Revisions to the University of Michigan Board of Regents’ Bylaws Sec. 2.01, which addresses top university administrators, are being posted for public comment before facing regent approval.
The title of “Vice President (Non-Executive Officer)” is being proposed to attract and retain top talent for certain administrative roles at U-M. A market analysis aligned the scope of responsibilities with industry trends, candidate preferences and peer institutions. Findings indicate that using the vice president title will enhance U-M’s competitiveness in the job market.
Comments should be submitted by completing an online form at myumi.ch/ype51 no later than Feb. 18. Regents will consider the revisions at their Feb. 20 meeting. Proposed changes to the applicable section are noted below in bold italic type.
(Proposed for revision Feb. 20, 2025)
Chapter II: University Executive Officers
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 office of chair, vice chair, etc.)
In addition to the vice presidents who serve as executive officers of the University, the president may appoint individuals to non-executive officer positions bearing the title “vice president.” These appointees will report directly to an executive officer, or may report to the president. Such vice presidents are not considered executive officers and, therefore, do not possess the privileges, authority, responsibilities, or requirements designated for executive officers. To maintain clarity and distinction between roles, no non-executive officer vice president shall bear the same full title as an executive officer vice president.
Silke-Maria Weineck
My sense is that people who will only serve a public institution if they get a fancy but meaningless title (“do not possess the privileges, authority, responsibilities, or requirements designated for executive officers”) are precisely the people you should not hire, ever.