2017-2018 Faculty Handbook Revisions

January through May, 2018 - Annual Review: The entire Handbook was reviewed and revised. To reflect current practice, the email address for questions is now policy@mtu.edu and was revised through out the Handbook. The 2018 annual review revisions are summarized by section, as follows:

2017-2018 Faculty Handbook Revision Summary List
Handbook Section Description of Revision
1.5 Faculty Status Definition Annual Review: Added "This policy shall be administered in accordance with procedures recommended by the senate and approved by the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs." to the last paragraph.
1.7 Academic Freedom Annual Review: Added the Senate Policy 106.1 hyperlink and Reference section.
2.2 Academic Tenure and Promotion Annual Review: Annual Review: Added the Senate Policy 707.1.1 hyperlink and Reference section.
3. Faculty Rights and Responsibilities Annual Review: Added a "Reference" section for the Appendix B hyperlink.
3.1.2.1 Discrimination and Harassment Annual Review: To reflect current practice, aligned language to reflect the current version of the BOT Policy 5.1 Prohibition of Discrimination of Harassment.
3.1.2.2 Sex Discrimination/Sexual Harassment Annual Review: To reflect current practice, removed "gender" and "gender based" from document. Added "and in educational programs and activities" to the introductory paragraph. Added "gender discrimination," "intimate partner violence including," removed "and parental status" from the third paragraph. Changed "consultants" to "counselors and ombuds officers," added "all" to "all Public Safety and Police Services," and added "It is important to note that faculty are not required to report if this information is disclosed in the context of academic work and discussions." to the fourth paragraph. Changed "sexual harassment" to "...sex based discrimination harassment and/or sexual violence..." and changed "...eliminate sexual harassment/violence." to "...sex based harassment, discrimination and/or sexual misconduct." to the fifth paragraph. Added "sexual misconduct or" and "and/or" to the seventh paragraph. Added "/Title IX" to the last line.
3.1.2.2 Sex Discrimination/Sexual Harassment Annual Review: Added a "Reference" section and a link to the BOT Policy 5.3 Discrimination Based on Sex.
3.1.3 Disruption of University Activities Annual Review: Added a "Reference" section and link to "8.2, "Ombuds" The Office of the Ombuds shall provide confidential, impartial, informal conflict resolution services to faculty, staff and students prior to the filing of any formal grievance."
3.3.2 Accountability for Grants, Gifts, and Contracts Annual Review: Addition of "generally" to the sentence "...University and one or more parties for the performance of work at a generally fixed or reimbursable rate."
4.1 Sabbatical Leave Program Annual Review: Added a "References" section and "Board of Trustees Sabbatical Leave of Absence Policy 6.7 See Appendix E, "Sabbatical Leave Procedures and Forms" for more information on guidelines, application procedures, and application forms."
4.4.1 American Express Corporate Card Annual Review: Rescinded—Michigan Tech has an agreement with American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. to assist employees who frequently travel on University business in obtaining an American Express Corporate Card. This card is intended primarily for University business but may also be used for personal expenditures.

All faculty and staff members who travel or host functions on behalf of the University are eligible to apply for the American Express Corporate Card. An annual fee will be assessed to each card holder. It is at the discretion of the department head to reimburse employees for this fee.

Refer to Financial Services and Operations' web site, found here https://www.mtu.edu/fso/financial/travel/corporate-card/ for more information. 
4.4.2 Travel on Purchasing Card Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed "may" to "are encouraged to."
6.1.1 Annual Benefits Open Enrollment Annual Review: to reflect current language: changed title of the section from "TechSelect" to "Annual Benefits Open Enrollment." Added "retirement" to the list of benefits. Removed the "Eligibility" statement "Eligibility To be eligible for full benefits, regular employees must be a full-time equivalent of .75 or greater. Fixed-term employees receive limited benefits (see Eligible Benefits Chart)."
6.2.3.3 Sick Leave Annual Review: Removed "compensatory time," from "If additional time off is needed, the employee may request the use of sick time, compensatory time, or leave of absence without pay."
12/08/2016 - Annual Review: No changes made to content.
8.2 Ombuds Annual Review: Added the "References" section and the link to the Senate Policy 210.1, OFFICE OF OMBUDS.
9.2 Disability Accommodation Annual Review: Removed "reasonable" from "If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for equal access to education or services at Michigan Tech..." To reflect current practice, included "For more information, please visit https://www.mtu.edu/equity/access-disability/ada/."
9.3.3 Publishing a Web Page at Michigan Tech Annual Review: To reflect current practice: changed "Use of the World Wide Web, Internet, e-mail, and other electronic/computing..." to "Use of the internet, including webpages; e-mail; and other electronic/computing..." Changed "...when explicit permission has been granted by the rights holder." to "...when explicit, written permission has been granted by the rights holder." Changed "...meet 'fair use' guidelines, U.S. government works and works for which copyright has expired." to "...meet 'fair use' or other limitations on copyright, U.S. government works and works for which copyright has expired." Changed "...with obtaining copyright permissions, understanding and meeting Teach Act requirements..." to "...with obtaining copyright permissions, Teach Act requirements..." Grammer edit from "As As an Internet provider..." to "As an Internet provider..." 
9.3.3 Publishing a Web Page at Michigan Tech Annual Review: to reflect current language, removed "the" from "Apply for permission with Innovation and Industry Engagement, Michigan Technological University, or call for more information at 906-487-2228."
9.3.5 Fire Evacuation Annual Review: To reflect current practice, change section from the old language to the current language. Changed the title from "Fire Drill" to "Fire Evacuation."
9.4 Signature Authority Policy Annual Review: to reflect current policy 11.13, changed the first paragraph to current language. Also added "references" section to BOT Policy 11.13.
9.5.1 William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed "Cantasia" to "Panopto."
9.5.11 University Marketing and Communications Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed from the previous version to the current language.
9.5.2 Michigan Tech Testing Center (MTTC) Annual Review - To reflect current practices, changed "in room 226 of the Library, includes ten stations with video monitoring." to "in Room 215 Rekhi Hall, has 30 testing stations including 18 computers and 12 laptops." Added "All stations are monitored through closed circuit video feed." Changed "and overflow computerized exams." to "exams." Changed "here, and bubble-sheet testing is supported." to "in our 10 seat testing facility, Room 226 in the Van Pelt and Opie Library." Changed "The testing center also schedules and supports a classroom (Rekhi 215) with 18 computers and 12 laptops on a private network, allowing instructors to securely administer a computer-based test." to "Both sites meet the standards of the National College Testing Association (NCTA)." Changed "Use of both facilities can be coordinated through forms..." to "Information about the MTTC, for both instructors and students, can be found on the website..." Fixed the URL for the testing center website. 
9.5.3 Corporate and Foundation Support Annual Review: In an effort to clarify current practices, added "www.pldl.org" to the second paragraph. Changed "Corporations fund projects in alignment with their business interests and are most likely to fund schools from which students are recruited, especially if alumni are in key positions at that corporation. Some funders support research. Those that fund capital or endowments will usually only provide a portion of the total funds needed." to "Please contact the Industry Relations office if interested finding funding from a particular company or industry that aligns with your research interests.." Changed "If an equipment grant is secured, either new or used, please report it to the Corporate Partnerships Department." to "If an equipment grant is secured, either new or a used "Gift In Kind," please report it to the Industry Relations Department."
9.5.6 Intellectual Properties Annual Review: In an effort to clarify the current practices, changed "The Office of Innovation and Industry Engagement works with inventors (which include Michigan Tech faculty, graduate students, and research staff) and industry to facilitate licensing agreements for technologies developed at Michigan Tech." to "The Office of Innovation and Industry Engagement works with technology creators (which include Michigan Tech faculty, graduate students, research staff, entrepreneurial support organizations, public funding agencies, and private investors) and industry to facilitate licensing agreements with established companies or the establishment of new startup businesses for the commercialization of technologies developed at Michigan Tech." Changed "...with the assistance of appropriate external and internal advisors, invention disclosures and software disclosures and make recommendations as to whether a disclosure should be pursued for commercialization." to "...with the assistance of appropriate external and internal advisors, technology disclosures and will make recommendations as to whether the technology described within a disclosure is feasible to be pursued for commercialization." Changed "...Office's action within 45 days..." to "Office's recommendations within 45 days..." Changed "...the Office and licensed with the assistance of the inventor(s) and author(s)." to "...the Office and developed for licensing with the assistance of the technology creator(s)." Changed "...exclusive license and option-to-license arrangements can be negotiated." to "...exclusive license and option-to-license arrangements may be negotiated."
9.5.7 Van Pelt and Opie Library Annual Review: To reflect current practice: Changed "University Librarian, ebmarks@mtu.edu" to "Interim Director, jhodges@mtu.edu" Added "events" to "...with library staff for events, exhibits, and displays, including digital displays." Changed "...an experimental classroom can be reserved for..." to "...an experimental classroom #243 can be reserved for..." Changed "While not a “just in case” research library, the collections, particularly the journal collections, are carefully assessed throughout the year using use data as well as interloan borrowing data." to "While not a “just in case” research library, the collections—particularly the journal collections—are carefully assessed throughout the year using cost per use as well as interloan borrowing data." Changed "Recommendations can be made to library@mtu.edu or through each department’s liaison." to "Recommendations can be made to library@mtu.edu or through the Recommend a Purchase form on the library's web page." Added "Faculty have access to all physical collections within the library. Most items may be borrowed. Generous loan periods and renewals are provided as are courtesy notices when an item is due back to the library." to the "Access" section. Added "Cat" to "MeLCat" throughout document. Changed "...the requestor will be charged for the copyright fee..." to "...the requestor will be asked to pay the copyright fee..." Changed "Library staff will also scan articles from the library’s print collections and deliver these to faculty from ILLiad free of charge." to "Library staff will also scan articles from the library’s print collections and deliver these to faculty via ILLiad free of charge." Added "most" to "All e-books are cataloged and most have multi-user licenses." Added "(PTRC)" to "Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)" header. Changed "Measures questions and challenges and offer methods to make publication entry easier." to "Measures questions and offer methods to make publication entry, or citing references, easier."
9.6.10 Wellness Program Annual Review: To reflect current practice, removed "such as TechFit, T2, HuskeyPaw, and SWEAT" from "Michigan Tech offers a variety of programs and incentives such as TechFit, T2, HuskeyPaw, and SWEAT to promote lifelong fitness and nutrition." Removed the sentence "Additionally, upon completion of a Health Risk Assessment (HRA), benefits eligible employees may earn additional incentives toward their health and wellness goals."
9.6.2 Dining Annual Review : To reflect current practice, removed "Aftermath Cafe in Fisher Hall" from the list.
9.6.4 Check Cashing/ATM Annual Review: To reflect current practices, deleted "West Reception Desk Wadsworth Hall (up to $20.00) A valid University identification card is required to cash a check on campus. An automated teller machine is located in the Memorial Union Building"
9.6.7 Parking Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed from "Parking at Michigan Technological University is limited and parking regulations are strictly enforced. If you want to park on any University property, your vehicle(s) must be registered with Transportation Services located in Room 100 in the Administration Building. All motor vehicles must be operated according to the Michigan Tech Traffic Ordinance which can be found on the University's website. You will receive a copy of the parking regulations with your parking permit from Transportation Services at the time of vehicle registration." to "Parking regulations on campus are based on the Board of Trustees Parking Ordinance. All employees who own or use a motorized vehicle on campus, including mopeds, motorcycles, and snowmobiles, must register them online or at the Transportation Services Office. Parking is available in University lots based on permit type and is first-come, first-served.  Permit options vary based on employment status.  Parking permits are valid only with registered vehicles."
9.6.9 A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum Annual Review: To reflect current language, changed "Michigan Tech's A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum" to "The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum of Michigan Tech." Changed "great mineral museums. The Thomas D. Shaffner Hall exhibits the world's" to "premier mineral museums and is nationally and internationally recognized by mineral collectors and connoisseurs. Minerals from around the world are on exhibit in Thomas d. Shaffner Exhibit Hall. The Phyllis and John Seaman Garden features plants and rocks from the Great Lakes region and the Copper Pavilion features the Guinness world record holding 19-ton lake copper recovered from the bottomlands of Lake Superior. The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum is the official mineral museum of the State of Michigan. Michigan Tech's mineral collection includes the world's..." Changed "The museum has an outstanding collection and the largest public display of minerals from the Great Lakes region. The museum's collection of minerals includes many from around the world." to "It is notable for the quality, depth, and breadth of minerals from the Great Lakes region. The museum advertises itself as the Mineral Museum of the Great Lakes region. In addition to minerals from the region, Michigan Tech's mineral collection contains outstanding minerals from around the world." Removed "The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum is the official mineral museum of the State of Michigan. The Michigan" Changed "Mineral Alliance is a unique arrangement between Michigan Tech and the University of Michigan to preserve the legacy of the University of Michigan mineral collection through shared responsibility and co-ownership. the museum holds and curates the University of Michigan mineral collection. Specimens from the University of Michigan mineral collection are on exhibit." to "The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum houses, curates, and exhibits the University of Michigan's mineral collection through the Michigan Mineral Alliance. This unique alliance between Michigan Tech and the University of Michigan preserves the legacy of the University of Michigan's mineral collection through co-ownership and shared responsibility." Changed "The museum exhibits feature minerals as nature's masterpieces." to "The museum's mineral exhibits are organized around five educational themes with each theme supported by several galleries. "Minerals as Natural Masterpieces" is the theme that encompasses all of the museum's exhibits."
9.7.4 Mont Ripley Ski Area Annual Review: Added language to reflect current facilities "lighted" and "a snowmaking system" to the sentence: "Twenty-four lighted trails on 115 acres are serviced by three lifts and a snowmaking system, with a 440-foot vertical drop and trails from beginner to expert, with a 30 feature terrain park."
9.7.5 Portage Lake Golf Course Annual Review: To reflect current language, changed "...to adults and juniors,..." to "...to all ages and skill levels. PLGC also offers..." changed "passes" to "purchase cards" removed "also from "Payroll deduction is also available..."
9.7.6 Student Development Complex Annual Review: To reflect current practice, removed "shooting range" from "...a natatorium with pool and dive tank; squash and racquetball courts; shooting range; fitness studio; classrooms; ticket office; Coaches Corner Café; and University images for the latest styles in Michigan Tech apparel..." Added "building hours and" to "For building hours and more information see www.michigantechrecreation.com."
9.8.3 Tickets Annual Review: Fixed the url to the www.tickets.mtu.edu website.
Appendix D Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed from the old language to the new language.