The University Senate of Michigan Technological University
Proposal 62-21
Proposal for the Creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee to Draft a Senate Handbook
(Voting Units: All)
Submitted by: The Senate Executive Committee
I. Introduction
In recent years, it has become apparent that new Senators are often unfamiliar with
the function of the Senate and its processes and procedures. The creation of a Senate
handbook will be a way to introduce new members to the workings and practices of the
Senate.
II. Rationale/Charge
Recognizing that new Senate members are often unfamiliar with the functions of the
Senate; it is proposed that a handbook would help initiate Senators and Alternates
into their new roles. The handbook will include, but is not limited to the following,
an outline of general Senate meeting processes, best practices concerning expectations
for communication/participation on the part of Senators and Alternates, and a general
description of duties for each standing committee. The handbook will also provide
information on proposal and resolution writing to help standardize these processes.
In addition, the ad hoc committee will work to identify further types of information
for inclusion in the handbook.
III. Proposal
The University Senate will constitute an ad hoc committee, The Committee to Create a University Senate Handbook, which will commence work immediately upon approval. The ad hoc committee will be
comprised of volunteers from among the list of current Senators and Alternates. The
committee will prepare a draft handbook as a Senate proposal for the first meeting
of the 2021-2022 Senate Term. The ad hoc committee will be disbanded upon review and
final passage of a proposed Senate Handbook.
March 24, 2021