R141, Functions of the Commissioner of Higher Education

R141-1. Purpose

To describe the duties and responsibilities of the Commissioner of Higher Education.

3.1. Policy Coordination - Facilitates and coordinates the execution of all Board policies and procedures.

3.2. Leadership - Provides state level leadership in all activities affecting the System of Higher Education.

3.3. Master Planning - Coordinates the master planning efforts of the System.

3.4. Public Information - Serves as the spokesman for the System of Higher Education subject to the provisions of 3.8 of the Bylaws of the Board.

3.5. Council of Presidents - Serves as Chairman of the Council of Presidents and reports Council deliberations and makes recommendations to the Board.

3.6. Consultation - Provides leadership, advice and consultation as may be sought by institutional Presidents or directed by the Board.

3.7. Support Programs - Administers approved statewide support programs, subject to applicable Board policies.

3.8. Board Agenda - Prepares and presents the agenda for all Board meetings after consultation with the Council of Presidents and the Board.

3.9. Policy Considerations -Identifies policy considerations, specifies the significance thereof, and makes recommendations thereon to the Board.

3.10. Communications - Directs continuous communication between the colleges and universities and between them, the State Board of Regents, the Office of the Commissioner, related to problems and issues of common interest to the System of Higher Education.

3.11. Reporting Relationship of the Commissioner's Staff.

3.11.1. All members of the Commissioner's staff shall be hired upon recommendation of the Commissioner and shall report directly to him or her. The standing and special committees of the Board shall work with the Commissioner's staff through the Commissioner.

3.11.2. Associate Commissioners and other staff members involved in committee work and other assignments shall report to the Commissioner, who shall then report to the Board, unless the Commissioner on a case by case basis specifically requires an Associate Commissioner or staff member to report directly to the Board.

3.11.3. Members of the Board in fulfilling committee assignments should be cognizant of lines of authority and should obtain the Commissioner's authorization in dealing with Associate Commissioners or other staff members.

(Adopted September 21, 1976; amended May 22, 1978)