We anticipate more autonomy and control, plus the speed and agility to respond to
the changing dynamics of higher education. There will be a keener sense of advocacy
of the University of Memphis and the needs specific to our campus and community.
What challenges do we anticipate with the transition?
The UofM will be assuming full authority for its future. With this autonomy comes
increased responsibility. As such, we will need to review and establish policies that
reflect and support our mission. We need to establish a board with proper policies
and devote time to educating and training board members.
How quickly will this change take place?
The FOCUS Act must first be approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by
the Governor. As the act is now written, it calls for a transition period starting
July 1, 2016. Board members would be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the
General Assembly. We anticipate the boards to be functional by mid-2017.
Does this affect how the UofM gets funded by the state?
No. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission will continue to determine the state's
funding formula.
Will this affect UofM's tenure process?
The bill requires that the UofM's state university board "promulgate a tenure policy
or policies for faculty." The bill requires that the "policy or policies shall ensure
academic freedom and provide sufficient professional security to attract the best
qualified faculty available for the institutions."
How is the University of Memphis involved in the FOCUS Act discussions?
Governor Haslam established a transition task force to offer guidance on the proposed
FOCUS Act during the legislative process and its potential implementation once approved.
President Rudd was named by Governor Haslam to serve on that task force as a member
of the steering committee, which is charged with evaluating key operational areas
that will need adjusting under the FOCUS Act, and to ensure that all sectors of Tennessee
public higher education are positioned to maximize student success under the new governance
structure.
In addition to his direct involvement with the transition task force, Dr. Rudd hosted
a series of open forums in February for faculty, staff and students; deans, chairs
and program directors; and the Faculty Senate to ensure that he was able to accurately
represent the concerns of the UofM community during his committee participation.
State University Board Questions
Who are the members of the UofM Board of Trustees?
Per the FOCUS Act the Governor appoints eight members of the Board, the Faculty Senate
appoints the Faculty Trustee and the Board of Trustees selects the non-voting Student
Representative. Click on the link for information about the Board of Trustees.
How long are board members' terms?
The initial appointments will be for staggered terms of three, four and six years.
After the initial terms, all terms will be six years.
Is the university president a member of the board?
No. The president will be a nonvoting attendee, but not a member. The state university
board will select the president, as well as assess his or her performance.
What are the powers of the state university board?
The board will have extensive powers, including to:
Select and employ chief executive officers.
Confirm appointment of administrative personnel, teachers and other employees and
set salaries and terms of office.
Prescribe curricula and requirements for diplomas and degrees (but each board must
maintain alignment across state higher education by advancing the The Tennessee Higher
Education Commission state master plan).
Establish "reasonable and appropriate" rules defining residency used to determine
whether or not out-of-state tuition is charged.
Approve operating budgets and set fiscal policies; due to bond issue matters, The
Tennessee Board of Regents will have administrative roles for the budget process.
Establish policies and regulations regarding campus life.
Assume general responsibility for operation, delegating to the president powers and
duties as necessary and appropriate for the efficient administration of the institution
and its programs.
When is the first Board meeting?
The first board meeting will be held on March 17, 2017.
Are Board meetings open to the public?
Meetings of the Board of Trustees are subject to the Tennessee Open Meetings Act and
will be open to the public, subject to certain legally recognized exceptions. Information
about meeting dates will be publicized in advance. Also, Board meetings will be live-streamed
and available for viewing over the Internet.
Where will Board meetings be held?
There is no set location for Board meetings. However, the meetings will be held on
property owned or controlled by the University of Memphis. The location will be included
in the notice of meetings.
Will employees be allowed to attend Board meetings?
Employees are permitted to attend Board of Trustees meetings with the approval of
their supervisor and consistent with operational needs. Supervisors should not arbitrarily
withhold approval and should objectively evaluate the effect on business operations.
In large departments, supervisors may require employees to attend at varying intervals
so business units are not impacted. Employees will not be required to use annual leave
to attend Board meetings. Board meetings will also be live-streamed and available
for viewing over the Internet.
Can I contact Board members?
The University has established a Board Office. This office will be responsible for
coordinating communication with the Board members. Also, it is anticipated that a
general email address will be created as well as implementation of a public comment
period at Board meetings.
Will this change how the University operates?
The FOCUS Act transferred governance, management and control of The University of
Memphis from the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) to the University's Board of Trustees.
UofM's Board of Trustees will be responsible for overseeing the educational and operational
activities of the University. This change will allow for more autonomy and local control
enabling the UofM to react quickly to changing dynamics in higher education and allowing
for strategic initiatives specifically designed for our institution. As a result,
there may be some changes in how the University operates. Further, there will be increased
responsibility. However, we are confident that any changes made will be in the best
interests of the University.
The Tennessee Board of Regents will maintain control over the community colleges and
Tennessee College of Applied Technology locations.
Is there anything that the The Tennessee Board of Regents will continue to do for
the universities?
During the transition period beginning July 1, 2016, and ending November 30, 2017,
the The Tennessee Board of Regents will continue the following functions on behalf
of the state university boards:
data systems
capital project planning and management
procurement
Starting on November 30, 2017, state university boards will be allowed to request
to assume the performance of these functions from the Tennessee higher education commission,
otherwise the Tennessee Board of Regents will continue the above mentioned functions.
