January through May, 2017 - 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 2017 annual review revisions are summarized by section, as follows:
|
Handbook Section |
Description of Revision |
|---|---|
| 1.5.1 Tenured/Tenure-Track Academic Rank Definitions | - Moved "Affiliated Faculty Appointments" to 1.5.5 - To reflect current practice. Senate Proposal 36-15 additions made concerning the definition of "Affiliated Faculty Appointments". Affiliated Faculty Appointments section added. |
| 1.5.3 Graduate Faculty Status | - Annual Review: To reflect current practice addition of "It is expected that department chairs/school deans will continually review the performance of all individuals holding graduate faculty status in their respective units using criteria outlined in Section B above. A "procedure for review of graduate faculty" every eight years and a suggested "Review Template" was approved by the Graduate Faculty Council on April 7, 2015." to section "D". |
| 1.5.5 Non-Tenure-Track Academic Rank Definitions | - Moved "Affiliated Faculty Appointments" to 1.5.5 from 1.5.1 - To reflect current practice according to Senate Proposal 35-15, "ADJUNCT (Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor): An appointment at this rank is offered to persons not regularly or primarily employed within the academic unit to which the appointment is made. Such individuals--because of training, experience, credentials, and interest--are invited to participate in the teaching, research, and/or instructional programs of academic departments. Ordinarily no remuneration is associated with adjunct appointments, but on the approval of the President, remuneration may be provided for teaching and/or research activities. Appointments shall be for no more than three years with the possibility of subsequent appointments." changed to "ADJUNCT (Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor): An appointment at this rank is offered to persons not regularly or primarily employed within an academic unit at the University. Such individuals--because of training, experience, credentials, and interest--are invited to participate in the teaching, research, and/or instructional programs of academic departments. Remuneration may be provided for teaching and/or research activities. Appointments shall be for no more than three years with the possibility of subsequent reappointments." |
| 3.1.2.2 Sex Discrimination/Sexual Harassment | - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, the last sentence of the third paragraph beginning "Michigan Tech standards and definitions of sexual misconduct..." was removed. The word "rape" was added to the sentence "...sexual intercourse, non- consensual sexual contact, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, stalking, and sexual coercion." For Title IX compliance, all Michigan Tech employees who are designated as supervisors, with the exception of mental health consultants, are considered "responsible employees". Also considered responsible employees are Public Safety and Police Services officers and employees, student affairs staff, human resources staff, athletics and recreation staff, academic advisors, faculty, instructors, graduate teaching assistants, graduate students that are supervising other students, and individuals designated as Campus Security Authorities. The role of a responsible employee is to report allegations of sexual harassment/violence top the Title IX Coordinator(s) to maximize the institution's ability to investigate and potentially address and eliminate sexual harassment/violence. The information that should be reported includes all the relevant information that the individual has shared and that may be useful in the investigation. Responsible employees should inform student/employee that they are not confidential resources before a student/employee reveals something that they may want to keep confidential. Students, faculty members, or employees who feel that they have been subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, contact the University Title IX Coordinator. For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity and Inclusion website." |
| 3.3.1 Academic Research Centers | - Annual Review: To reflect current procedures removed "faculty member to serve as the center" from "E. Centers normally have a faculty member to serve as the center director." Changed "recommend establishment of a research center." to "proposed establishment of a research center." |
| 4.3 Employee Education Program | - Annual Review: To reflect current language, changed "This program allows full-time and part-time (FTE .75 or greater) regular exempt employees to enroll in up to two (2) Michigan Technological University courses per semester for which the University will pay the tuition and academic fees." to "This program allows regular full-time faculty and staff to enroll in up to two (2) Michigan Technological University courses per semester or six (6) credit hours, whichever is greater, for which the University will pay the tuition and academic fees." Removed "The benefit is prorated according to percentage of effort for regular part-time (FTE .75 or greater) employees." Changed "For more information, please see the policy found here:" to "For additional benefit information, please see the benefit guidelines found here:" |
| 4.4 Travel Policies | - Annual Review: To reflect current language changed "is found on Financial SVCS website."
to "is found on Financial Services website." 12/08/2016 - 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. |
| 4.4.1 American Express Corporate Card | - Annual Review: Removed "of $35" from the sentence "An annual fee of $35 will be assessed to each card holder." |
| 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." |
| 5.1.1 Faculty Compensation Policy | - Annual Review: To reflect current language changed "Under exceptional circumstances, extra compensation may be received for research work..." to "Under exceptional circumstances, additional compensation may be received for research work..." |
| 5.3.3 Payroll Direct Deposit | - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, removed "or call Payroll Services at 487-2130." from last bullet. |
| 6. Fringe Benefits | - Annual Review: to reflect current practice, removed section "6.2.3.4 Vacation". Renamed "6.2.3.5 Paid Maternity Leave" to "6.2.3.4 Paid Maternity Leave". |
| 6.1.1 TechSelect | - Annual Review: to reflect current language: added "benefit eligible" to "insurance for benefit eligible employees". Added "as well as a Health Savings Account (HSA)." to "...dependent care, as well as a Health Savings Account (HSA)." |
| 6.2.3.4 Paid Parental Leave | - Annual Review: To reflect current practice changed "Maternal" to "Parental". removed " Michigan Tech recognizes the need to support employees as they balance career, childbirth, and family obligations. Eligibility Applies to employees eligible for full benefits. Policy is intended to provide paid time off after the birth of a baby. If medical conditions arise prior to the birth, maternity leave may be taken before the birth. Policy includes an adoption (primary caregiver) for children under 7 years old not attending school full-time. Employee must certify that they are the primary caregiver. Maternity leave should be taken within 12 months from the birth of the baby. Leave with pay will run concurrent with the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Full benefits will continue during leave of absence. Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty. Will receive one semester at full pay while being relieved from teaching duties for the duration of the leave of absence but continuing to perform their other duties at 50% in a research capacity including graduate student supervision. Can choose to be relieved of all duties while on leave of absence; however, leave of absence with pay will follow the parameters given to staff (full pay for up to 6 weeks; see below). Can only receive leave with pay for semesters normally paid (summer excluded). Non-Tenure-Track Faculty, Research Faculty, and Staff. Will receive full pay for up to 6 weeks; any additional time will be without pay (employee can use earned sick/vacation time (if eligible). Staff may work out a part-time return to work that equates to the full 6 weeks paid. This arrangement must be approved by the employee's supervisor. Lecturers can choose a leave of absence for one semester at 1/2 pay while being relieved from all duties. Application Process. For tenured/tenure-track faculty, as far as it is possible, the commencement of a maternity leave shall coincide with the beginning of a semester. The faculty member shall submit a written request to her Department Chair (the Dean in case of schools). The chair and/or dean shall attach the memo request to a status change form (gold) and forward to the Dean and Provost as far in advance as possible but at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester during which the leave is to be taken. Professional staff shall submit written notice to their supervisor who shall then attach request to a completed status change form (gold) and forward to the Director and appropriate Executive Team Member. The completed gold form shall then be forwarded to the Benefits office for review and approval. Funding The associated costs for eligible persons on maternity leave will be covered by Michigan Tech's retirement and insurance fund." |
| 6.2.5 Return from a Leave | - Annual Review: To reflect current language "Applications for reinstatement from a leave of absence must be made through an employee's immediate supervisor to Human Resources and on approval of the appropriate vice president/provost before the leave expires." was changed to "Requests for reinstatement from a leave of absence must be made through an employee's immediate supervisor (personal leaves) or to Human Resources (medical leaves).". Added "Employees on a medical leave of absence must furnish a return to work slip signed by his/her physician to Benefit Services and their supervisor prior to returning to work." |
| 6.3 Retirement/Retirement Programs | - Annual Review: to reflect current language, removed "and College Retirement Equities Fund" and "-CREF" from throughout document. |
| 6.4 Workers Compensation | - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed "Portage Medical Group" to "University Center—UP Health System Portage." Changed "Portage Health" to "UP Health System Portage." Changed "Occupational Safety and Health Services (OSHS)" to "Environmental Health and Safety." Changed "...during the first 10 days of lost time" to "...during the first 28 days of lost time" |
| 9.3.1 Closure Policy | - Annual Review: to reflect current language, changed "However, operational and other non-exempt employees required to stay..." to "However, operational and other employees required to stay..." Updated phone number from 487-2280 to 487-2800. |
| 9.3.3 Publishing a Web Page at Michigan Tech | - Annual Review: To reflect current practice: changed "www.mtu.edu/idstandards/downloads/logos"
to "mtu.edu/umc/resources/download". Changed "of Information Technology and University
Marketing and Communications at Michigan Tech." to "of University Marketing and Communications
and Information Technology at Michigan Tech." - Annual Review: to reflect current language: changed "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." to "The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), as amended, is a federal law that protects the privacy of students' education records. The Act prohibits the release of non-directory student 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. Examples include the posting of grades to a class or University website, leaving graded tests or assignments outside of your office for students to pick up, and handing back graded tests or assignments in a manner in which students are able to see the grades of other students. If scores or grades are posted, a unique code, known only to the instructor and the individual student, must be used." |
| 9.4 Signature Authority Policy | - Annual Review: to reflect current language, added "(unless otherwise designated by the president):" to "by the officers or persons noted (unless otherwise designated by the president):" Added "including for purposes of the Freedom of Information Act; Confidential Research and Investment Information Act. Uniform Trade Secrets Act and any other State or Federal Law or Regulation relating to disclosure or non-disclosure:" to "4. Non-disclosure Agreements" title. Removed "6. Easements given to another party. President, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Secretary, or Treasurer, only after having been formally approved by the Board of Control." Renumbered #7-21 to reflect new section order. Removed "Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs" from 6. "President, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Secretary, or Treasurer." Changed 7. "President, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Research" to "President, Vice President for Administration, Vice President for Research". Changed "...Administration, Treasurer, or Director of Human Resources" to "...Administration, or Director of Human Resources". Added "secretary" to 11. "...Academic Affairs, Secretary, or Treasurer." Changed 13. "President, Vice President for Administration, Secretary, or Treasurer upon formal approval of the Board of Control." to "The president may sell and execute deeds of conveyance of real property, including easements, having a fair market value of $3,000,000 or less. President, Vice President for Administration, Secretary, or Treasurer may sell and execute deeds of conveyance of real property, including easements, having a fair market value of over $3,000,000 only upon approval of the Board of Trustees." Removed "and/or" from 14. "Vice President for Administration, and/or Treasurer". Changed 18. "President, Vice President for Student Affairs, or Athletic Director/Department Chair of Exercise Science, Health and Physical Education." to "President, Vice President for Student Affairs, or Athletic Director or Department Chair of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology." |
| 9.5.5 Information Technology | - Annual Review: To reflect current language, changed "Faculty and staff have access to many different types of software on our campus. For a listing of software available and for information about its use and restrictions please visit www.it.mtu.edu.During the spring semester Information Technology publishes a questionnaire to faculty and teaching staff requesting information on what software is needed in the undergraduate and graduate computing labs and remote access terminal servers for the start of the fall semester. This process mimics the selection of textbooks in importance and timeline. The process needs to be completed during spring term to be ready for fall semester. Late software requests will be handled to the best of our ability but may be delayed in their deployment. Requests for software outside of the fall software questionnaire can be directed to Information Technology by emailing it-help@mtu.edu or calling 906-487-1111." to "Faculty and staff have access to many different types of software on campus. For a listing of software available visit www.mtu.edu/it. The computer lab image remains the same from year to year, with some updates to versions. Requests for new software should be emailed to it-help@mtu.edu at least a semester prior to use. If new software is requested that you would ask IT to fund, there is a process for requesting IT-Funded Software." |
| 9.5.7 Van Pelt and Opie Library | - Annual Review: Changed email to reflect current practices deleted cooper@mtu.edu from University Archives. Added "Digital Measures" and "dm-admin@mtu.edu" to the Library Contacts. Former language "Van Pelt and Opie Library (Building) The Library building is open 24/7 for University students, faculty and staff. Departments within the library have specific hours posted on www.mtu.edu/librarv. These include the University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections; the Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning and the University Testing Center; the Library Cafe; and the IT Team at the Library and IT Service Center. The library is staffed for basic services throughout its hours of operation. On major holidays and breaks the library has reduced hours. However, faculty and students can enter the Opie Reading Room from the library's west side entrance with their HuskyCard when the main building is closed. Tours are available throughout the week but faculty are invited for personalized tours and consultation with subject specialist librarians or archivists; send a message to librarv@mtu.edu with times that fit your schedule. The library offers a variety of events and exhibits through the year and welcomes faculty who may wish to sponsor or collaborate on events, exhibits and displays in our highly visible and heavily trafficked library. The library is always interested in sponsoring and publicizing faculty events that highlight their use of library or archival resources, book signings, research highlights or events that will bring the campus together. Access to the Literature, Scholarly and Scientific Resources The library endeavors to provide faculty and their students with the information resources and publications required for their current and likely future research needs and support for the curricula through several methods: Access Using our web site aids in the identification of publications and resources licensed by the library on behalf of faculty, staff, and students. The catalog, and alphabetic listings of databases and e-journals and Guides to subject areas or tools (e.g., EndNote) are all available. When off-campus or traveling, starting with the web site assures ease of authentication using your ISO login and password. Interlibrary Loan Borrowing is provided free of charge with no limitation as to number for faculty members. Rush services are available within your ILLiad account, this allows articles to be delivered within four hours during specified times each day. Occasionally, copyright charges exceed $40.00 and faculty are asked to assume the additional cost. The library endeavors to provide articles within 24 hours, most are delivered within 12 hours (Monday - Friday with increased turn-around time on the weekends). Books typically take one week to 10 days. The faculty member's ILLiad account is used for interlibrary loan borrowing and for the library's document delivery service which scans articles from the library's print collection and retrieves materials from the circulating collections for pick up or campus delivery. The Michigan eLibrary (Mel), composed of the research libraries and public libraries within Michigan, is self-service from which books, CD and DVDs 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. Requests and recommendations Recommendation for purchases are welcomed through this form https://www.mtu.edu/library/services/recommend-a-purchase/? via library@mtu.edu or through 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. The library will make every effort to maintain collections and licenses that are responsive to current and likely future research and curriculum support needs. Use and ILL borrowing data are also elements in shaping our collections and resource licenses. Instruction Support Information Literacy Librarians offer a variety of innovative library instruction options to support the integration of information literacy learning into both undergraduate and graduate programs. Orientations to the University Archives and specialized instruction focused on archival materials is available. As information literacy is one of the University's eight undergraduate learning goals, librarians are eager to work with faculty to innovate. Approaches such as librarian-led instruction, customized course guides to highlight the resources most relevant to student needs, video tutorials, consultations with faculty, assistance with supplemental material selection, and workshops are available to support both general education and discipline-based courses to save faculty time and increase student success and confidence. A full list of the instruction services available can be found on the library's web site. Copyright in the Classroom Librarians are pleased to assist faculty members in understanding their options concerning the use of text, illustrative, audio, visual and other protected works in their courses (both within the classroom and in Canvas) as well as for publication and creative works. Regularly held workshops, information guides and personalized consultations are available. See the library's copyright guide for details. Education Spaces 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. Reserves The library offers print and e-reserves services. Instructors can request materials for reserves. While the library has some textbooks in its collection when they are germinal to a field, the library does not purchase copies of required text books. When instructors wish to place their copies of required textbooks on reserve, the library staff will return these at the conclusion of each semester. 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. University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections The University Archives contains a wide array of print, graphic and manuscript collections focused on the University and campus life, towns and cities of the Keweenaw Peninsula as well as the companies, social organizations, events and persons of the Copper Country and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Particular strengths include collections from the Quincy Mining Company and the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company, an extensive collection of regional newspapers on microfilm, public records from six counties in the Western U.P. and the area's largest collection of local history books and magazines. The Keweenaw Digital Archives offers over 13,000 photographs reflecting these subject and topical strengths. Digital Commons@Michigan Tech This campus repository is available for a variety of uses of interest to faculty. Currently, over 700 theses, master's reports and dissertations are available and provide global visibility for Michigan Tech's student publications. This open access model is available to faculty that wish to support open access and significantly increase access and heightened visibility of their work. This includes: publications, data preservation, and research project organization to effectively comply with federal mandates. Many major publishers enable authors to publish their work both within their institution's repository as well as journals or disciplinary repositories. Digital Commons@Michigan Tech has been successfully used to manage a conference, registration, the peer-review process and publication of proceedings. Contact the Library to learn more about this resource. Patent and Trademark Resource Center The library is an official Department of Commerce center offering in-depth patent and trademark searching assistance with a librarian available by appointment. Access is provided to specialized databases along with other reference materials. Focused workshops are offered each semester. Contact reflib@mtu.edu or 906-487-2507 for more information. Library Technologies The library currently has over 270 computer workstations offering both ISO login and anonymous login. Specialized computers offer tools including Adobe's Creative Suite and Learning Suite and Captivate. Black and white printing is free of charge; color printing is .25. Scanning and copiers are available in the alcoves on the first and second floors. A touch-screen planetary scanner is available as is a wide-format scanner and 3-D printer. Microfilm/fiche reader and printers include search software. The library also has a self-service poster printer. Staff is available for assistance as is scheduled personalized consultation." |
| 9.5.9 Vice President for Research | - Annual Review: to reflect current language, changed "...opportunities; initiating, developing relationships..." to "...opportunities; initiating and developing relationships..." |
| 9.6.2 Dining | - Annual Review: updated dining center name from "Memorial Union Food Mall" to "Memorial Union North Coast Grill & Deli". |
| 9.6.3.1 Meeting Rooms, Conferences, and Catering | - Annual Review: Changed "335 attendees" to "450 attendees". Removed "for an additional charge." from "A variety of audio and visual equipment is available for an additional charge." Removed "non-smoking" from "The Memorial Union has four non-smoking guest rooms". |
| 9.6.5 Identification Cards | - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed huskycard.mtu.edu to mtu.edu/it/services/accounts/huskycard. |
| 9.6.6 Keys | - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed "If your job requires you to have a key, your supervisor will request one in writing from Public Safety and Police Services. If you transfer to another department or upon termination, you are expected to return the keys entrusted to you to Public Safety and Police Services." to "If your job requires you to have a key, your supervisor will request one through Public Safety and Police Services' online "Key Request Form". Upon request or when the need for said key(s) no longer exists, employees shall return their key(s) to Public Safety and Police Services." |
| 9.6.8 Scheduling of Rooms | - Annual Review: To reflect current standards: changed "Faculty, staff, and student organizations needing to reserve a classroom for evenings or weekends are asked to contact the Registrar's Office at 487-2319 or online at: https://www.admin.mtu.edu/em/services/classroom/roomschd.php." to "Classroom reservations for evenings and weekends are maintained in the Registrar's Office. You may submit your request using the online room reservation system." Changed "must be submitted a minimum of one day" to "must be submitted at least one day". |
| 9.6.10 Wellness Program | - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed "Michigan Tech's Wellness Programs promote wellness within our employee community. TechFit provides a discount on many wellness activities such as fitness memberships and memberships to the golf course and ski hill. To learn more, and for additional programs, please click here: https://www.mtu.edu/hr/current/benefits/wellness/." to "Michigan Tech's Wellness Programs promote wellness within our employee community. Michigan Tech offers a variety of programs and incentives such as TechFit, T2, HuskeyPaw, and SWEAT to promote lifelong fitness and nutrition. Additionally, upon completion of a Health Risk Assessment (HRA), benefits eligible employees may earn additional incentives toward their health and wellness goals. Learn more about employee benefits on the Human Resources website." |
| 9.7.1 Athletic Activities | - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed the url for buying tickets to www.BuyHuskiesTickets.com |
| 9.7.4 Mont Ripley Ski Area | - Annual Review: Added language to reflect current facilities "A 110 foot vertical drop, 800 foot long, 4-lane tubing park serviced by a handle tow, open Friday nights, Saturday from 11am to 7pm, and Sunday from 11am to 5pm." |
| 9.7.6 Student Development Complex | - Annual Review: To reflect current practice, changed "The SDC offers regular scheduled HuskiesFit programs in swimming, skating, tennis and various group exercise classes, along with summer sport camps." to "The SDC offers building membership and regular scheduled HuskiesFit programs for youth and adult clinics, camps, and tournaments." |