The University Senate of Michigan Technological University


PROPOSAL 36-04

(Voting Units: Full Senate)

RECOMMENDATION ON TRANSITION CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE UNIVERSITY

On March 16 President Tompkins asked the Board of Control to initiate transition to a new president. Should the Board decide to appoint a Chief Executive during the transition to permanent leadership, the University Senate recommends:

I. That full executive powers be given the person who serves as Chief Executive during transition. The University faces formidable challenges that require difficult decisions in the near term. The University's Chief Executive should be empowered fully to make those decisions and should not be viewed as a caretaker.

II. That the Chief Executive during transition have successful experience in managing the finances of an entire university. Significant financial problems exist here and now that demand timely solutions. Our recent central administrators have not had prior experience at university-wide financial management; this lack may have contributed to our current financial difficulties. Disciplinary background of the transition executive is of lower priority than financial management abilities.

III. That the Chief Executive during transition be someone from outside he university. The person should have knowledge and experience in obtaining support for higher education from legislative and executive branches of state government - preferably in Michigan. The new leadership of the university must be able to represent the university promptly and vigorously with Michigan's legislature and governor.

Withdrawn by Senate: 24 March 2004