Preamble

Under its bylaws and Michigan’s Constitution, the Board of Trustees has the responsibility to develop a free and distinguished university and to promote the welfare of mankind through teaching, research, and public service. The Board of Trustees exercises final authority and responsibility for university governance within the bounds fixed by the State Constitution.

In exercising its responsibility, the Board delegates to the President and, through him or her, to the faculty appropriate authority and jurisdiction over matters for which they are accountable to the Board. In other cases, for example, faculty appointments, promotions, and tenure, the Board does not delegate, but instead looks to the faculty for recommendations. The specific powers delegated to the faculty are detailed in the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees.

The Board also has declared its intention to give due consideration to the opinions of students on matters directly related to their interest. As students are the central part of the university community, student participation in academic governance is crucial. Students’ views are key to the decision-making process, and these Bylaws attempt to recognize that importance.

It is important to specify the manner and process by which the faculty and students develop and communicate their views to the President and the Board. These Bylaws for Academic Governance (Bylaws) are designed to provide an effective system for the participation of faculty and students in the development of policy on academic matters.

Section 1: Definitions

1.1. The Faculty

1.1.1. Composition of the Faculty

1.1.1.1. The regular faculty shall consist of all persons appointed under the rules of tenure and holding the rank of professor, associate professor, or assistant professor, and all persons appointed as librarians.

1.1.1.2. The fixed-term faculty shall consist of all persons holding the rank of professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or instructor, but not appointed under the rules of tenure.

1.1.1.3. The health professions faculty shall consist of all faculty appointed in the Health Programs Faculty Appointment System who hold the rank of professor, associate professor, or assistant professor in the College of Human Medicine, Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine, or Veterinary Medicine.

1.1.1.4. The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams/National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (FRIB/NSCL) faculty shall consist of all faculty appointed in the FRIB/NSCL Faculty Appointment System holding the rank of professor, associate professor, or assistant professor.

1.1.1.5. The Academic Specialists shall consist of persons holding the rank of senior specialist, specialist with continuing appointment, specialist with probationary appointment, or fixed-term specialist.

1.1.1.6. The honorary faculty shall consist of visiting professors and professors emeriti.

1.1.1.7. The foregoing provisions do not preclude Presidential action to bestow certain “faculty privileges” upon employees of the University who are not members of the faculty.

1.1.2. Faculty Voting Rights

1.1.2.1. The voting faculty in the election of University-level councils and committees shall be all regular faculty, health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, full-time fixed term faculty, and full-time academic specialists.

1.1.2.1.1. Full-time shall be defined as a workload equal to or greater than a 0.9 full-time equivalent.

1.1.2.2. The voting faculty in the election of department, school, or college councils and committees and in elections pertaining to department, school, or college policies and decisions shall include all regular faculty engaged in the academic activities of that unit and may, if so provided by unit bylaws, also include health professions faculty, FRIB/NSCL faculty, fixed-term faculty, honorary faculty, specialists, lecturers, research associates, assistant instructors, or adjunct faculty.

1.1.2.3. A faculty member jointly appointed to two or more units may vote only once in a given election. In elections voted upon by two or more units, the faculty member shall vote in the unit which has primary responsibility for initiating personnel action, with respect to that faculty member.

1.1.2.4. A regular faculty member, health professions faculty member, or FRIB/NSCL faculty member may be elected to an academic governance body as a representative of any unit in which that faculty member holds faculty status.

1.1.2.5. A full-time fixed-term faculty member and a full-time specialist may be elected to an academic governance body, with the exception of the University Committee on Faculty Tenure, as a representative of any unit in which the person holds faculty status.

1.2. The Students

1.2.1. Student Constituency of the University

1.2.1.1. The student constituency shall consist of all persons officially enrolled as students in the university except those who are also defined as faculty in 1.1.1. A person who has enrolled for two consecutive semesters may retain student status for one semester when not enrolled, if the person has not been awarded a degree, enrolled as a degree candidate at another college or university, or been withdrawn or recessed by the university. *

1.2.1.2. Students who are enrolled in graduate non-degree programs, as candidates for graduate degrees, or as candidates for graduate-professional degrees, shall be deemed graduate students for purposes of these Bylaws.

1.2.1.3. All other students shall be deemed undergraduate students.

1.2.2. Student Constituency of an Academic Unit

1.2.2.1. The student constituency of a unit for the purpose of selecting student representatives from that unit to serve on higher unit committees shall be all students who have declared with the Registrar a major or major preference (in the case of lower-division students) in an academic program in the unit.

1.2.2.2. The student constituency for purposes other than that specified in 1.2.2.1 shall be all students who have declared a major or major preference in an academic program in the unit and may include other students as specified in the bylaws of the unit.

1.2.3. Student Participation in Academic Governance

1.2.3.1. Student participation in an academic governance body shall in all cases be in the same mode as faculty participation, except for matters reserved to the faculty. The matters reserved to the faculty are:

1.2.3.1.1. Policy concerning salary, leaves, insurance, retirement, and fringe benefits of faculty.

1.2.3.1.2. Decisions concerning the appointment, salary, reappointment, promotion, tenure, or dismissal of individual faculty members.

1.2.3.1.2.1. Evidence from students regarding the teaching performance of faculty may, as relevant, be considered in decisions concerning the above matters.

1.2.3.1.3. Matters affecting the professional responsibility of the faculty to establish and maintain the intellectual authority of the university.

1.3. Modes of Participation

There are four modes of faculty and student participation identified for use in academic governance:

1.3.1. Consultation — A body of faculty or students consults with and informs an administrator who has authority and responsibility to make a decision. Such a committee is not a deliberative body; it does not vote. Rather, the members express their views to inform an administrator’s decision.

1.3.2. Advisory — A deliberative body of faculty or students recommends policies to an administrator who is authorized to make decisions. The administrator is not bound by the recommendations and accepts responsibility for the decisions.

1.3.3. Shared Responsibility — A deliberative body of faculty or students makes recommendations to an administrator. If the administrator and deliberative body cannot agree and action must be taken, the recommendations of the administrator and the deliberative body will be submitted in writing to the appropriate administrator at the next higher administrative level for decisions by that administrator.

1.3.4. Delegated Authority — A deliberative body of faculty or students is authorized to make decisions on specified matters. Such decisions are subject to administrative review, but will be altered only in exceptional circumstances.*

1.4. Special Rules

1.4.1. Ex-officio membership. Except as limited or prohibited in these Bylaws, ex-officio members of governance bodies*—those who serve on the body by virtue of an office held—have both voice and vote.

1.4.2. Designees. Except as limited or prohibited in these Bylaws, a designee may serve in the stead of a member of a governance body* who is absent from a meeting. Such designees must have the same eligibility and constituency as the replaced member, and shall have the same rights and privileges as the member replaced. The attendance record of a member who provides a designee shall be unaffected.

1.4.3. Absences and removal. Members who fail to attend three meetings in a single academic year of a particular governance body designated in these Bylaws without providing designees in their absences become eligible to be removed from the governance body, reducing its quorum until the members are replaced by procedures specific to the body. This provision does not apply to administrators who are ex-officio members of governance bodies.

1.4.3.1. When a member becomes eligible for removal, the Secretary for Academic Governance will report the member’s absences to the body responsible for electing or appointing the member (e.g., the relevant College Advisory Committee for an elected Faculty Senate representative, the relevant Standing Committee for a Standing Committee chairperson who misses four Faculty Senate meetings, the Faculty Senate for at-large members of the Steering Committee). The body must decide whether to recall the member by majority vote. If a member is recalled, the constituency must select a replacement in the same manner as the removed member was selected (unless these Bylaws specify a different process); if a member is not recalled, each subsequent absence renders them eligible for removal again.

1.4.3.2. Those who are members of a governance body by virtue of their service on another body (e.g., Standing Committee chairpersons who serve on the Steering Committee, members of Faculty Senate who are automatically members of University Council) may miss four meetings of the bodies on which they serve. After five total absences from any combination of meetings, such members become eligible for removal.

Section 2: Academic Governance in Schools, Colleges, and Other Academic Units

2.1. Unit Academic Administrators

2.1.1. Academic units are those departments, schools, colleges, and other administrative units whose primary function is education, research, or creative endeavor.

2.1.2.  An academic administrator is a faculty member who has authority and responsibility delegated by the President and the Board of Trustees for the administration of a unit. Administrative officers of the major education and research units of the University shall be members of the regular faculty, health professions faculty, or FRIB/NSCL faculty, except deans, who shall be members of the regular faculty.

2.1.2.1.  A department chairperson or school director serves as the chief representative of his or her department or school within the university. He or she is responsible for the unit’s educational, research, and service programs—including the outreach components of all three; budgetary matters, academic facilities, and personnel matters, taking into account the advisory procedures of the unit. The chairperson or director has a special obligation to build a department or school strong in scholarship, teaching capacity, and service.

2.1.2.2. The deans and directors of other academic units separately reporting to the Provost are responsible for educational, research, and service programs of their units. This responsibility includes budgetary matters, academic facilities, and personnel matters in the unit, taking into account the advisory procedures of the unit.

2.1.3. Faculty and students shall advise or consult in the appointment of unit academic administrators.

2.1.3.1. The voting faculty of each department or school shall have shared responsibility with the relevant dean to determine procedures for the nomination of chairpersons and directors to be selected by the Provost.

2.1.3.2. The voting faculty of each college, as represented by the faculty members of the College Advisory Committee, shall have shared responsibility with the Provost to determine procedures for the nomination of that college’s deans.

2.1.3.3. The nomination to the Provost of assistant and associate academic unit administrators shall be the responsibility of the academic administrator to whom they directly report.

2.1.4. Chairpersons, directors, and deans shall be subject to regular review at intervals not to exceed five years.

2.1.4.1. The College Advisory Committee of each college shall have shared responsibility with the Provost to determine procedures for the review of that college’s dean.

2.1.4.2. At intervals not to exceed five years, the dean shall review each chairperson or school director in that college.

2.1.4.3. A department or school faculty shall have shared responsibility with its dean on procedures for review of a chairperson or school director.

2.1.4.4. There is no limit on how long an individual may continue in the position of dean, chairperson, or school director. The same rule applies to deans and directors of separately reporting units.

2.1.4.5. The appointment of a dean, chairperson, or director, as such, may be terminated at any time by resignation or by action of the President upon the recommendation of the Provost.

2.1.5. Academic administrators shall participate in academic governance as part of their administrative responsibilities.

2.1.5.1. Academic administrators shall inform faculty and students of administration policies through the academic governance system as well as through other channels they deem appropriate.

2.1.5.2. Academic administrators shall receive the views of faculty and students through the academic governance system, as well as through other channels they deem appropriate, in determining policies and in advising other administrators of the university.

2.1.5.3. Academic administrators shall comply with these Bylaws and the bylaws of their academic units.

2.1.5.4. Academic administrators shall assist and encourage the efficient and effective operation of academic governance.

2.2. Unit Academic Governance

2.2.1.The voting faculty of each academic unit shall have shared responsibility with the administrator to adopt and publish bylaws, provided they are in conformity with these Bylaws.

2.2.2. Academic unit bylaws shall be reviewed at intervals not to exceed five years.

2.2.2.1. The bylaws of schools and departments shall be reviewed by appropriate college committees. The decisions of such committees can be appealed to the University Committee on Academic Governance.

2.2.2.2. The bylaws of colleges and other academic units that are not part of a college shall be reviewed by the University Committee on Academic Governance. Decisions of the Committee can be appealed to the University Council.

2.2.3. The bylaws of academic units with responsibilities for undergraduate or graduate education shall include procedures for the participation of students in the decision-making processes by which policy is formed.

2.2.3.1. The students in each unit who have declared a major or major preference in an academic program in the unit shall be responsible for selecting, according to procedures of their own choice, their representatives to councils and committees, as specified in unit bylaws, pursuant to 1.2.1.1.

2.2.3.2. Each unit’s bylaws shall specify the student constituency of that unit, pursuant to 1.2.2.1 and 1.2.2.2.

2.2.4. Unit bylaws shall provide that the unit administrator, or the unit administrator’s designee, shall generally be present at meetings of academic governance bodies in the unit.

2.2.5. The bylaws of each college shall provide for a College Advisory Committee of faculty and students or separate college advisory committees to serve as means of participation by faculty and students in the policy-making of the college. The composition of each College Advisory Committee shall be representative of that college’s diverse academic interests.

2.2.5.1. Each College Advisory Committee shall ensure that at least two of its members (including its chairperson) are members of the Faculty Senate, selecting—if necessary—one person from among the college representatives to the Faculty Senate to serve as an ex-officio member, without vote, of the College Advisory Committee. See 3.3.1.2.1.

2.2.5.2. Each College Advisory Committee shall elect its own chairperson.

2.2.5.3. Each College Advisory Committee shall publish minutes of its meetings.

2.2.6. The jurisdiction of unit-level academic governance shall include matters within the jurisdiction of University-level academic governance, provided that such matters are within the administrative authority of that academic unit.

2.2.7. Unit academic governance shall have jurisdiction over other matters, as provided in other University policies and legislation, e.g., Student Rights and Responsibilities at Michigan State University, Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities, Medical Students Rights and Responsibilities, and the Faculty Grievance Policy.

2.2.8.Academic unit bylaws shall specify the modes of participation (1.3) for matters within the jurisdiction of unit academic governance. The modes of participation specified at the University level shall be the model that guides, but does not necessarily determine, the modes of participation at the academic unit level.

Section 3: University Academic Governance

3.1. Academic Congress

3.1.1. Composition of the Academic Congress

3.1.1.1. The voting membership of the Academic Congress shall be the voting faculty as defined in 1.1.1, including the President and Provost. Honorary faculty shall be members with voice but without vote. The presiding officer may vote to break a tie. 

3.1.1.2. The chairperson of the Faculty Senate shall serve as the chairperson of the Academic Congress. The vice chairperson of Faculty Senate shall serve as the vice chairperson of the Academic Congress. 

3.1.1.3. The chairperson presides at all meetings of the Academic Congress. In the absence of the chairperson, the vice chairperson will preside at the meeting of the Academic Congress. 

3.1.1.4. The Secretary for Academic Governance shall also serve as Secretary of the Academic Congress. 

3.1.2. Functions of the Academic Congress

3.1.2.1. The Academic Congress will deliberate and endorse or reject items, and then refer them back to the originating body. 

3.1.2.2. The Academic Congress shall also serve as a forum for the dissemination and exchange of ideas and information between the faculty and the administration.  

3.1.3. Methods of Calling the Academic Congress

3.1.3.1. Meetings of the Academic Congress can be called into session by a majority vote of the faculty representatives of the Steering Committee or by the President. 

3.1.3.2. The Academic Congress must be called into session to consider specific referred items when one of the following actions occur: 

3.1.3.2.1. A petition to call the Academic Congress into session to consider an item is endorsed by at least 20 percent of the voting members of the Academic Congress. The petition must include a description of the item that is referred for consideration. 

3.1.3.2.2. At least 50 percent plus one of the voting members of the University Council or the Faculty Senate vote to call the Academic Congress into session to consider an item. The resolution must include a description of the item that is referred for consideration. 

3.1.3.2.3. At least 50 percent plus one of the voting members at an official meeting of the Academic Congress at which a quorum is present vote to call the Academic Congress into session to consider an item. In this case, another meeting may be called only to consider items from the original agenda. 

3.1.4. Quorum

3.1.4.1. A quorum of 10 percent of its voting membership plus one is necessary for the Academic Congress to consider action items that are referred to it.

3.1.4.2. In the event a quorum is not present, items that are referred to the Academic Congress from the Faculty Senate or the University Council will be returned to the referring body for action. 

3.1.4.3. In the event a quorum is not present, items referred to the Academic Congress for consideration by petition will be referred to the Faculty Senate for consideration. 

3.1.4.4. When the Academic Congress acts as a forum for the interchange of ideas and information, a quorum is not required. Notes will be kept of such sessions.

3.1.5. Academic Congress Agendas and Minutes

3.1.5.1. The agendas for Academic Congress will be set by the Steering Committee, in consultation with the President. However, if the Academic Congress was called into session by referral from the Faculty Senate or the University Council or by petition, the Steering Committee will include the referred item on the agenda. Agendas will be publicly available and circulated at least one week before the meeting. 

3.1.5.2. Minutes of Academic Congress meetings shall be distributed to all members of the Academic Congress and the University Council.

3.2. University Council

3.2.1. Composition of the University Council 

3.2.1.1. The University Council shall be composed of the members of Faculty Senate, selected pursuant to 3.3.1, the Appointed Council, all faculty serving as chairpersons of College Advisory Committees, the chairperson of the Athletic Council, members of the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) selected pursuant to 3.2.3.1, members of the Council of Graduate Students (COGS) selected pursuant to 3.2.3.2, chairpersons of University-level Standing Committees, the Steering Committee, the President, the Provost, and designated ex-officio members in 3.2.1.2.

3.2.1.1.1. The Appointed Council shall be composed of all deans, the Dean of the Libraries, the Director of the FRIB, the President, and the Provost. 

3.2.1.2. The University Council shall have the following ex-officio members: Vice President for Student Affairs and Services; Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies; Vice President for Information Technology; the associate provosts; University Registrar; Faculty Grievance Official; Secretary for Academic Governance; and Ombudsperson. One representative of the faculty emeriti will serve ex officio with voice, but no vote. 

3.2.2. Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the University Council

3.2.2.1. The chairperson of University Council is the President. The chairperson will preside at all meetings of University Council. 

3.2.2.2. The vice chairperson of University Council is the Provost. The vice chairperson will preside at meetings of University Council when the chairperson is not in attendance. 

3.2.2.3. When both the chairperson and the vice chairperson of the University Council cannot be in attendance at a meeting of University Council, the chairperson will designate an individual to preside at that meeting. 

3.2.3. The voting members of the University Council shall be the faculty representatives elected as members of the Faculty Senate, ASMSU and COGS student representatives, designated members of University-level Standing Committees, voting members of the Steering Committee, and the members of the Appointed Council. 

3.2.3.1. ASMSU shall select a number of undergraduate student representatives to the University Council equal to one-third (1/3) of the total voting membership of the University Council. The number of representatives shall be rounded to the nearest integer. The overall selection shall ensure balanced collegiate representation. 

3.2.3.1.1. Undergraduate student representatives to the University Council shall be chosen according to procedures established by the constitution of ASMSU and shall be chosen such that the diversity of the delegation is ensured. 

3.2.3.2. COGS shall select a number of graduate representatives to the University Council equal to three-fiftieths (3/50) of the total voting membership of the body. The number of representatives shall be rounded to the nearest integer. No more than one graduate representative may be from a single department, with consideration being given to University wide representation insofar as possible. 

3.2.3.2.1. Graduate student representatives to the University Council shall be chosen according to procedures established by the constitution of COGS and shall be chosen to ensure the diversity of the delegation. 

3.2.4. Functions of the University Council

3.2.4.1. The University Council brings together faculty, student, and administration representatives to discuss issues that involve the entire university. While the Faculty Senate may seek input from the University Council on proposals regarding curricular issues, faculty tenure and promotion issues, and faculty salary and benefits issues, the primary focus of discussion in the University Council is on other issues that are not the core responsibility of the Faculty Senate. 

3.2.4.2. The University Council shall consider and act upon all matters within its purview brought before it by the Steering Committee, shall consider and act upon all matters brought before it by the President or Provost, and shall provide a forum for the dissemination of information and exchange of views regarding university policy. 

3.2.4.3. The University Council shall consider all major issues related to educational policy. The mode of participation shall be that which is specified on the matter in the ascription of functions to University-level Standing Committees (4.3 – 4.10).

3.2.4.4. The University Council’s role is to communicate its views on key issues facing the university. 

3.2.4.5. The University Council may refer items to the Academic Congress for consideration and action. 

3.2.4.6. The University Council may consult on any other matter pertaining to the general welfare of the university. 

3.2.4.7. The University Council shall propose procedures to the Board of Trustees for the participation of faculty and students in the selection of the President. 

3.2.4.8. The University Council shall develop procedures acceptable to the President for the participation of faculty and students in the selection of administrators of university-level units who are involved in the administration of policies significantly affecting the academic programs of the university.*  

3.2.4.8.1. These administrative positions are the Provost, the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, the Senior Vice President for Student Life and Engagement, the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, the Dean of the Graduate School, the Dean of International Studies and Programs, the Dean of the Libraries, and the Dean of the Honors College. 

3.2.4.9. Except for the Board of Trustees, the University Council shall be the final authority with regard to the interpretation of these Bylaws (4.3.4).

3.2.4.10. The University Council may propose, by majority vote, changes in these Bylaws (8.3).

3.2.4.11. The University Council shall act on amendments to these Bylaws. Proposed amendments can originate from the University Council itself, from the Faculty Senate, or from University-level Standing Committees through referral to the University Committee on Academic Governance. 

3.2.5. University-level Standing Committees Reporting to University Council

3.2.5.1. University-level Standing Committees that deal predominantly with issues other than the curriculum and faculty life (e.g., tenure and promotion, salary, benefits) report to University Council. Such committees include the University Committee on Student Life and Engagemenet, the University Committee on Undergraduate Education, the University Committee on Graduate Studies, the University Committee on the Libraries, and the University Committee on Academic Governance. 

3.2.5.2. The Athletic Council reports to the University Council. The form and frequency of its reporting will be determined by the Steering Committee, but in no case will the frequency of reporting be less than once each academic year. The Athletic Council, through its chairperson, will also respond within a reasonable time to questions asked by the University Council. 

3.2.6. Procedures of the University Council

3.2.6.1. The President or, in the President’s absence, the Provost, shall preside at meetings of the University Council. The Secretary for Academic Governance shall be Secretary of the University Council and shall serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the University Council. 

3.2.6.2. The University Council shall normally meet at least once each month during the academic year. The President or the Steering Committee may also call a special meeting of the University Council. The Steering Committee may cancel a University Council meeting if there are no agenda items that must be considered. The Steering Committee shall prepare the agenda for each University Council meeting. Each meeting agenda will include an item enabling new business to be introduced from the floor. The agenda will be publicly available and circulated at least one week prior to the meeting to which it relates. The meetings of the University Council shall be open. Observers shall be seated separately. 

3.2.6.3. A quorum for conducting the business of the University Council is 50 percent plus one. 

3.2.6.4. On all recommendations concerning major academic policies, a University-level Standing Committee report, or a brief summary thereof compiled by the committee chairperson, shall be made publicly available at the time it is submitted to the University Council. 

3.2.6.5. The Faculty Senate, the Appointed Council, ASMSU, or COGS may, by a majority vote of those present and voting, refer matters to the University Council. Such recommendations shall be placed on the agenda of the University Council by the Steering Committee. 

3.2.6.6. The University Council shall establish its own rules and procedures. The Faculty Senate, ASMSU, and COGS shall keep minutes of their meetings, which shall be made public through the Academic Governance website. 

3.2.7. Functions of ASMSU 

3.2.7.1. ASMSU shall consider and act upon all recommendations to University Council regarding student academic rights and responsibilities and judicial procedures; upon any proposed amendment to or revision of Student Rights and Responsibilities at Michigan State University prior to its consideration by University Council; upon all matters brought before it by the President, the Provost, or the Senior Vice President for Student Life and Engagement; and upon all matters on which its constitution requires such action. 

3.2.7.2. On any matter brought before ASMSU the mode of participation shall be that which is specified on the matter in the ascription of functions to University-level Standing Committees (4.3 – 4.10).

3.2.8. Functions of COGS

3.2.8.1. COGS shall consider and act upon all recommendations to University Council regarding student academic rights and responsibilities and judicial procedures; upon any amendment to or revision of the SRR, and Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities prior to its consideration by University Council; upon all matters brought before it by the President, the Provost, or the Senior Vice President for Student Life and Engagement; and upon all matters on which its constitution requires such action. 

3.2.8.2. On any matter brought before COGS, the mode of participation shall be that which is specified on the matter in the ascription of functions to University-level Standing Committees (4.3 – 4.10).

3.3. Faculty Senate

3.3.1. Composition of the Faculty Senate

3.3.1.1. The first contingent of voting members of the Faculty Senate will be composed of faculty representatives from each college at the university. The college advisory committee/council in each college will conduct the election of that college’s representatives. The Secretary for Academic Governance will oversee the elections. 

3.3.1.2. Elected Faculty Representatives

3.3.1.2.1. Each college shall have at least two representatives, one of whom will be the chairperson of the College Advisory Committee. Each college shall have one additional representative for every additional fifty voting faculty in excess of one hundred not to exceed five total representatives. Each college with three or more representatives shall have at least one non-tenured faculty member among its representatives.

3.3.1.2.2. For purposes of determining the number of elected representatives on the Faculty Senate to which a college is entitled, the number of voting faculty shall be the total number of faculty for whom the academic units in the college have primary responsibility for initiating personnel actions. For purposes of determining the number of faculty members required for the conduct of governance in accordance with these Bylaws, the census of the voting faculty will be provided to the Secretary for Academic Governance by the Office of the Provost no later than October 1 of each year. 

3.3.1.2.3. Each college’s faculty representatives shall be elected at-large during the spring semester by ballot supervised by the College Advisory Committee. A department or school may not have more than one representative unless the college’s departments are so few that such a limitation would reduce the college’s representatives to the Faculty Senate as determined by 3.3.1.2.1. Nomination procedures shall be stated in college bylaws. 

3.3.1.2.4. All regular faculty members of the university who are not represented through colleges (non-college faculty) or who are not otherwise named in the membership of the Faculty Senate shall have representation as specified for colleges in 3.3.1.2.1 and 3.3.1.2.3. The Secretary for Academic Governance shall supervise nomination procedures. 

3.3.1.2.5. The methods of election of representatives for non-college faculty and those colleges that are not departmentally organized shall be similar to those prescribed for departmentally organized colleges and shall assure representation of their diverse academic interests. 

3.3.1.2.6. The term of office of an elected faculty representative shall be two years and shall begin August 16. No individual may serve more than two consecutive terms from the same constituency. Representatives of each college or unit shall serve staggered terms. 

3.3.1.2.7. If, for any reason, an elected faculty representative is unable to serve for a period of one academic semester or more, a replacement shall be selected by the relevant College Advisory Committee, as provided by college bylaws. The non-college faculty shall establish procedures for this purpose in cooperation with the Secretary for Academic Governance. 

3.3.1.3. The second contingent of voting members of the Faculty Senate consists of the at-large faculty representatives on the Steering Committee (3.4.1.1).

3.3.1.4. The third contingent of voting members of the Faculty Senate consists of the individuals who sit as chairpersons of the University-level Standing Committees. 

3.3.1.5. The President, the Provost, the Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, one elected member from ASMSU, one elected member from COGS, and the chairperson of the Athletic Council will serve as ex-officio members of the Faculty Senate, with voice, but no vote. 

3.3.1.6. One representative of the faculty emeriti will serve as an ex-officio member of the Faculty Senate, with voice, but no vote. 

3.3.1.7. The Secretary for Academic Governance shall be the Secretary of the Faculty Senate and shall serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Faculty Senate. 

3.3.2. Chairperson of the Faculty Senate

3.3.2.1. The chairperson of the Faculty Senate will be selected by all voting members of the Faculty Senate from a slate made up of the at-large faculty representatives sitting on the Steering Committee. The at-large members receiving the two highest vote totals will constitute the final slate. Voting will be conducted again, and the at-large member receiving the majority of the votes will be declared the chairperson of the Faculty Senate and the other candidate will be declared the vice chairperson. Their terms are one year. The chairperson of Faculty Senate also serves as chairperson of the Steering Committee and chairperson of the Academic Congress. The vice chairperson of the Faculty Senate also serves as the vice chairperson of the Steering Committee and vice chairperson of the Academic Congress. 

3.3.3. Procedures of the Faculty Senate

3.3.3.1. The chairperson of the Faculty Senate will preside at meetings of the Faculty Senate. In the absence of the chairperson, the vice chairperson will preside. 

3.3.3.2. The quorum for conducting the business of the Faculty Senate is 50 percent of its voting membership plus one.

3.3.3.3. The Faculty Senate shall normally meet at least once each month during the academic year.

3.3.3.4. The faculty members of the Steering Committee shall prepare the agenda for each Faculty Senate meeting. The agenda will be publicly available and circulated at least one week prior to the meeting to which it relates. Each meeting agenda will include an item enabling new business to be introduced from the floor. The Steering Committee may cancel a Faculty Senate meeting if there are no agenda items that must be considered.

3.3.3.5. A special meeting (“called meeting”) of the Faculty Senate to address urgent matters that should not await a regularly scheduled meeting may be called by the President, by the Steering Committee, or by a one-quarter petition of the membership of the Faculty Senate.

3.3.3.5.1. Calls for a special meeting shall specify the purpose of the meeting. The only business that can be transacted at the special meeting is that which has been specified in the call for the meeting. The statement of purpose need not give the exact content of individual motions to be considered, if any. Motions from the floor shall be allowed.

3.3.3.5.2. Notice of a special meeting shall be publicized to members of the Faculty Senate at least forty-eight hours in advance of the called meeting and shall include the date, time, venue, and agenda. Electronic attendance at special meetings shall be permitted.

3.3.3.5.3. The Steering Committee and the Secretary for Academic Governance shall facilitate the convening of the special meeting.

3.3.3.6. Meetings of the Faculty Senate shall be open. Observers shall be seated separately.

3.3.4. Functions of the Faculty Senate 

3.3.4.1. The Faculty Senate is a deliberative, representative, and legislative body for Michigan State University faculty. As such, the Faculty Senate is the major, regularly meeting body in which curricular issues, faculty tenure and promotion issues, and faculty salary and benefits issues are presented. Advice may be sought from the University Council. The Faculty Senate’s role is to communicate its position to the administration on these issues. 

3.3.4.2. The Faculty Senate acts on issues referred to it by the Steering Committee. 

3.3.4.3. The Faculty Senate makes recommendations, provides advice, and speaks for University faculty on proposals developed in the University-level Standing Committees. 

3.3.4.4. The Faculty Senate discusses issues brought to it by faculty, students, college advisory committees, and administrators, and communicates its position on these issues on behalf of all University faculty. 

3.3.4.5. The Faculty Senate will seek broad faculty input on major initiatives before the University community. 

3.3.4.6. The Faculty Senate obtains and synthesizes the opinion of the faculty to form recommendations on key issues facing the university, and communicates those recommendations to the President and the Provost. 

3.3.4.7. Members of the Faculty Senate have the responsibility to represent their constituents on issues that should be considered by the governance system. 

3.3.4.8. The Faculty Senate may refer items to the Academic Congress for its consideration. 

3.3.4.9. The Faculty Senate may propose changes to these Bylaws. Bylaws changes proposed by the Faculty Senate shall be submitted to the University Committee on Academic Governance for comment and may be introduced to the University Council directly by a member of the University Council. The Board of Trustees must approve Bylaws changes. 

3.3.4.10. The University Council will consult with the Faculty Senate before it approves any amendments to those sections of the SRR that set forth the role of the faculty in the instructional process. 

3.3.4.11. On any matter brought before the Faculty Senate, the mode of participation shall be that which is specified on the matter in the ascription of functions to University-level Standing Committees (4.3 – 4.10).

3.3.5. University-level Standing Committees Reporting to Faculty Senate

3.3.5.1. University-level Standing Committees that address issues of curriculum and deal predominantly with issues of faculty life (e.g., tenure and promotion, salary, benefits) report to the Faculty Senate. 

3.3.5.2. The University Committee on Faculty Affairs will report to the Faculty Senate. UCFA may request an opportunity for its representatives to appear before University Council to obtain feedback from the entire University community. 

3.3.5.3. The University Committee on Faculty Tenure will report to the Faculty Senate. UCFT may request an opportunity for its representatives to appear before University Council to obtain feedback from the entire University community. 

3.3.5.4. University Committee on Curriculum will report to the Faculty Senate. UCC may request an opportunity for its representatives to appear before University Council to obtain feedback from the entire University community. 

3.3.6. University-level Standing Committees Reporting to Faculty Senate in Exceptional Situations

3.3.6.1. The University Committee on Student Life and Engagement will report to the University Council, provided that recommendations by UCSLE that affect professional rights and responsibilities of faculty must have been approved by the Faculty Senate before consideration by the University Council. 

3.3.6.2. The University Committee on Undergraduate Education will report to the University Council, provided that on issues of establishment, moratorium, discontinuance, and merger of programs, the University Council and the Faculty Senate will be informed of UCUE’s consultation with the Provost. 

3.3.6.3. The University Committee on Graduate Studies will report to the University Council, provided that on issues of establishment, moratorium, discontinuance, and merger of programs, the University Council and the Faculty Senate will be informed of UCGS’s consultation with the Provost. 

3.4. The Steering Committee

3.4.1. Composition of the Steering Committee

3.4.1.1. The Steering Committee shall be composed of (a) five members of the faculty, elected at-large; (b) the chairpersons of the University-level Standing Committees; (c) the Vice President of Academic Affairs of ASMSU, and the President of the COGS, who will have voting rights on all matters not reserved to the faculty (1.2.3.1.1); (d) one undergraduate student chosen from the voting members of ASMSU, and one graduate student selected from the student members of COGS who will have voting rights on all matters not reserved to the faculty. 

3.4.1.2. At-large faculty members of the Steering Committee shall be designated as members of the Faculty Senate, but may not serve concurrently as college representatives or as members of any other University-level Standing Committees. 

3.4.1.2.1. The term of office for the at-large faculty members shall be two years and shall begin on August 16. No individual may serve more than two consecutive terms. Either two or three at-large faculty members shall complete their terms each year. 

3.4.1.2.2. At-large faculty members of the Steering Committee shall be elected by the voting faculty of the Academic Congress in an annual spring semester election supervised by the Secretary for Academic Governance. Election shall be by a plurality of votes. 

3.4.1.2.2.1.  The University Committee on Academic Governance will solicit recommendations from all faculty. A nomination slate will be developed for the Faculty Senate to endorse and send to the Academic Congress for election. 

3.4.1.2.2.2.  Each nominee shall provide to the Secretary for Academic Governance a brief vita and a short statement that shall be distributed with the ballot. 

3.4.1.2.3. If for any reason an at-large faculty member of the Steering Committee is unable to serve for a period of one academic semester or more, a replacement for the remainder of the term of office shall be appointed by the Faculty Senate upon nomination by the faculty members of the University Committee on Academic Governance. 

3.4.1.2.4. The term of office for student members of the Steering Committee shall be one year. No student may serve more than two consecutive terms on the Steering Committee unless that student holds the office of President of COGS or ASMSU Vice President of Academic Affairs, in which event the student may serve on the Steering Committee while holding that office. Student members of the Steering Committee will be identified by the end of each spring semester. 

3.4.1.2.4.1.  Student members of the Steering Committee shall be chosen from the voting membership of ASMSU and COGS.

3.4.1.2.4.2.  Should a student member leave the Steering Committee, a replacement shall be chosen by ASMSU in the case of an undergraduate student, or COGS in the case of a graduate student. 

3.4.1.3. The President, the Provost, and the Executive Vice President for Health Sciences shall be ex-officio members of the Steering Committee. The Secretary for Academic Governance shall be an ex-officio member of the Steering Committee and shall serve as Secretary to the Steering Committee, having voice but no vote. Along with support to academic governance, the Office of Academic Governance will supply clerical and administrative assistance to the Steering Committee. 

3.4.1.4. The chairperson of the Steering Committee shall be elected annually pursuant to 3.3.2.1. 

3.4.1.5. A quorum of the Steering Committee will consist of 50 percent of its members plus one. 

3.4.2. Functions and Procedures of the Steering Committee

3.4.2.1. The faculty members of the Steering Committee shall meet periodically with the President and the Provost for an exchange of information and views on University policy. 

3.4.2.2. The Steering Committee shall act on behalf of the University Council when, in the judgment of a majority of the membership of the Steering Committee, action is needed before the University Council can be called into session. The President, or, in the event of the President’s absence, the Provost will chair such meetings. Actions taken at such meetings shall be reported to the University Council as information items and are subject to review by the University Council. Such meetings shall be called by the President, in consultation with the Steering Committee or a sub-committee of the Steering Committee designated to act on matters of agenda. 

3.4.2.3. The faculty members of the Steering Committee shall act on behalf of the Faculty Senate when, in the judgment of a majority of the membership of the Steering Committee, action is needed before the Faculty Senate can be called into session. The chairperson of the Steering Committee will chair such meetings. Such meetings may be called by the faculty members of the Steering Committee or by the chairperson of the Steering Committee. Decisions taken at such meetings shall be reported to the Faculty Senate as information items and are subject to review by the Faculty Senate. 

3.4.2.4. The Steering Committee shall advise the Provost regarding the appropriate faculty, academic, and student governance bodies, if any, to consult on proposals for establishment, moratorium, discontinuance, or merger of basic academic units, including departments, schools, institutes, colleges, and the Graduate School. 

3.4.2.5. The Steering Committee shall receive proposals for action in academic governance from individual faculty or students, and from faculty or student groups and organizations. 

3.4.2.5.1. The Steering Committee shall, where appropriate, refer matters brought to it to councils or committees for consideration. 

3.4.2.5.2. When an issue is referred to more than one University-level Standing Committee for consideration, the Steering Committee shall designate one University-level Standing Committee the “lead committee” on that issue and make it responsible for any report on that issue. 

3.4.2.6. The Steering Committee shall prepare the agenda for meetings of the University Council. Before each meeting of the University Council, the Steering Committee, or a sub-committee designated for matters of agenda shall hold a duly announced open meeting at which suggestions for agenda items will be heard. 

3.4.2.7. The faculty members of the Steering Committee, or a sub-committee designated for matters of agenda, shall, in consultation with the President or Provost, prepare the agenda for meetings of the Faculty Senate and the Academic Congress. Before any meeting of those bodies, the Steering Committee will hold a duly announced open meeting at which suggestions for agenda items will be heard. 

3.4.2.8. The Steering Committee shall report to the University Council. 

3.4.2.9. The Steering Committee will implement and support communication to and from faculty, in print, electronically, and by direct interaction. 

3.4.2.10. The Steering Committee will communicate regularly with the College Advisory Committees to encourage and implement strong interaction between University-level and college-level academic governance.

3.4.2.11. The chairperson and vice chairperson of the Steering Committee (or other faculty members of the committee if they are unavailable) shall represent the faculty to the Board of Trustees in the event that urgent action is anticipated by the Board and there is inadequate time for calling a formal meeting of the Faculty Senate.

3.5. The Office of Academic Governance

3.5.1. The Secretary for Academic Governance will direct the Office of Academic Governance. 

3.5.2. The Secretary for Academic Governance shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Steering Committee, and they shall review the appointment at periods not to exceed five years. 

3.5.3. The Secretary for Academic Governance shall be the parliamentarian with regard to the Bylaws, and shall serve as a non-voting, ex-officio member of the University Council, the Faculty Senate, the Steering Committee, the Academic Congress, and the General Assembly of ASMSU. 

3.5.4. The Secretary for Academic Governance will serve as a liaison between ASMSU and academic governance, and between COGS and academic governance, for the purpose of encouraging student representation in academic governance. 

3.5.5. The Office of Academic Governance, along with other administrative offices, provides staff support to the Steering Committee, the University Council, the Faculty Senate, and the University-level Standing Committees in the execution of responsibilities directly and indirectly expressed in these Bylaws. The Secretary for Academic Governance shall supervise elections to the University Council, and of the at-large faculty of the Steering Committee, with review by the University Committee on Academic Governance.

Section 5: Other University-level Committees

5.1. University Council Advisory-Consultative Committees

5.1.1. The University Council may establish Advisory-Consultative Committees for academic administrators of university-wide programs which do not have students or faculty regularly attached, or where the advisory processes established in Student Rights and Responsibilities at Michigan State University do not provide a sufficiently broad base for the university-wide program. 

5.1.2. The University Council shall establish the functions and the general procedures of Advisory-Consultative Committees, taking account of the recommendations of the administrator to be advised. 

5.1.3. The composition of Advisory-Consultative Committees shall be established by the University Council. Membership shall be determined according to procedures specified in 4.3.2, except as noted in 5.1.3.1. The terms of office shall be two years for faculty and one year for students. No member may serve for more than two consecutive terms. 

5.1.3.1. When an Advisory-Consultative Committee’s bylaws specify one faculty member from each of the colleges and one from among non-college faculty, each College Advisory Committee shall select one member and the appropriate representative body for the non-college faculty shall select one. 

5.1.4. Advisory-Consultative Committees shall advise and consult with appropriate administrators. The committees shall recommend to the University Council, through the Steering Committee or an appropriate University-level Standing Committee, needed changes in University policies and procedures. An annual report shall be made to the Steering Committee for distribution with the University Council minutes. Minutes of all meetings shall be sent to the Steering Committee. 

5.1.5. The University Committee on Academic Governance shall review the need for each Advisory-Consultative Committee at intervals not to exceed five years and recommend appropriate action, if any, to the University Council.

5.2. Athletic Council

5.2.1. There shall be an Athletic Council with composition and procedures subject to approval by the University Council. The Athletic Council shall function as the faculty voice in the intercollegiate athletic program.

5.2.2. Composition of the Athletic Council

5.2.2.1. The voting members of the Athletic Council shall be eight members of the faculty, eligible for election under 1.1.1, three alumni, and three students. 

5.2.2.2. Ex-officio members without vote shall include: the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), the Executive Director of the Alumni Association, and the Vice President for Financial Planning and Analysis.*  Members without vote cannot serve as chair of the Athletic Council.  

5.2.3. Appointment of Members

5.2.3.1. Faculty members of the Athletic Council shall be selected by the President from a slate of nominees (two for each vacancy) prepared by the faculty of the University Committee on Academic Governance and approved by the Faculty Senate.

5.2.3.1.1. The University Committee on Undergraduate Education shall appoint one of its faculty members to serve as an ex-officio member of the Athletic Council. 

5.2.3.2. Alumni representatives shall be chosen from members of the Michigan State University Alumni Association, which shall prepare a slate of two nominees for each vacancy, from which the President shall appoint one. One of the alumni representatives shall be a former student varsity athlete. Alumni members shall not be employees of the university. 

5.2.3.3.3. One undergraduate student shall be elected from a slate of three nominees prepared by ASMSU. One graduate student shall be elected by COGS from a slate of three nominees  prepared by COGS. One member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council shall be elected by the Student-Athlete Advisory Council from a slate of three nominees prepared by the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. It is recommended that each of these student representatives all be student-athletes if possible. 

5.2.3.4. The Faculty Athletic Representative to the athletic agencies or conferences to which the University chooses to belong shall be a member of the regular faculty appointed by the President. The FAR is recommended to have been a student-athlete at the collegiate level. The appointment shall be made with the advice of the voting members of the Athletic Council.

5.2.4. Terms of Appointment 

5.2.4.1. The terms of appointment of faculty and alumni representatives on the Athletic Council shall be two years and shall begin on August 16. Terms of members shall be staggered so that not less than one-third of the membership will return the following year. 

5.2.4.2. The term of appointment for student representatives shall be one year and shall begin on the first day of summer semester. 

5.2.4.3. Vacancies for a period of one or more academic terms that occur during the term of appointment of any voting member shall be filled for the remainder of the unfinished term in the same manner as the regular selection of the member unable to serve. Voting members of the Athletic Council can serve no more than two consecutive terms. An appointment of more than eight months to fill an unfinished term shall be equivalent to a full term in considering eligibility for reappointment. 

5.2.4.4. The Faculty Athletic Representative shall serve a 3-year term at the discretion of the President. The President shall review the Faculty Athletic Representative at least once every three years with the advice of the voting members of the Athletic Council. The FAR shall not serve more than 2 consecutive terms.  

5.2.5. Responsibilities of the Athletic Council

5.2.5.1. The Athletic Council serves as the deliberative body for the discussion of academic policy related to student athletes and intercollegiate athletics. 

5.2.5.2. The Athletic Council advises the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics on matters of policy, procedures, and organization related to intercollegiate athletics. 

5.2.5.2.1. Regarding the regular season and post-season tickets and trips, voting members of the Athletic Council shall strive to minimize the award of special privileges to themselves that are uncharacteristic of those generally available to faculty. Nonetheless, it is expected that the Athletic Council will fulfill responsibilities related to institutional representation as appropriate throughout the year. 

5.2.5.2.2. Complimentary tickets given to Athletic Council members are considered non-transferable. 

5.2.6. The Athletic Council reports to the University Council. The form and frequency of reporting will be determined by the Steering Committee, but in no case will the frequency of reporting be less than once each academic year. The Athletic Council will also respond to questions asked by the University Council through its seated representative in the University Council, the chairperson of the Athletic Council. 

5.2.6.1. A report of policies regarding regular season and post-season trips, as well as a record of the disbursement of complimentary tickets and trips, shall be included in the annual report of Athletic Council to University Council. 

5.2.6.2. The FAR reports to the President and the Athletic Council.  Form and frequency will be determined by the President and the Athletic Council.  The FAR in consultation with the Athletic Council will produce a semi-annual report to the Faculty Senate on the academic performance and well-being of student athletes. The FAR will also publish as part of their report a complete list of their duties.  

5.2.6.3.  The Athletic Council and the FAR are responsible for ensuring the online publication of all of their reports, agendas, and minutes.

5.3. Faculty Healthcare Council

5.3.1. There shall be a Faculty Healthcare Council (FHC) to function as the faculty voice to Human Resources and the university administration on matters related to healthcare and healthcare benefits. 

5.3.2. Composition

5.3.2.1. The voting members of the FHC shall be nine faculty members. 

5.3.2.2. Ex-officio members without vote shall include but not be limited to the Director of the Office of Planning and Budgets, and one faculty member emeritus/emerita to be selected by the Faculty Emeriti Association. 

5.3.3. Appointment of Members

5.3.3.1. Faculty members of the FHC shall be appointed by the Steering Committee from a list initiated by the University Committee on Academic Governance, pursuant to its annual call for volunteers to committees, boards, and panels (4.3.9); the list shall be submitted to the FHC, which shall then submit its recommendations to the Steering Committee. 

5.3.3.2. Eligibility for appointment to the FHC shall be established by submission to the University Committee on Academic Governance of a brief vita, rationale for willingness to serve, and acknowledgement that the work of the FHC includes the summer months.

5.3.3.3. Faculty members of the FHC shall represent a diversity of faculty appointments, pursuant to relevant union contracts. 

5.3.4. Terms of Appointment

5.3.4.1. The terms of appointment of faculty representatives on the FHC shall be three consecutive two-year terms to ensure continuity and stability of membership. 

5.3.4.2. If, for any reason, a member is unable to serve and more than one annual year remains of the appointment, the Steering Committee will identify a replacement from the most recent list of eligible volunteers; the new appointee will be eligible for reappointment for two subsequent terms. If less than one annual year remains, the seat will remain vacant until the next regular appointment period. 

5.3.5. Responsibilities of the FHC

5.3.5.1. The FHC will serve as the faculty voice on issues related to the design, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare plans. 

5.3.5.2. The FHC will consult with, provide information, and make recommendations to the University Committee on Faculty Affairs on matters concerning the economic impact of health benefits. 

5.3.5.3. The FHC shall serve as an advocate for faculty on matters related to health care and healthcare benefits.

5.4. Ad Hoc Committees of the University Council

5.4.1. Ad hoc committees shall be kept to a minimum. Before establishing an ad hoc committee, the University Council shall consult with the Steering Committee to determine whether the commission might appropriately be referred to one or more University-level Standing Committees. 

5.4.2. The Steering Committee shall recommend to the University Council the composition, method of selecting members, functions, and procedures of ad hoc committees. 

Section 6: University Student-Faculty Judiciaries

6.1. Student-Faculty-Staff Hearing Board

6.1.1. The composition and jurisdiction of this body are set forth in Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) at Michigan State University. 

6.1.2. The President shall appoint the faculty members of the Student-Faculty-Staff Hearing Board during the spring semester from a list of nominees supplied by the faculty members of the University Committee on Academic Governance. The number of nominees shall be twice the number of positions to be filled. 

6.1.3. The term of office for faculty members of the Student-Faculty-Staff Hearing Board shall be three years, with the opportunity for reappointment for one additional three-year term. Provisions shall be made to stagger appointments to assure continuity. Terms of office shall begin with the summer semester following appointment. 

6.1.4. No faculty member of the University Council or of any committee whose members are appointed or nominated by the University Council shall be eligible to serve concurrently on the Student-Faculty-Staff Hearing Board. 

6.2. University Graduate Judiciary

6.2.1. The composition and jurisdiction of this body are set forth in Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities. 

6.3. Academic Hearing Pool

6.3.1. The composition and jurisdiction of this body are set forth in the SRR. 

6.3.2. The President shall appoint the faculty members to the pool for the University Academic Grievance Hearing Board, the University Academic Integrity Hearing Board, and University Academic Appeals Board during the spring semester from a list of nominees supplied by the faculty members of UCAG. The number of nominees shall be twice the number of positions to be filled. 

6.3.3. The term of office for faculty members in the pool shall be one or two years, with reappointment never to extend a person’s service beyond four consecutive years. Provisions shall be made to stagger appointments to assure continuity. Terms of office shall begin with the summer semester following appointment. The service of the current pool members extends until replacements are nominated. 

6.3.4. No faculty members of the University Council or of any committee whose members are appointed or nominated by the University Council or the Faculty Senate shall be eligible to serve concurrently on any of the three boards. 

6.4. University Student Appeals Board

6.4.1. The composition and jurisdiction of this body are set forth in the SRR.

6.4.2. The President shall appoint the faculty members of the University Student Appeals Board during the spring semester from a list of nominees supplied by the faculty members of UCAG. The number of nominees shall be twice the number of positions to be filled.

6.4.3. The term of office for faculty members of the University Student Appeals Board shall be three years, with the opportunity for one additional three-year term. Provisions shall be made to stagger appointments to assure continuity. Terms of office shall begin with the summer semester following appointment.

6.4.4. No faculty members of the University Council or of any committee appointed or nominated by the University Council or the Faculty Senate shall be eligible to serve concurrently on the University Student Appeals Board.

Section 7: Administrative Support of Academic Governance

7.1. The administrator of an academic unit shall render necessary support, clerical and otherwise, to academic governance at the unit level. At the university level, this is the responsibility of the Provost and the Senior Vice President for Student Life and Engagement. 

7.2. Academic administrators shall recognize a faculty member’s participation in academic governance as an important and integral part of the individual’s workload. Teaching schedules or other work assignments should be made consistent with regular committee or council meetings insofar as that is reasonably possible.

Section 8: Interpretation and Amendment

8.1. The academic governance bodies established by these Bylaws shall follow the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws. 

8.2. Except for the Board of Trustees, the University Council shall be the final authority with regard to the interpretation of these Bylaws.* 

8.3. Amendments 

8.3.1. Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the University Committee on Academic Governance. After review by UCAG, proposed amendments may be submitted to the University Council for action under 3.2.4.10 by UCAG, or by any member of the University Council. 

8.3.2. If the University Council approves the proposed amendment, the Steering Committee shall forward it to the President. 

8.3.2.1. If the President concurs with the proposed amendment, the President shall notify the Steering Committee and place the proposed amendment on the agenda for action by the Board of Trustees within 90 days (excluding the time between the end of spring semester and the start of fall semester). 

8.3.2.2. If the President does not concur with the proposed amendment, the President shall return it to the Steering Committee with the President’s written objections and recommendations within thirty (30) days (subject to the exclusion noted in 8.3.2.1). The Steering Committee shall submit the proposed amendment and the President’s comments to the University Council for reconsideration. 

8.3.2.2.1. If the University Council declines reconsideration, or if reconsideration results in no change to the proposed amendment, the Steering Committee shall return the proposed amendment to the President, who shall place it on the agenda for action by the Board of Trustees within sixty (60) days (subject to the exclusion noted in 8.3.2.1).

8.3.2.2.2. In the event that reconsideration leads to modification of the proposed amendment by the University Council, the Steering Committee shall forward the modified proposed amendment to the President, as set forth in 8.3.2.1.

Approved by the Board of Trustees
June 18, 2010, Effective Fall 2011
Amended and Approved by the Board of Trustees:
4/15/11, 1/31/12, 6/22/12, 9/7/12, 6/21/13, 12/13/13, 4/15/16, 6/21/17, 6/21/18, 6/21/19, 9/11/20, 4/16/21, 4/22/22, 6/23/23, and 12/13/24

The Bylaws for Academic Governance are published by the Office of Academic Governance 
Owen Graduate Hall, Room W32 
acadgov@msu.edu • https://acadgov.msu.edu

Download - PDF and Word

Previous Editions of the Bylaws for Academic Governance

Below are previous editions of the Bylaws for Academic Governance arranged in reverse chronological order. This collection is not complete and will be updated by the Secretary for Academic Governance as additional versions are located. The documents on this page are in .pdf format, but .docx versions can be created upon a request to acadgov@msu.edu.

Bylaws for Academic Governance

September 2020
June 2019 - Pending
June 2018 - Pending
June 2017 - Pending
April 2016 - Pending
December 2013
June 2013 - Pending
September 2012 - Pending
June 2012 - Pending
January 2012 - Pending
April 2011 - Pending
June 2010
September 2007
February 2007 - Pending
August 2006 - Possible
May 2005
August 2004
August 2003 - Possible
November 2000
December 1999
November 1997
July 1995
September 1984
September 1978
May 1975
September 1971

By-Laws of the Faculty

September 1968

By-Laws of the Faculty Organization

July 1966
December 1965

Faculty Organization Document

1945 - Pending