Early Bird

Catch up with the University Policy Advisory Council

Share feedback on staff governance and employment policies.

By Megan Jones

May 20, 2019

At its May 9 meeting, the University Policy Advisory Council discussed proposed policies on evaluation of the University president, staff governance and employment, and animals in classrooms and workspaces.

Evaluation of the University president 

As part of the comprehensive review of the Board of Trustees’ policy manual, Council members recommended changes to an existing Board policy on evaluation of the University president to request inclusion of students, staff, alumni and faculty in the evaluation process. The recommendations will be presented to President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., and the President’s Cabinet for review prior to review by the Board.

Staff governance and employment policies

The Council also reviewed a proposed Board policy sponsored by Council of Administrators and Classified Staff Council leadership that would establish the recently formed Staff Senate as the authoritative organization to represent classified, exempt and student employees in the University governance process.

Employees are encouraged to share your thoughts on the Staff Government Policy by visiting msudenver.edu/policy and clicking “Comment on a Policy.”

Additionally, several employment policies applicable to administrators and staff who are exempt from the State of Colorado personnel system are available for University community review.

• Bullying in the workplace (also applies to student employees, faculty and visitors)
• Compensation philosophy
• Complaints
• Conflicts of interest
• Discipline and sanctions
• Emeritus status
• Leaves of absence
• Performance evaluations (administrators)
• Performance evaluations (deans, provost, president)
• Reassignment and termination
• Recruitment and appointment

These policies were previously compiled in the Handbook for Professional Personnel and are being included in the University policy library as individual policy statements. The Council recommended minor changes to the policies to remove references to the Handbook and to faculty, where necessary.

Animals on University property

Much of the Council’s discussion focused on allowing animals in classrooms and offices. MSU Denver is generally required to allow service animals in public spaces, as required by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). However, the University has some flexibility in allowing emotional-support animals, animals used for co-curricular activities and pets. The Office of Equal Opportunity is working on a draft of the policy to address concerns from the University community before the Council makes a recommendation to University leadership.

Kudos

Thanks to Council Co-leads Sheila Rucki and Nick Stancil and to all of the Roadrunners who have participated in the review process. If you have questions on University policies, please contact Policy Administrator Megan Jones at 303-605-5231 or policy@msudenver.edu.