II. Roles of the Board of Trustees, the President, and the Chief Academic Officer
The governance of the University involves the participation of three groups: The Board of Trustees; the University president and his/her administration; and the Faculty of the University. The role of the Board, the president, and the academic administration is discussed in this chapter. The f[RS1] aculty’s governance role is discussed in Chapter II.
A. The Board of Trustees
The ultimate responsibility for the University rests with the Board of Trustees, under the authority conferred by the Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, issued by the Secretary of State of the State of Florida. Governance of the institution is vested in the Board. This responsibility extends to every facet of the institution, including the academic and other programs, funds, property, and personnel. The major functions of the Board of Trustees include:
- Formulating the policy relating to the educational purpose and mission of the University.
- Overseeing and reviewing the formulation of policy related to the educational and administrative programs of the institution; and
- Accepting ultimate responsibility for the acquisition, maintenance, and deployment of institutional resources.
The Board of Trustees is composed of a maximum of sixty‐one members, including 11 ex‐officio members (one of whom is the president), and the remainder elected to three‐year terms. Service on the Board is limited to two successive three‐year terms. Members may be re‐elected, however, one year after their second term of service concludes. Selection of trustees is based upon standards endorsed by the Board and included in the Bylaws of The Board of Trustees of The University of Tampa, A Corporation Not For Profit.
The Board of Trustees has the power to delegate responsibility for the implementation of its policies and decisions. In large measure, this delegation of responsibility is to the president of the University, who in turn delegates responsibilities to other officers.
The president of the Faculty Senate is invited to attend all regular meetings of the Board of Trustees, and take part therein, as the Board of Trustees determines.
The committees and Affiliated Organizations of the Board of Trustees are defined and described in Appendix A of this Handbook.
B. The President and the Provost of the University
- The President of the University
The president, as the chief executive officer of the University, is responsible to the Board of Trustees for the general and active management of the University and is the Board's principal liaison with students, faculty, and staff. In consultation with the Board of Trustees and with the advice of the president’s senior staff, the president appoints senior administrative officers, prepares University plans and budgets, and makes periodic reports on the state of the University.
- The Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
The provost and vice president for academic affairs (“provost”) is responsible to the president for the development and administration of the University's academic programs and policies. The provost serves as representative to the Educational Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees and provides leadership in and management of the academic organization, including recruitment and supervision of deans and directors. The provost also provides leadership in developing academic programs, the general education core, and the overall educational experience; develops, allocates, and manages the academic budget; and advises the president on all academic affairs.