The Board of Trustees, a self-perpetuating body, has final responsibility for the conduct of the University. Article II of the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees (1997), which describes the “Mission of the Board,” states that the Board “has the power to manage the business and undertakings of the University and to carry out any other functions permitted by the charter or these Bylaws except insofar as such powers may be limited by law.” These powers, according to Article II, include, but are not limited to, the following:
- To appoint or remove the President and the officers of the Board of Trustees and approve the appointment of the Provost of the University in accordance with these Bylaws;
- To approve the awarding of degrees in course upon recommendation of appropriate officials of the University;
- To authorize the awarding of honorary degrees in accordance with appropriate procedures and processes;
- To approve the appointment, promotion, and awarding of tenure to members of the faculty;
- To establish and review the basic educational programs and policies of the University;
- To establish annually the budget of the University upon presentation by the President of the University and recommendation of the Budget Committee of the Board;
- To authorize the purchase or sale of land, buildings, or other major assets of the University;
- To authorize construction and major renovation of buildings for the use of the University or demolition of same where appropriate;
- To institute, promote, and support major fundraising efforts of the University;
- To authorize changes in student charges to include tuition, room, board, and special fees;
- To authorize appropriate officials or agents of the University to accept gifts on behalf of the University; and
- To authorize the incurring of debts by the University and the pledging of necessary security for those debts.
The Board elects its Chair and Vice Chair from its membership. The Secretary and Treasurer, who need not be Trustees, are elected by the Board and attend all meetings. At least four regular meetings of the Board are held each year, including one in the spring and one in the fall on campus in Hamilton. The Executive Committee meets on call of its Chair. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President of the University are members ex officio of all Standing Committees of the Board. Questions concerning the Board of Trustees should be directed to the Secretary to the Board of Trustees.
The President of the University is appointed by the Board of Trustees and is responsible to it for the conduct and well-being of the University. The President presides at Faculty meetings and at meetings of the senior administrative staff, and has final responsibility for the preparation and administration of the annual budget of the University. Article VIII of the Bylaws of the Board of Trustees (1997) defines the President’s responsibilities as follows:
The President of the University shall be the head of all educational departments of the University and shall have the general oversight and direction of the University instruction and discipline. The President shall be the official medium of communication between the Faculty and the Board of Trustees and between the students and the Board of Trustees. The President shall recommend to the Board all promotions and appointments of the Faculty. The President shall take part in the instruction of the classes as the Trustees shall direct, or, in the absence of such direction, as the President may think proper. The President shall sign all diplomas and confer all degrees. The President shall be responsible for the discipline of the University and for carrying out all measures officially agreed upon by the Faculty concerning matters committed to the Faculty by the Board, and for executing such measures concerning the internal administration of the University as the Board of Trustees may direct. The President may specifically delegate such responsibility, as a matter of routine procedure, to other officers of administration or agencies created for the purpose, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees, but shall be accountable therefore. The President may make temporary appointments until the next meeting of Trustees in order to fill vacancies where approval of the Board is necessary for permanent appointment.
The President shall make reports to the Board of Trustees at each regular meeting of the Board, of the work and conditions of the University, and shall present for the consideration of the Board such measures as are deemed necessary or expedient for the welfare of the University.
In case of the vacancy in the Office of the President of the University or of the absence of the President or of the President’s inability to serve, the Board may appoint an acting President of the University.