DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
Bylaws of the Faculty Organization
Statment of Purpose
The major purposes of these Bylaws are to implement the requirements of the Bylaws of the Michigan State University Faculty Organization with reference to department structure and procedure.
Nothing in these Bylaws shall be construed as limiting or discouraging 1) the rights of groups or individuals of the staff from initiating actions or resolving problems through direct consultation with the Department Chairperson, and 2) the rights of the Chairperson to discuss and formulate programs of action with such individuals or groups as he/she may choose.
BYLAWS
1. THE FACULTY
1.1. Composition of the Faculty
1.1.1. The regular faculty of the Department of Horticulture shall be composed of all persons in the department who have been appointed under the rules of tenure and who hold the rank of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor or Instructor, except such persons as are on a part-time or temporary appointment.
1.1.2. The fixed-term faculty of the Department of Horticulture shall consist of all persons holding the rank of Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor or Instructor, but not appointed under the rules of tenure.
1.1.3. Honorary faculty shall be those persons designated as Visiting Professors or Professors Emeritus.
1.2 Voting Faculty
1.2.1. The voting faculty in the election of University council and committees shall be all regular faculty and full time fixed-term faculty who have served at least three consecutive years and are engaged in the academic activities of the department on a regular basis.
1.2.2. The voting faculty for departmental committees shall be all regular faculty and full time fixed-term faculty who have served at least three consecutive years.
1.2.3 A faculty member jointly appointed in two or more units may vote only once in a given election. In elections voted upon by two or more units, the faculty member shall vote in that unit which has primary responsibility for initiating personnel action as indicated on the multiple appointment form filed in the Office of the Provost.
1.2.4. A faculty member may be elected to an academic governance body as a representative of any unit in which the person holds regular faculty status.
1.3. Modes of Participation
There are four modes of faculty and student participation identified for use in Academic Governance.
1.3.1. Consultation. A body of faculty and/or students who discuss with and inform the administrator with authority and responsibility for decision. Such a committee is not a deliberative body; there is no vote. Rather, the members express their views to inform an administrator's decision.
1.3.2. Advisory. A deliberative body of faculty and/or students recommends policies to an administrator who is authorized to make decisions. The administrator is not bound by the recommendation and accepts responsibility for the decision.
1.3.3. Shared Responsibility. A deliberative body of faculty and/or students makes recommendations to an administrator authorized to make decisions. If the administrator and deliberative body cannot agree and action must be taken, the recommendations of the administrator and the deliberative body will be submitted in writing to the next higher administrative level for resolution.
1.3.4. Delegated Authority. A deliberative body of faculty and/or students is authorized to make decisions on specified matters. Such decisions are subject to administrative review, but will be altered only in exceptional circumstances.
1.4. Faculty Meetings
1.4.1. Meetings of the voting faculty shall be designated as faculty meetings. The Department Chairperson will advise the faculty by memorandum of important items to be discussed.
1.4.2. Faculty meetings may be called at the pleasure of the Chairperson or by the Department Advisory Committee. Any three members of the voting faculty may petition to the Chairperson or the Department Advisory Committee for a meeting for the purpose of discussing any items of business or interest to the department. Faculty meetings shall be held at least once monthly unless cancelled by the Chairperson because of extenuating circumstances.
1.4.3. Department faculty meetings shall be generally open meetings. Speaking privileges shall be accorded student representatives on department committees. At the discretion of the Chair and Department Advisory Committee faculty meetings devoted to particular subjects may be closed to all except the voting faculty of the Department (as defined in 1.2). Other non-voting faculty, academic specialists, staff and students may be admitted to its sessions by invitation of the Department Chairperson and/or DAC.
1.4.4. The Chairperson or designee shall generally attend all meetings of a department academic governance body.
1.5. Conduct of Meetings
1.5.1. One-third of the voting faculty shall constitute a quorum.
1.5.2. Action on department business, which requires a vote, will be decided by a majority of those voting. A secret ballot may be called for by any member of the voting faculty present at the meeting.
1.5.3. Minutes of faculty meetings shall be recorded by the Department Chairperson's designate or the secretary of the Department Advisory Committee.
1.6. Communications
1.6.1. To ensure that the faculty is kept fully informed, the Department Chairperson will advise all faculty members, by memoranda, of significant decisions, policy changes, administrative procedures, announcements, and other items of importance. Such items may or may not have been discussed in faculty meetings.
1.7. Appointment of Joint and Adjunct Professors
1.7.1. Joint appointments - for faculty members at MSU with appointments in more than one department or unit.
1.7.1.1. Joint appointments in the Department of Horticulture will only be approved for faculty members who are directly involved in teaching, research, extension, or administration within the Department of Horticulture. Specific responsibilities and duties of the joint appointee will be defined at the time of appointment.
1.7.1.2. Joint appointments will cease upon completion of the duties specified at the time of appointment. Faculty members with primary appointments in other departments or units who have joint appointments in the Department of Horticulture will be reviewed annually by the Horticulture Chairperson in consultation with other appropriate faculty, based upon performance of the defined responsibilities in the Department of Horticulture. The joint appointment will be renewed or terminated on the basis of the evaluation and will be discussed with the chairperson of the primary department of the jointly appointed faculty member.
1.7.1.3. All requests for joint appointments in the Department of Horticulture must be submitted in writing to the Horticulture Chairperson, stating reasons for the appointment, qualifications of the individual, and objectives and responsibilities of the proposed appointment.
1.7.1.4. Joint appointment requests will be reviewed by the Department Advisory Committee and the appropriate faculty groups and approved by a majority of the voting faculty in the department.
1.7.1.5. The individual may be asked to meet with the Horticulture faculty and/or present a seminar on a relevant subject before the vote on approval of the appointment is taken.
1.7.2. Adjunct appointments - for persons not currently on the faculty at MSU, but whose expertise or knowledge may be of benefit to the Department of Horticulture.
1.7.2.1. Adjunct appointment will be approved only for individuals who will directly contribute to the mission and objectives of the department. Specific responsibilities and duties of adjunct appointees will be defined at the time of appointment.
1.7.2.2. Adjunct appointments are for one year or less, renewable annually, and only for duties specified at the time of appointment. Adjunct faculty will be reviewed annually by the Horticulture Chairperson in consultation with other appropriate faculty based upon performance of defined responsibilities in the Department of Horticulture. Adjunct appointments will be renewed or terminated on the basis of the evaluation.
1.7.2.3. Requests for adjunct appointments must be presented in writing to the Horticulture Chairperson, stating reasons for the appointment, qualifications of the individual, and objectives and responsibilities of the proposed appointment.
1.7.2.4. Adjunct appointment requests will be reviewed by the Department Advisory Committee and the appropriate faculty groups and approved by a majority of the voting faculty in the department.
1.7.2.5 The individual may be asked to meet with the Horticulture faculty and/or present a seminar on a relevant subject before the vote on approval of the appointment is taken.
1.7.2.6. Visiting Professors may be given an adjunct appointment upon request to the Horticulture Chairperson and fulfillment of other criteria stated above.
2. THE STUDENTS
2.1 Student Constituency of the Department
2.1.1. The student constituency of the Department for the purpose of selecting student representatives for College or University committees, shall be all students who have declared with the Registrar a major or major preference in an academic program administered in the Department including students enrolled in the Institute of Agricultural Technology.
2.1.2. Those students who are enrolled in graduate non-degree programs, as candidates for graduate degrees, or as candidates for graduate-professional degrees shall be deemed graduate students.
2.1.3. All other students shall be deemed undergraduate students.
2.2. Student Participation in Academic Governance
2.2.1. Student participation in department academic governance bodies, shall in all cases be in the same mode as faculty participation, except as reserved. The matters reserved to the faculty are:
2.2.1.1. Policy concerning tenure and promotion, salary, leaves, insurance, retirement, and fringe benefits of faculty.
2.2.1.2.1. Evidence from students regarding the teaching performance of faculty shall be considered in decisions concerning the above matters.
2.2.1.3. Matters affecting the professional responsibility of the faculty to establish and maintain the intellectual authority of the University.
2.3. Student Representation on Committees
2.3.1. One graduate student from the department selected by the graduate students by their own procedures shall serve on the Graduate Programs Committee and any other committees deemed appropriate by the Chairperson and/or the Department Advisory Committee. Each committee may invite other students to meet with it in an advisory capacity.
2.3.2. One B.S. candidate undergraduate student from the department selected by the students by their own procedures shall serve on the Undergraduate Programs Committee and any other committees as deemed appropriate by the Chairperson and/or the Department Advisory Committee. Each committee may invite other students to meet with it in an advisory capacity.
2.3.3. Membership on a committee shall in all cases carry with it, for student representatives, the right to vote on all matters that fall within the committee's purview, except for matters that are of exclusive concern to the faculty.
2.3.4. Student terms of membership on a committee shall be of one year, beginning 1 October of each year; a student may serve no more than two consecutive terms on a given committee.
3. DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION
3.1. Chairperson
3.1.1. The chief executive officer of the Department shall be designated Chairperson.
3.1.2. The Chairperson shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation of the President upon nomination by the Dean of the College.
3.1.3. The voting faculty of the department shall have shared responsibility with the Dean to determine procedures for the selection of the Chairperson.
3.1.3.1. Selection of a Department Chairperson
Upon a vacancy in the position of Department Chairperson, the Department Advisory Committee will serve as the liaison between the faculty and the Dean to fill the position. Together, procedures will be worked out consistent with the University Bylaws which will include, but will not be limited to the following: 1) individual faculty members along with the Department Advisory Committee and the Dean will have the opportunity to suggest criteria and nominees for the position; and 2) faculty members individually and/or collectively will participate in the screening process by arrangement with the Department Advisory Committee. The Department Advisory Committee will nominate a Search Committee that will consist of regular faculty, one of whom will serve as Chair of the Search Committee, a staff representative, a graduate student representative and a regular CANR faculty member outside of the department. These nominations will be submitted to the Dean for approval. Once the composition of the Search Committee is approved, it shall act as the department representatives for the Chair search. The role of the Search Committee will include, but not be limited to composing the job description for approval by the regular faculty and the Dean, advertise and recruit nominees for the position, screen applications, suggest nominees for interview, develop the nominees' itinerary in consultation with the Dean, and host each nominee who is invited to interview.
3.1.3.2. The nominees for the Chair position to be interviewed will be invited by the Dean and schedules arranged in consultation with the Department Search Committee. Reactions of faculty to the interviews will be solicited by the Search Committee and communicated to the Dean.
3.1.3.3. When the selection is made, the Dean will inform the faculty simultaneously with or prior to the time his/her recommendation is transmitted through the President for action by the Board of Trustees.
3.1.4 Appointment of a Temporary Chairperson. The Chairperson of the Department in consultation with the Dean will select a member of the regular faculty who will serve during temporary absences of the Chairperson (less than one month).
3.1.4.1. The Temporary Chairperson shall perform such duties and assume such responsibilities as may be delegated by the Chairperson or Acting Chairperson.
3.1.5 Appointment of Acting Chairperson. In the event of the prolonged absence of the Department Chairperson, an Acting Chairperson will be appointed by the Dean. The Acting Chairperson shall perform all duties of the Chairperson. Nominees for consideration by the Dean will be made by the Department Advisory Committee after consultation with the regular faculty of the department.
3.1.6. At intervals not to exceed five years, the Dean shall review the desirability of continuing the appointment of the Chairperson. At the same time, the Chairperson shall be consulted by the Dean concerning his/her interest and willingness to continue.
3.1.6.1. Review of Department Chairperson by Dean. The Department Advisory Committee will obtain review comments from all faculty and relay them to the Dean. The Dean may act on the basis of this review or he/she may consult privately with any of the faculty in order to augment this review. The Dean shall make a decision in compliance with University Bylaws.
3.1.7. There is no limit, other than the limit imposed by the University rules on retirement from administrative positions, on the number of times an individual may be continued in the position of Chairperson.
3.1.8. The Chairperson shall be responsible for education, research and service programs, budgetary matters, physical facilities, and personnel matters in his/her jurisdiction.
3.1.9. The Chairperson shall seek the counsel of the voting members of the department in formulating major policy decisions affecting the personnel and the program of the unit, especially in matters pertaining to appointments, promotions, tenure, research and curriculum.
3.2 Associate Chair
3.2.1 The Associate Chair shall be a Regular Faculty member selected by the Chair after consultation with the Department Advisory Committee, for approval by the Dean of the College. The need for appointment of an Associate Chair will be made at the discretion of the Chair/Acting Chair, in consultation with the Department Advisory Committee. In the event that an Associate Chair is deemed to be unnecessary, the Chair of the Departmental Advisory Committee will represent the Chair/Acting Chair in his/her absence.
3.2.2 The duties of the Associate Chair shall be:
3.2.2.1 Act in absence of the Chair and when requested by the Chair as Chief Officer of the Department.
3.2.2.2 Represent the Department and the University where appropriate.
3.2.2.3 Act as signing officer for Departmental business.
3.2.2.4 In consultation with the Chair, accept other specific administrative responsibilities to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department. These duties might include one or more of the following:
3.2.2.4.1 Oversee continued development of undergraduate and graduate curriculum.
3.2.2.4.2 Develop and oversee disciplinary and interdisciplinary research groups to develop proposals and pursue research funding initiatives.
3.2.2.4.3 Act as liaison for the Department with interest and commodity groups.
3.2.2.4.4 Coordinate department fundraising and development.
3.3. Department Advisory Committee
3.3.1. Functions
3.3.1.1. To serve in a counseling and advisory capacity to the Department Chairperson and to bring to his/her attention such practices, policies and procedures as may need reviewing.
3.3.1.2. To study and report on policies of the University and College as they may affect the welfare of the Department.
3.3.1.3. To provide a means through which the faculty may bring problems concerning the welfare of the department to the attention of the Department Chairperson or faculty as appropriate.
3.3.1.4. To conduct required department nominations and elections.
3.3.2. Composition
3.3.2.1. The committee shall consist of four members of the voting faculty.
3.3.2.2. Members shall serve for two-year term. Committee members cannot serve consecutive terms. The term of office shall start on 1 July. During their first regular meeting, the Committee shall elect a Chairperson and a Secretary from its membership under the direction of the previous Chairperson of the Committee, or in his/her absence, the previous Secretary.
3.3.3. Nominations and Elections
3.3.3.1. Voting faculty members may nominate two persons by mail ballot. The names of the four persons receiving the highest number of votes, and agreeing to serve, will be presented for election by mail ballot. Each member must vote for two nominees. The two persons receiving the highest number of votes will be elected.
3.3.3.2. Any member of the committee who expects to be absent from the Department more than four months shall be replaced by election as early as practical. This election shall follow the established procedure except that each person shall vote for one of two nominees presented and one shall be elected.
3.3.3.3. In the case of a tie, the votes for either nominations or elections shall be decided by a runoff mail ballot listing tied nominees.
3.3.4. Meetings, Record and Reports
3.3.4.1. The committee shall:
3.3.4.1.1. Meet once each month. Interim meetings may be held on request of the Chairperson or at the request of three or more faculty members.
3.3.4.1.2. Keep records of its activities and transfer its records and files at the end of the year to the new committee.
3.3.4.1.3. Make periodic reports to the faculty.
3.4. Other Department Committees
3.4.1. The Department Chairperson in consultation with the Department Advisory Committee, shall appoint members to the following committees: 1) Graduate Programs, 2) Undergraduate Programs, and 3) Seminar, and establish such other procedures as he/she deems appropriate in obtaining advice on the conduct of department matters. The Tenure and Promotion Committee will consist of all regular faculty with the rank of Associate Professor or Professor who have attained tenure.
3.4.2. Additional committees, either elected or appointed, may be established at the discretion of the Chairperson.
3.4.3. The procedures for appointment or election to committees and terms of membership on a committee will be determined by the Department Advisory Committee.
3.4.4. Committees shall keep records or minutes of activities and be prepared to report to the faculty at a staff meeting if a faculty member requests it.
3.5. Representatives to College and University Committees
3.5.1. Nomination and Election. Whenever the department is required to submit nominations to or to elect representatives for College or University committees, the same shall be done by mail ballot at the initiative of the Departmental Advisory Committee Chairperson following initial nominations made to the secretary of the Department Advisory Committee by the voting faculty. The procedures for nomination and election will be determined by the Department Advisory Committee.
4. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND EVALUATION PROCEDURES FOR FACULTY AND ACADEMIC SPECIALISTS
4.1. The Department Chairperson will consult with the faculty through the Department Advisory Committee and with other individual faculty members regarding initial appointments to the faculty.
4.2. The terms and conditions of employment and tenure shall be those of the College according to article 4.1.5. of the College Bylaws (May 2008). In accordance with University policy, as presented in the MSU Faculty Handbook, every new faculty member will receive written information from the Department Chairperson about duties and responsibilities, general performance expectations given the appointment distribution of the Faculty member, evaluation procedures and schedules, documentation and other factors which might eventually bear on reappointment, tenure, or promotion decisions.
4.3 Recommendation for reappointment, tenure and promotion shall be made by the Department Chairperson after consultation with the Department Promotion and Tenure Committee. The chairperson of the Tenure and Promotion Committee shall be elected annually from the Regular Faculty Members of the Department of Horticulture who hold the rank of Professor. The election will occur in July and will be conducted by the Department Chairperson. The criteria to be used are principally those listed in section 4.3.10 of this article. Each faculty member being considered for reappointment or tenure will be given an opportunity to appear before the Department Promotion and Tenure Committee before a final decision is reached in each case. In the event a decision is made not to recommend the individual, then the faculty member will be informed in writing before the final recommendation of the Department Chairperson is forwarded to the Dean. The affected faculty member may request, by letter, to meet with the Department Promotion and Tenure Committee and learn of the reason(s) for this decision.
4.3.1. A Mentor Tenure and Promotion Advisory Committee (hereafter Mentor T & P Advisory Committee) will be appointed by the Department Chairperson for each regular faculty with the rank of Assistant and Associate Professor in consultation with the individual faculty member. The Mentor T & P Advisory Committee should be appointed within the fist year of the arrival of an Assistant or Associate Professor. Following promotion to Associate Professor status for regular faculty, the Department Chairperson, after consulting with the individual, may decide to reconstitute the committee. The Mentor Committee should meet prior to mid-October each year, with meetings being arranged by the Assistant or Associate Professor. The committee chair will provide a signed advisory report annually to the Assistant or Associate Professor, the Department Chairperson and the Department Tenure and Promotion Committee. The advisory report should include statements regarding suggestions made by the committee for progress towards tenure and/or promotion.
4.3.1.1. The Mentor Committee will serve to increase communication between the faculty member and the unit as a whole by:
a) assisting the faculty member in understanding the university, College, and unit performance expectations.
b) facilitating understanding of the University and unit mission, policies and procedures in order to be effective and productive.
c) monitoring the professional performance of the faculty member and working with the individual to develop ways to improve performance.
d) assisting the faculty at large to become familiar with the new faculty member's program and progress.
e) preparing and submitting the signed annual advisory report to the Department Chairperson, Departmental Tenure and Promotion Committee and the individual. The Department Chairperson will maintain these reports in a file, with other relevant information, to support decisions on reappointment, tenure and promotion.
4.3.2. The Department Chairperson will perform an annual performance review of each faculty member, followed by a written summary or the individual's strengths and weaknesses with suggestions for improved performance. The Department Chairperson will annually solicit written comments from all faculty on the performance of all tenure-stream non-tenured faculty.
4.3.3 The CANR Time Line for Preparation-Submission, Reappointment and T&P Packages will be followed (Promotion and Tenure: Philosophy and Protocol, CANR, September 1, 2008). The Department Chairperson and Departmental Advisory Committee will initiate a faculty review the fall before each nomination for tenure and promotion is due. These reviews will be closed meetings for all tenure-stream faculty, in which the nominee gives an in-depth review of his/her teaching, research, extension, and public service programs.
4.3.4. Department Tenure and Promotion. Subsequent to faculty review, for consideration of reappointment, tenure and promotion, a Departmental Tenure and Promotion Committee will evaluate the candidate, using the procedures and criteria in the unit bylaws to determine if performance warrants promotion, granting of tenure, or reappointment. To encourage open and candid discussion, confidentiality shall be maintained after the meeting. The substance of the discussion will be summarized in writing by the Tenure and Promotion Committee Chairperson to relate a sense of the perceived strong and weak points. An anonymous faculty vote will be taken by those in attendance (no abstentions permitted) and the ballots will be counted by the Departmental Tenure and Promotion Committee Chair. Every faculty member of higher rank in the department not in attendance will be expected to submit a written statement about the progress and performance of the faculty member, along with a recommendation for or against promotion/tenure, to the Committee Chairperson. The written summary of the discussion, the ballots and the written statements by absent faculty will be maintained on file along with the materials submitted by the individual's Mentor Committee.
4.3.5. The Tenure and Promotion Committee for Associate Professors shall consist of all Professors, and for Assistant Professors all tenured Associate Professors and Professors. The person acting as chair of these committees will be elected for a 3-year period by the entire faculty from among Professors in the department. The Department Advisory Committee will conduct this election. The Tenure and Promotion Committee will meet annually, no later than early December, to review performance of Assistant and Associate Professors and to consider reappointment, tenure and promotion decisions.
4.3.6. The results of the Tenure and Promotion Committee discussions will be reviewed with the candidate by the Department Chairperson and the final recommendation, as prescribed by University policy, will be made by the Department Chairperson and transmitted in writing to the Dean, along with appropriate and relevant documentation.
4.3.7. The CANR Vice-Provost and Dean, and the relevant Associate Deans and Directors, will meet with the Department Chairperson to discuss the recommendation. After the meeting, the Dean and Directors may request additional information.
4.3.8. All these activities will be conducted in accordance with applicable University anti-discrimination laws and policies.
4.3.9. Specific deadlines for submission of tenure and/or promotion materials are set annually by the Dean and Provost (CANR Promotion and Tenure: Philosophy and Protocol, pg 53-55). Consequently, as general practice, the Department will use the following time lines.
4.3.9.1. Assistant Professors
First year - The Mentor Committee is appointed by Chairperson.
Annually - Meeting of the Assistant Professor with the Mentor Committee in mid-October. Reports are due prior to the annual Department Tenure and Promotion Committee meeting.
Third year - The Assistant Professor will meet with the Mentor
Committee, provide a packet to the faculty and present a review of activities and accomplishments to the Departmental faculty in the Fall prior to the Tenure and Promotion Committee meeting. The promotion packet should be provided to the Departmental Chairperson two weeks following the Tenure and Promotion Committee meeting.
Sixth year - Same schedule as third year reappointment.
4.3.9.2. Associate Professors
First year - The Mentor Committee is appointed by Chairperson.
Annually - Meeting of the Associate Professor with the T & P Advisory Committee by mid-October. Reports are due prior to the annual Department Tenure and Promotion Committee meeting.
Year of Advancement to Professor - The Associate Professor will meet with the T & P Advisory Committee, provide a packet to the faculty and present a review of activities and accomplishments to the Departmental faculty in the Fall prior to the Tenure and Promotion Committee meeting. The promotion packet should be provided to the Departmental Chairperson two weeks following the Tenure and Promotion Committee meeting.
4.3.10. General performance evaluation criteria for all faculty.
The following are criteria for tenure and promotion for faculty of the Department of Horticulture and are examples of evidence of contributions to the missions of the Department, College and University. There may be other areas of activity that are considered both for promotion and tenure and for merit increases which are not specifically identified in this document.
a) Faculty should be evaluated in relation to their appointment or assignment.
b) Faculty should demonstrate contributions to the mission of the Department of Horticulture, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Michigan State University.
c) Faculty should demonstrate knowledge of subject matter, including a commitment to inquiry, scholarship, maintaining an ongoing effort to expand knowledge, and a capacity to synthesize, develop, interpret, and communicate new understanding and insights.
d) Faculty should demonstrate that they are interacting with other faculty, both within and outside the university environment, in a collegial manner.
e) Faculty should strive to achieve a national and/or international reputation in their area(s) of expertise.
f) Faculty should demonstrate participation in activities that are related to academic governance and other activities of service to the University, College and Department.
4.3.10.1 Criteria for teaching and advising activities.
The criteria for Tenure and Promotion for faculty who have teaching responsibility should include the following:
a) Course Development: Knowledge of subject matter; organization and development of teaching materials; development of new courses; use of teaching methods that demonstrate innovation and a variety of teaching methods; demonstration of effective feedback to students and appropriate evaluation methods; compatibility of course(s) with overall Horticulture, College and University programs and cooperation with other instructors; development of traditional campus courses as well as outreach teaching off-campus.
b) Course contact hours and enrollment (student numbers): Numbers of students enrolled relative to required courses and elective courses; student numbers relative to overall department enrollment; activities in student recruitment and retention.
c) Advising: Assisting students in course selection, program development and personal development; participation in advising students on internships; availability and accessibility to students; assisting students with employment and career development.
d) Teaching and advising-related committee activities: Demonstrated willingness to participate on committee activities related to teaching and advising, and curriculum development; participation in student-led organizations as advisor.
e) Student evaluations and performance: SIRS forms and other student evaluations; Department Chairperson's exit interview comments by students; success of students in courses and after graduation.
f) Professional Development: Participation in activities related to professional development of teaching, learning methods and approaches; demonstrated scholarly activity related to teaching; active participation in the teaching program in a collegial manner.
g) Peer recognition: Invited presentations at meeting or articles in books or other publications; society membership and participation in these societies; awards; service as reviewer of grants and publications and service as editors of publications.
4.3.10.2 Criteria for research activities
The criteria and evidence of accomplishments for those faculty with research responsibilities should include the following.
a) Knowledge of the subject area.
b) Commitment to inquiry: Development of an innovative research program with applicability and benefits to society; securing funding necessary to support the research program; use of sabbatical leave to develop professionally.
c) Communication of new knowledge: Publication(s); other communication methods such as oral presentations at professional meetings; patents.
d) Mentoring of new scientists: Participation in the education and training of graduate students; mentoring of visiting scientists and post-doctoral fellows; participation in the education of undergraduate students and high school students.
e) Peer recognition: Invited presentations at meetings or articles in books or other publications; society membership and participation in these societies; awards; service as reviewer of grants and publications and service as editors of publications.
f) Collegiality: Takes on challenges willingly; interacts and collaborates with colleagues; shares time, equipment, ideas; participates in professional meetings and organizations.
4.3.10.3. Criteria for extension and outreach activities
The following are the criteria and evidence of accomplishments to be used to evaluate faculty with extension appointments:
a) Knowledge of subject matter and expertise in one or more useful and scholarly areas.
b) Competence in dissemination of scholarly information and ideas to clientele user groups. Clientele may include the public in Michigan, the region, the nation or world wide. Development of publications, media presentations, videos, computer information dissemination, etc.; participation in workshops, and oral and written presentations at educational meetings at the local, state, regional, national or international level; evidence of consultant work.
c) Ability to develop extension and outreach programs that have an impact on the public served.
d) Ability to generate funds to support the extension and outreach programs.
e) Participation in extension commodity committees and agent training.
f) Interaction with other faculty in a collegial manner.
g) Peer recognition: Invited presentations at meetings or articles in books or publications; society membership and participation in these societies; awards; service as reviewer of grants and publications and service as editors of publications.
4.4. In the event a recommendation is made not to reappoint or offer tenure and the affected faculty member believes that review procedures have been violated, he or she may petition in writing the Department Advisory Committee, and they shall make a determination as soon as practicable as to whether or not the designated procedures have been violated.
4.5. If the non-tenured faculty member, after review by the Department Advisory Committee, still believes that the decision not to reappoint has been made in a manner inconsistent with designated procedures, the faculty member may submit a written petition to the University Tenure Committee for a review of his or her case.
4.6 Decisions of merit salary increases will be made by the Department Chairperson using the criteria outlined in 4.3.10.
4.7 The Department shall follow the standard faculty hiring procedure when filling an Academic Specialist Position (fixed-term, probationary, or continuous appointments).
4.7.1 Academic Specialists consist of individuals appointed to one of two ranked levels: Senior Academic Specialist or Academic Specialist. Appointments are made in units reporting directly or indirectly to the Provost or the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies. Academic Specialist may be appointed on a fixed term (with an end date) or continuing basis, full-time or part-time, with either an academic year nine-month) or an annual (twelve-month) duty assignment. Repeated fixed-term appointments should not be used as a mechanism to by-pass the continuing appointment system. However, positions funded with grant or other non-general funds normally are fixed term in nature. The University will not dismiss the continuing status academic specialist due to capricious action nor will dismissal be used as a restraint of academic freedom or other civil rights.
4.7.2 Academic specialist positions should be established only if this is the best way for the academic unit to function at the highest possible level of effectiveness and efficiency. Assignments for academic specialists involve applicable assigned duties (academic advising/teaching/curriculum development, research, and service/outreach.
4.7.3 Academic specialist positions are established on the recommendation of the appropriate administrator of the academic unit, the concurrence of the appropriate dean/separately reporting director, and require approval by the Office of the Provost.
4.8 Evaluation of Academic Specialists
The evaluation of an academic specialist's performance shall be based on the duties and responsibilities specified in the job description for the specific position, general merit guidelines and the provisions of the Academic Specialist Appointment System (Academic Specialist Handbook, Section 5.0).
4.8.1 The academic specialist with a probationary appointment shall be evaluated annually by the Department Chair, who will seek input from other appropriate faculty to determine progress toward goals and/or the identification of goals. Units may also use the annual evaluation to assist in the assignment of merit and other salary adjustments. The academic specialist with a continuing appointment should also be evaluated. Units may schedule such evaluations to meet the needs and concerns of the individual unit; however, the unit must follow the established procedures.
4.8.2 The academic specialist shall be notified when the evaluation is to take place, what procedures are to be followed, and what criteria are to be used for the evaluation. This notification should be at the time of appointment and, subsequently, two months prior to the evaluation. A written summary of this evaluation shall be placed in the academic specialist's personnel file in the unit and given to the academic specialist within 30 calendar days of the evaluation. Unit administrators must review such evaluations personally with the academic specialist. An academic specialist with a fixed term appointment should be reviewed regardless of the probability of reappointment in order to assess progress toward goals and/or the identification of goals. The academic specialist appointed on a fixed term basis for six months or more shall be evaluated by the unit administrator no later than two months prior to the appointment ending date. A summary of this evaluation shall be placed in the personnel file in the unit and be given to the academic specialist.
4.8.3 Evaluations are based on the specifics of the individual's assignment and on the effectiveness in the appropriate functional area(s): advising/teaching/curriculum development, research, or service/outreach. The kinds of evidence to be considered must be established at the time of appointment. The academic specialist should have the opportunity to submit evidence supporting the proposed reappointment, promotion or award of continuing appointment status. Reappointment, award of continuing appointment status, or promotion must promote the objectives of improving academic strength and quality (see Appendix A: Functional Description of Specialist Duties, Advancement in the System and Administrative Responsibilities). A unit review committee will be established to advise the unit administrator about the reappointment, award of continuing appointment status, or promotion of the academic specialist. Every attempt should be made to ensure that the review committee is composed of individuals knowledgeable about the position under review and the Academic Specialist Appointment System and should include at least one academic specialist.
4.8.4 In the Department of Horticulture: A (mentor) review committee will be appointed by the Department Chair, consisting of two faculty members and one academic specialist with knowledge of the area in which the reviewed academic specialist is assigned. The committee may also include members of other academic personnel systems, or University support staff members. The academic specialist under review must be provided an opportunity to confer with the review committee at least once each year before it provides advice to the unit administrator regarding reappointment, promotion or award of continuing appointment status. Any changes in assignment or in responsibilities will be written into to a revised job description, according to established university policy, at the time the review committee meets with the academic specialist and before the changes are implemented. The review committee will present its report at the beginning of the annual departmental Tenure and Promotion meeting that will have Assistant, Associate, and Full Professors in attendance.
4.8.5 In addition to the review committee's advice, the Department Chair may also consult with administrative staff, faculty, students, and/or other qualified individuals inside or outside the unit regarding the reappointment or promotion review. The academic specialist should be informed of those individuals from whom the unit administrator is requesting advice; the academic specialist is not informed of those individuals who provide letters of evaluation, unless stipulated by unit policy. Reappointment and promotion recommendations must be submitted to the Office of the Provost for review and final action no later than November 15 of the calendar year prior to the end of the probationary appointment. The individual must be notified in writing by December 15 of the same year. Probationary appointment periods are calculated from August 16 of the calendar year in which the appointment is effective, irrespective of the actual date of appointment. In accordance with the Board of Trustees' delegation of academic personnel actions, the Office of the Provost approves all Academic Specialist Appointment System personnel actions; these actions are reported to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees as information items.
5. GRIEVANCE AND HEARING PROCEDURES
5.1. All faculty members and students shall have the right to due process in settling grievances which may arise.
5.2. Procedures for resolving faculty grievances are outlined in the revised Faculty Grievance Procedures approved by the Academic Council on March 5, 1991 and by the Board of Trustees on April 5, 1991 and revised on June 9, 1995.
5.3. Student Grievance Committee and Procedure
5.3.1. Composition
5.3.1.1. Faculty. Two faculty plus the Department Chairperson or his/her designee shall serve on the Student Grievance Committee. Faculty representatives shall include the Chairperson of the Department Graduate Programs Committee or the Chairperson of the Department Undergraduate Programs Committee, depending on whether the student is an undergraduate or a graduate student, and the Chairperson of the Department Advisory Committee..
5.3.1.2. Students. Two students shall serve on the Student Grievance Committee. If an undergraduate student is filing a grievance, the student representatives will include the president and secretary of the Horticulture Club. If a graduate student, the graduate student representatives will include the president and secretary of the Horticultural Organization of Graduate Students (HOGS)
5.3.1.3. The presiding officer shall be the Department Chairperson or his /her designee.
5.3.1.4. Alternate members. Faculty alternates to the chairpersons of the Program Committees will include either the Coordinator of the Two-Year Program or the Graduate Enrollment Officer. The secretary of the Department Advisory Committee shall serve as alternate to the Chairperson. The student alternates will include either the vice-president of the Horticulture Club or the graduate student representative from the Horticulture Organization of Graduate Students (HOGS) to departmental faculty meetings. An alternate shall serve whenever the regular member is absent from the University on a permanent basis or on a temporary basis for a period in excess of three months, or the regular member is directly involve din the grievance.
5.3.2. Term of Office. Each member shall serve simultaneously with his or her term on the Department Graduate Programs Committee, Department Undergraduate Committee, Department Advisory Committee, and the Horticulture Club or the Horticulture Organization of Graduate Students (HOGS). The initial grievance committee will hear a case through its entirety, even though the term of office on respective committees may have expired.
5.3.3. Voting shall be by all five members of the Committee.
5.3.4. Decisions. A minimum of three votes will be required support any action.
5.3.5. Summer term cases. In the event a full committee cannot be convened, the hearing shall be postponed to the subsequent term.
5.3.6. Procedure for Student Grievances
5.3.6.1. The Department Chairperson should attempt to reach an information resolution of the grievance before a formal request for a hearing is made.
5.3.6.2. A written request, directed to the Department Grievance Committee through the Department Chairperson, will serve to initiate a formal hearing and grievance procedure.
5.3.6.3. The written request must clearly state the grievance, the specific policy base for the grievance, and what procedure, action or recommendation has thus far been taken by the student(s) and the faculty member(s) involved The redress desired shall also be stated in the written request to the Department Grievance Committee. However, the Committee shall have the right to determine what redress, if any, shall be made.
5.3.6.4. Written notification of whether the written request was cause for a hearing, including the reasons for such action, will then be made by the Department Grievance Committee in writing to the aggrieved person(s), the faculty involved, the Department Chairperson, and the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
5.3.6.5. A formal hearing will be held within 10 class days of the written request excluding the normal break between terms.
5.3.6.6. Hearings shall be conducted and expedited as quickly as possible.
5.3.6.7. The Department Grievance Committee shall notify the complainant and respondent in writing three (3) class days (72 hours) prior to hearings. The respondent should confirm Notification of the hearing 24 hours prior to the hearing. The respondent should confirm notification of the hearing one (1) class day (24 hours) prior to the hearing. In the absence of response, the Department Grievance Committee does have the right to proceed. The three (3) class day advance notice may by choice be waived if both the respondent and complainant agree.
5.3.6.8. Both the respondent and complainant are expected to attend the hearing. However, if unable to attend, one or the other may submit, prior to the scheduled hearing, a written statement on his/her behalf.
5.3.6.9. Both parties to the hearing have a right to a counselor of their choice. However, counsel is limited to faculty, staff or students of Michigan State University.
5.3.6.10. Hearings shall be closed to all except parties involved and their counsel, unless an open hearing is requested in writing by both the complainant and the respondent to the Department Grievance Committee. The presiding officer may declare an open hearing closed to maintain order.
5.3.6.11. The presiding officer shall follow the guidelines of procedure as stated in "Guidelines for Conducting a Hearing", see 5.3.7. below, and will follow appropriate due process during the hearing.
5.3.6.12. After the hearing is completed, the Department Grievance Committee shall, in closed session, deliberate the issues of the case and the evidence presented. All the decisions of the Department Grievance Committee shall be based on the preponderance of evidence.
5.3.6.13. The Department Grievance Committee may decide as follows: a) there has been no violation of existing policies and legislation; b) there has been a violation of existing policies and legislation. The Department Grievance Committee shall determine the appropriate means of redress. Decisions shall not conflict with existing policies and legislation with the College or University. All decisions must be according to 5.3.4. above.
5.3.6.14. The Department Grievance Committee shall present its decision and reasons in writing to the Chairperson of the Department.
5.3.6.15. The Chairperson of the Department shall provide written notification to the complainant and the respondent of the result of the hearing within five (5) class days after completion of the hearing.
5.3.6.15. If the grievance is not satisfactorily resolved, either party may appeal the decision within ten (10) class days.
5.3.6.16. Taped recordings and transcripts and records of all proceedings are to be maintained in the office of the Department Chairperson, according to the University records policy.
5.3.7. Conduct of a Hearing
These procedures have been adapted from those established by ASMSU.
5.3.7.1. Any person wishing to speak during the course of a disciplinary proceeding shall direct his/her comments through the presiding officer. The presiding officer may, however, permit an exception for the timely and direct questioning of witnesses by either the complainant or the respondent or their respective counsel. The Grievance Committee members reserve the right to ask questions at any time and/or to move into closed session in order to determine a proper ruling or response. Time used in this manner shall not be applied to the limits prescribed for either the complainant or the respondent.
5.3.7.2. At the appointed time and place, the presiding officer shall convene the hearing and conduct it as follows:
a) The presiding officer shall introduce participants and read the complaint.
b) The presiding officer shall ask the respondent if he/she wishes to admit or deny the allegation as contained in the Notification of Hearing. If the respondent admits to the allegation, the purpose of the hearing shall be to determine an appropriate disposition.
c) Unless granted an extension by the Grievance Committee, the complainant and/or his/her counsel shall be granted up to 30 minutes during which time he/she may present evidence in support of the allegations. The presentation may be made by the complainant or counsel or, in the absence of the complainant, the presentation may be in the form of a written statement. Exhibits as well as written or verbal statements will be considered as evidence. Witnesses are to be called one at a time. Only evidence reasonably related to the allegations contained in the Notification of Hearing shall be considered. A complainant may elect not to appear in person at the hearing and, if so, such non-appearance shall not prejudice the conduct of a fair hearing.
d) At the close of the complainant's presentation, the respondent and/or his/her counsel may elect to question the witnesses on evidence offered by the complainant. Witnesses are expected to remain available for such questions unless excused by the presiding officer for cause. The Grievance Committee reserves the right to restrict such questions to those relevant to the equitable disposition of the case.
e) Unless granted an extension by the Grievance Committee, the respondent and/or his/her counsel shall be granted up to 30 minutes, during which time he/she may present evidence in his/her own behalf. The presentation may be made by the respondent or by his/her counsel on, in the absence of the respondent; the presentation may be in the form of the written statement. Exhibits as well as written or verbal statements will be considered as evidence. Witnesses are to be called one at a time. Only evidence reasonably related to the allegations contained in the Notification of Hearing shall be considered. A respondent may elect not to appear in person at a hearing and, if so, such non-appearance shall not prejudice the conduct of a fair hearing. Occasionally there may be more than one respondent named in like allegations. In cases where such multiple respondents request a joint hearing, the first named respondent shall, as above, be entitled to up to 30 minutes for presentation. Each additional respondent and/or his/her counsel shall be entitled to up to 15 additional minutes to supplement the original presentation subject to the following provisions:
(e-1) the grievance committee may restrict the total time for presentation by all combined to no more than one hour; and
(e-2) in any case where respondents are provided extended time, the complainant shall be with like time.
f) At the close of the respondent's presentation, the complainant and/or his/her counsel may elect to ask questions of the witnesses or evidence offered by the respondent. Witnesses are expected to remain available for such questions unless excused by the presiding officer for cause. The presiding officer reserves the right to restrict such questions to those issues which he/she believes are relevant to the quitable disposition of the case.
g) The complainant and/or his/her counsel shall be provided up to ten (10) minutes for a closing statement or summary after which the Grievance Committee members may ask questions.
h) The respondent and/or his/her counsel shall be provided up to ten (10) minutes for a closing statement or summary after which the Grievance Committee members may ask questions.
5.3.7.3. The complainant and the respondent, along with their respective counsel, shall be permitted to remain throughout the entire hearing.
5.3.7.4. If it appears necessary, the Grievance Committee members may, prior to making a decision, continue a hearing so that additional witnesses or evidence may be called or considered. All decisions shall be based on the preponderance of evidence.
6. DEPARTMENT BYLAWS
6.1. The Bylaws and amendments to the bylaws shall be reviewed by the College Advisory Council and transmitted to the Dean.
6.2. The Bylaws and amendments to the bylaws shall be published and transmitted to all voting faculty members of the department.
6.3. The voting faculty members of the department shall review the Bylaws regularly at 5-year intervals or as deemed necessary by the Dean, Chairperson, Department Advisory Committee or the voting faculty.
6.4. Amendment Procedures
6.4.1. The department Bylaws may be amended by a majority of the voting faculty by write-in ballot at or following a department meeting at which such an item of business is on the agenda.
6.4.2. Amendments may be initiated by the Chairperson, by the Department Advisory Committee, or by petition of any three members of the voting faculty.
6.4.3. The effective date will be immediately after adoption of amendments to Bylaws.
*Revised 6/9/09