The University Senate of Michigan Technological University

 

Proposal 8-14 (amended 12-09-13)

(Voting Units: Full Senate)

 

“Proposal to Amend the University Senate Bylaws

on Standing Committees”

 

Rational:

 

In September 2009, the Senate President and Provost initiated a policy whereby Michigan Tech Vice Presidents would serve as liaisons to University Senate Standing Committees.  They would serve as resource persons, and could be invited to attend a Senate committee to clarify open questions or provide information.

 

It is proposed that this informal policy be specifically addressed within the Bylaws of the University Senate.

 

Proposal:

 

According to the University Senate Constitution Article VI, Section A, “The number, responsibilities and membership of committees of the Senate shall be determined by the Senate using procedures contained in the By-laws.”

 

It is proposed that Section C of the By-laws be amended as follows (amendments in boldface):

C.  Senate Standing Committees - Organization

 

1.  Normally, each senator or alternate is expected to serve on one standing committee of the Senate.

 

2.  Only senators or alternates may vote in Senate standing committees.

 

3.  Each committee shall elect its own chair, who shall be a senator or alternate.

 

4.  Given the issues likely to be addressed by the committee in any given year, in electing a chair, committees are encouraged to consider whether tenure would be an asset.

 

5.  Any member of the university community may serve without vote on any Senate standing committee, subject to the approval of the committee.

 

6.  Administrative liaisons will be invited to attend, as needed, at the discretion of the committee.

 

7.  The full Senate must approve yearly the membership of each standing committee before it begins to function.

 

8.  Normally, the Senate officers and officers-elect will draft a preliminary list of committee assignments before the first meeting of the Senate in the fall term.

 

 

 

Introduced to Senate: 20 November 2013

Approved by Senate: 11 December 2013

Approved by Administration: 02 February 2014