Policy Section 1000 shall represent the total operation of the Board and constitute the Bylaws of the Mott Community College Board of Trustees.
Approved: March 27, 2000The Board recognizes that many of the subject topics found in this policy manual may be subject to negotiations under the Michigan Public Employment Relations Act. It is not the intent of the Board to, in any way, circumvent the negotiations process; but rather to establish direction and general and long-range operational procedures for the proper establishment, maintenance, management and carrying on of the College as authorized under current law. Within the context of current law, the Board may adopt rules and regulations for its own governance and for the control and governance of the College.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 423.201 et seq.; 389.125(d)(f)
The official name of the College District shall be the Charles Stewart Mott Community College.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.109, as amended
Mott Community College opened in 1923 as Flint Junior College, a municipal institution governed by the Flint Board of Education, using classrooms in Central High School. In 1931, the College moved to an adjacent building that had housed Oak Grove Sanitarium. This building was FJC’s home until 1955 when the new campus opened. In 1960, the institution was renamed Flint Community Junior College.
In June 1969, voters of the Genesee Intermediate School District approved the creation of an expended College District and elected a seven-member Board of trustees; in December 1969, the public approved a 1.4 mill operational tax for the new College District. Then, on July 1, 1970, the institution was transferred from the Flint Board of Education to the Board of Trustees of Genesee Community College.
Following the death of Charles Stewart Mott in February 1973, the Board of Trustees on March 19, 1973, changed the name of Genesee Community College to Charles Stewart Mott Community College in honor of Mr. Mott’s contributions to the College. The new name became effective July 1, 1973.
In 1923, 114 students were enrolled in a single curriculum, classical liberal arts. Today, more than 10,000 students are enrolled in more than 130 different career and transfer programs. These programs serve students in meeting the challenges of modern living. The College expanded its campus to downtown Flint in 1975 when former Sears and Kroger grocery store buildings, donated to the College by Mrs. Katherine B. Miner, opened their doors. In 1976, it was named the Walter P. Reuther Career Development Learning Center in honor of the late labor leader. In 1989, the site was named the Mott Community College Downtown Campus. Part of that property was later transferred to the Career Alliance for use as a job training center.
The main campus in the city of Flint consists of twelve buildings: the William S. Ballenger Field House, the Marie R. Prahl College Center, the Harlow H. Curtice Building and the C.S. Mott Community College Center of Science and Applied Arts (Curtice-Mott Complex), the Cady B. Durham Natatorium, the Michael A. Gorman Building of Science and Technology, the Charles Stewart Mott Library, the Visual Arts & Design Center, the Garfield G. Wagner, Jr. Workforce Education Center, the Mott Memorial Building, the Dale E. Kildee/William H. White Regional Technology Center, the Presidential Conference Center, and the President’s Home.
In addition, the College operates four regional sites and four Community Technology Centers. The regional sites are the Southern Lakes Branch Center in Fenton, the Northern Tier Center in Clio, the Lapeer Extension Center in Lapeer, and the Livingston Center in Howell. The Community Technology Centers are the Disability Network CTC, Great Lakes Baptist CTC, Hispanic Technology & Community Center and the One Stop Technology Center, all located in the city of Flint. The College also operates the Shiawassee Service Center - One Stop in Owosso.
An exceptional benefit to the College is the Cultural Center, adjacent to the campus. This multi-million dollar area places a variety of educational and cultural opportunities before each student. The Enos A. and Sarah DeWaters Art Center, Robert T. Longway Planetarium, the F.A. Bower Theater, the Alfred P. Sloan, Jr. Museum, the Arthur H. Sarvis Food Management Technology Center, the James H. Whiting Auditorium, and the J. Dallas Dort Music Center all are in the complex.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.107
A community college is an educational institution which provides for all persons above the twelfth grade age level, as well as high school students (primarily 11th and 12th graders) dually enrolled or “early enrolled” at the College, and Mott Middle College High School students, an opportunity for collegiate and non-collegiate educational experiences including area vocational-technical and regional technology center(s) programs.
The College offers individual and group training for the labor market or to achieve stability or advancement in employment.
The College offers enrichment and cultural activities for its service area constituents.
A community college grants diplomas and certificates including those known as associate degrees. These institutions enable students to transfer through programs for higher learning in order to obtain a baccalaureate or other degree. The community college is aimed at meeting the general needs of the total community.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.105, 389.103 and 121, as amended
The geographical boundaries of Mott Community College include all school district territory located in Genesee County and the following school district territory adjacent to Genesee County:
Goodrich School District in Oakland and Lapeer Counties;
Lakeville School District in Lapeer County;
Linden School District in Livingston County;
Fenton School District in Oakland and Livingston Counties;
Grand Blanc School District in Oakland County; and
Davison School District in Lapeer County.
The Saginaw County properties of the Montrose and Clio School Districts are not included in the College boundaries.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.51, as amended
The mission of Mott Community College is to provide high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services that cultivate student success and improve the overall quality of life in a multicultural community.
Approved: July 29, 1996* The mission statement was officially revised and approved by the Board on December 17, 2012, as part of their approval of the 2013-2018 Strategic Plan. The 2016 policy revision was approved to reflect the previous action.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 121, as amended
General: The Strategic Plan will be developed for the college, under the direction of the President and in accordance with the accreditation standards of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
See attached Strategic Plan for 2019-2021.
Approved: March 27, 2000LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 121, as amended
General: At its discretion, the Board of Trustees may from time to time develop goals for improvement of its internal operations.
Approved: March 27, 2000LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103, 121 and 125(j), as amended
Board Membership and Elections
A Trustee must be a qualified elector.
Governance Style
The Board will act in the best interest of the College and the community as a whole.
The Board will govern with a style that:
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.51 and 54, as amended; MCL 168.492, as amended
General: The Board acknowledges the College’s responsibility to seek community input from a wide range of community stakeholders on community issues, challenges and trends.
In addition, the Board will structure its own meetings and activities to facilitate community access.
Approved: March 27, 2000LEGAL REF: MCL 15.261 et seq., as amended
Procedure
A Board vacancy shall be filled through appointment by the majority of the Board with a legally qualified elector who shall serve until the next regular Board election, at which time the vacancy shall be filled by election for the remainder of the former member's term.
When a vacancy occurs, the Board Chairperson shall publicly announce the vacancy and any qualified person who wishes to be considered for membership should:
The Board shall not be restricted to consideration of those submitting an application
in filling such a vacancy.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.157 - 389.158
General: The Board officers are: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Chairperson
The Board Chairperson is elected from the Board membership by a majority of the
Board and shall serve for two years from the time of election, until the start of
the next Organizational Meeting.
Vice-Chairperson
The Vice-Chairperson is elected from the Board membership by a majority of the
Board and shall serve for two years from the time of election, until the start of
the next Organizational Meeting.
Secretary
The Board Secretary is elected from the Board membership by a majority of the Board
and shall serve for two years from the time of election, until the start of the next
Organizational Meeting.
Treasurer
The Board Treasurer is elected from the Board membership by a majority of the Board
and shall serve for two years from the time of election, until the start of the next
Organizational Meeting.
Officer Term Limits:
A Trustee may serve no more than two consecutive terms in an individual officer
position. This does not include a Trustee who is appointed to fill a partial term
created as a result of a vacancy prior to his/her elected term.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.111(3)(4)
Chairperson shall:
Vice-Chairperson
Secretary
The Secretary (or designee) is responsible for:
The term ‘designee’ normally will refer to the Assistant Secretary, whom shall serve as acting Secretary, as appropriate.
Treasurer
The Treasurer, through the College Chief Financial Officer (designee) shall:
The term ‘designee’ normally will refer to the Chief Financial Officer, whom shall serve as acting Treasurer, as appropriate.
Approved: March 27, 2000LEGAL REF: MCL 389.113, as amended
The Board of Trustees may hire external consultants, including but not limited to legal counsel, auditors, and accountants. The full Board will meet before a consultant is hired to determine the scope of the issues to be addressed by the consultant, the consultant's budget, and the scope of contact with the Board. The Board will decide on one Board member to be authorized as the primary contact with the consultant. If time constraints preclude a meeting of the full Board to discuss hiring the consultant, the Executive Committee may meet to approve the initial contact with the consultant, but may not authorize an expenditure of more than $1,000 to a consultant without the approval of the full Board. The consultant's work product shall be written and shall be immediately transmitted to all Board members, via the Board Administrative Assistant, upon completion of the requested work. All payments to consultants hired by the Board shall be deducted from the Board’s budget.
In addition the Secretary may hire an Administrative Assistant to assist in the duties of the Secretary. This person shall be an employee of the College but shall report to the Board and the College President and be allowed to communicate to and take direction from the Secretary as well as other members of the Board.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.123; MCL 389.124
Approved: March 25, 2024General: In the event of a vacancy in any office of the Board, the vacancy shall be filled by the Board at the next regular meeting or as soon after the vacancy occurs as possible. The term of office shall be for the un-expired portion of the original term of the office being filled.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.111(3); 389.113(2)
General: The Board expects ethical conduct by itself and by its members. This includes proper use of authority and appropriate decorum in group and individual behavior when acting as Board members.
LEGAL REF: MCL 15.341 et seq., as amended
General: The Board of Trustees shall transact all business, including information sessions, at public legal meetings of the Board pursuant to the Open Meetings Act.
Approved: March 27, 2000LEGAL REF: MCL 15.261 et seq., as amended
General: Newly elected Board members shall be invited to attend all Board meetings prior to the time they officially take office.
Present Board members and the President shall conduct an appropriate orientation program designed to acquaint new Board members with the College, Board operating procedures, policy, duties, and responsibilities. Additionally, budgets, audit reports, and collective bargaining agreements will be provided to the new Board members for review.
Newly elected Board members shall receive copies of all agendas, reports and other communications normally received by regular Board members except information or material of a confidential nature.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.155 – 157, as amended
General: The Mott Community College Board of Trustees places a high priority on the continuing in-service training and education of its members. Toward that end, members of the Board of Trustees are encouraged to participate in educational activities that enhance their ability to govern effectively as community College trustees and in articulating College services to the community. This policy reflects the Board’s belief that well-informed trustees are better able to make informed decisions on the many issues confronting them.
The following basic policy statements apply:
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.112, as amended
General: Board members shall not receive compensation for services as a Board member or as a Board officer. Expenses of Board members may be reimbursed when authorized by the Board of Trustees.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.112
General: The College shall pay for, and furnish the services of an attorney, to advise, appear for, and represent the trustee for any claim or civil action commenced against him/her arising from the trustee’s activities while in office.
The College agrees to indemnify and hold the trustee harmless from and against any and all civil actions, suits, judgments, damages, liabilities, including costs and expenses, whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, founded in fact, in law, or in equity subject to the limitations herein, asserted against the trustee arising from actions taken, or a decision made, within the scope of the trustee’s activities while in office, during the term of the trustee’s service with the College notwithstanding that said claims may be asserted after expiration or termination of said service. The trustee shall give the College written notice of the nature of any claim for indemnification hereunder promptly upon receipt of notice of any claim or action against the trustee. The College shall have the right to conduct the defense and settle any claim. The trustee shall fully cooperate with the College in the defense. The trustee may, at his/her own cost and expense, employ additional counsel to assist in the Trustee’s defense.
This indemnification shall include all acts of a trustee, including acts of negligence, but shall not include acts determined by a court of law to be willful misfeasance, capricious, or unreasonable in reckless disregard of the trustee’s duties. The College shall provide attorney services in all cases.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 691.1408, as amended
General: These guidelines are issued to further clarify the Board of Trustees policy related to the procedures for reimbursement of trustee expenses. Any changes to these guidelines may be proposed by the President or Board Chair and must be reviewed by the Finance/Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees. A guideline may be modified or waived prior to a specific event or occasion by the President, provided that a notice of waiver is submitted to the Finance/Audit Committee at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.112, as amended
General: Board members must avoid any conflict of interest with respect to their fiduciary responsibility. A Board member shall be considered to have a conflict of interest if the Board member or other person in a familiar or otherwise significant relationship to the Board member has existing, or potential financial, or other interests, which impair or might reasonably appear to impair the Board member’s independent, unbiased judgment in the discharge or his or her responsibilities to the College.
The following provisions further detail the Conflict of Interest Policy:
LEGAL REF: MCL 15.181; MCL 15.321-15.330
General: The Board of Trustees is committed to providing an environment which respects the dignity of each person and is free from harassment and intimidation. The following basic policy statements apply:
LEGAL REF: US Constitution Amendment XIV, MCL 37.2101 et seq., as amended
At the conclusion of a Trustee's tenure as a member of the Board, he/she will be recognized for his/her service by the awarding of an appropriate honorary Associate degree from the College.
Reviewed: August 22, 2016LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103, as amended
General: The Board authorizes the President to provide suitable remembrances on behalf of the Board or the College in situations or circumstances deemed necessary by either the Board Chairperson, the College President, or a majority of the Board.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103, as amended
General: The Board shall establish ad hoc (temporary) and advisory committees, as it deems necessary. The type and function of each committee shall be dictated by the needs of the College for the special services of the committee. The Chairperson shall appoint all members of all committees. Each committee shall organize itself with assistance from the President.
The following basic policy statements apply:
The President shall assist the committee in the development of a budget for operational expenses if necessary. The College general fund budget shall include a line item for Board Committees.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended
General: The College shall seek the knowledge and experience of community citizens to assist the faculty and administration in planning new instructional programs and in providing the most current ad and information about the College’s on-going programs. To this end, the Board may create citizen committees.
The following basic policy statements apply:
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended
General: Mott Community College has a special responsibility to the community to promote equal access and success for minority students, faculty and staff. The academic community has an obligation to serve as an important model in achieving racial harmony and empowerment.
The following basic policy statements apply:
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended
General: The Board may appoint standing committees as deemed necessary. The members of each standing committee shall be appointed by the Chairperson and be subject to Board approval.
The following basic policy statements apply:
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended
General: The Board Finance/Audit Committee is responsible for the general oversight of the various funds of the College and other issues or areas that have financial implications for the College. Areas may take the form of monthly financial statements, reports from the President or staff, annual audits, and other information deemed appropriate.
The following policy statements apply:
The Finance/Audit Committee shall:
Membership: Members of the Board Finance Committee shall have an interest in College finances and shall possess knowledge of public finance or have experience with private business finance, non-profit business experience, or complete Board development programs in finance.
Audit oversight shall be conducted in compliance with the provisions defined in Policy Section 3431.
Approved: March 27, 2000LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended
General: The Personnel Committee is responsible for the review and oversight of the College personnel policy decisions including personnel related activities and needs.
The following basic policy statements apply:
The Board Personnel Committee shall:
Membership: Members of the Board Personnel Committee shall have an interest and some experience in personnel matters with private business, non-profits, volunteer work or other related Human Resources areas.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended
Approved: March 27, 2000General: The Board Policy Committee is responsible for the drafting of new policies as well as review and revision of existing policies as needed, in consultation with the President.
The following basic policy statements apply:
The Board Policy Committee shall:
Membership: Members of the Board Policy Committee shall have an interest in policy development and experience in preparing written documents.
Approved: March 27, 2000LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended
This committee’s role will be to make selection of the individual or individuals who shall be the Keynote Speaker at the annual Ballenger Eminent Persons Lecture Series. The Committee will consist of 9 persons. They shall be appointed as follows:
The Board of Trustees of the College will appoint 2 persons by majority vote of the Board. In the event a majority vote cannot be obtained the Chairperson shall appoint the members.
The College President, or in the event of a vacancy the Interim President, shall appoint 2 persons.
The College Faculty, in a process determined by them, shall appoint 2 persons.
The BALLENGER Family, as represented by William S. Ballenger, III, the grandson of MCC’s benefactor, and his daughter, Josephine W. Ballenger, of Traverse City, the only adult members of the family residing in Michigan, or any close family friends they designate, shall appoint 3 persons.
Any selection is contingent on the appropriate funding available for individual or individuals selected. This committee will have no role in deciding the funding for the Ballenger Eminent Persons Lecture Series.
Reviewed: October 8, 2024LEGAL REF: MCL 389.121-389.123
General: The Board may meet as a Committee of the Whole to review and appraise existing policies and College operations as the occasion requires.
Committee of the Whole meetings, in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, shall be held only after notice has been given and an invitation extended to the public.
All meetings shall be held in a public place and no votes or action may be taken.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended, MCL 15.261 et seq., as amended
General: The Board shall transact all business, including information sessions, at public and legally noticed Board meetings.
Authority of Individual Board Members
Individual Board members have no legal powers. A Board member may exercise his/her
power as a Board member only through Board action.
Attendance
The attendance of Board members shall be reported in the official minutes prepared
by the secretary.
Organizational Meeting
The organizational Board meeting of the Charles Stewart Mott Community College
shall be held at the first Board of Trustees meeting in January following the date
of the regular Community College District election. At this organizational meeting,
the Board shall elect a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson, who shall be members of
the Board of Trustees, and a Secretary and a Treasurer who need not be members of
the Board of Trustees. The officers shall be elected to a term of two years, subject
to change of officers by resolution of the Board. The Board may take up additional
business at the organizational meeting as the Board deems appropriate.
Regular Meetings
Regular Board meetings shall normally be held on the fourth Monday of each month
during the year. Should the appointed day for the meeting be a holiday, then a meeting
shall be held at the discretion of the Chairperson and the Board secretary.
Adjourned Meeting
An adjourned meeting may be reconvened for the transaction of business normally
scheduled for that meeting.
Emergency Meetings
The Board may meet in emergency session, without complying with the notice requirements
of the open meetings act, in the event of severe and imminent threat to the health,
safety or welfare of the public, when two-thirds of the members elected to and serving
on the Board decide that delay would be detrimental to the efforts to lessen or respond
to the threat. (Legal Reference: MCL15.265(5); OAG#5183)
Time and Place
All Board meetings shall be posted in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.
Public Safety
A Public Safety official will be on site at all times to assist the Chair in maintaining
an orderly environment.
LEGAL REF: MCL 15.261 et seq.; 389.111(2), MCL 389.113, as amended
General: The Board shall conduct closed sessions only as provided by current law.
Minutes
The minutes of any closed session shall be kept separate from the minutes of the
regular or special meeting and shall not be a matter of public record except as provided
for under current law.
Any Board action taken as a result of a closed session shall be taken in a public meeting and recorded as such.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 15.261 et seq.
Note: A public body may meet in closed session only for the following purposes: (a) to consider the dismissal, suspension, or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, or to consider a periodic personnel evaluation of, a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent, if the named person requests a closed hearing; (b) to consider the dismissal, suspension, or disciplining of a student and if the student requests a closed hearing; (c) for strategy and negotiations sessions if either party requests a closed hearing; (d) to consider the purchase or lease of real property; (e) to consult with its attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with specific pending litigation; (f) to review the specific contents of an application for employment or appointment to a public office if the candidate requests that the application remain confidential; and (g) to consider material exempt from discussion by state or federal statute.
General: Special Board meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by any three Board members, by giving written notice stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting.
Notice
Notice of a special meeting shall be given by mail at least 72 hours before the
meeting or by personal service at least 24 hours before the meeting. In lieu of timely
notice, and a full membership being present, a special meeting can be declared.
Business
No business shall be transacted except that for which the special meeting is called,
unless all members are present and concur in the addition of other items to the agenda.
LEGAL REF: MCL 15.265 - 15.266
Rules of Order
Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, as interpreted and enforced by the Chairperson,
shall apply to all Board meetings.
Rules Suspension
The rules may be suspended at any meeting subject to a majority vote of the members
elected to, and serving, on the Board.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.125(f)
General: A majority of the members elected to and serving on the Board shall constitute a quorum. A majority of the members elected to and serving on the Board is required to take Board action.
Approved: July 29, 1996Note: For the most part, a quorum of the College Board is four members. At a legal meeting, valid Board action requires a vote of four trustees, either for or against a motion, and a proper record shall be made of each Board action.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.113, as amended
General: The President and Chairperson shall prepare an agenda with necessary supporting reports and documents for each meeting. The agenda, with supporting materials, shall be available for each member of the Board no later than three (3) calendar days prior to the day of the meeting. The agenda may be modified by the Chairperson, if there is no objection from a Board member, or upon concurrence of a majority of the Trustees.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.125(f), as amended
The usual order of business for the Board shall be:
The meeting shall begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.125(f)
To foster efficient handling of routine matters, the Board may use a Consent Agenda, which may include for approval as part of a single resolution the following:
Any supporting documents and/or materials related to a Consent Agenda item shall be provided to the Trustees in the Board package and clearly identified as falling under the Consent Agenda for the meeting. It is expected that Board members will review these materials prior to the meeting as discussion on such will not take place so long as the item remains on the Consent Agenda.
Agenda items for which specific members of the public have been expressly invited to attend the meeting in connection with the agenda item, whether it be for a special presentation, honor or accolade, or for whatever reason, shall not be placed on the Consent Agenda.
Notwithstanding adoption of the meeting’s Agenda, any Board member may request removal from the proposed Consent Agenda of any item thereon. A single member’s request shall cause the item to be relocated on the Agenda so long as the Consent Agenda has not yet been approved. The Chair shall determine the placement of the item on the Agenda.
Individual items for action and/or discussion arising from a committee report may be placed as an item on the meeting’s Agenda for action and/or discussion, separate from the applicable report, and the remaining text of the report may still be included in the Consent Agenda.
Minutes of the meeting shall include sufficient information to identify each discrete item on the Consent Agenda, including the full text of any resolutions adopted by consent.
Reviewed: November 7, 2024LEGAL REF: MCL 389.121-389.123
Board Trustees are encouraged to propose items for action and/or discussion for any regular meeting of the Board. Any such “Board-generated” item shall be memorialized in writing, submitted to the Chair, and included on the next regular meeting’s Agenda, such that it would be included in the package of information provided to Board members at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Upon appropriate motion and majority vote of the Board, the item may be amended, approved, disapproved, referred to a committee, or postponed to a future date.
Notwithstanding the above, the Board may consider any item that is brought before it by a Trustee and which is added to the meeting’s Agenda by unanimous consent or by a majority vote of the Board.
Reviewed: November 7, 2024LEGAL REF: MCL 389.121-389.123
Communications From The Public
Regular and special meetings of the Board are open to the public. Citizens may
address the Board on those matters within its jurisdiction. Communications from the
public shall come under Communications or Comments From the Public in the order of
business. As the Board is primarily concerned with policy matters, citizens shall
be urged to discuss operational issues with the College President prior to the meeting.
Complaints about individuals or College programs shall be presented to the Board in writing. The complaint shall be referred to the President for investigation and reported back to the Board of Trustees. The Board may recess to executive session to hear complaints if deemed advisable.
The Board Chairperson shall invite the public to address the Board. All citizens who wish to address the Board or who wish to communicate with the Board in writing shall identify themselves and/or the group they represent, if any. They must also state their reasons for addressing the Board.
Citizens addressing the Board shall be limited to five (5) minutes in making their remarks unless the time is increased or decreased by consent of the Board. A brief supporting the remarks made by the citizen may be submitted to the Board for its consideration. The Board may limit the number of persons wishing to address the Board on the same subject to three (3).
Students, faculty and staff should follow the chain of command and exhaust all steps with the administration before making comments to the Board. All comments should be limited to policy matters.
The Board Chairperson may ask the College President to respond. After the President’s response there shall be no further discussion of the item at that meeting. If a response is not possible at the meeting, a written response shall be given to the individual(s) as soon as possible, and an appropriate report of the response will be made to the Board.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 15.263(5) and MCL 15.268, as amended
Roll Call Vote
The Board shall take action by way of motions. No motion may be acted upon until
a member of the Board has duly seconded it. The vote on all motions shall be by ‘aye’
and ‘nay’ and shall be taken by voice vote or roll call vote. Any member for the
roll call vote shall record the names of those voting ‘aye,’ ‘nay,’ or abstaining
upon request.
Following each vote, the Chairperson shall announce that the motion carried or failed by a vote of # of affirmative votes to # of negative votes.
The minutes shall indicate whether a motion passes or failed. Each Board member may have the privilege of explaining, for the record, any vote, be it affirmative, negative, or abstaining at the discretion of the Chairperson.
Obligation to Vote
Each member present is obligated to vote upon all motions submitted for action
unless there is a legal reason to abstain such as a conflict of interest. In the
case of a tie vote, the motion shall be considered lost.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.125(f), as amended
General: Minutes of Board meetings (open or closed) shall be prepared by the Secretary or designee in accordance with these bylaws and the Open Meetings Act.
LEGAL REF: MCL 15.269
General: The Board recognizes the need for ongoing professional services, such as legal, architectural, audit, etc. The Board further recognizes the importance of the continuity of records and relationships with the providers of those services.
The President shall review the status of professional service agreements with the Board every three years (with the exception of the Board Attorney, which shall be reviewed every two years) and make recommendations regarding whether to seek competitive proposals or to continue with the existing providers. However, this provision shall not be construed as a commitment to employ professionals for any period. The Board retains full discretion to determine the duration of professional services arrangements.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended
General: The Board shall retain a qualified attorney or legal firm to handle the legal matters of the Board and the College and to receive compensation, as the Board may provide. The duties of the Board attorney or legal firm shall be prescribed by regulation. The Board Attorney shall be appointed during the Board’s biennial organizational meeting.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended
General: The Board of Trustees recognizes the importance of the College purchasing institutional memberships in various local, regional, state, and national professional organizations, agencies, non-profits, etc. which support its programs, initiatives, relationships and proper administration of the College.
Reviewed: November 18, 2008LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended
General: The Board, shall review its policies and shall delete, amend, and supplement existing policies, and/or adopt new policies, as necessary.
Attorney Involvement
The Board’s policies may be submitted to the Board’s attorney to determine the
legality of policies before they are submitted to the Board for final approval.
Policy Adoption/Revision
The Board shall adopt new policies and delete or modify existing policies, as the
need arises.
The Board’s policies may be amended at any regular, special or adjourned, Board meeting by a majority vote of the members elected and serving.
A recommendation by an individual or group of citizens or patrons to adopt or amend any policy may be submitted to the Board at any regular Board meeting.
Final action by the Board on any policy addition, amendment or revision shall take place at the next regular meeting of the Board unless an emergency is declared whereby final action may be taken immediately.
Policy Publication
Changes in the policies shall be published by the President or his/her designee
in the manner provided by the Board.
Policy Review
The Board shall review and oversee its policies as necessary on a regularly scheduled
basis.
The College shall keep a running historical set of Board policies, which shall reflect all revisions, amendments or other actions pertaining to every policy.
Administration in the Absence of Policy
When action must be taken for which no guidelines have been provided, the President
shall have the power to act. Those actions shall be subject to review by the Board
at its next regular meeting. The President shall notify the Board of the action and
advise the Board of needed policy.
LEGAL REF: MCL 389.125(d)
General: The Board shall keep Board records as necessary for the understanding of their actions. In addition to those required by law, the President is responsible for designing and keeping of any other records necessary for the efficient operation of the College.
The Board delegates to the President the authority to establish and maintain a system of records in accordance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.
The Board recognizes the need for its records to be stored as a blend of printed, bound and electronically recorded material. The securing, cataloging and storing of all records shall be the responsibility of the President.
The President shall establish procedures ensuring security, safety and confidentiality of all electronically stored records.
Approved: July 29, 1996LEGAL REF: MCL 15.231 et seq. MCL 15.261, as amended, and LEGAL REF: MCL 389.103 and 125, as amended
General: The Board of Trustees of Mott Community College shall make available for inspection or shall copy public records requested either orally in writing by an individual or group of individuals in accordance with Public Act 442 of 1976, except those records described in Section 13 as being exempt. The Board establishes this policy to respond to requests from the general public to inspect or obtain copies of district records.
The following basic policy statements apply:
LEGAL REF: MCL 15.231 et seq., as amended
