The University Senate of Michigan Technological University Emergency Proposal 28-21
(Voting Units: Full Senate)
“Proposal to Constitute an ad hoc Committee, the Committee to Review Institutional Policy and Procedures for On-Campus Events”
Introduced by Senator Josh Loar, Department of Visual and Performing Arts and Senator Sam Sweitz, Department of Social Sciences
I. Introduction
Recent events on campus have spurred vigorous debate about MTU policies and procedures
surrounding the scheduling, approval, and management of events on-campus. This proposal
creates an ad hoc committee to examine some of these questions in detail.
II. Rationale/Charge
In consideration of recent events on campus, the University Senate proposes to constitute
an ad hoc committee to review university policy and procedure related to the approval
of on-campus events. This committee will begin by reviewing and documenting existing
policies and procedures related to such events. More specifically, this committee
will review the circumstances surrounding the proposal, approval, execution, and staffing
of the political rally held on campus on September 27, 2020. This event generated
numerous complaints - from students, faculty, and staff - related to violations of
campus safety and personal conduct policies and protocols.
With regard to this event, and in terms of general operating procedures, the ad hoc committee will specifically examine aspects including, but not limited to, the event application and permitting/approval process, event risk assessment, communication strategies regarding campus events, and campus event staffing decisions. The committee will situate this review within the broader context of how university policy can support the right to free expression, while also creating a safe and supportive environment for all members of our campus community - including faculty, staff, students, and administrators, and especially, marginalized and underrepresented individuals and groups.
This ad hoc committee is open to all Senate constituents and shall consult with other groups across campus as appropriate/needed, including but not limited to, the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Undergraduate Student Government, Graduate Student Government, the Dean of Students Office, and the Department of Public Safety and Police Services.
III. Proposal
The University Senate will constitute an ad hoc committee, the Committee to Review
Institutional Policy and Procedure Related to On-Campus Events, which will commence
work on the above charges immediately upon approval. Upon completion of this work,
the committee will develop a report that documents existing on campus event policies
and procedures, how those policies and procedures were (or were not) implemented for
the September 27th event, and any complaints and/or violations related to that event.
The committee report will also recommend best practices for future event planning
and implementation to ensure that the MTU campus is a safe and supportive environment
for all. The committee will present their report and findings to the Senate in a timely
fashion, but no later than the first Senate meeting (January 20) of the Spring 2021
semester.
October 14, 2020