3.2.6  

There is a clear and appropriate distinction, in writing and practice, between the policy-making functions of the governing board and the responsibility of the administration and faculty to administer and implement policy.

RATIONALE FOR COMPLIANCE JUDGMENT

The appropriate duties and responsibilities of the governing board, the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), and the duties and responsibilities of the campus administration and faculty are defined in TBR policies.

TBR policy on Purpose of the Board [1], TBR Bylaws [2],  and TBR policy on Duties of the Board [3] specify that the governing board has the responsibility to “approve the operating and capital budgets of each institution and school and otherwise set policies for their fiscal affairs….establish policies and regulations regarding the campus life of the institutions and schools, including, but not limited to the conduct of students, student housing, parking, and safety.”

TBR policy on Duties of the Board, item 7, provides that the Board will “assume general responsibility for the operations of the institutions and centers, delegating to the presidents and technology center directors such powers and duties as are necessary and appropriate for the efficient administration of their respective institutions and centers and their programs.”

The governing board must approve all TBR Policies, which are available on the Board of Regents website [4].  TBR Guidelines, which are typically related to implementation and operationalization of policies, receive final approval by the Presidents’ Council.  Guidelines typically come to the Presidents’ Council after review by appropriate Academic Affairs, Business Affairs, Student Affairs, and/or Faculty Sub-Councils.  The Sub-councils include representatives from each of the 19 community college and university campuses [5].