Michigan State University
PA-3: Participatory Governance

The MSU Board of Trustees is the highest governing body for the University. The Board of Trustees, elected by the voters of the State and responsible to all of the people of Michigan, exercises the final authority in the government of the University, within the limits fixed by the State Constitution The Board of Trustees is governed by the policies; procedures; and by-laws of the Board. https://trustees.msu.edu/bylaws/#article7. Policies 01-01-06 and 01-01-07 govern the faculty and student representation to the Board of Trustees, respectively. The bylaws identify the relationship with the President and with staff. The bylaws refer to the positions as liaisons but require the representatives to be a part of all board activities including; breakfast, pre-meetings, and board meetings. They participate in all board functions. This written requirement establishes the roles that the faculty representatives and the student representatives serve with the board. For further information on both groups, please see below. https://trustees.msu.edu/policies/Policy-Manual-Updated-2019-04-12.pdf
Board of Trustees – Student Representation:
There are four student representative positions designated by the bylaws. They are the President of the Council of Graduate Students, the Residence Halls Association President, the President of the Associated Students of MSU (ASMSU), and an At-Large Student Liaison.
Associated Students of MSU (ASMSU) is the student governing body and primary decision-making student body at the university. The General Assembly (the ASMSU legislative body) is made up of elected student representatives from each college, and this body meets twice monthly to pass bills, discuss campus issues, and vote on legislative action. These meetings are open to all members of the public. “Legislative action from the Assembly on behalf of the undergraduate student body is… carried forward in advocacy to University officials, community leaders, as well as representatives at the State Capitol and Federal level of government.” https://asmsu.msu.edu/divisions/general-assembly/. The president of ASMSU is elected by the general assembly of ASMSU.
The Council of Graduate Students is the authorized student government on campus representing all graduate/professional students at MSU. Officers are elected by the membership per their constitution. http://cogs.msu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/COGS-Constitution.pdf.
Board of Trustees representative.
The Residence Halls Association is the on-campus undergraduate student government RHA is the on-campus undergraduate student government comprised of elected representatives from each hall government, neighborhood caucus, the Council of Racial Ethnic Students (CORES), and the Council of Progressive Students (COPS). RHA brings together student leaders that drive critical dialogue and solutions on a range of campus issues. organization representing the more than 15,000 students who live on campus. http://rha.msu.edu/about-rha/leadership-board.html. The Board representatives are elected by the general assembly.

All staff employees at MSU can belong to a union. There are ten different unions total on campus, and if you choose to be a union member you can vote to elect your union representatives and also can run to be a representative.
For more information: http://www.hr.msu.edu/documents/contracts.htm

No one on the Board of Trustees is allowed to be a paid MSU employee. Board of Trustees – Staff relationships are governed by the by-laws.

Board of Trustees – Faculty Representation: https://trustees.msu.edu/meetings/liaisons.html
Five positions are designated as faculty representatives on the Board. Two positions are the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Steering Committee of University Council https://acadgov.msu.edu/university-council ; one faculty representative from the University Committee on faculty affairs, selected by the committee; and Two additional representatives selected by the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Steering Committee of University Council from the faculty who are members of the Steering Committee of University Council or members of an ad hoc special committee constituted by the Steering Committee of University Council. These individuals should be chosen to provide additional or special insights or counsel to the Board on topics of present interest to the faculty or topics currently being addressed by the Board. https://acadgov.msu.edu/faculty-senate

Along with other administrative offices, the Office of Academic Governance provides staff support to the the Steering Committee, University Council, Faculty Senate, and the University-Level Standing Committees. The office conducts and oversees elections for faculty vacancies on Standing Committees, Advisory Consultative Committees, At-Large Faculty Members of the Steering Committee and Other Boards and Committees. See http://acadgov.msu.edu/.

MSU engages the community directly on advisory councils and boards that influence decisions that contribute to or impact the community. Key examples of this are: the MMPC team. The Tree Management Committee and the Stormwater Management Team.

CAMPUS TREE MANAGEMENT PLAN ADMINISTRATION:
Campus Tree Committee:
The MSU Tree Management Committee meets quarterly, providing guidance and input on management plan components, including tree planting, maintenance, and removal procedures. They also provide outreach and education to the community and University
on the value and benefits of campus trees, and help to connect us to the
community at large for information exchange, program and service idea sharing, and for
exploring the potential for combined local environmental goals, stewardship policy, etc.

Composition of the MSU Tree Management Committee:
Director of the W.J. Beal Botanic Garden and Campus Arboretum
Campus Arborist
MSU Landscape Architect
Faculty Member (Department of Forestry)
Student Representative
Community Representative

Stormwater Management Plan Committee:
Greater Lansing Regional Committee (GLRC) The Greater Lansing Regional Committee (GLRC) for Stormwater Management is a guiding body comprised of participating communities within the Greater Lansing Region. The committee has been established to guide the implementation of the stormwater programs for the communities within three identified urbanized watersheds: the Grand River, the Red Cedar River and the Looking Glass River watersheds. GLRC Members The participating entities that make up the GLRC are as follows: [Symbol] City of DeWitt [Symbol] Meridian Charter Township [Symbol] City of East Lansing [Symbol] Oneida Charter Township [Symbol] City of Grand Ledge [Symbol] Michigan State University [Symbol] City of Lansing [Symbol] Lansing Public Schools 2 Amended February 2014 Michigan State University Stormwater Management Program [Symbol] City of Mason [Symbol] Windsor Charter Township [Symbol] Delhi Charter Township [Symbol] Clinton County [Symbol] Delta Charter Township [Symbol] Eaton County [Symbol] DeWitt Charter Township [Symbol] Ingham County [Symbol] Lansing Charter Township Within the GLRC, a number of committees have been established to guide various components of the regional stormwater activities, with others added as needed. MSU plays an active role crafting and implementing GLRC stormwater activities with partnering communities.

. Campus Stormwater Management and MSU Stormwater Committee Stormwater is managed on the MSU campus by a team of faculty, staff and students representing a broad cross-section of the University. Units and Departments that are playing a role in managing stormwater runoff include the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), IPF Engineering and Architectural Services, IPF Landscape Services, IPF Power and Water, Land Management Office, MSU Athletics, Campus Planning and Administration, Office of Campus Sustainability, Residential and Hospitality Services, Institute of Water Research, MSU Police, Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resource Studies, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and Department of Horticulture. A summary of roles and responsibilities for campus stormwater management is included as Appendix 2. A Stormwater Committee comprised of a subset of these representatives and chaired by the University Engineer guides the implementation of the SWMP

Mid-Michigan Particle Acceleration Cluster (MMPAC)

In October 2017 the US Dept. of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded Michigan State University Center for Community and Economic Development (CCED) a grant to research and design a strategic plan that will make the industry a cornerstone of the future economic development efforts in the region. In collaboration, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC) will provide support and serve on the advisory committee for the project. As such, the MSU CCED will be the lead on the study, conducting an in-depth analysis and developing specific guidance for local private sector leaders, economic development professionals, community planners, educators, policy makers and other key stakeholders in the region on actions likely to increase the region’s job creation and economic benefits from the unique FRIB investment.

In addition; as plans are developed and submitted for approval by the university governance, the following procedures involve community opportunities for engagement through the Board of Trustees Community Engagement Policy. https://trustees.msu.edu/meetings/public-participation.html

Land use and university zoning ordinance changes are required to go to the board pursuant to the Campus Master Plan zoning ordinance. Members of the board allocate funds through subcommittees, and members of the board are elected by the general public of the state of Michigan. In regards to the land use ordinance of MSU: “This ordinance is enacted by the Board of Trustees of Michigan State University pursuant to, and in accordance with, the authority and responsibility of said Board contained in the Constitution of the State of Michigan and Public Acts relating thereto.”
https://ipf.msu.edu/construction/campus-master-plan/university-zoning-ordinance
All board meetings are public, and open comment periods are open to the local community at every board meeting. Anyone from the public is allowed to speak on these issues. The Board makes the ultimate decision, but the Board of Trustees is an open body. The bylaws of the Board allow for public testimony and comment on any agenda item, including but not limited to land use planning and investment. Additionally, as a public university, MSU is required to publish all land use plans. Community members are also during the planning process as land use plans are developed; this can occur through sitting on a planning development team, through a public forum, or through other means.
“Meetings of the Board of Trustees are open to the public as provided by law. The Board regards the opportunity for expression of public views on issues before the Board as an important part of its deliberations. To accommodate such expression, the Board reserves a portion of its regular meeting for persons who wish to address the Board. Those wishing to address the Board must submit a Public Speaker Request Form to the Vice President and Secretary to the Board of Trustees in advance of the posted deadline for doing so.”
https://trustees.msu.edu/meetings/public-participation.html
https://trustees.msu.edu/policies/Policy-Manual-Updated-2019-04-12.pdf
Committee on Budget and Finance: The responsibilities for the committee consist of managing the university budget, which is publicly funded and supported by the state of Michigan. Specific responsibilities of the committee responsibilities include oversight of the operating and capital budgets of the university, review of policies which have significant financial impact, review of contracts for construction, assurance of debt, management of real estate owned or gifted to the university and any such other matters which the Board finds may have financial or budget implications. The committee also has the roles and responsibilities assigned to it under the Board’s Investment Policy 01-07-01 (see link below). The President or the Executive Vice President for Administrative Services may consult with the committee on any matters concerning the administration of the university, including such areas as information technology services, human resources and purchasing and procurement.
Members 2019-2021:
• Melanie Foster, Chair
• Dianne Byrum
• Joel Ferguson
• Dan Kelly

Investment Advisory Subcommittee
The Investment Advisory Subcommittee is a subcommittee of the Committee on Budget and Finance. Membership of the committee will be determined as set forth in the Stipulations for Membership of the Investment Advisory Subcommittee contained in the Stipulations and Supporting Documents section of the Board’s Policy Manual. The role and responsibilities of the Investment Advisory Subcommittee are set forth in the Board’s Investment Policy 01-07-01 (see link below). Investment at MSU
Members 2019-2021:
• Melanie Foster, Chair
• Dianne Byrum
• Joel Ferguson
• Dan Kelly

Committee on Audit, Risk and Compliance
The committee responsibilities include reviewing the financial reporting processes and audits of financial reporting processes and audits of financial statements, the internal audit program and the review and selection of the independent auditors. The committee provides oversight for university risk management in order to drive accountability across the entire community. The committee may identify threats and risks that need to be subjected to greater scrutiny by appropriate university leaders. The committee will also review reports from the Chief Compliance Officer (COO) and senior leadership regarding priorities, operation and effectiveness of the university’s compliance efforts. The chief compliance officer will report on the effectiveness and compliance by the university representatives and employees with both the Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics. The committee will review any violations and failures to comply with federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations, as well as institutional policies. The committee will oversee compliance with the Board of Trustees Conflict of Interest policy; its role within the university is paramount in keeping MSU accountable with the local and state communities in regards to reporting processes and finance.
Members 2019-2021:
• Dan Kelly, Chair
• Brian Mosallam
• Nancy Schlichting
• Brianna Scott
MSU also hosts the National Charrette Institute and the National Institute for Social Research, which engage the public in open policy forums for research.
https://trustees.msu.edu/policies/Policy-Manual-Updated-2019-04-12.pdf

The MSU Board of Trustees consist of eight members who are elected by the voters of the state of Michigan through General Election. This voting system was established in 1908: “In the Constitution of 1908, new sections 7 and 8, relative to the state board of agriculture, had the effect of making the governing body a constitutional board elected by the people instead of a statutory board appointed by the governor.” The eight members represent different areas of the state and of Michigan State University. Those on the board who fall within the categories of local government and/or educational organizations, Private sector organizations, and Civil society are listed below, and descriptions of their relationship to those categories are provided.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AN/OR EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
Melanie Foster was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2004 and again in 2014. Governor John Engler appointed Foster to the MSU Board of Trustees from 1991 to 1992 and to the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2004. She is currently chair of the Finance Committee and the Investment Advisory Subcommittee and serves on the board of the MSU Foundation. Foster was raised in the landscape and sod farming business in Flat Rock, Michigan. Foster earned a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from MSU.
PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANIZATIONS:
Joel I. Ferguson was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1986 and has been re-elected three times. Ferguson is the vice chair of Blue Cross Foundation, cofounder of F & S Development Company, and the developer of 14 multi-family residential complexes throughout Michigan. He is the cofounder of Lansing television station WFSL-TV (Channel 47) and the founder of Lansing’s WLAJ-TV (Channel 53) television station. He also is the owner and developer of many major office buildings in the Lansing area. One of the original organizers of Capitol National Bank, Ferguson was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Ferguson graduated from MSU in 1965 with a degree in elementary education.
Nancy M. Schlichting retired in 2017 after 14 years as CEO of Henry Ford Health System, based in Detroit. Schlichting has more than 35 years of senior level executive experience in four major health systems and has served on more than 80 corporate and community boards.

CIVIL SOCIETY:
Dianne Byrum was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2008 and again in 2016. Byrum is a partner at Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, a public relations firm she founded in 2006, with offices in East Lansing and Grand Rapids. Before that, she was the Michigan House Democratic Leader, the first woman to lead a caucus in the state. Byrum was first elected to the Michigan House in 1991, and to the state Senate in 1995, returning to the House in 2002. She served on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners from 1983 to 1990. Byrum has served as codirector of the Michigan Political Leadership Program, an MSU program that trains future public policy leaders. She is a recipient of the Champion of Hope award from the Children’s Trust Fund and the Public Official of the Year award from Habitat for Humanity.
Dan Kelly was elected to the Board of Trustees for an eight-year term that began January 1, 2017. Previously, Dan served six years on the Oakland Community College Board of Trustees as both a trustee and the board chair. Additionally, Dan was elected to two, four-year terms on the Independence Township Board of Trustees, where he also served as a member of the Township’s Planning Commission. Mr. Kelly is a practicing attorney and member of the Board of Directors of the Troy-based law firm of Giarmarco, Mullins, and Horton, PC, where he serves as chair of the firm’s municipal department. With more than 25 years of litigation experience on behalf of municipalities, school districts, and various corporate clients, Dan is frequently asked to speak on the topics of risk management and governmental liability.
As a Financial Advisor and founding partner of Spartan Wealth Management, and by Brian Mosallam’s virtue of Mosallam’s leadership and philanthropy, he serves on various boards and business organizations, including serving as the co-chair of the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority – the entity that owns Comerica Park and Ford Field.
Brianna T. Scott was elected to the MSU Board of Trustees for an eight-year term that began Jan. 1, 2019. Scott grew up in Muskegon and attended MSU, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing. She earned a law degree from Wayne State University in 2000 and is licensed to practice law in Michigan and New York. Scott was hired as the first African-American assistant prosecutor in Muskegon County. During her final year in the prosecutor’s office, she worked on felony criminal sexual conduct and neglect/abuse cases. In 2005, Scott founded the first minority (African-American and female) law firm in Muskegon and now employs a full-time staff of five. Her list of board memberships includes Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Access Health, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, the Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore and the United Way of the Lakeshore. She is a past president and the first person of color to lead the Muskegon Rotary Club and has acted as chair of its Diversity and Inclusion Committee since 2013.
Kelly Tebay was elected to the Board of Trustees for an eight-year term that began Jan. 1, 2019. Tebay is a director of corporate relations at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, helping to engage Michiganders with private-sector partners and to raise money in support of social justice and educational work throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. She began her career in professional fundraising with work in state government and for a host of state and federal political campaigns. Raised in Shelby Township and Yale, Michigan, Tebay graduated from Yale Public Schools. She enrolled in James Madison College at MSU where she earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations with a specialization in Muslim studies. While at MSU, Tebay studied abroad in Egypt, learned Arabic and served as a member of the Madison Academic Diversity Initiative. She went on to earn a master’s degree in law enforcement intelligence and analysis with certificates in homeland security and critical thinking, also from MSU.

https://acadgov.msu.edu/sites/default/files/content/Governance%20organization-new_Revised09-05-17.pdf