Organization

The Michigan Tech Transportation Institute (MTTI) at Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) is a multidisciplinary affiliation of faculty and professional staff actively engaged in a wide range of transportation-related activities. MTTI is both an Institute and a Department as defined by Michigan Tech policies and procedures. As an Institute, MTTI has a singular charge; to leverage University resources for the purpose of increasing external funding of transportation-related activities including research, education, training, product development, outreach, and technology transfer to assist in development of transportation systems. As a University department MTTI provides an administrative structure and resources for programs, individuals and initiatives designated by the University as direct reports to MTTI. MTTI resources are necessarily distributed to support activities of the Institute and the Department. Individuals assigned to MTTI as their home department do not have any additional or special rights or privileges relative to the actions of MTTI as an Institute.

MTTI reports directly to the Vice President of Research (VPR) and operates separately in governance and reporting from all academic departments, colleges and schools at Michigan Tech. MTTI is reviewed by the VPR every 5 years.

MTTI membership is available to all Michigan Tech faculty and staff involved in or pursuing MTTI Activities as defined in the MTTI By-Laws. The MTTI By-Laws also provide detail regarding terms of membership, membership benefits and responsibilities. 

MTTI is governed by a member elected, and VPR approved, Director and also by a member elected Executive Committee.

The Director serves as the chief executive officer for the organization and is responsible for the overall operation of the Institute and the Department, including supervision of MTTI employees. The Director represents the Institute to Michigan Tech, other universities, state and federal agencies and private organizations. The Director is installed, renewed, or removed in accordance with procedures outlined in the MTTI By-Laws.

The Executive Committee will establish policies/procedures and recommend strategic financial decisions, including but not limited to an annual MTTI operating budget, project cost share commitments, staffing decisions to support the activities of the Institute, capital investments, and other strategic initiatives. The Executive Committee will be elected in accordance with procedures outlined in the MTTI By-Laws.

MTTI receives funding through Internal Research and Development (IRAD) funds and through gifts and other program income. These funds are used for Institute and Department operating expenses and also for strategic investments. Processes for managing these resources are described in the MTTI By-Laws.

Support of a 2/3 majority is required to amend the MTTI Charter or By-Laws.

Voting procedures are described in the MTTI By-Laws.