This website was last updated: February 16, 2005
February 10, 2005 - Changes Listed Below
Chapter 4 - General Personnel Policies
1.10.2 Obligations of Appointees
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Chapter 4 - Faculty Personnel Policies
2.4.1 Joint Appointment
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2.10.7 Unit Meeting and Unit Vote (amended)
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Chapter 6 - Housing Room and Board Rates per Semester for 2005-2006
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December 10, 2004 - Changes Listed Below
Chapter 3 - Academic Affairs
Master of Science in Biostatistics
Master of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology
Master of Science in Medical and Bioinformatics
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Chapter 6 - Business Affairs
Section D - Approval of Retirement Plan Documents
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Section F - Collateralization and Repurchase Agreements
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Section H - Purchasing Policy
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Section M (new) - Economic Development
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October 28, 2004 - No Changes
June 25, 2004 - Changes Listed Below
Chapter 3 - Academic Affairs
Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
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Chapter 4, Sections 2.3, 2.6, 2.7, and 2.10.4 - Faculty Personnel Policy
Contract Renewal and Tenure Schedule Revisions
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Chapter 6, Appendix A - 2004-2005 Tuition Fee Schedule
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April 22, 2004 - No Changes
February 14, 2004 - Chapter 6 - Housing Room and Board Rates per Semester for 2004-2005
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December 3, 2003 - Academic and Student Affairs Reorganization Approved
October 23, 2003 - Chapter 3 - Academic Affairs
Masters of Education in School Counseling added to Curriculum
Doctor of Physical Therapy added to Curriculum
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A. Purposes of the Administrative Manual
The functions of the Administrative Manual are to provide a medium for stating, changing, and communicating the general philosophies and policies of the university, and to provide guidance to the administration of the university in its development of operating policies and procedures.
B. Authority of the Administrative Manual
The authority for the policies contained herein is based on the constitution of the State of Michigan, statutes of the State of Michigan, and the bylaws of the Board of Trustees of Grand Valley State University. The bylaws and chapters 1 through 9 of this Administrative Manual have been approved in its entirety by the Board of Trustees on April 22, 2003, pursuant to its constitutional and statutory authority. All additions, deletions, and revisions to the bylaws and chapters 1 through 9 of the Administrative Manual may be made only with the approval of the Board.
C. Distribution and Control of the Administrative Manual
The Administrative Manual shall be distributed to all members of the Board of Trustees and executive and administrative officers of the university. At least one copy will be made available in the university library for general use by the faculty and staff, students, and the general public and it shall be available on the university's web site, www.gvsu.edu/admin_manual. Other copies may be maintained and distributed as required. The responsibility for the maintenance and distribution of the Administrative Manual shall rest with the secretary of the Board.
§ 4 Higher education institutions; appropriations, accounting, public sessions of boards.
The legislature shall appropriate moneys to maintain the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan College of Science and Technology, Central Michigan University, Northern Michigan University, Western Michigan University, Ferris Institute, Grand Valley State College, by whatever names such institutions may hereafter be known, and other institutions of higher education established by law. The legislature shall be given an annual accounting of all income and expenditures by each of these educational institutions. Formal sessions of governing boards of such institutions shall be open to the public.
History: Const. 1963, Art. VIII, § 4, Eff. Jan. 1, 1964 . Former Constitution: See Const. 1908, Art. XI, § 10.
§ 6 Other institutions of higher education, controlling boards.
Other institutions of higher education established by law having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees shall each be governed by a board of control which shall be a body corporate. The board shall have general supervision of the institution and the control and direction of all expenditures from the institution's funds. It shall, as often as necessary, elect a president of the institution under its supervision. He shall be the principal executive officer of the institution and be ex-officio a member of the board without the right to vote. The board may elect one of its members or may designate the president, to preside at board meetings. Each board of control shall consist of eight members who shall hold office for terms of eight years, not more than two of which shall expire in the same year, and who shall be appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate. Vacancies shall be filled in like manner.
History: Const. 1963, Art. VIII, § 6, Eff. Jan. 1, 1964.
Act 120 of 1960
AN ACT to establish an institution of higher education having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees to be known as Grand Valley state university; to implement the state constitution by providing for the appointment of the board of control, the organization of the board, and the vesting of assets in the board; and to grant and confirm the powers of the board.
History: 1960, Act 120, Eff. Aug. 17, 1960 ;--Am. 1963, 2nd Ex. Sess., Act 24, Eff. Jan. 1, 1964 ;--Am. 1970, Act 13, Imd. Eff. Apr. 10, 1970 ;--Am. 1972, Act 355, Imd. Eff. Jan. 9, 1973 ;--Am. 1987, Act 156, Imd. Eff. Nov. 5, 1987 .
The People of the State of Michigan enact:
390.841 Grand Valley state university; establishment; location; maintenance; equal availability of facilities; powers of board of control. [M.S.A. 15.1852(1) ]
(1) There is established a state institution of higher education having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees to be known as Grand Valley state university and located in Allendale township, Ottawa county. The institution shall be maintained by the state and its facilities shall be made equally available and upon the same basis to all qualified residents of this state. The institution shall be governed by a board of control which shall be a body corporate.
(2) In addition to any other powers granted by law, the board has all of the following powers:
(a) General supervision of the university.
(b) Control and direction of all expenditures from the university's funds.
(c) The right to sue and be sued.
(d) Adoption of a seal and altering of a seal.
(3) As used in this act, "board" means the board of control of Grand Valley state university.
History: 1960, Act 120, Eff. Aug. 17, 1960 ;--Am. 1963, 2nd Ex. Sess., Act 24, Eff. Jan. 1, 1964 ;--Am. 1970, Act 13, Imd. Eff. Apr. 10, 1970 ;--Am. 1972, Act 355, Imd. Eff. Jan. 9, 1973 ;--Am. 1987, Act 156, Imd. Eff. Nov. 5, 1987 .
390.842 Board of control; members, appointment, terms; president. [M.S.A. 15.1852(2) ]
There is established a "board of control", to consist of 8 members to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate for terms of 8 years. The president of the institution shall be ex officio a member of the board without the right to vote.
History: 1960, Act 120, Eff. Aug. 17, 1960 ;--Am. 1963, 2nd Ex. Sess., Act 24, Eff. Jan. 1, 1964 .
390.843 Board of control; election and terms of officers; treasurer's bond; vote required for incurring obligations or disposing of property or funds; quorum; conducting business in compliance with § 15.261 et seq.; notice of meeting; powers and duties enumerated. [M.S.A. 15.1852(3) ]
(1) The board of control may elect 1 member of the board or may designate the president to preside at board meetings. The board shall elect a secretary, a treasurer, and other officers as it considers necessary, none of whom shall be a member of the board. An officer shall serve a term of 1 year and until a successor is elected and qualified. Before permitting the treasurer to enter upon the duties of the office, the board shall require a bond to the people of this state with the sureties and in a sum not less than the amount of money likely to be in the treasurer's possession as the board designates. An officer may not incur obligations or dispose of the board's property or funds, except in pursuance of a vote of the board.
(2) A majority of the members of the board shall form a quorum for the transaction of business. The business which the board may perform shall be conducted in compliance with Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976, being sections 15.261 to 15.275 of the Michigan Compiled Laws. Public notice of the time, date, and place of the meeting shall be given in the manner required by Act No. 267 of the Public Acts of 1976.
(3) The board by majority vote of its membership may enact or amend rules and bylaws, for the conduct of the board's business as provided in subsection (1) and for the government of the institution; fix tuition and other fees and charges; appoint or remove personnel as the interests of the institution and the generally accepted principles of academic tenure permit or require; determine the compensation to be paid for services and materials; confer degrees and grant diplomas as are usually conferred or granted by similar institutions; receive, hold, and manage any gift, grant, bequest, or devise of funds or property, real or personal, absolutely or in trust, to promote the purposes of the institution; enter into agreements, not inconsistent with this act, as may be desirable in the conduct of the board's affairs; and in behalf of the state, lease or dispose of property which comes into the board's possession, if the board does not violate a condition or trust to which the property may be subject. The board may exercise all powers customarily exercised by the governing board of a college or university and the enumeration of the powers in this section shall not be considered to exclude powers not expressly excluded by law.
History: 1960, Act 120, Eff. Aug. 17, 1960 ;--Am. 1963, 2nd Ex. Sess., Act 24, Eff. Jan. 1, 1964 ;--Am. 1977, Act 246, Imd. Eff. Dec. 6, 1977 .
390.844 Board of control; borrowing money; acquisition of property; acquisition or construction of facilities; notes or bonds. [M.S.A. 15.1852(4) ]
Sec. 4. The board shall not borrow money on its general faith and credit, nor create any liens upon its property except as provided. The board may acquire land or acquire or erect buildings, or alter, equip, or maintain them, to be used as residence halls, apartments, dining facilities, student centers, health centers, parking structures, stadiums, athletic fields, gymnasiums, auditoriums, and other educational facilities. After the legislature by concurrent resolution has approved the acquisition or construction of such facilities, the board may borrow money issuing notes or bonds under such terms and provisions as it deems best to finance such facilities, the necessary site or sites, and including, but not limited to, capitalized interest and a debt service reserve in connection with the notes or bonds, with interest, solely out of income and revenues from any such facilities or any other such facilities later acquired, special fees and charges required to be paid by the students considered by the board to be benefited, funds to be received as gifts, grants, or otherwise from the state or federal government or any agency of the state or federal government or any public or private donor, if, prior to issuance of such notes or bonds, the state, federal government, or its agency, or other donor has contracted to pay to the board or to the holder of such notes or bonds definite amounts of money as determined by formula or otherwise, the proceeds of or delivery of any notes or bonds issued, or any combination thereof.
History: 1960, Act 120, Eff. Aug. 17, 1960 ;--Am. 1966, Act 149, Imd. Eff. June 24, 1966 ;--Am. 1970, Act 13, Imd. Eff. Apr. 10, 1970 ;--Am. 1987, Act 156, Imd. Eff. Nov. 5, 1987 .
390.845 Legislative intent. [M.S.A. 15.1852(5) ]
This act is intended to implement, clarify and confirm in the board the constitutional powers customarily exercised by the board of control of institutions of higher education established by law having authority to grant baccalaureate degrees.
History: Add. 1970, Act 13, Imd. Eff. Apr. 10, 1970 .
390.846 Cost of transition or name change. [M.S.A. 15.1852(6) ]
(1) The state shall not bear any cost incurred in the transition of Grand Valley state college to Grand Valley state university. Costs incurred by the name change shall be borne by the institution from nonstate sources.
(2) A student shall not bear any cost incurred in the transition of Grand Valley state college to Grand Valley state university by an increase in either tuition or other student fees. All costs associated with the transition of Grand Valley state college to Grand Valley state university and the source from which funds required to effectuate the transition were received shall be reported to the house and senate appropriations committees no later than December 31, 1989.
History: Add. 1987, Act 156, Imd. Eff. Nov. 5, 1987.
ARTICLE I. Members of the Board
1.1 Status as a body corporate: Grand Valley State University is an institution of higher education created by the Michigan Constitution of 1963 and governed by a Board of Control (sometimes referred to herein as the "Board" or "Board of Trustees," with each member thereof sometimes referred to as a "Trustee") which is a constitutional body corporate vested with conduct of the affairs and control of the property of the institution.
1.2 Number and terms: The Board shall consist of eight members appointed by the governor of Michigan by and with the advice and consent of the Senate for terms of eight years, not more than two of which shall expire in the same year. Holders of the present terms of office shall continue to exercise their powers and duties until their respective successors have been appointed and have taken office. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time a member of the Board resigns or relocates his or her residence out of state or otherwise ceases to be legally qualified to serve as a member of the Board, such person shall then cease to be a member of the Board, from then and thereafter for all purposes, including determination of a quorum, and determination of whether a majority of the members of the Board have approved proposed action.
1.3 Ex officio: The president of the university shall be ex officio a member of the Board, without the right to vote. References herein to "members present" or the "membership" shall not be deemed to include the ex officio member.
1.4 Honorary life members: The Board may designate any person who has served on the Board to be an honorary life member of the Board. Such members shall receive notices of and minutes of all formal sessions and shall be invited to attend all graduation exercises as if a full member of the Board. Such members shall not, however, have any voting rights or otherwise be considered a Board member, such as for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.
ARTICLE II. Authority of the Board
2.1 General power: The Board shall have general supervision of the university, the control and direction of all expenditures from university funds, the making of all decisions regarding public policy, and all powers customarily exercised by the governing board of a state university, including all those contemplated for such universities established pursuant to Article VIII, Sections 4 and 6 of the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963, all such powers to be exercised in conformity with the applicable law(s). The Board's powers are exercised by a majority vote of its membership and include, by way of illustration only, the powers to:
2.101 enact bylaws, rules and regulations for the conduct of its business and for the government of the university, and from time to time amend the same,
2.102 adopt a seal, and from time to time alter the same,
2.103 bring suit and act in defense of suits brought against it,
2.104 designate the sureties and the sum of the bond required of the treasurer of the Board before a person elected to such office enters upon the duties thereof, and require bonds of Board members or employees or agents of the Board and designate the sureties and sum of each,
2.105 fix tuition and other fees and charges,
2.106 elect, appoint, reclassify, or remove such personnel as the interest of the university requires, including a president of the university, who shall be the principal executive officer of the institution,
2.107 confer baccalaureate and such other degrees and grant such diplomas as are usually conferred or granted by other similar universities,
2.108 receive, hold, invest, manage, and use any gift, grant, bequest, or devise of funds or property, real or personal, absolutely, conditionally, or in trust, and state or federal appropriations to promote any of the purposes of the university,
2.109 enter into any agreements as may be desirable in the conduct of its affairs,
2.110 lease or dispose of any property which comes into its possession,
2.111 designate depositories of the funds of the university and the persons authorized to sign checks or orders for payments from such funds,
2.112 appoint a nominee or custodian for any of its assets,
2.113 borrow money for capital acquisitions or improvements and or self-liquidating or revenue-producing projects under terms of limited obligation and limited pledge of security, and to issue notes, bonds, debentures or other evidences of indebtedness.
2.114 exercise such other powers as may be incidental or related to the foregoing and authorized by law.
2.2 Limitations: The foregoing powers shall be exercised in compliance with and subject to applicable laws, as they may pertain from time to time.
2.3 Accounting responsibility: The Board shall give to the legislature an annual accounting of all income and expenditures and such financial information and reports as are required by law or as may seem advisable to the Board.
ARTICLE III. Meetings of the Board
3.1 Frequency and purposes: The Board shall hold the following formal sessions:
3.101 An annual meeting at the time of the first regularly scheduled formal session of the Board in each calendar year, or at such other date and time in any year as the Board may designate, for the purpose of electing required officers, and for the transaction of the same business as may come before a regular formal session.
3.102 Regular formal sessions as specified by the Board or by the chair of the Board or the president of the university.
3.103 A special formal session whenever called in writing by the chair of the Board, the president of the university, or by any three members of the Board.
3.2 Hour and place: Each formal session shall commence on the date and at the time and location specified in the notice of the formal session.
3.3 Notices: Notices of each formal session stating the date, hour, and place thereof, shall be given by mail (with a copy by facsimile or e-mail), telegram, or personal service to each member not later than five days before holding of such formal session; and such notice of any formal session shall be deemed duly given if mailed (with a copy by facsimile or e-mail) at least five days before the formal session or if sent by straight telegram or personally served at least five days before the formal session when addressed to or delivered at the member's last known business or residence address appearing in the records of the Board. A waiver of notice signed by any member either before or after a formal session shall have the same effect as a notice duly given to such member for the formal session. Notwithstanding the foregoing notice requirements, if the chair, the president, or any three members of the Board determine there may be an emergency, the required notice shall be shortened from the time specified above to 18 hours, and notice in case of such emergency shall be deemed duly given if sent by straight telegram or personally served at least 18 hours in advance, with a copy by facsimile or e-mail, to the last known business or residence address appearing in the records of the Board.
3.4 Quorum: A majority of those who are then qualified and serving as Board members at any given time shall form a quorum for the transaction of business, but a lesser number may adjourn any formal session from time to time until a quorum is present.
3.5 Recessed formal sessions: No notice need be given of the time and place set for reconvening a formal session upon a recess approved by a majority of members present, provided it is reconvened within thirty-six (36) hours.
3.6 Board action: All actions taken by vote of a majority of its membership at a formal session shall constitute action of the Board.
3.7 Procedures: To the extent practicable, a tentative agenda shall be prepared in advance by the president of the University for each regular and annual formal session, and copies shall be mailed to members beforehand and furnished to those present when the formal session convenes. Any member may have a matter of Board business placed on the tentative agenda for a formal session by written request sent to the president at least five days before the date of the formal session. The Board may consider and act on items other than those stated in the agenda. To the extent practicable, reports of officers, reports of committees, and forms of resolutions to be proposed shall be presented at each formal session in writing. By resolution of the Board adopted at any formal session, the Board may choose to utilize the procedures set forth in Robert's Rules of Order or any other parliamentary procedure or may establish its own rules as a guide for parliamentary procedure and governance at any formal session.
3.8 Presence of non-members: Meetings that the Board determines to be "formal sessions" shall be open to the public; provided, however, the Board may exclude a person for a breach of peace actually committed at the meeting and may impose other lawful restrictions and conditions. Closed sessions shall be held as permitted by law.
3.9 Opportunity to be heard: Persons wishing to address the Board must make application to do so with the secretary five (5) days prior to the formal session unless there is unanimous agreement by the Board to waive this time limit. The person shall identify the topic, the length of time desired (which shall not normally exceed five (5) minutes), and further indicate whether the administrator responsible for the topic has been informed of the speakers topic prior to the request. Persons seeking to address the Board shall also give their name, present business or residential address, and disclose any interest involved in the topic. If the request to speak is approved by the president or chair of the Board, the secretary shall note the topic and allotted time in the agenda. Denial of a request shall be reported to the Board and the requesting party. Informal opportunities to address the Board may be granted at the chair's discretion.
ARTICLE IV. Committees of the Board
The Board from time to time may appoint committees for such purposes and with such authority as it determines.
ARTICLE V. Officers of the Board
5.1 Election: The Board may elect from its membership a chair to preside at Board meetings, and a vice chair to preside at board meetings in the absence of the chair and to conduct such other business as the Board may determine from time to time, and it shall elect from persons on the university staff a secretary, a treasurer, and such other officers as from time to time it deems necessary, including an assistant secretary and an assistant treasurer to serve in the absence or disability of the respective required officers. Election of officers shall occur at each annual meeting, but a vacancy in any office may be filled for the unexpired term of the previous holder of the office at any formal session.
5.2 Terms: Each officer shall serve a term of one (1) year and until his or her successor shall have been elected and qualified, but may be removed at any time during such term by action of the Board.
5.3 Duties:
5.301 Secretary: Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the secretary shall keep the requisite minutes of the transactions of the Board, shall certify to them as required, and shall send out or cause to be sent all notices of formal sessions and copies of minutes, and shall perform those duties incidental to the office of secretary and such other duties as may be designated by the Board; provided, however, that in the case of the secretarys absence or refusal or neglect to do so, any of these duties may be performed by any person so directed by the president or the Board.
5.302 Treasurer: The treasurer, before entering upon the duties of office, shall file appropriate bond with such sureties and in such sum as the Board may designate. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the treasurer shall have the general charge, under the direction of the Board, of the financial affairs of the Board and of the receipts, deposits, investments, and disbursements of funds or property received or held by the Board; shall render annually to the Board a complete account of all monies or property received and held and all disbursements made in respect to each of the separate funds of the university and each of the functions into which the organization of the university is divided for administrative and accounting purposes; and shall preserve a complete record of all financial transactions; and shall perform those duties incidental to the office of treasurer and such other duties as may be designated by the Board; provided, however, that in the case of the treasurers absence or refusal or neglect to do so, any of these duties may be performed by any person so directed by the president or the Board.
5.303 Limitations: No officer shall have the power to incur obligations or to dispose of the Board's property or funds, except in pursuance of action of the Board.
ARTICLE VI. President
6.1 Election and tenure: The Board shall elect a president of the university to serve until removed by action of the Board.
6.2 Duties and authority: The president shall be the chief executive officer of the university with duties and authority which include by way of illustration, and not in limitation thereof, the following, unless as otherwise determined by the Board:
6.201 to attend all formal sessions of the Board and, whenever designated by the Board to do so, to preside at the Board formal sessions,
6.202 to recommend for adoption by the Board rules and regulations for the government of the university and programs and budgets for their operation,
6.203 to appoint, remove, classify, or reclassify employees in accordance with approved personnel policies and to approve and modify compensation schedules and to approve and modify personnel policies for hourly, temporary staff, and if not in violation of any contract or terms of tenure; provided, however, in the cases of regular faculty, executive, administrative, and professional personnel, the presidents actions shall be subject to review by the Board, except that the president and his/her designees shall be able to accept resignations on behalf of the Board without further action of the Board,
6.204 to recommend building projects to be approved by the Board,
6.205 to submit to the Board such periodic and special reports as the Board may require or as may be required by law,
6.206 to act as the official channel of communication between members of the university faculty or staff and the Board, and keep the Board informed of known material matters that may reasonably concern the Board,
6.207 to act as an agent of the Board in accordance with actions taken by the Board for the government and operation of the university and under responsibility of the Board alone,
6.208 to delegate authority as agent of the Board among members of the university faculty and staff, provided that the president shall report to the Board the plan or organization established to effect the delegation of authority and each change made therein,
6.209 to exercise general supervision over the university faculty and staff,
6.210 to speak on matters of public policy as a public official, and
6.211 to execute contracts on behalf of the Board subject to any limitations adopted by the Board and to delegate authority to execute contracts as deemed necessary by the president.
ARTICLE VII. Amendments
These bylaws may be amended at any regular or special formal session of the Board by a majority vote of the membership, provided that the proposed amendments to be considered and acted upon at any formal session shall have been submitted to the members in writing at the same time and in the same manner as required for the notice of such formal session.
Chapter 1 - Vision, Mission, and Values Statement
Chapter 2 - Office Of the President
Chapter 3 - Academic Affairs
Chapter 4 - Human Resources
Chapter 5 - Student Affairs
Chapter 6 - Business and Financial Affairs
Chapter 7 - University Relations
Chapter 8 - Development
Chapter 9 - Planning and Equity
A. Vision Statement
Grand Valley State University is a public institution with a local, regional and state commitment, and a global perspective. We are dedicated to providing our students with the highest quality undergraduate and graduate education.
Teaching in the liberal tradition, whether in general arts and sciences or the professional degree programs, has always been at the heart of Grand Valley's educational mission. A liberal education acquaints students with the tradition of humane values and the heritage, problems, and perspectives of their own and other cultures. It transcends the acquisition of information and rests on scholarship and the open exchange of ideas. Students learn to think for themselves as they develop the skills of inquiry, reflection, critical analysis, dialogue, and expression. At Grand Valley State University, the values of liberal education permeate all programs and areas of study.
A broad education rooted in the arts and sciences provides students with the general knowledge and skills necessary to participate intelligently in public discourse. Grand Valley State University is also dedicated to educating students to become competent professionals in their chosen fields. These ideals co-exist within our institution, and together they inspire graduates not only to pursue their own success and well-being but also to positively influence their communities, their professions, and their world.
Grand Valley State University is characterized by and known for superior student-centered teaching and learning. Our diverse environment promotes the development of intellect and creativity through teaching, scholarship, service, and a vibrant campus culture. Realizing this vision will result in a broad national reputation for excellence.
B. Mission Statement
Grand Valley State University educates students to shape their lives, their professions and their societies. The university contributes to the enrichment of society through excellent teaching, active scholarship and public service.
C. Values Statement
At Grand Valley State University, We Value:
Our highest priority is to offer outstanding teaching in all of our undergraduate and graduate programs. The teaching culture of Grand Valley State University is characterized by the continual development of excellence in the classroom, the recognition of multiple ways of learning, and the accessibility of faculty to students. In order to nurture the habits of intellectual growth, we seek to instill in our students curiosity as well as the love of learning. Students acquire new knowledge and explore its application through research, artistic expression, and scholarly activity. We value the vigorous engagement of students in the classroom and other learning environments.Effective Teaching.
Liberal Education. Grand Valley State University is committed to providing each student a broad educational experience that integrates liberal learning with preparation for career or profession. Liberal education begins with encountering the great ideas of diverse traditions in the humanities, the creative and performing arts, the natural and social sciences and mathematics, and is an essential part of all of our professional programs. We value the liberal ideals of critical thinking and preparing students for lifelong learning. The practice of liberal learning develops the skills of inquiry and reflection, which guide students to think for themselves, gain self-knowledge, and make ethical judgments. Such learning can inform individual and collective actions and prepare students for the responsibility of local, national, and global citizenship.
Scholarship. Scholarship is an essential component of the university's mission as an institution of higher learning and community service. Excellence in teaching at the university level depends upon active scholarship by faculty members. Through basic and applied research, artistic expression and performance, and other forms of scholarship, faculty members contribute to the development and application of knowledge, and create a dynamic environment for learning. Active scholarship may include collaboration of faculty and staff with students, business and labor, government, and community organizations. In this way, the benefits of a liberal education can extend beyond classroom walls to lifelong learning and partnerships between the university and its diverse communities.
Diversity and Community. A range of thoughtful perspectives is necessary for open inquiry, liberal education, and a healthy community. Recognizing this, we seek and welcome a diverse group of students, faculty and staff. We value a multiplicity of opinions and backgrounds and seek ways to incorporate the voices and experiences of all into our university. We value our local community and embrace the participation of individuals and groups from Michigan, the nation and the world. We also encourage participation in educational opportunities abroad. In order to foster a healthy and diverse environment, we will act with integrity, communicate respectfully, and accept responsibility for our words and actions.
Service. We at Grand Valley State University value the collaboration of faculty, staff and students with external partners in addressing mutual interests and regional needs. The university offers the communities it serves resources and inspiration in their own lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Faculty and staff are encouraged to contribute their expertise and service to the university, their disciplines' professional organizations and the community. Students are encouraged to be active citizens, to become active service providers, and to take part in various service learning and volunteer opportunities in the community and abroad.
D. Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy
Grand Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. It encourages diversity and provides equal opportunity in education, employment, all of its programs, and the use of its facilities. It is committed to protecting the constitutional and statutory civil rights of persons connected with the university.
Unlawful acts of discrimination or harassment by members of the campus community are prohibited. In addition, even if not illegal, acts are prohibited if they harass or discriminate against any university community member(s) through inappropriate limitation of, access to, or participation in, educational, employment, athletic, social, cultural, or other university activities on the basis of age, color, disability, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight. Limitations are lawful if they are: directly related to a legitimate university purpose, required by law, lawfully required by a grant or contract between the university and the state or federal government, or addressing domestic partner benefits.
A. Appointment and Duties
The conditions of appointment, duties, and authority of the president may be found in Article VI of the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees.
B. Organization
In implementing the executive role, the president will develop an administrative organization consistent with the following principles.
1. Functions, tasks, and/or activities, whether continuing or nonrecurring, will be delegated to responsible individuals or groups as circumstances may dictate.
2. Authority commensurate with the responsibility will be delegated to ensure accomplishment of work objectives, including contract authority consistent with Board policy.
3. Lines of authority will be established to ensure accountability, although ultimate responsibility remains with the president.
4. The resulting organization will be continuously evaluated in terms of overall effectiveness, efficiency, and performance relative to reasonable objectives.
A chart of the current organizational structure with executive officer assignments shall be maintained by the President's Office.
C. Assignments in the President's Office
The president reserves the right to line authority over certain university matters. The numbers of these matters are not fixed and may vary over time depending upon institutional needs. The president's office will have staff directly responsible for one or more of these matters.
A. GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY - Description
Grand Valley is a co-educational, semester system, state supported institution of higher education.
Grand Valley was established in 1960 by the State of Michigan with the first classes being offered in 1963.
Grand Valley offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
B.A. Bachelor of Arts
B.S. Bachelor of Science
B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts
B.M. Bachelor of Music
B.M.E. Bachelor of Music Education
B.S.E. Bachelor of Science in Engineering
B.S.N. Bachelor of Science in Nursing
B.S.W. Bachelor of Social Work
B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration
M.A.E. Master of Arts in English
M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
M.E.D. Master of Education
M.H.A. Master of Health Administration
M.H.S. Master of Health Science
M.P.A. Master of Public Administration
M.P.A.S. Master of Physician Assistant Studies
M.S. Master of Science
M.S.A. Master of Science in Accounting
M.S.E. Master of Science in Engineering
M.S.N. Master of Science in Nursing
M.S.N./M.B.A. Master of Science in Nursing/Master of Business Administration
M.S.T. Master of Science in Taxation
M.S.W. Master of Social Work
D.P.T. Doctor of Physical Therapy
Grand Valley also offers a variety of certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels which represent awards for completion of alternate levels of existing degree programs.
B. ORGANIZATION
The legal authority for Grand Valley State University is vested in the Board of Trustees. Such decisions as those regarding fiscal matters, academic programs, and the employment of university regular faculty and executive, administrative, and professional staff are ultimately made by the Board, acting upon the advice of the president.
2. Administrative Organization
The President oversees all areas of activity within the institution, aided by five vice presidents: the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Finance and Administration, the Vice President for University Relations, the Vice President for Development, and the Vice President for Planning and Equity.
3. Academic Organization
Academic Divisions
The table of organization indicates eight colleges under Academic Affairs: the College of Community and Public Service, the College of Education, the College of Engineering & Computing, the College of Health Professions, the Kirkhof College of Nursing, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the Seidman College of Business, and the College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Each college is headed by a dean. He/she is the appointing officer for that college.
Library The library's primary goals are: 1) building a broad, authoritative and up-to-date collection of informational materials, 2) organizing the collection for efficient and effective access, 3) providing instruction and continuing guidance in the use of library resource materials, 4) providing services responsive to the needs of the university community.
Academic Support Units
Academic Computing/Educational Technology
The Academic Computing/Educational Technology provides 1) assistance to the academic units in computer-aided instruction, 2) research capabilities to the faculty, 3) students with exposure to computer technology, and 4) the community with computer services when appropriate. In the administrative area, the Center provides services in support of the operation and management of Grand Valley.
Academic Resources and Special Programs
The Academic Resources and Special Programs Division supports student learning by providing a wide range of services to students and houses the Freshman Studies, General Education, Honors, Supplemental Writing Skills, Writing Center, University Studies and TRiO programs. Services include orientation for transfer students and assistance with freshman orientation; academic advising and providing advisors for students without majors; assistance with study skills, test anxiety and time management; administration of College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing, testing of international students, placement testing, and extended time testing. Specialized support services to targeted student populations are available.
The Admissions Office is responsible for all matters pertaining to dissemination of information to potential students (undergraduate and graduate level), recruitment of students, entrance requirements, promotional visits to secondary schools and community colleges, communications with prospective students and parents, campus visits, administering transcript evaluations, and makes recommendations concerning admissions policies and procedures. The president has ultimate responsibility for the establishment of admissions requirements for the institution.
Continuing Education Grand Valley State provides higher education academic programs to adult citizens. The continuing education unit coordinates this commitment through off campus programming at regional campuses and its regional centers and sites in Michigan. In addition, the unit assesses and communicates a variety of adult needs to the academic and service units of Grand Valley State. This overall purpose is met through credit and non-credit academic programs and services.
Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
The purpose of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership is to promote philanthropy, community improvement, and excellence in nonprofit leadership through teaching, research, and service.
Faculty Research and Development Center
The Faculty Research and Development Center focuses on promoting quality scholarly and creative efforts by faculty and students, through grants-in-aid, summer research fellowships, professional travel support, and through the annual recognition of a distinguished contributor to the discipline among the faculty. Furthermore, the Center supports the protection of human subjects and the proper use of care of animals in research. Occasionally, the Center sponsors or co-sponsors seminars and workshops that contribute to the intellectual atmosphere of the university.
The student financial aid program brings together many sources of financial assistance to meet the needs of students in financing their educational costs. An institutional goal is equal access to educational opportunity for every qualified student seeking admission and scholarships, loans, grants, work-study, and other employment opportunities from federal and private funding sources shall be allocated based upon a sound institutional packaging philosophy.
Graduate Studies and Grants Administration
This office provides leadership and vision for graduate education at the university and assists in the coordination and application of policies and procedures to graduate students. The office provides oversight and services in management of sponsored programs and grants.
Information Technology The primary goal of Information Technology is to provide technology services and support for the university?s instruction, research, administrative processes and public service mission. The unit is responsible for providing leadership and developing a vision to align informational technology services with that of the university mission to identify and inform faculty, students and staff about both current and emerging technologies that may be related to its activities. The unit also provides instruction on the uses of the technology and assists all university operations in the procurement of appropriate new information technologies.
Institutional Analysis
This function provides technical support to the Office of the Provost in the areas of budget management, enrollment projections, and academic planning. It is responsible for the division management information systems.
The purpose of the Padnos International Center is to organize and coordinate the university's international programs and activities; oversee international partnership agreements, global programs, study abroad programs, work and internship programs in other nations, international volunteer and service-learning activities; and assist in the recruitment, admission, and advising of international students.
The university shall be provided with a balanced service program related to records and registration. The primary responsibilities of the records and registration function are the registration of all students, the maintenance of student academic records, residency reclassification, enrollment certifications, teacher certification, the production of management reports and enrollment statistics, graduation audits, and the protection of student rights relative to the release of personally identified information. This office is responsible for the implementation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as amended, which shall be contained in the Student Code. This office will administer the policy regarding residency requirements for in-state tuition and such policy shall be approved by the President.
Robert and Mary Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center
The purpose of the Robert and Mary Pew Faculty Teaching and Learning Center is to enhance student learning by supporting faculty members in their efforts to teach effectively. This Center provides programming regarding teaching-related issues, assists in the mentoring of new faculty and assists in grant administration.
Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute
The purpose of the Robert B. Annis Water Resources Institute is to preserve, protect, and improve natural resources by research, public education, and outreach. The Institute operates two research vessels that operate on Lake Michigan and other lakes.
Through the university work-study and regular employment programs, opportunities are provided to qualified students admitted to the university to work while enrolled in courses and through the summer months. It is the policy of the university to assure all qualified students the opportunity for part-time employment. The Student Employee Policy and Rate Schedule is approved by the President and published by the Financial Aid Office.
The University Academic Senate (UAS) is the highest faculty governance body. It has the authority to deal with any academic issue or faculty concern. It makes recommendations to the Provost and/or the President. Senate membership consists of (a) thirty-two faculty members elected from and by the faculty of each division according to the following formula of Base Membership and Additional Membership.
Base Membership: The Division of Arts and Humanities, the Division of Science and Mathematics, the Division of Social Sciences, and the Seidman School of Business have a base of four members each; the Library, the School of Education, the School of Nursing, and the School of Social Work have a base of one member each.
Additional Membership: Each of the above units has additional members based on the following formula: One additional member for each multiple of whole 20 tenure-track faculty as counted on the first class day of the Winter semester of the preceding academic year. That is, additional members would be added as follows: 1-19 faculty = no additional members, 20-39 faculty = 1 additional member, 40-59 faculty = 2 additional members, 60-79 faculty = 3 additional members, 80-99 faculty = 4 additional members, and so forth; (b) five students elected by the Student Senate, including the President of the Student Senate. The Provost, the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Deans of the instructional divisions are members ex officio, non-voting.
The Executive Committee of the Senate (ECS) serves as the clearing house for matters to be presented to the UAS. Such matters are discussed by ECS before its recommendations are made to the senate. ECS membership consists of two senators each from the divisions of Arts and Humanities, Science and Mathematics, Social Sciences, and the Seidman School of Business; two senators total from the Schools of Education, Nursing, and Social Work according to a schedule of rotation to be established by the Executive Committee of the Senate; the senator from the library; the Student Senate President; and the Provost, ex officio, non-voting.
Standing committees that report to the senate via ECS include the University Curriculum Committee, the Faculty Salary and Budget Committee, and the Faculty Personnel Policy Committee. The General Education Subcommittee is a standing committee, which reports to the University Curriculum Committee. The composition of each committee is described in the UAS By-laws and always includes elected divisional representatives.
Faculty members receive copies of agendas and minutes of all meetings of ECS and UAS. Agendas are sent out one week prior to meetings. Minutes are usually distributed within two weeks following a meeting. Faculty members may petition for a referendum if there is strong opposition to an action taken by UAS.
Details regarding membership, responsibilities, and rules of procedure are given in the UAS By-laws, which are incorporated into the Faculty Handbook, effective September 1986
C. OFFICIAL UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
1. Program Name / Degree Options
OFFICIAL GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Program Name/Degree Options
Accounting MSA Biology MS Biostatistics MS Business/Nursing MBA/MSN Cell & Molecular Biology MS Communications MS Computer Information Systems MS Criminal Justice MS English MAE Engineering MSE Finance MBA General Business MBA General Education MED Health Administration MPA Health Sciences MHS Medical & Bioinformatics MS Nursing MSN Occupational Therapy MS Physician Assistant Studies MPAS Public Administration MPA Reading MED School Counseling MED Social Work MSW Special Education MED Taxation MST
3. Official Doctoral Degree Program
4. Major Programs Leading to Teaching Certification
Elementary Level Secondary Level Biology Biology English Language & Literature Chemistry French Earth Science History English Language & Literature Language Arts French Mathematics German Sciences Group Major Health Sciences Social Sciences Group Major History Spanish Mathematics Physics K - 12 Social Sciences Group Major Art & Design Spanish Computer Science Music (BME only) Physical Education Special Education Psychology
D. ACADEMIC POLICIES
1. Academic Standards Grand Valley is a teaching institution dedicated to providing the highest level of quality instruction possible. Academic standards, required levels of scholastic achievement, and grading systems are established on a university-wide basis after careful review by representative faculty members and the Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The university shall operate on a semester system, providing for fall and winter semesters and spring/ summer session. Each semester shall be a minimum of 15 weeks in length, including days required for final examination. The spring/summer session will be 12 weeks in length, including two 6-week sessions. Each session shall be academically equivalent to the 15-week semester. All academic units will operate on the semester system.
Section 1 - General Personnel Policies
Section 2 - Faculty
Section 3 - Adjunct Faculty
Section 4 - Executive, Administrative, and Professional Staff
Section 5 - Adjunct Exectutive, Administrative, and Professional Staff
Section 6 - Clerical, Office, and Technical Staff
Section 7 - Maintenance, Grounds, and Service Staff
Section 8 - Public Safety Staff
Section 9 - Confidential Clerical Staff
Section 10 - Student Employment
1.1 Personnel Administration is a service activity in which each appointing officer has a role. The authority over the personnel program resides in the Board of Trustees, although the president, as agent of the board, and other officers he/she may designate ("appointing officers") have the authority to make appointments within the approved personnel program. Centralized within the Human Resources office is the responsibility and advisory authority to determine that the philosophy and policies of the personnel program are effectively applied.
1.2 Equal Opportunity. The president and other officers to whom he/she designates authority for personnel actions are responsible for the enthusiastic application of all laws and regulations concerning fair employment practices, equal opportunity, etc., to all matters with respect to recruitment, appointment, assignment, and promotion of university's personnel. Matters of affirmative action are outlined in the "Affirmative Action Program" maintained in the affirmative action office.
1.3 University Responsibilities. The president and other officers to whom he/she designates authority are responsible for administering the university and its property, supervising its operations, assigning and directing its faculty and staff, changing or introducing new operations, methods, or facilities, appointing, assigning, or disciplining faculty and staff members, subject to the guidelines herein set forth, and establishing such procedures which may be needed from time to time. For purposes of this Section 1, "faculty and staff" shall mean an employee covered by Chapter 4 of the Administrative Manual.
1.4 Disciplinary Procedure. The president and other administrators to whom he/she designates authority are responsible for discipline which normally shall be corrective rather than punitive in nature. A typical procedure for disciplinary action will be, depending on the seriousness or frequency of the cause, an oral discussion, a written warning, disciplinary lay-off without pay, and dismissal. All disciplinary actions are subject to the appropriate grievance procedure.
1.5 Personnel Information. All personnel information and files maintained by the Grand Valley State University are the confidential property of the university and are maintained in the Human Resources Office. Faculty and staff members can expect that a right to a reasonable degree of privacy will be honored and that the confidential character of certain personnel data will be respected as such. Generally release of information and/or access to such information should be restricted in accordance with the policies herein set forth. Whenever possible, information released for public purposes shall be in a form which will protect the anonymity of the individual; however, as of October 1979, the Michigan law does require that salary information be available to the public. All personnel information collected shall be pertinent to the needs of the university. Access to personnel files is limited to those persons responsible for personnel and the faculty or staff member's supervisor. Letters of recommendation are the confidential property of the provider. A faculty or staff member will not be given access to letters of recommendation concerning himself/herself unless the provider of such recommendation agrees, in writing, to allow such access. All personnel records will be retained for the length of the faculty or staff member's service and thereafter in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws. Temporary records such as insurance claims will be maintained only so long as they have a useful life. Records of terminated faculty and staff members will be maintained for a minimum of seven years and thereafter only those portions having a useful life will be maintained. Information of an official nature for state and federal agencies will be provided to the extent of the matter at hand and within the limits of the law. No anonymous information will be maintained in the files. Records of disciplinary actions will be placed in the personnel files only after the individual has had an opportunity to view a copy. The university will provide prospective employers with title, employment dates, and eligibility for rehire status only, unless additional information is requested by the faculty or staff member or former faculty or staff member. Recommendations by individual supervisors may be made at their own discretion and at their own risk, recognizing that the university may be responsible for the information given.
Personnel files may include, but are not limited to, payroll information and documentation, records of employment actions and documentation, records required by federal, state and local law, employment applications, vitae and resumes, recommendations, interview comments, fringe benefit information, merit and performance evaluation, records and documentation of disciplinary actions, official transcripts of baccalaureate or post baccalaureate degrees and such other information as may be needed from time to time. Other files maintained in accordance with the faculty appointment and evaluation policy and covered by the limitations expressed in that policy may be housed elsewhere.
1. Employment. Appointment of any relative of a faculty or staff member must be approved by the president in advance of the appointment in order to insure that no conflicts of interest exist. Each appointing officer must insure that no conflicts of interest exist in matters of appointment, retention, promotion, termination, assignment or other conditions of employment for relatives of faculty or staff members within his or her unit.
2. Financial. It shall be the responsibility of the president (or his/her designee) to insure that conflicts of financial interest do not occur, and to take such steps to protect the university as seem to be required. The university respects the rights of its faculty and staff members in their activities outside their employment which are private in nature and which in no way conflict with or reflect upon the university.
3. Political Candidates or Office Holder. The university affirms the rights of its faculty and staff members as citizens to be active in political affairs which do not conflict with the professional standards and ethics of their employment. It shall be the responsibility of the president (or his/her designee) to ensure that conflicts involving professional standards and ethics do not occur with Grand Valley State University faculty and staff members who are political candidates or office holders, and to take such steps to protect the university as may be required.
1.7 Emeritus Appointment. Any retired faculty or staff member of the university who has made a significant contribution to the university through a reasonable period of service is eligible for emeritus status with an emeritus title usually conforming to that held at retirement. The president's recommendation to the Board of Trustees will be made after consultation with the appointing officer, colleagues and vice-president.
Emeriti will be listed in the university catalog, invited to attend meetings, (ex officio, without vote) eligible to use library facilities, receive publications, participate in commencement, and be encouraged to continue an active role in the university. Emeriti will be appointed without compensation.
1.8 Honorary Titles. Persons who are performing significant services to the university may be given an honorary title conforming to the service performed upon recommendation of the president to the Board of Trustees. Honorary faculty and staff will be listed in appropriate publications, may participate in commencement, use library facilities, and will be encouraged to take an active role in the university. They will be appointed without compensation. The duration of an honorary appointment shall coincide with the period of service rendered.
1.9 Verification of Credentials. All advanced degrees recognized by the university must be earned from institutions approved by recognized accrediting bodies. In the case of foreign degrees, a formal evaluation will be made by the appointing officer to determine equivalency with degrees awarded in the United States.
1.10 Obligations of Appointees. As the result of accepting an appointment, the recipient becomes obligated to comply with all policies and regulations of the university applicable to the position including those in effect at the time of appointment and those duly adopted and issued thereafter. This obligation does not contravene the appointee's rights of academic freedom or the express terms and conditions of the appointment. Among such policies are the following:
1. Outside employment. Since faculty and staff members are required to fulfill their responsibilities completely and effectively, any outside employment which a faculty or staff member wishes to undertake must be approved in advance by the appointing officer.
2. Rights in published material, inventions and secret processes. Grand Valley State University seeks to promote the public good through excellence in teaching, active scholarship, and service. In the course of these activities, faculty, staff, and students create Intellectual Property that may be eligible for copyright, patent, and other forms of legal protection. In order to reinforce the fairness of mutual commitment and in the spirit of academic freedom, the University recognizes the rich and varied products of individual scholarship, in all its manifestations, are rightly the property of the Creator except as otherwise defined by this policy. The University also recognizes that Intellectual Property should remain available for the benefit of the entire University community and that the Creators shall not use Intellectual Property in conflict or competition with the University. Therefore, the Grand Valley State University community seeks to establish an environment in which the creation of Intellectual Property is suitably recognized as an academic achievement and in which the benefits of intellectual property to the creators, the university community, and the general public are optimized.
A. Ownership. All Intellectual Property shall be owned by its Creators when such Intellectual Property is not considered 1) work made for hire; 2) expressly assigned or commissioned by the University; 3) grant or contract funded through the University; or 4) to require more than nominal use of University resources. Irrespective of ownership, Creators shall disclose promptly and with full disclosure, in the manner prescribed by the university in order to protect confidentiality of the Intellectual Property, to the Finance and Administration Office any Intellectual Property discovered or created as a result of 1) work made for hire; 2) expressly assigned or commissioned by the University; 3) grant or contract funded through the University; or 4) more than nominal use of University resources. The President or designee by written agreement is authorized to make exceptions to this paragraph.
B. Right to use. In the event the Intellectual Property is owned by the Creator but involved University resources in the discovery or creation of the Intellectual Property, the University will retain a non-exclusive license to use the Intellectual Property within the University provided attribution is given to the Creator(s) of the Intellectual Property. In the event the Creator leaves the employ of the University, the University shall be able to modify the Intellectual Property for use within the University.
C. Commercial Application. Three options for the commercialization of a technology are noted below. The option will be chosen by Creator(s) and the Finance and Administration Office jointly, prior to the expenditure of substantial University resources. The option chosen should be that which best serves the mission of the University, including the objectives of this policy, and which is consistent with the available technology transfer resources of the University.
The following options for commercialization are available:
1. Licensing Third Parties. The University may license or assign Intellectual Property to external entities for further development and commercialization in exchange for a return on resulting revenues. The University and Creator shall divide the return on resulting revenues using one of the two formulas as follows:
A. The University and the Creator divide the gross revenue 70% to the University and 30% to the Creator but the University assumes the expenses related to legal protection, marketing and commercialization and licensing and other transactional expenses related to the Intellectual property; or,
B. The University and the Creator divide the net revenue 50% to the University and 50% to the Creator but the University first recovers its expenses related to legal protection, marketing and commercialization and licensing and other transactional expenses related to the Intellectual property.
If the University decides not to protect or license the Intellectual Property, or subsequently decides to not pursue commercialization of the Intellectual Property it may be reassigned to the Creator(s), upon request, in accordance with option 3 below.
2. Licensing Business Entities in which a Creator holds an ownership or management interest. The University or an affiliated entity may enter into license agreements with business entities in which the Creator holds an ownership interest. The terms may include royalty payment, equity interest, or a combination thereof.
3. Reassignment of ownership to Creator. The University may reassign ownership of Intellectual Property to Creator(s) who elects to market and protect the Intellectual Property. The return to the University for a reassignment of ownership will be ten percent (10%) of the net revenue generated by the Intellectual Property.
D. Definitions.
1. "Creator" shall mean a faculty or staff member who invents, discovers or creates Intellectual Property using University resources.
2. "Intellectual Property" shall mean Academic Works and Technical Works.
3. "Academic Works" shall mean Intellectual Properties that are artistic, scholarly, instructional or entertainment in nature and are not Technical Works. Academic Works include instructional materials, books, journal articles, written reports of research to the extent that they do not contain Technical Works, creative writings, manuscripts, music and art work
4. "Technical Works" shall mean Intellectual Properties that are generally of a scientific, engineering or technical nature such as patentable or unpatentable inventions, devices, machines, processes, methods, invented or manufactured substances, and computer software.
5. "Nominal Use of University Resources" shall mean use that is customary or usual within the faculty, staff and student's appointment and assignment such as the use of an assigned office, computer, computing network, photocopier or similar reproduction device, telephone or similar telecommunication device, and office supplies in the ordinary support of his or her teaching, scholarly activities and service.
3. Oath of teachers. Before serving in a teaching position, an appointee will have taken and subscribed the following oath or affirmation as required by Act 23 of the Public Acts of 1935:"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Michigan, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my position according to the best of my ability."
1.11 Parking. The university provides free open reserved parking as near to the faculty or staff member's work station or office as possible.
1.12 Keys. All faculty and staff members are issued keys and other equipment needed in the performance of their duties. All keys and such equipment must be used only as authorized and must be returned to the university upon termination of employment.
1.13 Identification Cards. Each faculty or staff member will be issued an identification card which must be surrendered upon termination. This card can be used for any purpose, on campus, requiring identification.
2.1 Faculty
2.2 Academic Freedom
2.3 Kinds of Regular Academic Appointments
2.4 Written Statement of Appointment
2.5 Regular Faculty Rank
2.6 Initial Appointment
2.7 Probationary Appointments
2.8 Academic Tenure
2.9 Evaluation Criteria for Renewal of Probationary Appointments, Promotion, Tenure, and Periodic Performance Reviews.
2.10 Procedures for Regular Faculty Appointment Renewal, Promotion, Tenure, Sabbaticals, Periodic Performance Review, and Dismissal for Adequate Cause
2.11 Applicability to Executive, Administrative, and Professional Positions
2.12 Resignation
2.13 Termination Processes and Disciplinary Action
2.14 Merger or Reorganization of Appointment Structures
2.15 Reduction in Force
2.16 Grievance Procedure
2.17 Grievance Panel, Grievance Committee and Their Procedures
2.18 Complaint Procedure
2.20 Salary Administration
2.30 Benefits
1. A person in a regular teaching, research, or professional library position; a regular appointment may be for less than full time, if at least half-time, with the agreement of the appointing unit, the appointing officer, and the faculty member.
2. Faculty members who are also academic unit heads (department chairs and school directors).
3. Academic administrators who also hold faculty rank (Section 2.11).
2.2 Academic Freedom.
1. Faculty members are entitled to full freedom in research and in the publication of the results, subject to the adequate performance of their other academic duties; but research for pecuniary return should be based upon a prior understanding with the authorities of the institution.
2. Faculty members are entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing their subject, but they should be careful not to introduce into their teaching controversial matter which has no relation to their subject. (The words faculty member as used in this document are understood to include the investigator who is attached to an academic institution without teaching duties.)
3. University or university faculty members are citizens, members of a learned profession, and officers of an educational institution. When they speak or write as citizens, they should be free from institutional censorship or discipline, but their special position in the community imposes special obligations. As persons of learning and as educational officers, they should remember that the public may judge their profession and their institution by their utterances. Hence they should at all times act in a professional and responsible manner, and should make every effort to indicate that they are not institutional spokespersons.
2.3 Kinds of Regular Academic Appointments.
1. Probationary Appointments. Probationary appointments are one, two, or three year appointments which are renewable for a defined period of time at the end of which the appointees will be given an appointment with continuous tenure or the appointment will not be renewed.
2. Tenured. Appointments with continuous tenure do not occur automatically but are awarded by Grand Valley State University upon the recommendation of the appropriate Division''s Personnel Committee.
3. Clinical Faculty. This is an honorary appointment applicable to persons who supervise students doing internships in a clinical setting. This type of appointment is not covered by the policies of this section.
4. Distinguished Professor. Distinguished Professors are regular faculty appointed by the university President. These appointments are at-will. Appointees have the right to terminate their employment at any time with or without cause or notice. Likewise, the university may terminate the appointment with or without cause or notice as it deems appropriate. All terms and conditions of employment shall be stated in the appointment letter. These appointments are without tenure and will not lead to tenure. Therefore, Section 2.5- 2.17 (related to renewal, promotion, tenure, probation, reduction in force, discipline, discharge, etc.) do not apply to these appointments.
5. Academic Appointments not covered by this Section. Those persons assigned to adjunct or other similar temporary positions are not to be covered by this section of the Administrative Manual (see Section 3, Adjunct Faculty).
2.4 Written Statement of Appointment. Every person appointed to a position covered by these regulations shall receive a statement in writing, from the Dean, of the terms and conditions of appointment before the appointment becomes effective. All appointments are subject to the provisions of this manual and Board of Trustees approval.
2.4.1 Joint Appointment.
Because of the importance of teaching, scholarship and, service at GVSU, joint appointments may be desirable in certain circumstances. A joint appointment is a formal arrangement between two units that specifies the terms under which a member of one provides service to the other. For purposes of a joint appointment, "unit" can mean college, department, school, program or library and the "primary unit" is where the faculty member's tenure status resides and the "secondary unit" negotiates for some portion of the faculty member's service.
1. Joint appointments shall be made when a faculty member is teaching or providing academic service in two units for an academic year or longer. Providing academic service to a unit for one course (or its equivalent) per academic year for one or more years shall not be considered a joint appointment for purposes of this policy.
2. The conditions of an individual joint appointment must be detailed at the time of initial joint appointment in a written Memorandum of Understanding between the primary and secondary units and the faculty member. The Memorandum of Understanding shall include the following:
a. expectations for teaching, scholarship and service in each unit to which the faculty member is jointly appointed;
b. how a faculty member's professional work will be evaluated, by whom that work will be evaluated, and the extent to which the faculty member's productivity will be evaluated differently from that of others because of the specific nature of the joint appointment;
c. how the primary and secondary units will divide responsibility according to the proportion of the faculty member's FTE assigned to each unit. Specifically, three kinds of considerations need to be addressed in this determination: (i) the definition and weighting of professional performance factors (teaching, scholarship, and service to the university and to the community) that will apply to the individual on joint appointment; (ii) the manner in which the evaluation of professional achievements will be divided among the units performing the evaluation; and, (iii) for new faculty, how mentoring and other aspects of faculty development will be handled;
d. clear assignment of work effort in both units, for example, number of courses taught, obligation for advising students, committee work, expectation for attending unit faculty meetings, etc.;
e. a requirement that the chairs of constituent units will confer at least annually to coordinate teaching and service responsibilities of jointly-appointed faculty, to insure that the overall load of teaching and service obligations does not exceed that of comparable faculty with appointments wholly in one unit;
f. address requests for various types of leave. Normally such decisions rest with the dean of faculty member's primary unit; however, chairs and deans of all units involved with the appointment will provide assessments of the requested leave before the dean makes a decision;
g. address voting rights on non-personnel matters (for example, voting on curricular decisions, allocations of department/program resources, etc.);
h. address the joint appointee's representational rights in the faculty governance system; and,
i. the amount of compensation (if any) that will be paid to the primary unit.
3. The units must agree on the proportion of the joint appointee's time that will be spent in each unit and include this information in the Memorandum of Understanding.
4. The Memorandum of Understanding must be approved and signed by the chairs of the involved units, the faculty member, the Dean(s), and the Provost before a joint appointment takes effect.
5. The unit where tenure resides will be identified as the faculty member's primary unit for purposes of reappointment, tenure and promotion, and annual reviews including salary reviews. These personnel actions will be governed by the written procedures of the primary unit; however, it is understood that the secondary unit shall also be providing information about the performance of the joint appointee.
6. A joint appointee is eligible to be considered for tenure, promotion, salary increases, sabbatical, grants and research funding in the same manner as faculty members not jointly appointed. The primary unit is responsible for initiating and carrying through the procedures leading to those changes in status; the secondary unit is likewise expected to give due and regular consideration to the joint appointee's qualifications for these advancements. With regard to personnel matters, a joint appointee will have full voting rights in their primary unit, regardless of the percentage of service in that unit. Normally, the joint appointee shall have the same rank in all units to which he or she is assigned.
7. Joint appointees shall submit a Faculty Activity Report (FAR) to the chairs of the primary unit and the secondary unit. Each chair must provide the office(s) of the dean(s) with summary comments on the FAR. If recruiting for a joint appointment, the primary and secondary units shall be represented on the search committee.
8. The joint appointment will be reviewed periodically and is subject to renewal or termination at will by either the primary unit or secondary unit effective no earlier than the end of the semester. If the joint appointment is terminated or not renewed, the faculty appointment will revert to the primary unit . A faculty member whose joint appointment was either terminated or not renewed shall be able to use the complaint procedure (Section 2.18) by filing a complaint with the dean of the primary unit. For tenure-track faculty, the appointment may not extend beyond the current contract length with the primary unit nor, unless exception is approved by the Provost, shall more than 50% of the joint appointment be in the secondary unit.
2.5 Regular Faculty Rank.
1. Except for librarians, regular faculty appointments within the university are made in one of the following ranks: Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, or Instructor. The nature of the accepted terminal degree for any given program is to be decided by the Dean in consultation with the Unit offering that program.
. A person who does not possess a terminal degree and has limited teaching experience.Instructor
Assistant Professor. This is the usual entry-level appointment for a person with a terminal degree and little teaching experience or others without a terminal degree but with appropriate teaching or professional experience.
To be considered for promotion to Assistant Professor, an Instructor should have appropriate credentials and prove to be an effective teacher. Ordinarily, at least three full time equivalent years at the rank of Instructor are required before an Instructor is considered for promotion to Assistant Professor.
Associate Professor. Appointments to Associate are ordinarily contingent upon a terminal degree, demonstrated competence and experience in teaching at the university level, and recognized scholarly achievements.
To be promoted to Associate, an Assistant Professor must display consistent teaching effectiveness, and should have earned the Doctorate or appropriate terminal degree, except in unusual circumstances where the evidence demonstrates that the absence of the degree does not inhibit the faculty member's professional standing and performance. In addition, the person should have achieved professional recognition through scholarship or creative activity; show evidence of professional development; and have made contributions to the university and community. The extent of participation in these areas will be affected by a variety of factors, including the stage of the faculty member's career and the program objectives of the university. Ordinarily, at least five full time equivalent years at the rank of Assistant Professor are required before an Assistant Professor is considered for promotion to Associate Professor.
Professor. Only distinguished scholars and professionals will qualify for initial appointment as Professor.
To be promoted to Professor, an Associate Professor must display consistent excellence in teaching and should have earned the Doctorate or equivalent terminal degree except in very unusual circumstances where the evidence demonstrates that the absence of the Doctorate does not inhibit the faculty member''s professional standing and performance. In addition, the person should have achieved acknowledged professional recognition through scholarship or creative activity; demonstrate professional development; and have made vital contributions to the unit, university and community. The extent of participation in these areas will be affected by a variety of factors, including the stage of the faculty member''s career and the program objectives of the university. Ordinarily, at least seven (7) full time equivalent years at the rank of Associate Professor are required before an Associate Professor is considered for promotion to Professor.
. Professional Reference and Catalog Librarians possessing the appropriate terminal degree.Librarian
2. For librarians, regular faculty appointments within the university are made in one of the following ranks: Senior, Associate, Assistant, or Instructor.
Instructor Librarian. A person who possesses the terminal degree but has no professional experience in academic or research libraries.
The terminal degree for librarians shall be the Master's Degree in Library Science from an institution accredited by the American Library Association.
Assistant Librarian. This is the usual entry-level appointment for a person with the terminal degree and minimal professional experience in academic or research libraries.
To be considered for promotion to Assistant Librarian, an Instructor Librarian should prove to be an effective academic librarian. Ordinarily, at least three full-time equivalent years at the rank of Instructor Librarian are required before an Instructor Librarian is considered for promotion to Assistant Librarian.
Associate Librarian. Appointments to Associate Librarian are ordinarily contingent upon demonstrated competence and experience as a librarian at the university level and on professional achievement. To be promoted to Associate Librarian, an Assistant Librarian must display consistent professional effectiveness. In addition, the person should show evidence of professional development and have made contributions to the university and the profession. The extent of participation in these areas will be affected by a variety of factors, including the stage of the faculty member's career and the program objectives of the university. Ordinarily, at least five full-time equivalent years at the rank of Assistant Librarian are required before an Assistant Librarian is considered for promotion to Associate Librarian.
Senior Librarian. Only distinguished professional librarians will qualify for initial appointment as Senior Librarian.
To be promoted to Senior Librarian, an Associate Librarian must display consistent excellence in academic librarianship. In addition, the person should have demonstrated creative activity or scholarship in the profession, show professional development, and have made vital contributions to the Library, university, and community. The extent of participation in these areas will be affected by a variety of factors, including the stage of the faculty member's career and the program objectives of the university. Ordinarily, at least seven full-time equivalent years at the rank of Associate Librarian are required before an Associate Librarian is considered for promotion to Senior Librarian.
Refer to Section 2.9 for evaluation criteria for all full-and part-time faculty as defined in Section 2.1 and above.
2.6 Initial Appointment. Normally, new regular faculty appointed to a tenure track position shall be on probation. The initial probationary appointment may be awarded for one or three years, subject to renewal. All terms and conditions of appointment not specifically covered in these policies will be covered in the initial letter of appointment.
2.7 Probationary Appointments. A regular faculty member's total probationary period shall not exceed seven (7) full time equivalent years of continuing appointment (not including unpaid leaves) at Grand Valley State University. Allowance may be given for up to three (3) full time equivalent years of service of an academic nature in other institutions of higher learning at the rank of Assistant Professor, or higher, or Librarian; or, full time service as a visiting faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher at Grand Valley State University. The exact number of years equated toward the probationary period will be stipulated in writing as a part of the appointment process, but will not exceed three (3) years, or three (3) full time equivalent years for regular faculty with less than full time appointments. If allowance for previous service is stipulated, it shall not subsequently be changed, rescinded or revoked. Notwithstanding any other provision of Chapter 4 of the Administrative Manual, a regular faculty member's probationary period shall not be extended once it is established. Normally, a faculty member will be appointed for an initial three (3) year period, be eligible for a two (2) year renewal at the first review, then eligible for a two (2) year renewal at the second review. Normally, the third review will be the tenure decision.
1. Renewal Of Probationary Appointments. Appointment renewals for regular faculty on probationary appointments normally will be for a period of two (2) years. A one (1) year renewal may be recommended if:
A. The two (2) year period extends beyond the regular faculty member's total probationary period;
B. The College's Personnel Committee recommends a one (1) year renewal;
C. The Dean recommends a one (1) year contract and gives the College's Personnel Committee the reasons for such action;
D. The regular faculty member does not have the accepted terminal degree in the discipline.
2.8 Academic Tenure.
1. Statement of Principle. Tenure symbolizes the long range commitment of the regular faculty member to the enhancement of the programs and academic quality of the university. In awarding tenure, the university expresses its commitment to provide a climate which assures academic freedom and recognizes and rewards professional achievements. In recognition of these commitments and the consequences which tenure decisions have on the ultimate nature of the university, the quality and diversity of its programs, and its ability to maintain academic quality through periods of change, it is essential that regular faculty review be thorough, fair and in accord with clearly stated criteria (Section 2.9) and procedures (Section 2.10).
2. Regular faculty receiving academic tenure are considered as having continuous appointments which may