organization and services.

· Undergraduate and graduate tuition.

· Staff services and facilities.

· IT and other support costs.

· Energy consumption and efficiency.

· Human resources, benefits, and health care.

· Engaging alumni and friends.

· Interfacing with state and federal government.

· Teaching loads and class size.

· Research resources including space and facilities

Proposal: In recognition of the importance of these issues, and to involve a wide variety of stakeholders in the process, the administration shall constitute an ad hoc committee with participants from all levels of the institution by September 2012 which would then have four months to solicit, collect and summarize ideas which could be implemented for improvement in the areas listed above.

Introduced to Senate: 04 April 2012
Withdrawn: 18 April 2012