ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Senate of Michigan Technological University.

ARTICLE II - FUNCTIONS

The functions of the Senate shall be to conduct studies in matters affecting academic policy and performance at all levels and to prepare recommendations thereon for submittal to the President of the University for appropriate action.

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

A. Number and Composition: Membership in the Senate shall consist of: (1) The President of the University and his designated representative. (2) One member elected from and by each of the academic and research departments of the University. (3) Six members of the general faculty elected at large. (4) One member from the Sault Ste. Marie branch. For election to the Senate, a two-year residency shall be required except for the ROTC personnel.

B. Terms of Office: The term of office of an elected member shall be three years except as set forth in (C) and (D) below. After serving for six consecutive years, an elected member shall be ineligible for re-election for a period of one year. Members appointed by the President of the University shall serve at his discretion.

C. Initial Organization of the Senate and Classification of Members: Following the first election, the President of the University shall convene the first meeting and serve as temporary chairman for the election of officers. The newly elected President of the Senate shall then divide by lot the elected members as equitably as may be possible into three classes. The seats of the members of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of the first year, of the second class at the expiration of the second year, and of the third class at the expiration of the third year.

D. Elections and Vacancies: Elections shall be held in May of each year with the term of office to commence the following September. Vacancies in at-large membership created by resignation or otherwise may be filled by appointment by the President of the Senate until the next election at which time vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms by election.

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

The officers of the Senate shall be a President, a Vice President, and a Secretary. These officers shall be chosen by the Senate from the elected membership, annually at the first meeting of the Fall Quarter. The duties of the officers shall be defined by the By-Laws.

ARTICLE V - COMMITTEES

Committee structure shall be determined by the Senate with the provision that committee chairmen be members of the Senate.

ARTICLE VI - PROCEDURE

The business of the Senate shall be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order when these are not in conflict with the bylaws to be drawn up by this Senate.

ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS

Two regular meetings of the Senate shall be held during each of the Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters. Additional meetings shall be called by the President of the Senate upon written request by any five members of the Senate or as he deems necessary. All meetings shall be open to the General Faculty.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed at any meeting. If passed both at this meeting and at any subsequent meeting within six months by two-thirds of the members present, the proposed amendment shall be submitted to the General Faculty. Ratification by the General Faculty shall require a two-thirds majority of those voting. The amendment shall then become effective upon approval by the Board of Control. No amendment to the Constitution shall be recommended to the President of the University for two years following its approval by the Board of Control except by unanimous consent of the Senate.

Proposal Adopted by Senate: 4 April 1966
Approved by Board of Control: April 1966