BOT Regs Section III - Academic Affairs

SECTION III.  ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

1. University Mission Statement and Strategic Framework

   1. The University shall develop and keep current a Mission Statement, which must be clear and publicly articulated and consistent with accreditation requirements. The Mission Statement, and any amendments to or restatement thereof, shall be presented by the President to the Board at least once every five (5) years for review, evaluation, and approval.
   2. The Mission Statement may be adopted, amended, or repealed at any meeting of the Board pursuant to the same procedures set forth in Regulation I(C) regarding adopting, amending, or repealing a Board Regulation.
   3. The University shall develop and keep current a Strategic Framework, which shall consist of a systematic strategic plan designed to ensure quality improvement, which shall be presented by the President to the Board at least once every five (5) years for review, evaluation, and approval.
   4. The Strategic Framework may be adopted, amended, or repealed at any regular meeting of the Board by majority vote of the voting membership of the Board.

2. University Calendar

   1. The University shall develop a University Calendar containing significant academic dates and events during the twelve month period commencing with each fall term. The University Calendar shall become effective when approved by the President and shall be published in the official University Catalog. 
   2. The University Calendar shall contain the following dates and such other dates as are necessary and appropriate: opening and closing dates of each term; registration dates, including the date after which a fee for late registration will be charged; last day for withdrawal; final examination periods; recognized holidays; vacation; and commencement. 

3. Degrees

   1. Earned Degrees

      1. The University shall develop requirements for earned degrees. The requirements and any changes shall become effective when approved by the President.
      2. The President shall submit an annual report to the Board on earned degrees awarded.
      3. Earned degrees shall be conferred by the University pursuant to the authority vested in the Board upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and recommendation to the President by the faculty. At the discretion of the President, and upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements, students may receive their degrees prior to scheduled commencement exercises. 

   2. Honorary Degrees

      1. Criteria

         Honorary degrees may be awarded only by approval of the Board upon the recommendation of the President. The President shall establish a representative committee, composed of faculty, academic staff, and administrative staff which shall recommend to the President proposed honorary degree recipients selected from nominations by the faculty, students, staff, alumni and Trustees. Before requesting Board approval, the President shall submit to the Board written information concerning the candidate’s achievements and any significant contributions to the University, higher education, or the State of Illinois. Unless an exception is approved by the Board, Board approval of candidates must be obtained at least four months prior to the award of the degree and no more than six honorary degrees may be awarded by the University each year. 

      2. Limitations

         Elected or appointed public officials in state or local government, members and employees of the Board, and members and employees of the Board of Higher Education are ineligible for award of an honorary degree during their term of office or employment. 

4. Academic Programs and Plans

   1. A request for initiation of a new degree program or a new unit of instruction, research, or public service, including the establishment of a college, school, department, division, center, or institute, shall be presented to the Board for approval and, where applicable, to the Board of Higher Education. The President shall make recommendations to the Board concerning such matters.
   2. A request for initiation of an off-campus program which requires Board of Higher Education approval shall be submitted to the Board for approval prior to being submitted to the Board of Higher Education. The President shall make recommendations to the Board concerning such matters. 
   3. A request for a reasonable and moderate extension of an existing program shall be submitted to the President for approval and, where applicable, to the Board of Higher Education.
   4. A request to add or delete courses shall be submitted to the President for approval.
   5. According to an established timetable, the President shall conduct a review of each of the academic programs offered at the university and shall submit for Board approval recommendations on the status of each academic program. Each program will be reviewed at least every eight years. 
   6. The University shall prepare an academic plan for review by the Board which shall describe the scope and mission of the University and its program priorities. 

5. Grants and Contracts

   1. The University shall develop policies concerning grants and contracts. The policies and any changes shall become effective when approved by the President. 

      The policies shall contain the following provisions and such other provisions as are necessary and appropriate. 

      1. Provisions for the review and administration of grants and contracts which shall ensure their consistency with the University’s academic mission, instructional commitments, and financial capabilities.
      2. Provisions to ensure that persons engaged in grant or contract funded activities do not have conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of the activities and the University. 
      3. Provisions to safeguard human subjects involved in research activities.
   2. Each grant or contract that requires Board of Higher Education approval shall be submitted by the President to the Board of Trustees with a recommendation for action.
   3. Grants and contracts that do not require Board of Higher Education approval shall be approved by the President.
   4. The President shall submit an annual report to the Board on grants and contracts.