2015-2016 Faculty Handbook Revisions

January through May, 2016 - 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 2016 annual review revisions are summarized by section, as follows:

2015-2016 Faculty Handbook Revision Summary List

Handbook Section

Description of Revision

Complete Table of Contents - Added new section 3.3.5 Copyright Policy Regarding Scholarly, Academic and Artistic Works and renumbered 3.3.6 Misconduct in Research, Scholarly, and Creative Endeavors from 3.3.5.
- To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees" and "Board of Control (BOC)" is now "Board of Trustees (BOT)".
1.1 Mission - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees".
- Annual Review: Adding the new Mission as stated on the Strategic Plan website. "We deliver action-based undergraduate and graduate education and discover new knowledge through research and innovation. We create solutions for society’s challenges through interdisciplinary education, research, and engagement to advance sustainable economic prosperity, health and safety, ethical conduct, and responsible use of resources. We attract exceptional students, faculty, and staff who understand, develop, apply, manage, and communicate science, engineering, technology, and business to attain the goal of a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. Our success is measured by accomplishments and reputation of our graduates, national and international impact of our research and scholarly activities, and investment in our University."
1.2 Vision

-Annual Review: To reflect the current Vision language as stated on the Strategic Plan website. "Michigan Tech will lead as a global technological university that inspires students, advances knowledge, and innovates to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world (see the current Strategic Plan)."

1.3 Administrative Structure

- Under Vice President for Student Affairs and Advancement, removed "University Marketing and Communications".
-To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees".

1.4 University Governance - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees" and "Board of Control (BOC)" is now "Board of Trustees (BOT)".
1.5.3 Graduate Faculty Status - Annual Review: Minor grammar change. Addition of comma, "...RESEARCH, PART-TIME, VISITING..."
1.5.5 Non-Tenure-Track Academic Rank Definitions - To be consistent with senate policy 701.3, under the RESEARCH (Assistant Professor /Associate Professor/Professor) paragraph, deleted the last sentences that read: "Those individuals assigned teaching responsibilities must obtain an approved academic faculty appointment." "Senate Policy 701.2 - Senate Policy 701.4" now reads "Senate Policy 701.2 - Senate Policy 701.3 - Senate Policy 701.4"
2. Tenure, Promotion, and Reappointment - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees" and "Board of Control (BOC)" is now "Board of Trustees (BOT)".
2.1 Reappointment - Changed appointment date examples from 2013-14 through 2019-20 to 2015-16 through 2021-22.
3. Faculty Rights and Responsibilities  - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees" and "Board of Control (BOC)" is now "Board of Trustees (BOT)".
3.1.2 Discrimination/Harassment - to reflect Title IX information regarding "responsible employees".
3.1.3 Disruption of University Activities - 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)"
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."
3.3.1 Academic Research Centers - Annual Review: To reflect current procedures for establishment and review of Michigan Tech Research Centers & Institutes.
3.3.2 Accountability for Grants, Gifts, and Contracts - Annual Review: Addition of "/agreements" to first paragraph "...grants/contracts/agreements..."
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. Faculty Development - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees" and "Board of Control (BOC)" is now "Board of Trustees (BOT)".
4.1 Sabbatical Leave Program - Two Semesters rate of pay read "50% of academic year rate" now reads "67% of academic year rate".
4.4 Travel Policies - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, addition of "Private Residence Allowance - An allowance of $10/night may be claimed if staying at a private residence with family of friends." to the Travel Policy section. Expanding on the location of the per diem rates "A listing of the per diem rate for various cities around the U.S. is found on Financial SVCS website." Removal of the Personal sub-section of the Telephone section "Personal - To a reasonable extent, the University will pay charges (substantiated as in "Business" above) for personal long distance calls of normal duration when away from home on business; however, such calls should be limited to one per day." Addition of "*If international travel is being paid on a general fund (A1XXXX), additional prior approval of the time appropriate Vice President is also required." to the International Travel section.
4.4.2 Travel on Purchasing Card - Annual Review: To reflect current practice addition of "and purpose of travel" to the line "It is the responsibility of the cardholder to retain original receipts for all items charged to the purchasing card and to reallocate all purchasing card charges to the appropriate travel expense code, including a description which includes the traveler's name, date of travel, destination, and purpose of travel."
5. Compensation Policies - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees" and "Board of Control (BOC)" is now "Board of Trustees (BOT)".
5.3.1 Deferred Pay Plan - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed "12 month period" to "26 pay periods".
5.3.3 Payroll Direct Deposit - Annual Review: To reflect current URL updated the pdf website.
6. Fringe Benefits - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees" and "Board of Control (BOC)" is now "Board of Trustees (BOT)".
7. Separation - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees" and "Board of Control (BOC)" is now "Board of Trustees (BOT)".
8. Grievance - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees" and "Board of Control (BOC)" is now "Board of Trustees (BOT)".
9. University Policies and Services - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees" and "Board of Control (BOC)" is now "Board of Trustees (BOT)".
9.3.1 Closure Policy - Annual Review: Minor grammar change—capitalized "Director" of Human Resources.
9.4 Signature Authority Policy - Annual Review: To reflect current language, Changed "Director of Technology &EconDevelopment." to " Director of Innovation & Industry Engagement". Changed "Vice President for Administration" to "Vice President for Student Affairs".
9.5.2 Michigan Tech Testing Center (MTTC) - Annual Review: To reflect current abilities, changed "three eyes on stations and seven stations with video..." to "Includes ten stations with video monitoring." Changed "scantron" to "bubble-sheet. Added "and FE" after GRE "Sponsored (commercial) exams like the FE and GRE are also given here". Changed "40 computers" to "18 computers and 12 laptops".
9.5.7 Van Pelt and Opie Library - Annual Review: Changed email to reflect current email addresses from "servicedesk" to "library@mtu.edu" Lower-cased "Library" throughout document. Changed "interdisciplinary faculty together" to "the campus together". Added "staff" to "...resources licensed by the library on behalf of faculty, staff, and students." in the Access section. Added "Rush services are available within your ILLiad account, this allows articles to be delivered within four hours during specified times each day." to the Interlibrary Loan section. Changed "48 hours" to "24 hours". Grammar edits made throughout the document. Edited the Education Spaces section from "Although the library is unable to support semester-long scheduled classes, our Experimental Education Environment (E3) is a new experimental space offering state-of-the-art furnishings, media and technology. Consultation from IT Media Services and/or the Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning provide technological or pedagogical support when desired. The space can be used for 15 learners and an instructor and has been demonstrated to be very effective also for team-based learning including student-led group activities." to "Two instruction rooms are dedicated to information literacy instruction and independent student study and collaboration during the academic semesters. These spaces can be reserved for personal use during breaks only. The Experimental Education Environment can be reserved for a semester for faculty seeking to innovate pedagogically or technologically with approximately 15 learners of teams. Contact library@mtu.edu for further information." Added "While the books are in the reserves the instructor can set the loan period to optimize access for their students. This service is greatly appreciated by students." to the Reserves section. Changed "12,000" to "13,00" in the University Archives and Cooper Country Historical Collections section. Changed "500" to "700" in the Digital Commons@Michigan Tech section. Added " This includes research project organization to effectively comply with federal mandates." to the Digital Commons@Michigan Tech section. Added "or disciplinary repositories" to the sentence "... institution's repository as well as journals or disciplinary repositories." Added "and 3-D printer" to the Library Technologies section.
9.5.9 Vice President for Research - Annual Review: To reflect current language, changed "foundations" to "other various entities" in the Sponsored Programs Office section. Added "Coordinates outside audits related to externally sponsored projects." to the Sponsored Programs Accounting section. Changed the Research Development section from "Assists faculty, staff, and students in identifying relevant funding opportunities; initiating and developing relationships with foundations; developing competitive proposals and accurate budget justifications; managing the proposal development process; evaluating reviewer feedback; and planning for proposal submission and re-submission." to "Assists faculty, staff, and students in identifying funding opportunities; initiating, developing relationships with and visiting foundations and governmental agencies; developing competitive research, education, outreach, and fellowship proposals; managing the proposal development process; evaluating reviewer feedback; planning for proposal submission and resubmission; and offer workshops and one-on-one meetings to assist faculty and staff with research development activities." Added "occupational safety and health" and "and foreign nationals" to the Compliance, Integrity, and Safety section.
9.6.9 A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum - Annual Review: To reflect current language, added "an outstanding collection and" to the sentence " 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." Added "includes many" to "The museum's collection of minerals includes many from around the world." Added "The Michigan 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." Third paragraph now reads "Among specimens on exhibit and in the museum's holdings are examples of the finest specimen of an individual mineral species, specimen from which the mineral was discovered, and those notable for their historical significance. The museum exhibits feature minerals as nature's masterpieces." from "Among specimens on exhibit and in the collection are examples of the finest specimens of an individual mineral species, specimen from which the mineral was discovered, and those notable for their natural beauty. The museum's various galleries encompass multiple themes. The A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum is the official mineral museum of the State of Michigan." Added "employee's" to "employee's professional guests".
02/04/2015 - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, the email address for questions is now policy@mtu.edu. Renumbered "9.6.10 A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum" to read "9.6.9 A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum" and the last sentence read "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."
9.7.1 Athletic Activities - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, the URL for buying tickets is www.buyHuskiestickets.com from www.tickets.mtu.edu.
9.7.2 Michigan Tech Trails/Recreational Forest

- Reflect change in equipment availability and ski club membership.
- Annual Review: Changed "...skate and classic skis for day use at Tech Trails." to "...skate and classic skis for day use on the Tech Trails."

9.7.6 Student Development Complex

- Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed "dance studio" to "fitness studio". Added "Coaches Corner Cafe;" to the sentence "...fitness studio; classrooms; ticket office; Coaches Corner Café; and University images..." Added "community" and "group" to the sentence " The SDC offers regular scheduled HuskiesFit programs in swimming, skating, tennis and various group exercise classes.."

9.8 Cultural Activities

- Annual Review: To reflect current practice, added "Michigan Tech", "theatre productions", "Michigan Tech Concert Choir", and "drawing, painting" to the sentence "...which include four major theatre productions each year, the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra; the Michigan Technological Concert Choir; and the studio arts programs in drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture."

9.8.2 Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts

- Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed "The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts is a 1,000 seat premium theatre suitable for many types of cultural events and is located at the east end of campus. The Rozsa Center is host to performances produced by the Michigan Tech department of Visual and Performing Arts, student produced shows and events, campus traditions, and a wide array of community functions in addition to it's own Rozsa Presenting Series. More information about the Rozsa Center can be found at www.rozsa.mtu.edu." to "The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts is a 1,068 seat premium theatre, gallery and special event space; located at the east end of campus. The Rozsa Center is host to premier national and international touring arts and educational programming with the "Rozsa Presenting Series," professional and student visual arts exhibitions in the Rozsa galleries, performances produced by the Michigan Tech department of Visual and Performing Arts, student-organization shows and events, campus programs, and a wide array of community functions including receptions, weddings, and 9other community events. More information about the Rozsa Center can be found at www.rozsa.mtu.edu."
02/26/2015 - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, the email address for questions is now policy@mtu.edu. No changes made to content.

Appendices - To reflect current University titles, "Board of Control" is now "Board of Trustees" and "Board of Control (BOC)" is now "Board of Trustees (BOT)".
Appendix D. Externally Sponsored Grant/Contract/Agreement Submittal Process - Annual Review: To reflect current practice added "students" to the sentence "Proposals submitted by faculty, staff, or students of Michigan Technological..." Changed "faculty or staff" to "person" in "Any person preparing a proposal for submission..." Added "/agreement" and changed "should" to "must" in " a restricted grant/contract/agreement must work with the Sponsored Programs Office..."