Board of Regents of the University of Michigan

Chapter II. University Executive Officers

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Sec. 2.01. The President

In addition to the duties and functions otherwise provided for in these bylaws, the president of the university will exercise such general powers not inconsistent with the applicable laws of the state of Michigan and these bylaws as are inherent in a chief executive; including, without limitation, general oversight of the teaching and research programs; the libraries, museums, and other supporting services; the general welfare of the faculty and supporting staff; the business and financial welfare of the university; and the maintenance of health, diligence, and order among the students.

The president is and will always be a member of the University Senate and of each of the governing faculties of the university.

The president, the chancellors of the university at Dearborn and at Flint, and the vice presidents constitute the executive officers of the university.

All executive officers of the university will perform their duties under the general direction of the president. (See also Sec. 1.06.)

Sec. 2.02. The University of Michigan-Dearborn: The Chancellor

The chancellor of the University of Michigan-Dearborn will be appointed on recommendation of the president and, subject to the general direction of the president, will serve as the chief executive officer of the University of Michigan-Dearborn in all educational, service, and supporting activities of the campus, including general oversight of the teaching and research programs; the libraries and other supporting services; the general welfare of the faculty and supporting staff; the business and financial welfare of the campus; and the maintenance of health, diligence, and order among the students. The chancellor will meet with the board.

Sec. 2.03. The University of Michigan-Flint: The Chancellor

The chancellor of the University of Michigan-Flint will be appointed on recommendation of the president and, subject to the general direction of the president, will serve as the chief executive officer of the University of Michigan-Flint in all educational, service, and supporting activities of the campus, including general oversight of the teaching and research programs; the libraries and other supporting services; the general welfare of the faculty and supporting staff; the business and financial welfare of the campus; and the maintenance of health, diligence, and order among the students. The chancellor will meet with the board.

Sec. 2.04. The Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs (revised April 2009)

The provost and executive vice president for academic affairs will be the chief academic and budget officer for the Ann Arbor campus of the University of Michigan. In this capacity, the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs will exercise executive responsibility for the Ann Arbor campus educational programs and supporting activities.

The following positions will report directly to the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs: the deans of the schools and colleges (the deans of the Medical School and the School of Nursing report to and are appointed jointly by the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and the executive vice president for medical affairs), the director of the Institute for Social Research, the university librarian and dean of libraries, the director of the Museum of Art, and other administrative offices as determined by the president.

The provost and executive vice president for academic affairs will be a member, without vote, of each of the governing faculties. The provost and executive vice president for academic affairs will recommend faculty appointments, promotions and tenure actions to the president for action by the Board of Regents.

Sec. 2.05. The Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

The executive vice president and chief financial officer is the chief financial officer of the university. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided, the executive vice president and chief financial officer will have general supervision of the finances, property, and business of the university. The executive vice president and chief financial officer will be the chief advisor of the president on financial matters. (See also Sec. 3.01.)

Sec. 2.06. The Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs (revised July 2008)

The executive vice president for medical affairs will be the chief executive officer of the University of Michigan Health System with responsibility for and leadership of the University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers, and Michigan Health Corporation, and, with the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, the University of Michigan Medical School.

The Hospitals and Health Centers director and chief executive officer will report directly to the executive vice president for medical affairs and will be appointed upon recommendation of the executive vice president for medical affairs to the president for action by the Board of Regents. The deans of the Medical School and School of Nursing will report jointly to the executive vice president for medical affairs and the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, and will be appointed upon the joint recommendation of the executive vice president for medical affairs and the provost and executive vice president for academic affairs to the president for action by the Board of Regents.

The executive vice president for medical affairs will recommend faculty appointments, promotions and tenure actions for the Medical School to the provost. The executive vice president for medical affairs will have responsibility for salary approvals, strategic and business planning, direction of clinical delivery systems, and management support services; overall management of patient care and establishment of health system planning, objectives and goals; development of capital and operating budgets which maintain the financial strength of the Health System; and managing relationships with affiliate organizations.

The executive vice president for medical affairs will have the authority up to the threshold amounts established by the president to execute contracts and to approve expenditures not in the approved annual operating budget. The executive vice president for medical affairs may delegate in writing to designated representatives authority to execute contracts relating to the Health System.

Sec. 2.07. The Vice President for Government Relations

The vice president for government relations will be the senior officer in charge of planning, coordinating, and supervising the university's liaison activities with local, state, and federal governments in all areas other than research.

The vice president for government relations will be the university's contact with the State Board of Education.

Sec. 2.08. The Vice President for Research

The vice president for research will exercise general executive responsibility for the research programs of the university and will assist and advise the president and the board in all matters pertaining to the research programs and activities of the university.

The vice president for research will exercise executive responsibility for the review of recommendations of the deans, directors, or other heads of schools, colleges, and other educational and research units with respect to research proposals, research budgets, and appointment of personnel under research budgets.

The vice president for research will be responsible for maintaining appropriate liaisons between the university and foundations, governmental agencies, and other organizations providing financial support for university research. The vice president for research will advise and assist university staff members in approaches to outside agencies for research funds, and the vice president for research will be advised of all such approaches made by staff members on behalf of the university.

Sec. 2.09. The Vice President for Development

The vice president for development will be responsible for creating and sustaining relationships among the university, its alumni and the people and institutions of the State of Michigan and elsewhere to obtain private support of the institution; for events to support the university's development activities; for maintaining donor and alumni information; and for the administration of the university's development programs as directed by the president.

Sec. 2.10. The Vice President for Student Affairs

The vice president for student affairs will be the chief administrative officer of the Office of Student Affairs; will designate heads of the various units of the Office of Student Affairs; and will advise the board, the president, the governing faculties, and other appropriate agencies concerning student affairs and student services in general.

Sec. 2.11. The Vice President and Secretary of the University

Under the direction of the president, the vice president and secretary of the university will coordinate the business affairs of the board and facilitate effective communication between the members of the board and the executive officers.

The vice president and secretary of the university will be responsible to the board, and will perform such functions as may be necessary for the proper and legal exercise of the board's authority. The vice president and secretary of the university will duly execute for and on behalf of the Regents of the University of Michigan or the University of Michigan such instruments and documents which would devolve to a corporate officer and would be usual to that office.

The vice president and secretary of the university will be the official custodian of the minutes and all supporting documents of the Board of Regents and of the Seal of the University of Michigan . The vice president and secretary of the university will, in consultation with the vice president and general counsel, determine the appropriateness of the use of the seal by parties within and outside the university.

The vice president and secretary of the university will perform such other duties as the board or the president may assign. (See also Sec. 1.06.)

Sec. 2.12. The Vice President and General Counsel

Under the direction of the board and the president, the vice president and general counsel will conduct the legal affairs of and provide legal advice and representation for the university. When necessary and appropriate, the vice president and general counsel will contract for and manage outside legal services.

Sec. 2.13. The Vice President for Global Communications and Strategic Initiatives (revised February 2012)

The vice president for global communications and strategic initiatives will be responsible for enhancing the University's reputation and visibility locally, nationally, and internationally, and will work to position and differentiate the University of Michigan among leading institutions of higher education. The vice president for global communications and strategic initiatives will oversee freedom of information inquiries, executive communications, marketing and design, media relations and public affairs, and the news and broadcasting services.

The vice president for global communications and strategic initiatives will serve as the University's chief communications officer and will work with the Board of Regents and executive officers to set University policy on matters of communications and marketing, develop and implement strategic communications plans, and provide leadership in expanding the University's digital comunications and social media engagement.

Sec. 2.14. Appointments

All officers, faculty members, and employees of the university hold their positions by appointment by the board or by authority conferred by the board. Unless otherwise specifically provided by the board, all appointments by the board will be made upon recommendation by the president. The board may also, by specific action, relieve the president of reporting new appointees in certain select categories of employees. (See also Secs. 5.06, 5.07, 5.08, 5.22, and 5.23.)

Sec. 2.15. Oath of Office

Each employee of the state of Michigan and its agencies is required by law to subscribe to the following constitutional oath of office before beginning his or her duties: I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the State of Michigan, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my position and subsequent positions according to the best of my ability.

Sec. 2.16. Gifts to Regents and University Employees

No regent or university employee will accept any gift of substantial value from any student, or any person having business relations with the university, or anyone else based upon the regent's or employee's position at the university.

Sec. 2.17. The Powers and Duties of the Officers and Committees

The powers and duties of the officers and committees conferred upon them by the provisions of existing bylaws will be in addition to the powers and duties conferred upon them by the provisions of this Chapter II.

Any existing bylaw which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Chapter II is hereby expressly repealed.

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Bylaws updated: May 2012 (Revision of Sections 11.38 and 11.58)