3.1.3 Disruption of University Activities

The citizens of Michigan have, through the constitutional autonomy clause, placed the governing authority of the public universities in elected or appointed boards. Within the framework of the law, these boards have in turn shared their power with both faculty and students, but by the same law the boards have the ultimate responsibility for the control and direction of the universities and must therefore retain the ultimate and final authority for control and direction.

Students enrolling in, persons employed by, or people visiting the Michigan Technological University do so voluntarily and in so doing assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the University's function as an educational institution.

Michigan Technological University stands for freedom of speech, freedom of inquiry, freedom of dissent, and freedom to demonstrate in a peaceful manner. But freedom requires order, and it is not possible to have one without the other. The Board of Trustees therefore reaffirms the long-time understanding that any effort to impede the holding of classes, the carrying forward of University business, the arrangements for properly organized and scheduled events on the campus, the reasonable movement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or the discharge of responsibility by any University officer or employee, constitutes an invasion of the rights of the faculty, students, and the general public, is contrary to the interests of the University, and will not be tolerated.

In any such attempt to interfere with University activity, the leaders and participants are held responsible and are subject to appropriate legal and disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion from the University, under established procedures.

In this reaffirmation of freedom with order, Michigan Technological University also pledges itself to maintain open channels of communication through which those who have grievances, suggestions, questions, or who are dissatisfied with the status quo may express themselves in a meaningful manner and through which they may bring about orderly change.

This Policy constitutes a Rule or Regulation pursuant to and enforceable (including the statutory maximum penalties) pursuant to Michigan Constitution 1963: MCL 4.201 et seq and MCL 752.581 et seq. (Board of Trustees Policy 12.3 Rule Prohibiting Disruption of University Activities)

Reference

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.


Revised:

1/26/2018 - 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."
12/08/2016 - Annual Review: To reflect current language from the Board of Trustees website. From "This Policy constitutes a Rule and/or Regulation pursuant to MCL 4.201 et seq and MCL 752.581 et seq." to "This Policy constitutes a Rule or Regulation pursuant to and enforceable (including the statutory maximum penalties) pursuant to Michigan Constitution 1963: MCL 4.201 et seq and MCL 752.581 et seq. (Board of Trustees Policy 12.3 Rule Prohibiting Disruption of University Activities)"
06/04/2015 - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees".
01/27/2015 - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, the email address for questions is now policy@mtu.edu. No changes made to content.
02/12/2014 - Annual Review: Updated Michigan Tech and Handbook banners, no changes made to content.
07/14/2011 - Annual Review: To Reflect current University titles and practice, MTU is now Michigan Tech and the email address for questions is now hbwebmaster.
03/07/2011 - Revised to reflect updated Board of Control Bylaws and Policies