2014-2015 Faculty Handbook Revisions

January through May, 2015 - 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 2015 annual review revisions are summarized by section, as follows:

2014-2015 Faculty Handbook Revision Summary List

Handbook Section

Description of Revision

Complete Table of Contents - "7.3 Clean-up for Exiting Laboratory Employees" now reads "7.3 Employees and Graduate Students Leaving the University or Department Transfers.
- "9.3.2 Copyright Policy" now reads "9.3.2 Guidelines for Faculty for Use of Copyrighted Material and Fair Use".
- Deleted section 9.6.5 Credit Union and renumbered "9.6.6 Identification Cards" to read "9.6.5 Identification Cards", "9.6.7 Keys" to read "9.6.6 Keys", "9.6.8 Parking" to read 9.6.7 Parking", "9.6.9 Scheduling of Rooms" to read "9.6.8 Scheduling of Rooms", "9.6.10 A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum" to read "9.6.9 A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum", and "9.6.11 Wellness Programs" to read "9.6.10 Wellness Programs".
- "Appendix G read "G. Senate Constitution and Bylaws of the Senate" now reads "G. Senate Constitution and Bylaws".
- Appendix D. read "D. Externally Sponsored Grant Submittal Process" now reads "D. Externally Sponsored Grant/Contract/Agreement Submittal Process".
1.3 Administrative Structure - Under Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, "Institution for Leadership and Innovation" now reads "Pavlis Honors College", "Information Technology User Services" now reads "Chief Information Officer", and "Center for Teaching and Learning" now reads "William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning";
- "Treasurer of the Board of Trustees and President of the Michigan Tech Fund" now reads "Executive Director of Financial Services and Operations and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees" and added "Controller, General and Auxiliary Fund Accounting, Student Business Services, and Finance (Michigan Tech Fund)" reporting to the executive director of financial services;
- Under Vice President for Student Affairs and Advancement, removed "University Marketing and Communications"; under Vice President for Research added "Chief Information Officer" and deleted "Financial Services and Operations" which now reports directly to the President;
- Deleted Chief Information Officer and it's units from reporting to the president, which now reports to the provost with a dotted line to the vice president for research.
1.5.3 Graduate Faculty Status - Item A, third paragraph read "... the graduate dean may appoint individuals ...." now reads "... the Graduate Dean may appoint individuals ... ;" and the fourth paragraph read "... serve as examining members on Masters and PhD committees, and supervise Masters and PhD students" now reads "... serve as examining members on Master's and PhD committees, and supervise Master's and PhD students."
1.5.5 Non-Tenure-Track Academic Rank Definitions - Under Research (Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor): The sentence "These appointments entail full responsibility for research activities and limited responsibility for teaching, advising, and service activities" now reads "The appointment entails full responsibility for research activities (including serving as principal investigator on grants and contracts) and limited responsibility for advising (direct graduate theses and dissertations and serve on graduate committees), and service activities." Added the last sentence which reads "Those individuals assigned teaching responsibilities must obtain an approved academic faculty appointment."
- Added "VISITING Professor of Practice: A guest appointment offered to a candidate with the requisite professional experience for a position as professors of practice who wants to make only a one-year (or less) commitment. Visiting appointments shall normally be for one year or less."
2.1 Reappointment - Changed appointment date examples from 2013-14 through 2019-20 to 2015-16 through 2021-22.
3.2.9 Scholastic Standards - Item "A. Required Course Withdrawal" now reads "1. Required Course Withdrawal"; item "B. Academic Probation" now reads "2. Academic Probation"; and item "C. Academic Suspension and Dismissal - A student is eligible for academic suspension if the cumulative GPA is below 2.0 after a semester of academic probation or if the student is not restored to a good academic standing after two semesters of probation regardless of the cumulative GPA. A student who receives a notice of academic suspension will not be permitted to enroll at the University for a specified period of time.
- Upon receiving a first notice of academic suspension, a student must sit out for at least one semester, plus a summer. That is, a student suspended at the end of a fall semester may not re-enroll until the following fall, and a student suspended at the end of a spring semester may not re-enroll until the following spring. Upon receiving a second notice of academic suspension, a student must sit out two semesters, plus a summer. Upon reinstatement after a second suspension, failure to achieve good academic standing or show substantial academic progress within one semester will result in academic dismissal. There is no opportunity for reinstatement after academic dismissal." now reads:

"3. Academic Suspension and Dismissal - A student is placed on academic suspension if the cumulative GPA is below 2.0 after a semester of academic probation or if the student is not restored to good academic standing after two semesters of probation regardless of the cumulative GPA. A student is also placed on academic suspension if the term GPA is 0.0 when a student attempts 12 or more credits. A suspended student will have the right to appeal. Students will be informed of their suspension and given information on the appeal process after grades are processed each term. More detailed information about the appeal process can be found on the Dean of Students website.

A student who receives a notice of academic suspension will not be permitted to enroll at the University for a specified period of time. Upon receiving a first notice of academic suspension, a student must sit out for at least one semester, plus a summer. That is, a student suspended at the end of a fall semester may not re-enroll until the following fall, and a student suspended at the end of a spring semester may not re-enroll until the following spring. A student who is suspended at the end of summer term will be permitted to request reinstatement the following spring. Upon receiving a second notice of academic suspension, a student must sit out two semesters, plus a summer. Upon reinstatement after a second suspension, failure to achieve good academic standing or show substantial academic progress within one semester will result in academic dismissal. Students may appeal an academic dismissal. However, if no appeal is submitted or the appeal is denied, there is no opportunity for reinstatement after academic dismissal." Item "D. Reinstatement" now reads "4. Reinstatement".
3.2.10 Student Class Attendance - The third paragraph from the end read: "Students with an excused absence will be allowed to make up missing assignments or equivalent work. Any course-specific consequences for excessive absences should be described in the instructor's syllabus." now reads: "Students with an excused absence shall be allowed to earn full credit for missing assignments by performing equivalent work, as long as the instructor deems that the learning objectives of the course can still be met. Where this is in question, it should be determined in conversation between the student and the instructor, if necessary in consultation with the Dean of Students. This conversation should happen as soon as possible. The substance of the equivalent work and the deadline for its completion shall be determined by the instructor."
3.3.5 Copyright Policy Regarding Scholarly, Academic and Artistic Works Later Revision: To be consistent with Senate Policy 114.1. added new section.
3.3.6 Misconduct in Research, Scholarly, and Creative Endeavors Renumbered - 3.3.5 Misconduct in Research, Scholarly, and Creative Endeavors now reads 3.3.6 Misconduct in Research, Scholarly, and Creative Endeavors
4.1 Sabbatical Leave Program - Two Semesters rate of pay read "50% of academic year rate" now reads "67% of academic year rate".
4.3. Employee Education Program - The link in the last sentence read "https://www.mtu.edu/hr/benefits/additional" now reads "https://www.mtu.edu/hr/current/benefits/additional/".
4.4 Travel Policies - Item J. Dependent Care read "Dependent care expenses in excess of those normally experienced will be reimbursed to Michigan Tech employees traveling on University business" now reads "Dependent care expenses above and beyond regular department care costs that directly result from travel on University business will be reimbursed".
- The last sentence on the page read "See Accounting's ..." now reads "See Financial Services and Operations' ...".
4.4.1 American Express Corporate Card - The last sentence read: "Refer to Accounting Services' web site, found here https://www.admin.mtu.edu/acct/dept/travel/procedures.htm#American%20Express%20Corporate%20Card for more information" now reads "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 - The last sentence read: "Refer to Accounting Services' web site, found here https://www.admin.mtu.edu/acct/dept/travel/procedures.htm#Purchasing Card for Travel Expenses for more information ..." now reads "Refer to Financial Services and Operations' web site, found here https://www.mtu.edu/fso/financial/travel/pcard/ for more information ...".
5.3.3 Payroll Direct Deposit - The last sentence read: "A direct deposit form is available from the Payroll Services web page, found here: https://www.admin.mtu.edu/hro/payroll/index.shtml or by calling Payroll Services at 487-2130." Now reads: "To authorize direct deposit either:
  • log onto www.banweb.mtu.edu, the instructions available from the Payroll Services web page, found here: https://www.mtu.edu/hr/current/direct-deposit/, or
  • complete a (paper) direct deposit form, available from the Payroll Services web page, found here: https://www.mtu.edu/hr/current/direct-deposit/,
  • or call Payroll Services at 487-2130."
6.2.3.3 Sick Leave - The second paragraph read: "All 9/10 month employees shall receive 9 days ...." now reads "All 9/10 month employees, including faculty on a 9-month contract, shall receive 9 days ....".
6.3.2 Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) - The first sentence in the second paragraph read: "... but may be eligible to participate in the Base Retirement Program" now reads "... but may be eligible to participate in the Defined Contribution Retirement Plan".
6.3.3 Supplement Retirement Annuities (SRA) - "Michigan Tech offers tax-deferred supplemental retirement ..." now reads "Michigan Tech offers tax-deferred as well as after-tax Roth supplemental retirement ...".
7.3. Employees and Graduate Students Leaving the University or Department Transfers - 7.3 Clean-up for Exiting Laboratory Employees" now reads "7.3 Employees and Graduate Students Leaving the University or Department Transfers."
- The first two sentences read: "This policy is applicable when an individual or an entire laboratory group vacates a research and development laboratory or pilot plant space. These exiting requirements also cover offices and all individual and shared storage areas used by the vacating laboratory occupants." The first two sentences now read "This policy is applicable when an employee or graduate student will be leaving the University or transferring to another department. These exiting requirements cover offices and all individual and shared work areas used by the vacating occupants."
- The first sentence in the second paragraph read "Exiting employees must dispose of all chemicals and ..." now reads: "Exiting employees and graduate students must dispose of all chemicals and ...".
- From the third paragraph, deleted: "Individuals leaving a laboratory will complete all requirements on the Individual Laboratory Employee Exiting Statement."
- Deleted the fourth paragraph: "When an entire group vacates a laboratory space, the appropriate laboratory supervisor has the responsibility for completing all the requirements on the Exiting Statement" and replaced it with: "Faculty/staff and graduate students shall complete all requirements on the respective exit forms available via a link on the Occupational Safety and Health Services Web Site." The last sentence read "... for a period of one year" Now reads "... for a period of three years."
8.3 Institutional Equity - The last sentence of the seventh paragraph read: "See section 9.3, "Handicap/Disability Accommodation." It now reads "See section 9.2. Disability Accommodation."
9.3.2 Guidelines for Faculty for Use of Copyrighted Material and Fair Use 05/05/2015 Revision: "9.3.2 Copyright Policy" now reads "9.3.2 Guidelines for Faculty for Use of Copyrighted Material and Fair Use." Because the Board of Trustees approved policy 14.3. Copyright Policy Regarding Scholarly, Academic and Artistic Works, this section was re-written as guidelines.
9.3.3 Publishing a Web Page at Michigan Tech - 5/05/2015 Revision: Under item 1.2, deleted the paragraph that read: "Copyrighted works can be placed on the University's web pages with the explicit written permission of the rights holder. Works including (but not limited to) cartoons, photographs, songs, software or graphics typically require permission. Articles, which have been granted an exclusive copyright to a publisher, cannot be posted to a university web site (or Canvas) without permission. Copyright permission is not required for works of the U.S. government, works for which copyright has expired as well as works under 'fair use' guidelines. The Van Pelt and Opie Library staff will assist faculty with the process of obtaining permission from rights holders and provide information about the U.S. Copyright Law including the category of 'fair use.' For more information, visit Ask Us!" and replaced it with current paragraph.

- Item 1.2 Copyright, read: "Copyrighted works can be placed on University web pages with the explicit written permission of the rights holder. Works including (but not limited to) cartoons, photographs, songs, software or graphics typically require permission. Articles, even which have been granted exclusive permission to a publisher, cannot be posted to a University web site without permission. The Van Pelt and Opie Library staff can assist with the permissions process, offer alternatives to using copyrighted materials, provide information about U.S. copyright law and consideration of whether a need falls into the category of 'fair use'. Copyright permission is not required for works of the U.S. government, works for which copyright has expired as well as fair use. For more information see the library's copyright guide or Ask Us!"
Now reads: "Copyrighted works can be placed on the University's web pages with the explicit written permission of the rights holder. Works including (but not limited to) cartoons, photographs, songs, software or graphics typically require permission. Articles, which have been granted an exclusive copyright to a publisher, cannot be posted to a university web site (or Canvas) without permission. Copyright permission is not required for works of the U.S. government, works for which copyright has expired as well as works under 'fair use' guidelines. The Van Pelt and Opie Library staff will assist faculty with the process of obtaining permission from rights holders and provide information about the U.S. Copyright Law including the category of 'fair use.' For more information, visit Ask Us!"

- Item 1.5 Privacy of Student Records, read: "The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law which is designed to protect the privacy of a student's educational records. The Act prohibits the release of student data such as grades to persons other than authorized University officials without the student's written consent. A web page should not contain any student scores or grades in association with names, student identification numbers or portions thereof, or other personal identifiers. If scores or grades are posted, a code known only to the instructor and the individual student should be used. At Michigan Technological University, the student information which is considered public or directory information is defined in the form of a Public Notice. Students may request that no directory information be released by completing a request through the Public Safety and Police Services. The University's Associate Registrar is the custodian of student academic information and should be contacted at 906-487-2320 for any questions. For more information regarding privacy and confidentiality please visit the Registrar's website (on the web at www.mtu.edu/registrar)."
Now reads: "The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) as amended, is a federal law that protects the privacy of a student's educational record. The Act prohibits the release of student non-directory information to persons other than authorized University officials, without the student's written consent. The law also prohibits public posting of grades by the student's name, institutional student identification number, or Social Security Number without the student's written permission. This includes the posting of grades to a class or University website and applies to any public posting of grades for students taking distance education courses. If scores or grades are posted, a unique code, known only to the instructor and the individual student, must be used. Students may request that no directory information be released to non-University personnel or listed in the campus directory. Requests for confidential status of directory information must be submitted to the Registrar's Office. For more information regarding The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), go to https://www.mtu.edu/registrar/faculty-staff/ferpa/. "

- Item 1.6, first paragraph, added as a second sentence: "For further guidance please see Michigan Tech's Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources policy."

- Item 1.8, "1.8 Faculty, Staff and Student Home Pages" now reads "1.8 Faculty, Staff, and Student Home Pages." The first sentence in the second paragraph read: "All policies for students documented in the Michigan Tech Student Catalog (on the web at www.mtu.edu/studenthandbook) apply to electronic communications including web pages." It now reads: "All policies for students documented in the Student Conduct Policies, Acceptable Use of Information Technologies (www.mtu.edu/conduct/policies/student-conduct) apply to electronic communications, including web pages."
9.3.6 Smoke-Free Policy - "Smoking is prohibited in all University buildings and at all campus functions, unless accommodations have been made to provide separate ventilation for a designated smoking area. Residence halls select a policy through their own governance process. All employees, students, and visitors share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing this policy." Replaced it with: "Smoking and all tobacco use is prohibited except where approval is granted by the Vice President for Administration (see Board of Trustees Policy 12.2). Michigan Tech has also adopted a "Tobacco Free, Smoke Free and Vapor Free" policy. More information on this policy and a link to the "Overview on the Tobacco and E-Cigarette-Free Initiative on Campus" document may be found at https://www.mtu.edu/healthycampus/."
9.5.1 William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) - The third sentence in the first paragraph, read: "The International GTA Assistance Program (IGTAAP), administered through the CTL, ...." now reads "The International Graduate Student Communication and Culture Center (IGSC3), administered through the CTL, ....".
- The first sentence in the second paragraph read: " ... and assistance with Canvas, Adobe Connect, Camtasia, iClickers, and other ..." now reads "and assistance with Canvas, Camtasia, iClickers, and other ...".
9.5.2 Michigan Tech Testing Center (MTTC) - "Sponsored (commercial) exams like the GMAT are also given here, and scantron testing can be supported for a fee." Now reads: "Sponsored (commercial) exams like the GRE are also given here, and scantron testing is supported."
- "... (Rekhi 215) ..." now reads " ... (Rekhi 215) ...".
- " ... through forms on the website https://www.mtu.edu/ctl/testing-center/overview/ by e-mailing Techtesting-l@mtu.edu, ..." now reads " ... through forms on the website https://www.mtu.edu/ctl/testing-center/about/ by e-mailing techtesting-l@mtu.edu, ...".
9.5.3 Corporate and Foundation Support - "... Development at 487-1608. If you are interested in applying to a corporation, contact the Corporate Partnerships Department ..." now reads " ... Development at 487-2226. If you are interested in applying to a corporation, contact the Industry Relations Department ...".
- "Foundations are likely to fund projects that are unique, creative and replicable." Now reads "Foundations are most likely to fund projects that are in alignment with their areas of interest, and are unique, creative and replicable."
- "The departments of Research Development and Corporate Partnerships can help ..." now reads "The departments of Research Development and Industry Relations can help ...".
- Deleted "As you are the best advocate for your project, you are the best person to write your proposal." from the last paragraph.
9.5.4 Graduate School - " ... dean of the Graduate School ... " now reads "... Dean of the Graduate School ...".
9.5.7 Van Pelt and Opie Library - Under Interlibrary Loan: "The Library endeavors to provide articles within 48 hours." Now reads: "The Library endeavors to provide articles within 48 hours, most are delivered within 12 hours (Monday - Friday with increased turn-around time on the weekends)." "... which scans articles from the Library's print collection" now reads " ... which scans articles from the Library's print collection and retrieves materials from the circulating collections for pick up or campus delivery." " ... DVD's can be ordered." now reads " ... DVD's can be ordered. When searching the Library's databases, look for the HuskyFetch icon. While this typically leads to the full-text, when it doesn't the citation will be captured automatically for use for your ILLiad order."
- Under Requests and Recommendations: Deleted "Requests for purchases can be sent to librarv@mtu.edu. Additionally, ILL borrowing requests are studied in order to ascertain need. Faculty are encouraged to use this system or to explicitly share their needs." Added: " Recommendation for purchases are welcomed through this form https://www.mtu.edu/library/services/recommend-a-purchase/ via library@mtu.edu or through a conversation with a librarian. Additionally, ILL borrowing requests (via ILLiad) or books or media include an option for faculty to recommend purchase of titles that contribute to research and/or teaching at Michigan Tech." " ... responsive to current research and curriculum ..." now reads " ... responsive to current and likely future research and curriculum ...".
- Under Copyright in the Classroom: " ... assist faculty in ..." now reads " ... assist faculty members in ...". " ... works in their course (as well as for publications and creative works)" now reads " ... works in their courses (both within the classroom and in Canvas) as well as for publication and creative works." "Details are available in the Library's copyright guide and personalized consultation is available" now reads "Regularly held workshops, information guides and personalized consultations are available. See the Library's copyright guide for details."
9.6.3.1 Meeting Rooms, Conferences, and Catering - The third sentence of the first paragraph read: "... accommodate banquets for up to 500 attendees" and now reads "... accommodate banquets for up to 335 attendees."
9.6.4 Check Cashing/ATM - "Cashier's Office" now reads "Student Financial Services Center".
9.6.5 Credit Union - Deleted section 9.6.5 Credit Union since the Credit Union is no longer housed on campus.
9.6.6 Identification Cards - Renumbered to 9.6.5 Identification Cards.
9.6.7 Keys - Renumbered to 9.6.6 Keys.
9.6.8 Parking - Renumbered to 9.6.7 Parking.
9.6.9 Scheduling of Rooms - Renumbered to 9.6.8 Scheduling of Rooms and in the first sentence "Student Service Center" now reads "Registrar's Office".
9.6.10 A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum - Renumbered to 9.6.9 A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum.
- The last sentence "Regular public admission fee is currently waived for Michigan Tech employees and students with ID and professional guests" now reads "Regular public admission fee is currently waived for Michigan Tech employees and professional guests, and students with ID."
9.6.11 Wellness Programs - Renumbered to 9.6.10 Wellness Programs.
- The last sentence "To learn more, and for additional programs, please click here: www.mtu.edu/hr/wellness/overview/" now reads "To learn more, and for additional programs, please click here: https://www.mtu.edu/hr/current/benefits/wellness/."
9.7.2 Michigan Tech Trails/Recreational Forest - The first sentence read: "Michigan Tech's trail system is located across ..." now reads "Michigan Tech's trail system, open year round, is located across ...".
9.7.4 Mont Ripley Ski Area - The fourth sentence read: "... ski and snowboard school, and ski and snowboard rentals" now reads "... ski and snowboard school, ski and snowboard rentals, and ski shop and tuning center."
9.7.5 Portage Lake Golf Course - The fourth sentence read: "Season passes, weekday only passes, weekend only passes, punch cards for 9 or 18 holes and daily 9 or 18 hole greens fees are all available." It now reads: "Season passes, punch cards for 9 or 18 holes, and daily 9 or 18 hole greens fees are all available. A practice range is on property as well as two practice greens."
- The sentences that read "... TechFit benefit to discount their season pass price as well as payroll deduction. These programs are only available for MTU employees." Now read: "... TechFit benefit to discount their season pass price or punch passes. Payroll deduction is also available for Michigan Tech employees only."
- The sentence that ended with "... Par and Grill." now reads "... Par and Grill, club storage, and a shower area."
9.8.1 Department of Visual and Performing Arts - The last sentence read "... and schedules of events, go to vpa.mtu.edu." It now reads "... and schedules of events, go to https://www.mtu.edu/vpa/".
9.8.3 Tickets - Deleted paragraph that read: "Tickets for cultural events can be ordered by telephone at 906-487-2073, online at www.tickets.mtu.edu, or in person at any Michigan Tech Ticketing Operations location. Ticketing Operations are located at the Student Development Complex, the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, and Tech Express. Hours of operation are available at www.tickets.mtu.edu." Replaced deleted paragraph with current three paragraphs.
Appendix D - "Appendix D. Externally Sponsored Grant Submittal Process" now reads "Appendix D. Externally Sponsored Grant/Contract/Agreement Submittal Process".
- Item B. read "... supported by University funds is started" now reads "... supported by sponsor funds is started."
- Item F. read "... (if applicable), and submission instructions, ..." now reads "... (if applicable), sponsor required documents, and submission instructions, ...".
Appendix E - Under Item 4. Compensation, the rate of pay while on sabbatical leave read "2 Semesters, 50% of Academic Year Salary" now reads "2 Semesters, 67% of Academic Year Salary".
- The last sentence of the last paragraph read: "... member's sabbatical leave (i.e. the remaining 50% of a full-year's leave) will ..." now reads " ... member's sabbatical leave (i.e. the remaining 33% of a full-year's leave) will ...".
- Under item 11. Sabbatical Leave Committee, the fifth paragraph read "The Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development (or successor unit) my consult if ..." now reads "The William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (or successor unit) may consult if ...".
Appendix G - To be consistent within document, "By-Laws" and "By-laws" now reads "Bylaws".
- "Appendix G. Senate Constitution and Bylaws of the Senate" now reads "Appendix G. Senate Constitution and Bylaws".
- "Ratified by the Senate constituency on October 22, 2014 and Approved by the Board of Trustees on December 19, 2014" now reads "Ratified by the Senate constituency on October 22, 2014 and Approved by the Board of Trustees on December 19, 2014".

- Under Article II.B.2.c of the Senate's Constitution read: "Department chairs and associate deans shall be constituents of the University Senate but may not serve as Senators or Alternates or as members of University Senate committees" now reads Department chairs, associate deans, and assistant deans, despite their additional status as academic faculty members, shall not serve as senators or alternates. They are considered constituents of the Senate."
- Under Article IV.C.3 of the Senate's Constitution, the second sentence read "The term of office shall commence at the beginning of the following fall term. Now reads "The term of office shall commence immediately following the end of the last meeting of the spring term."
- Under Article V of the Senate's Constitution, the last sentence read "The officers-elect of the Senate shall assume their duties on the Monday before the first week of instruction in the fall term." Now reads "The officers-elect of the Senate shall assume their duties immediately after the last Senate meeting of the spring semester."
- Under Article VII.A of the Senate's Constitution read "The business of the Senate shall be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order when these are not in conflict with the Bylaws of the Senate." Now reads "The business of the Senate shall be conducted according to the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR) when these are not in conflict with the Bylaws of the Senate."

- In the Bylaws of the Senate it read "(Revised: 11 December 2013)" now reads "Most recent revision: December 10, 2014".
- Under section I.B.4 of the Bylaws, added the following: "5. The Executive Committee shall represent the Senate at meetings with the Board of Trustees. 6. The Executive Committee shall coordinate interaction between the Senate and the Board of Trustees."
- Under section I.C.1. of the Bylaws, added as the second sentence: "At the discretion of the Executive Committee, the Senate officers may serve on but may not chair standing committees."
- Under section I.C.8. it read "Normally, the Senate officers and officers-elect will draft a preliminary list of committee assignments before the first meeting of the Senate in the fall term." Now reads "The Senate officers will draft a preliminary list of committee assignments before the second from the last meeting in the spring semester."
- Section I.D.1 of the Bylaws read "1. Academic Policy Committee" now reads "1. Academic and Instructional Policy Committee". Added items e,f, and g: "e. Regulations regarding attendance, examinations, grading, scholastic standing, probation, and honors (III-F-a-iii). f. Teaching quality and the evaluation of teaching (III-F-1-a-iv). g. All matters pertaining to the academic calendar (III-F-1-a-v)." Deleted section I.D.3. of the Bylaws, 3. Board of Trustees Relations Committee. a. Represent the Senate at meetings with the Board of Trustees. 2. Coordinate interaction between the Senate and the Board of Trustees."
- Renumbered sections "I.D.4. Curricular Policy Committee" now reads "I.D.3. Curricular Policy Committee"; I.D.5. Elections Committee" now reads "I.D.4. Elections Committee"; and "I.D.6. "Finance Committee" now reads "I.D.5. Finance and Institutional Planning Committee".
- Under Section 8. Institutional Planning Committee moved items c. Institutional priorities (III-F-4-b-ii), d. Allocation and utilization of the university's human and physical resources (III-F-4-b-iii), e. Admission procedures (III-F-4-b-v), and f., General admission standards (III-F-4-b-v)" to section I.D.5 Finance and Institutional Planning Committee.
- Deleted item I.D.8. Institutional Planning Committee." Renumbered items I.D.7. Fringe Benefits Committee" now reads "I.D.6. Fringe Benefits Committee", I.D.9. Instructional Policy Committee" now reads "I.D.7. General Education and Assessment Committee".
- Under section I.D.7. General Education and Assessment Committee of the Bylaws, added the first sentence "In all curricular matters related to General Education and Assessment:" and item I.D.&.c. read "c. All matters pertaining to the academic calendar (III-F-1-a-5)" now reads "c. Academic freedom: rights and responsibilities (III-F-1-a-viii)."
- Added Bylaws section I.D.8. "Information Technology Committee. As related to Information Technology: a. Allocation and distribution of unrestricted funds made available to the university for discretionary allocation in support of research or scholarly work (III-F-2-b-i). b. Allocation and utilization of the university's human and physical resources (III-F-4-b-iii). c. Formulation of policy and procedures regarding allocation and utilization of the university's human, fiscal, and physical resources (III-F-4-b-iii)."
- Renumbered Bylaws sections "I.D.10. Professional Staff Policy Committee" to read "I.D.9. Professional Staff Policy Committee" and "I.D.11. Research Policy Committee" to read "I.D.10. Research Policy Committee."
- Section I.F.5. of the bylaws read "5. The officers-elect of the Senate shall assume their duties on the Monday before the first week of instruction in the fall term." Now reads "5. The officers-elect of the Senate shall assume their duties immediately after the last meeting of the spring semester."
- Amended the Bylaws by adding section "J.13. When a proposal is being presented by the chair of the relevant committee, if there are no objections, the presiding officer may delegate some responsibility for fielding questions to that person."
- Amended the Bylaws by adding Section I.N. Allowing Nonmembers to Speak."
- Under section II.B. Professional Staff Units, deleted items 5. Advancement, 7. Enrollment, and 11. Student Affairs"; renumbered "6. Auxiliaries" now reads "5. Auxiliaries", "8. Finance, 9. Library, 10. Research," now reads "6. Finance, 7. Library, and 8. Research"; and added "9. Student Affairs and Advancement A, 10. Student Affairs and Advancement B, and 11. Student Affairs and Advancement C."
- Under Section II.C of the Bylaws, added "The Executive Committee may appoint reciprocal liaisons to any or all of these units." and removed item "5. Emeritus/Emerit Association".