BYLAWS

of the GENETICS GRADUATE PROGRAM

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

1. PREAMBLE

The Genetics Program is an interdepartmental doctoral program within the College of Natural Science. The objectives of the Genetics Program are to train students for a career involving research and teaching and to provide them with a perception of the nature and significance of genetics and related areas of biochemistry and molecular biology so as to be able to appreciate and contribute to new developments in this rapidly changing field.

The purpose of this document is to outline the procedures by which the Genetics faculty and graduate students participate in the academic governance of the Genetics Program.

If, in any matter, specifications or omissions place these Bylaws in conflict with University or College policies, as promulgated in their Bylaws, the latter shall take precedence.

2. DIRECTOR AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE GENETICS PROGRAM

2.1. Director

2.1.1. The Director is the chief administrator, responsible for the overall operation of the Genetics Program. His/her function is to achieve the objectives stated in the preamble. The Director shall be advised by the Genetics Program Executive Committee (GPEC), relevant standing and ad-hoc committees, and/or the Genetics faculty and graduate students as a whole, and shall weigh seriously any recommendations made at their meetings or through voting processes.

2.1.2. Functions

2.1.2.1.Long range planning for the Genetics Program involving matters of graduate student training and budget.

2.1.2.2.Serve as administrative liaison between the Genetics Program and the departments, colleges and other graduate programs of Michigan State University.

2.1.2.3.Prepare annual budget requests and supervise budget expenditures.

2.1.2.4.Provide, within limits of the budget, adequate supporting services (secretarial, communications among program faculty and students).

2.1.2.5.Organize or oversee Genetics Program functions including (but not limited to): graduate student recruitment and admission, definition of graduate student requirements, progress of graduate students through their programs, Genetics Program courses, seminars, retreats, a graduate student meeting at least once per year and personnel issues within the realm of the Genetics Program

2.1.3. Appointment and Review

2.1.3.1.The Genetics Program Executive Committee (or a designated search committee), following consultation with the entire Genetics faculty, shall represent the Genetics Program to establish procedures for selection in accord with College and University bylaws. The Genetics faculty shall be kept informed of any proceedings concerned with the selection of a new director.

2.1.3.2.In accordance with the Bylaws of Michigan State University, at intervals not to exceed five years, the Dean of Natural Science shall review the desirability of continuing the appointment of the current Director. At the same time, the director shall be consulted by the Dean concerning his/her desire and willingness to continue. The Genetics faculty through the Genetics Program Executive Committee or a designated ad-hoc committee shall represent the Genetics faculty in determining procedures for the review and reappointment of the Director. Under extraordinary circumstances, the Genetics faculty may request from the Dean a review of the Director at any time.

2.1.3.3.Upon recommendation of the Dean that a new Director be found, or upon retirement, or death of the Director, a new Director shall be appointed in accordance with 2.1.3.1.

2.1.3.4.In the event that no person holds an appointment as Director, or upon incapacitation of the Director, the Associate Director shall serve as the Acting Director. The Acting Director shall perform the duties of the Director until a new Director is appointed.

2.1.3.5.In the event that the Director is temporarily absent from the University, the Associate Director will serve as the Acting Director.

2.2. Associate Director

2.2.1. The Associate Director is appointed by the Director of the Genetics Program, from the core members of the Genetics Faculty. The term of the Associate Director and the assigned duties are at the discretion of the Director.

3. MEMBERSHIP AND MEMBERSHIP REVIEW

3.1. Membership

3.1.1. Core Genetics Faculty

3.1.1.1.Any tenure-system or tenured MSU faculty member with an active interest in genetic research is encouraged to apply for Genetics Program faculty status. The prospective Genetics faculty member should direct a letter to the Director, stating his/her interest in joining the Genetics Program, describing his/her research interests and background, as well as listing present and/or projected research grant support. In addition, a copy of his/her full curriculum vita and a number of recent reprints should be provided.

These materials will be distributed by the Genetics Program Director to the Associate Director and the members of the Genetics Program Executive Committee for comments. A Genetics Program Executive Committee meeting may be called at that time to discuss the candidate and make a recommendation to the Director. The final decision will lie with the Director. The Director will be responsible for notifying the candidate of the decision and outlining the rights and responsibilities of Genetics Program faculty members, as summarized in 3.1.1.2.

3.1.1.2.Core Genetics Faculty Rights and Responsibilities

3.1.1.2.1.Genetics Program core faculty members will have the right to vote in Genetics Programs elections and at Genetics Program faculty meetings.

3.1.1.2.2.Genetics Program core faculty members will have the right to supervise Genetics Program students and serve as major professor (advisor) on their Guidance Committee. They are expected to ensure that the rules of the Genetics Academic Program are followed.

3.1.1.2.3.Genetics Program faculty members are expected to occasionally participate in teaching Genetics 800 and other relevant courses (e.g. Ethics in Science), attend Genetics Program faculty meetings and other Genetics Program activities such as the Genetics Program symposium, seminar series and retreat. Members are also expected to serve on Genetics Program committees.

3.1.2. Associate Genetics Faculty

3.1.2.1.An associate Genetics Program faculty status can be granted to non-tenure track MSU faculty members with an active interest in genetics. The application process is the same as described above under section 3.1.1.1.

3.1.2.2.Associate Genetics Faculty Rights and Responsibilities

3.1.2.2.1.Genetics Program associate faculty members will have the right to vote in Genetics Programs elections and at Genetics Program faculty meetings.

3.1.2.2.2.Associate Genetics Program faculty are not able to serve as a major professor for Genetics Program graduate students. Arrangements must be made to have a core Genetics Program faculty member serve as major professor for students working with an associate Genetics Program faculty member. In exceptional cases, a petition can be made to The Graduate School by the non-tenure system faculty to waive this restriction.

3.1.2.2.3.Genetics Program associate faculty members are expected to occasionally participate in teaching Genetics 800 and other relevant courses (e.g. Ethics in Science), in Genetics Program faculty meetings and other Genetics Program activities such as the Genetics Program symposium, seminar series and the retreat. Members are also expect to serve on Genetics Program committees.

3.2. Membership Meetings

3.2.1. The Genetics Program Office shall notify members of the Genetics faculty of the time, place, and agenda of the proposed meetings at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

3.2.2. Each Genetics Program faculty member in attendance shall have a vote on matters before the meeting.

3.2.3. Action may be taken by a majority of a quorum. A quorum shall consist of those voting faculty members in actual attendance. A mail ballot of the complete Genetics Program voting faculty shall be required if requested by more than one-third of those present. Mail ballots shall be conducted by the Secretary of the Genetics Program. A quorum for a mail ballot shall be those ballots returned (marked or unmarked). The tally will be made ten calendars days after the last ballot is sent out.

3.3. Membership Review

3.3.1. Each Genetics Program faculty member shall be reviewed every five years by the Director and the Genetics Program Executive Committee. At the time of the review, the Genetics Program faculty member will be asked to provide an updated curriculum vita and recent reprints, as well as a short summary of their activities within the Genetics program during the past five years. The Genetics Program Executive Committee will evaluate the faculty member’s academic and research program, level of research funding and participation in Genetics Program activities and make a recommendation to the Director. The Director, in consultation with the Associate Director, will make a final decision and provide the faculty member with a letter or reappointment, which may include feedback on how to improve participation in the Genetics Program.

4. GENETICS PROGRAM COMMITTEES

4.1. Genetics Program Executive Committee (GPEC)

4.1.1. Membership

4.1.1.1.The GPEC shall consist of the Genetics Program Director, the Associate Director and four other Genetics Program core faculty members and one graduate student. The four faculty members shall be elected by the Genetics Program faculty to serve two-year terms. The graduate student member shall be elected by the graduate students to serve a one year term. The elections shall be held in the spring term, according to procedures described below, and members shall take office on June 1. Two faculty members shall be elected in even-numbered years and two in odd-numbered years. No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms.

4.1.1.2.The election shall be by mail ballot. The GPEC shall conduct the election by preparing a list of nominees to include all Genetics Program core faculty who are willing to serve. The list shall be mailed to all faculty. The votes cast on the first ballot shall equal the number of members to be selected. Each succeeding ballot to finalize the election shall be cast also in a mail ballot.

4.1.1.3.If for a particular position or positions, no one received more than 30% of the votes cast on the first ballot, a run-off election for each unfilled position shall be held between the non-elected candidates receiving the most votes on the first ballot. The number of candidates in a run-off election will be twice the number of vacancies to be filled. The candidates receiving the most votes in the run-off election shall be elected. An “alternate” committee member shall be that member receiving the next highest number of votes.

4.1.1.4.In the event of an absence greater than three months by a permanent member, the position would become vacant and be filled by the elected “alternate.”

4.1.2. Functions

4.1.2.1.The committee shall serve to represent the faculty in providing advice to the Director and Associate Director on: (1) appointment of new faculty, (2) reviews, reappointment and termination of existing faculty, and (3) other major policy matters relating to the Genetics Program.

4.1.2.2.Regular meetings of the GPEC shall be scheduled at the discretion of the Director, to discuss matters as defined above. In addition, the scheduling of a meeting may be initiated by a GPEC member of at the request of any Genetics Program faculty member or graduate student for the purpose of discussion of a specific matter defined under 4.1.2.5.

4.1.2.3.The GPEC shall participate directly, (or indirectly by forming an ad hoc committee of Genetics faculty) in the selection and review of the Director.

4.1.2.4.The GPEC, together with the Director, shall schedule faculty meetings at least once a semester, excluding summer, and shall prepare the agenda.

4.1.2.5.The GPEC shall consider matters initiated by individual faculty members on subjects of concern to them and brought to the attention of the committee. If a suggested solution from the GPEC or Director does not satisfy the faculty member, he/she may request that the matter be brought before the Genetics Program faculty at a faculty meeting. The matter will then be placed on the agenda by the GPEC.

4.1.2.6.The GPEC shall assist the Director in appointing the members and in the development of a charge to each standing committee at the beginning of each academic year (June), and in evaluating the performance of each committee at the end of each academic year (May).

4.1.2.7.The GPEC shall draw up a set of Genetics Program Bylaws for approval by the faculty and make recommendations for change to the faculty when the committee deems it desirable.

4.2. Graduate Admissions Committee

4.2.1. Membership

4.2.1.1.The Graduate Admissions committee shall consist of two to four Genetics Program faculty and two Genetics Program graduate students selected by the Director in consultation with the GPEC. Graduate Admissions Committee members shall serve renewable one-year terms.

4.2.2. Functions

4.2.2.1.The Graduate Admissions Committee shall evaluate applications for admission to the Genetics Graduate Program and make recommendations to the Director as to whether or not the applicants should be admitted. In doing so, the graduate Admissions committee shall consider the following: academic performance, research experience, letters of recommendation, competence in the English language, GRE scores and recommendations by individuals in the applicant’s field of interest.

4.2.2.2.The Graduate Admissions Committee shall recruit vigorously the best-qualified candidates, and assist the Director in identifying such candidates and in procuring recruiting fellowships for them.

4.3. Academic Programs Committee

4.3.1. Membership

4.3.1.1.The Academic Programs Committee shall consist of two to four Genetics Program faculty and two Genetics Program graduate students selected by the Director in consultation with the GPEC. Academic Programs Committee members shall serve renewable one-year terms.

4.3.2. Functions

4.3.2.1.The Academic Programs Committee shall be responsible for the initiation and performance of periodic reviews, at intervals not exceeding four years, of course offerings and requirements in the Genetics Program, and advise the Director of desirable changes. In performing this function, the Committee shall work closely with the Director and Associate Director, affected and concerned individual faculty, and the faculty and graduate students in the Genetics Program.

4.3.2.2.Any member of the Genetics Program faculty may initiate requests for new courses or changes in existing courses.

4.3.2.3.The Academic Programs Committee shall be responsible for the consideration of revisions in existing degree programs and the instigation and design of new degree programs, and advise the Director and Genetics Program faculty on the implementation and development of these initiatives.

4.3.2.4.The Academic Programs Committee shall be responsible for review and approval of Genetics Program course offerings, and assist the Director in identifying suitable subjects and instructors for the Genetics Program seminar course, GEN 800.

4.4. Seminar Series/Symposium Committee

4.4.1. Membership

4.4.1.1.The Seminar Series/Symposium Committee shall consist of at least one faculty member and one graduate student in the Genetic Program selected by the Director in consultation with the GPEC for a one-year term.

4.4.2. Functions

4.4.2.1.The Seminar Series/Symposium Committee shall assist the Director in choosing a seminar or symposium format for the year, and in selecting appropriate topics and presenters. In doing so, the Seminar Series/Symposium Committee shall solicit in writing suggestions from both Genetics Program faculty and students.

4.4.2.2.The Seminar Series/Symposium Committee shall assume responsibility for the organization and execution of the seminar series/symposium.

5. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

5.1. Any Genetics Program Faculty Member, as defined under 3.1, and any Genetics Program Graduate Student, may initiate a grievance procedure, alleging violation of existing policies or established practices by an Administrator.

5.2. Any Genetics Program Faculty member with the rank of professor, associate professor, assistant professor, lecturer, instructor or assistant instructor may initiate such grievance procedures, by filing a complaint with the Faculty Grievance Officer (FGO), pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Model Academic Unit Grievance Procedure (MAUGP) approved by the UCFA on April, 1991. However, grieving Genetics Program Faculty Members are encouraged to discuss their grievances first with the Genetics Program Director, Associate Director, or with the Genetics Program Executive Committee.

5.3. Any Genetics Program Graduate Student may initiate a grievance procedures, by filing a complaint pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities document approved by the University Graduate Council/COGS, Academic Council, and the MSU Board of Trustees in 1994, effective July 27th, 1994. However, grieving Genetics Program Graduate Students are encouraged to discuss their grievances first with the Genetics Program Director, Associate Director, or with the Genetics Program Executive Committee.

6. BYLAWS

6.1. Initial Approval

6.1.1. The Genetics Program Bylaws, as drafted by the GPEC, shall become effective upon approval by a two-thirds majority vote of the Genetics Program faculty.

6.2. Interpretation

6.2.1. The GPEC shall be the final authority with regard to the interpretation of these bylaws.

6.3. Amendments or Revisions

6.3.1. Any voting faculty member, student, or any group thereof, may request in writing that the GPEC initiate procedures to amend or annul any part of these Bylaws. The GPEC shall research and discuss the proposed amendment and shall forward the request, together with its recommendation, to the faculty at a regular or special meeting so that it can be considered further, and amended if necessary. Following passage of a motion for approval of the request, or its amended version, the amendment shall be submitted to the voting faculty. Upon approval by a two-thirds majority of all voting faculty, the amendment becomes a part of the Bylaws, or the section whose annulment was desired, shall become void.

6.4. Review of Bylaws

6.4.1. In accordance with the provisions of the University Bylaws for Academic governance, the Membership of the Genetics Program shall review the Genetics Program Bylaws at regular intervals not to exceed five years. The GPEC shall have the responsibility of ensuring that these reviews are carried out and shall have delegated authority to establish the procedures of the review process.

5/14/98