Chapter 3
Mission, Planning, and Governance

 

3.3 University Governance Structures

SVSU is governed through a traditional hierarchical structure (see Organizational Chart, Figure 1-8) working within the two collective bargaining agreements described in Chapter 1. These structures have been adapted and expanded as needed to accommodate institutional growth and change.

Recent reorganizations within the division of Administration & Business Affairs, as well as the combining of Student Affairs with Student Services & Enrollment Management, are intended to enhance institutional effectiveness, especially in the context of the increased number of residential students, the extensive expansion of facilities and technological infrastructure, and the current climate of budget cuts. The Public Affairs division has also been reorganized recently under a new Vice-President.

The Board of Control is the legal governing body of the university as defined by the State of Michigan Constitution of 1963, Article 8, Section 6. Enrolled House Bill No. 4490 (Regular Session of 1987) amended Act No. 278 of the Public Acts of 1965 concerning SVSU as a state institution. These Acts provide the University's governing board certain powers, including the authority to confer degrees and grant diplomas. (SVSU is considered a political subdivision of the State of Michigan, and as such is exempt from federal income tax. Although the University does not have an Internal Revenue Service determination letter, it in effect acts as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.) The Board has 8 members appointed by the Governor for 8-year terms. Because Michigan’s universities are constitutionally autonomous, the Board of Control has the controlling influence, although it is affected by the decisions of the state legislature. Decisions with statewide implications are also affected by the consultative relationships the university maintains with other public universities through the Council of Presidents and its subcommittees of Academic Officers and Financial Officers. Most of the members of the Board of Control come from the service region, though a few are from other areas of the state.

Action items for the Board of Control are brought forward through the two standing Board Committees: the Academic, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee, and the Business, Finance, Audit and Facilities Committee. The Board functions in ways appropriate to its role, providing clear guidance to the President on policy matters, budget planning, and personnel decisions. The Board meets once a month and meetings are well-attended. Vice Presidents, staff members, the president of the Faculty Association, and a representative of the Office of University Communications are always present. Members of the press are often also present. Deans, faculty members, and student representatives are welcome to attend and frequently make presentations; selected members of the university community are also invited to meetings to present overviews of university programs or to receive awards such as Employee of the Month. Minutes are recorded and archived in the university library.

The President of the University is elected by the Board of Control. The Board of Control delegates the authority to conduct all University business to the President except that the Board reserves authority for those items specified in the bylaws (3.101 Article III). The University bylaws define the President’s role: “The President shall be responsible for all functions of the University, be the official medium of communication between the Board and University faculty, staff and students, implement policies of the Board, and have authority to issue directions and executive orders not in contravention with law or the Board’s bylaws and policies” (2.102 Article II). The President of the University is a non-voting member (ex officio) of the Board.

The current President has served at SVSU since 1989. The President works closely with his Planning Council to administer the university, including the University budget. He also works with the wider community, including government, business, financial, and education leaders, to promote the interests of the institution.

A number of administrators who have responsibilities that transcend individual units report directly to the President:

The President’s Planning Council, an advisory body that meets twice a month, is composed of the 4 Vice Presidents (Academic Affairs; Student Services & Enrollment Management; Administration & Business Affairs; and Public Affairs/Executive Director, Development & SVSU Foundation). Planning Council members also serve as general staff for the Board of Control by attending all meetings and reporting to it on a regular basis. Vice Presidents are also responsible to be sure the 5-year plan is disseminated and reviewed in their units. In general, decisions about the allocation of resources are made as part of the planning process by the President’s Planning Council in consultation with, and approval of, the Board of Control. One Vice President serves as staff for each of the two Board of Control committees. (Currently, the Vice President for Academic Affairs serves the Academic, Student Affairs and Personnel Committee; the Vice President for Administration & Business Affairs serves the Business, Finance, Audit and Facilities Committee.)

The President’s Staff consists of the 4 Vice Presidents; the Deans of the 5 Colleges; the Executive Director of Information Technology; the Special Assistant to the President for Diversity Programs; the Special Assistant to the President for International Programs; the Special Assistant to the President for Government Relations; the Executive Assistant to the President/Planning Officer; the University Ombudsman; and the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. Each of these is responsible to manage his/her respective responsibilities and contribute to the attainment of University goals. The Deans of the Colleges and the Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs normally report to the President via the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Other members of the President’s Staff report directly to the President, scheduling individual meetings as needed.

The administrative structures of the institution are organized to disseminate information to the campus community and to provide feedback on the ways in which institutional goals and objectives are being achieved. Because all members of the President’s Staff are expected to inform the group on operations in their respective areas through round-table briefings, information exchange occurs across the institution, and unit heads are able to understand the impact of their decisions upon other segments of the institution. These briefings are discussed by the group, and the President makes inquiries for clarification and provides feedback. Decisions are then disseminated to the members of the President’s Staff for communication to their units. The various members of the President’s Staff, both line officers and special assistants, maintain an “open door” policy to all members of the University community.

However, as with the recommendations of task forces, faculty and staff have indicated that at times they are informed after the fact on decisions that directly affect them. The recent unit reorganizations as well as changes in criteria for and designation of Programs of Qualitative Distinctiveness are instances cited in this regard.