Ohio Adm.Code 3359 | Ohio Administrative Code 3359 — University of Akron

Chapter 3359-1 Powers and Duties of Board Members, Officers and Committees

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-01 Members of the board and their powers.

(A) Members of the board of trustees.

Pursuant to section 3359.01 of the Revised Code, the government of the university of Akron is vested in a board of eleven trustees, made up by nine voting trustees and two student trustees who shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate, with terms of office as articulated in the Ohio Revised Code.

Student trustees. Student trustees offer valuable input and perspectives that deepen the board's understanding of the student experience at the university. Student trustees shall have no voting power on the board and shall not be considered as members of the board in determining whether a quorum is present. Student members shall not be entitled to attend executive sessions of the board.

(B) Advisory trustees.

The university of Akron board of trustees establishes the position of advisory trustee. The purpose for this position is to permit the university to take advantage of the talents, resources and experiences of individuals who may or may not be residents of the state of Ohio. Advisory trustees will be selected and removed by a majority vote of the university of Akron board of trustees.

(1) Selection criteria for advisory trustees include, but are not limited to:

(a) Success in chosen field or business;

(b) State or national prominence;

(d) Ability and willingness to offer advice to the board and president; and

(e) Ability and willingness to offer advise to the board and president.

(2) Advisory trustees will have no voting privileges at any regular, special or committee meetings of the board of trustees, nor shall they be counted for purposes of quorum. Advisory trustees are not eligible to become board officers or serve as committee chairs or members thereof, but may participate in board activities at the discretion of the chairperson of the board of trustees. Advisory trustees may attend executive sessions at the invitation of the chairperson of the board of trustees but are not required to do so.

(3) A maximum of three advisory trustee positions are authorized, each serving a three year term. Advisory trustees are eligible for appointment to no more than two consecutive terms totaling no more than six years.

(1) The board shall have the powers which are conferred upon it by the laws of the state of Ohio, including, but not limited to, those powers expressly provided for in Chapters 3345. and 3359. of the Revised Code. The board shall have full power and authority on all matters relative to the administration of the university; and, shall employ, fix the compensation of, and remove the president and such number of professors, teachers, and other employees as may be deemed necessary. The board shall do all things necessary for the creation, proper maintenance, and successful and continuous operation of the university and shall adopt and, from time to time, amend the bylaws, rules, and regulations for the conduct of the board and the government and conduct of the university.

(2) The board shall formulate university policy, rules, and regulations, but under its general supervision it may delegate any administrative authority relating to the implementation of any such policy, rule, or regulation, including, but not limited to, the enforcement of policies, rules, or regulations to the president or to such other administrative and faculty personnel as may be designated in these bylaws and regulations of the board.

(3) No action, failure to act, delegation of authority, or any bylaw, regulation, policy, rule, or approval or disapproval by the board shall be construed to limit, reduce, modify, or relinquish any authority or power of the board to govern the university consistent with the powers conferred upon the board by law. Any delegation of authority by the board may be enlarged, reduced, modified, or withdrawn at the discretion of the board.

Last updated December 29, 2025 at 11:41 AM

History

Effective: December 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-02 Officers of the board and their duties.

(A) Officers.

The officers of the board shall be a chairperson and a vice chairperson, who shall be members of the board, a secretary of the board, and an assistant secretary who need not be members of the board. The nominating committee shall meet annually and its report and recommendations may be voted upon at the subsequent regular meeting of the board. The newly elected officers shall shall take office at the first regular meeting of the board in each fiscal year beginning the first of July and shall serve until their successors are elected.

(B) Duties of officers.

The duties of the officers of the board shall be as follows:

(1) Chairperson.

(a) The chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the board and shall decide all questions of order. It shall be the chairperson's duty to see that the bylaws of the board are complied with; that the duties of the executive officers of the university, as prescribed in the regulations of the board, are followed; and that the resolutions and documents of the board are properly executed. The chairperson shall be an ex-officio member of all committees of the board.

(b) The chairperson shall, for and on behalf of the university and the board, sign instruments, contracts, minutes, resolutions, diplomas, and other documents authorized by the board, or authorize the president of the university or the secretary to so act in the chairperson's behalf.

(c) The chairperson shall perform such other duties as these bylaws shall hereinafter prescribe or as may be, from time to time, delegated to the chairperson by the board.

(2) Vice chairperson.

During the absence or incapacitation of the chairperson, the vice chairperson shall be invested with the powers and discharge the duties of the chairperson. The vice chairperson shall serve as the chair of the board strategic issues committee.

(3) Secretary and assistant secretary.

(a) The secretary and assistant secretary, as officers of the board, shall be the custodians of the seal of the university of Akron, of all records, books, deeds, contracts, documents and papers of the board. The secretary or assistant secretary shall attest by signing all instruments, contracts, diplomas, certificates, and other documents executed on behalf and in the name of the university and the board by the chairperson of the board and/or the president of the university, and shall have contract authority with respect to the execution of contracts as authorized by the board of trustees or as provided in the rules of the board of trustees.

(b) The secretary and assistant secretary shall attend all meetings of the board and committees of the board and shall keep accurate and complete records of minutes of said meetings in a manner consistent with the requirements of Ohio law respecting the records of public meetings. In implementing this requirement with respect to regular or special meetings of the board, such meetings shall be mechanically recorded and thereafter reduced to writing with the aid and benefit of such recordings. The written minutes shall be submitted for formal approval by the board of trustees to ensure that such minutes are accurate and complete in memorializing the proceedings, decisions, and actions of the board in such meetings. Upon approval of the minutes by the board of trustees, the mechanical recordings shall no longer be required to be kept.

Minutes of the meetings of committees of the board shall also be mechanically recorded, but inasmuch as committees of the board are not authorized to act on behalf of the board of trustees, such mechanical recordings shall constitute the complete record of minutes of said meetings, without the necessity of being reduced to writing or otherwise require formal approval by the respective committee. However, in the event such committee meeting minutes are reduced to writing, then such minutes shall constitute the complete record of minutes of said committee meeting without the necessity of retention of the mechanical recording of such meeting. Such recordings shall be kept according to the applicable records retention schedule. The secretary or assistant secretary shall, prior to consideration by the board of approval of the record of any meeting, transmit by mail or deliver to each member a copy of the written record of the regular or special meeting and shall give notice to the members of the board and to the president of the university of all meetings of the board, both regular or special; and, when requested by the chairperson of any committee of the board, shall give notice of the meeting of such committee to the members thereof.

(c) When elected thereto by the board, the secretary and assistant secretary may, if not a member of the board, occupy an administrative position in the university, in addition to being an officer of the board. Otherwise, the secretary and assistant secretary, when elected thereto by the board, shall be made an unclassified contract professional employee of the university and shall hold office and be employed thereafter at the sole discretion of the board, and pursuant to terms and conditions established by the board. The secretary and assistant secretary shall report directly to the board through the chairperson of the board, and shall work in close cooperation and coordination with the president. This reporting arrangement shall not preclude the right of trustees and the secretary and assistant secretary to communicate directly with the other at any time on all matters the board, individual trustees, or chairperson shall require.

(d) The secretary and assistant secretary shall provide for a system of filing university rules in compliance with Chapter 111. of the Revised Code. The secretary and assistant secretary shall only file those rules properly promulgated by the board of trustees and the faculty senate, in accordance with the bylaws and regulations of the board of trustees. The secretary and assistant secretary, at the direction of the vice president and general counsel, shall be authorized to make such changes to university rules as are necessary to comply with the requirements of law, rule filing requirements by the secretary of state or other legislative agency, provide for consistency in related rules, and avoid duplication and unintended consequences of grammatical or other stylistic provisions in the rules.

(e) The secretary or assistant secretary shall receive and respond to routine correspondence, inquiries, and requests to the board of trustees, with the copies thereof to the chairperson. The secretary or assistant secretary shall receive all transmittals to the members of the board of trustees and shall be responsible for providing copies of same to individual board members. Proposals from faculty and staff, either as a group or as individuals, shall be referred to the president pursuant to paragraph (B) of rule 3359-1-05 of the Administrative Code, with a copy thereof to the chairperson. Requests to address the board or any committee of the board shall not normally be considered unless submitted in writing to the secretary or assistant secretary at least two weeks prior to any regularly scheduled meeting. Such requests shall include information requested by the secretary, including, but not limited to, the purpose of the request and a summary of the topic to be addressed. The chairperson of the board, in consultation with the chairperson of any committee of the board, as appropriate, shall, for and on behalf of the board or committee, determine if and when the matter should be scheduled upon the agenda of the board or committee of the board. In the event the chairperson determines not to schedule the matter on the agenda of the board or committee of the board, the chairperson shall direct the secretary or assistant secretary to provide notice of such request to members of the board for their information.

(f) The secretary or assistant secretary shall confer with each member of the board of trustees concerning the procedure each trustee prefers regarding receipt of anonymous transmittals. Individual trustees may direct the secretary or assistant secretary in writing to retain their copies of anonymous transmittals for reference in the board office. Otherwise, the secretary or assistant secretary shall forward such transmittals by regular mail or personal delivery. Such transmittals shall not be delivered by facsimile copy.

(g) The assistant secretary shall assist the secretary in the execution of duties outlined in rules for the secretary, and shall substitute in the secretary's absence.

(h) The responsibilities of the secretary and assistant secretary shall be assigned by the chairperson of the board and shall include, but not be limited to, the daily management of the board office and operations, direct oversight of board communications, coordination of trustee development and strategic planning initiatives as directed by the chairperson of the board or committee chairs, serve as board liaison in connection with major university initiatives and with campus, community, governmental, or other constituencies as directed by the chairperson of the board.

(i) The assistant secretary shall assist members of the board as they may request in carrying out their fiduciary duties to the board.

Last updated May 1, 2023 at 8:37 AM

History

Effective: April 29, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-05

(A) The board shall elect a president of the university to hold office at its discretion, in accord with its authority set forth in section 3359.03 of the Revised Code. The following procedures shall serve to guide the selection process, unless revised as provided herein.

(1) In recognition of the legitimate concerns and interests of faculty, staff, academic and senior administration, students, alumni and community leaders, the search committee will involve such appropriate constituencies in the search process as follows:

(a) Prior to the invitation for nominations or applications of candidates, the presidential advisory and screening committee shall offer university constituency groups the opportunity to provide input concerning the proposed criteria, process and scheduling for the search process. The representative constituency and advisory groups may include, but are not limited to a representative from: the council of deans; department chairs; faculty senate; senior administration; professional staff advisory committee ( PSAC); staff employee advisory committee (SEAC); university council; the Akron chapter of the American association of university professors (Akron AAUP); students, and community leaders.

(b) The board will consider the recommendations from all constituency groups, but retains the final authority to determine the criteria, process and schedule for the search.

(2) Pursuant to the bylaws of the board of trustees, the chairperson of the board shall name four voting trustees as a presidential advisory and screening committee with the following responsibilities:

(a) To make initial and ongoing recommendations to the full committee regarding the criteria, process, and scheduling for the search for the president;

(b) To recommend executive search firms for consideration by the full committee; and

(3) The presidential search committee shall consist of:

(a) The entire board of trustees, including student trustees and advisory trustees, convened as a committee of the whole; and

(b) The elected leader (i.e. president or chair) of the following constituency groups:

(i) University council;

(ii) Faculty senate;

(iii) PSAC ;

(iv) SEAC;

(v) Undergraduate student government; and

(vi) Akron AAUP.

(c) Members of the search committee who are not members of the board of trustees shall be required to execute a confidentiality agreement as a condition of participating on the search committee.

(d) Members of the search committee shall participate in all discussions and meetings of the presidential search committee and shall have access to all presidential search materials.

(4) The search committee shall recommend by consensus those individual(s) to be considered for employment as president by the board of trustees.

(5) The foregoing procedures for the selection of the president by the board of trustees shall not be construed to limit, reduce, modify or relinquish any authority, responsibility, or discretion of the board to employ the president and govern the university consistent with the powers conferred upon the board by law. The board has the final authority to select and employ the president. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, these procedures shall not be deemed to be mandatory, but shall be considered directory in nature; and, may be revised, in whole or in part, upon a majority vote of the board of trustees at any regular or special meeting, without the necessity of prior notice thereof.

(B) The president is the executive head of all university colleges, branches, schools, and departments and thus, responsible for general supervision of all its interests. Within general policies of the board, the president shall lead in fostering and promoting education, instruction, research and scholarly activity, and public service as its primary aims. Each year the president shall submit to the board a report on the institution's activities, plans, current and future needs and other relevant data. The president shall attend all meetings of the trustees and address to them matters of institutional importance. The president is the official medium of communication between the university, the board and its committees, possessing the exclusive right to transmit proposals from the faculty and staff--either as a group or as individuals--to the board. This exclusive right of the president shall not abridge the right of trustees to communicate directly with faculty, staff, or other employees of the university; and, no employee shall incur any penalty or sanction whatsoever in connection with such communications.

(C) By virtue of administrative assignment, the president is a member of the faculty senate and of each college faculty and thus, may preside at every meeting thereof, if the president so wishes. The president shall appoint all committees of the faculty senate unless their memberships are designated by rule. The president shall see that measures of the faculty senate, which have been properly submitted to and approved by the board, are implemented and shall ensure that directives of the board relative to internal administration are carried out.

(D) The president has authority in all matters of student discipline in accordance with the rules and regulations of the board. The president shall oversee preparation of the annual budget and advise the board on all financial matters; shall preside at commencement and all other public academic occasions; and shall confer such appropriate degrees and honors of all colleges and schools as are granted by the institution. The president shall have authority and responsibility to oversee intercollegiate athletics and ensure compliance with NCAA and conference rules. The president shall oversee and foster relationships with legislative representatives, community, and municipal leaders, state and national higher education officials, professional associations, other educational institutions, business leaders, and other various publics of the university and higher education. The president shall assume a primary role in fund raising on behalf of the university.

(E) The board delegates authority to the president or the president's designee(s) to employ, set compensation for and remove all administrative officers, faculty, and staff members, other than those individuals whose employment is pursuant to a personal multi-year employment agreement that exceeds a three year term or total value of five hundred thousand dollars. Any authority or responsibility of the president may be delegated by the president to any other full-time administrative officers, members of the faculty or staff of the university, subject to any limitations set forth by action of the board of trustees. Delegation of appointing authority or responsibility shall be in writing and shall be reported to the board of trustees by the president.

(F) The president is authorized and empowered to compromise, adjust, and settle any and all claims, actions, causes of action, demands, costs, expenses, and any and all other damages in connection with any lawsuit filed for or against the university in an amount not to exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars, upon such terms and conditions as the president shall deem reasonable and best. All such settlements shall be made in privileged consultation with the chair of the board of trustees, the chair of the finance and administration committee of the board of trustees, and the general counsel. All such settlements shall be subject to any necessary approval of the attorney general and the court in which the action is pending, and such other requirements as are mandated by law. Further, the president is empowered to execute such agreements of settlement and perform such acts as are reasonable and necessary to effect this settlement authority.

(G) When in the judgment of the president the safety and well-being of students, faculty or staff, or university property is endangered, or when necessary to comply with the requirements of federal or state laws or regulations or when circumstances require the promulgation of rules without the benefit of prior review and approval of the board of trustees and/or the faculty senate and university council, the president, upon advice of the general counsel, is authorized and empowered to promulgate rules for the governance of the university and provide for filing of such rules in compliance with section 111.15 of the Revised Code. The president shall immediately inform the board of trustees and when appropriate the faculty senate and university council of any rules promulgated pursuant to this authority.

(H) Subject to the authority of government vested by law in the board of trustees, the authority and responsibility for the internal administration of the university is delegated to the president of the university of Akron and shall in fact be exercised by the president. The president may consult extensively with appropriate student, faculty, employee, and administrative groups. However, administrative decisions in all matters of operation of the university of Akron shall be the responsibility of the president, subject to appropriate review and/or approval by the board of trustees, notwithstanding any other delegation of authority or responsibility to any student, faculty, employee, or administrative group. Any delegation of authority by the president shall be accompanied by appropriate standards of guidance in the exercise of such delegated authority and shall be accompanied by periodic review.

(I) For reasons of protocol or otherwise, the president shall have the right to execute or by express written direction to delegate the authority to execute any contract. Contracts may only be executed on behalf of the university of Akron as authorized in the bylaws, regulations, and rules of the board; and except as expressly provided, no employees, agents, or other representatives whatsoever of the university of Akron shall have any contracting authority to bind the university of Akron. Contracts shall not be authorized unless executed in accord with policies and rules established by the board and the president. Except for routine contracts and purchases authorized by rules of the board, contracts shall be reviewed for legal form and sufficiency by the office of general counsel prior to their execution.

(J) When authorized by the board of trustees, the president may serve on corporate boards in a representative capacity on behalf of the university. In such instances, the president shall keep the board of trustees informed regarding such activities and shall consult with and obtain prior approval from the board of trustees, unless otherwise authorized by the board of trustees, regarding the president's participation in any change in the mission, governance or legal structure of the entity or any commitment of university assets in connection with the president's service while acting in a representative capacity with the entity. For purposes of this provision, the term "assets" shall be liberally and broadly construed to include anything of value, including but not be limited to capital, real or personal property, financial resources, personnel, "in-kind" contributions as that term is commonly known in higher education, or other such form of value.

Last updated December 29, 2025 at 11:42 AM

History

Effective: December 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-03 Committees of the board.

(A) Standing committees.

The members, chairperson and, if deemed necessary or desirable, vice chairperson(s) of each standing committee shall be appointed annually by the chairperson of the board. Each such committee shall be self-governed and may subdivide its work among subcommittees and perform its functions in such manner as the committee deems advisable. It may initiate proposals or act on proposals delegated to it by the board, or made to it by the board chairperson or president of the university, and shall make recommendations to the board for action. The functions of the standing committees, including such special duties as may be delegated by the board, shall in general be as follows:

(1) Student experience and academics committee.

Review, consider, and make recommendations concerning all policy matters requiring attention or action of the board and relating to the following matters prepared by and brought to the committee by university administrators:

(a) Academic planning and governance and educational policies; degree and certificate programs; areas of research and related activities; student admissions; and other matters of policy governing or pertaining to academic and curricular affairs.

(b) Areas of student engagement and success including enrollment services, advising, counseling, and academic support programs; student development and conduct; student financial aid and scholarships; intercollegiate athletics; and other non-academic matters affecting students.

(d) Communication and marketing strategies.

(2) Finance and administration committee.

(a) Review, consider, and make recommendations concerning all policy matters requiring attention or action of the board and relating to the following matters prepared by and brought to the committee by university administrators:

(i) The university budget and financial operations and its alignment with academic objectives and priorities, business organization, and practice; the capital budget and plan; personnel appointments, employment and compensation policies, practices and procedures, changes of status, and salary adjustments consistent with review requirements prescribed elsewhere in university rules; the placing and renewal of insurance; the borrowing of funds and issuance of bonds and notes; student tuition, fees, and other sources of university income; custody and investment of any funds that are now under or may in the future come under control of the board.

(ii) Institutional fiscal health indicators, including but not limited to those required by Senate Bill 6 and by applicable licensure and accrediting entities.

(iii) The submission of appropriation requests and other such matters that involve the expenditure or commitment of funds related to capital planning and capital projects for the university; and the purchase, sale, and lease of real estate.

(iv) Development policies, including the solicitation of funds and oversight of investment policies to support university needs, including academic priorities; coordination of activities with the university of Akron foundation; the naming of buildings and other honorary designations; and relations with local, state and federal legislative and administrative agencies.

(v) The preparation, conduct, or review of negotiations or bargaining sessions by university administrators with bargaining agents for university employees.

(b) This committee shall constitute the board's "investment committee" as required by section 3345.05 of the Revised Code, and shall be authorized to exercise that authority and responsibility provided by law for the investment committee.

(3) Strategic issues committee.

(a) Consider the university administration's recommendations concerning the university's strategic positions, plans, and priorities that, from time to time, require the board's focused attention. The chairperson of the board shall assign such priorities to the committee for review, as appropriate, but shall avoid unnecessary duplication with the responsibilities of other standing committees.

(b) Review information and data relevant to understanding and considering strategic recommendations and priorities.

(d) Identify and assign projects related to strategic plans and priorities to other committees of the board, as appropriate.

(e) Consider and make recommendations to the board concerning the organization of the board and the individual involvement and fiduciary and legal role of trustees; the bylaws regarding the operation of the board and its committees; the board's operation and matters related to board and trustee assessment, trustee selection and trustee orientation; the expectation of trustees' comportment within the board and with the president and internal and external constituencies; the avoidance of conflict of interest or commitment or the appearance of same; board size, composition and organization; calendaring of university events for the board, its committees and individual trustees (including commencement); trustee roles and professional development for trustees; and other matters assigned by the board or the chairperson of the board.

(4) Rules committee.

Consider and make recommendations concerning the adoption, amendment, and repeal of rules of the university required to be filed with the state. Such rules shall include, but not be limited to, any rule, regulation, bylaw, or standard adopted by the board of trustees, or pursuant to their rule-making authority.

(5) Audit committee.

(a) The primary responsibility of the audit committee is to provide oversight of the university's financial practices, compliance policies, internal controls, fiscal responsibility, risk-related matters, and standards of conduct.

(b) The chairperson of the university of Akron board of trustees shall appoint the members and chairperson of the audit committee, which shall be comprised of five members of the board who are independent (as defined in this paragraph). The audit committee chairperson shall be one of these five members. The board chairperson shall serve as an ex-officio member with the right, but not the obligation, to participate and vote in the proceedings of the committee, but is not counted in determining the number required for a quorum unless fewer than three voting members of the audit committee are present, in which case the chairperson may be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum. In making appointments to the audit committee, the chairperson of the board of trustees shall attempt to provide for reasonable continuity such that annually the committee includes one or more members who have had previous service.

(c) Definition. "Independent" shall refer to a person who, other than in his or her capacity as a member of the audit committee, the board of trustees, or any other board committee:

(i) Does not accept any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the university, its related entities, or its external auditor(s), unless consistent with the requirements, limitations, and prohibitions of the Ohio ethics law; and

(ii) Has not accepted such compensation at any time in the year preceding the member's appointment to the audit committee, unless consistent with the requirements, limitations, and prohibitions of the Ohio ethics law.

(d) Consultants. The audit committee may obtain or may authorize university administrators to obtain legal counsel, financial experts, or other expertise to advise the committee, or to assist in the conduct of an investigation and may enlist the assistance of the university's administrators and employees as needed.

(e) Review. The audit committee shall review and reassess this rule as needed and recommend any proposed changes to the board through its rules committee, including changes that it deems to be necessary as a result of its work and/or new laws or regulations.

(f) Meetings. The audit committee shall meet at least twice per year and may ask university administrators or others to attend its meetings and provide pertinent information as necessary.

(g) Executive sessions. The audit committee may conduct audit conferences as provided by law and may conduct executive sessions as permitted by Ohio law.

(h) Responsibilities. The audit committee shall:

(i) Chief audit executive. Review and concur in the appointment, replacement, reassignment, or dismissal of the chief audit executive, who shall have a dual reporting responsibility to the board through the audit committee for functional matters and for administrative matters to the president through the administrative reporting line then in effect.

The audit committee shall follow the guidance of the "Institute of Internal Auditors " with respect to the distinction between functional and administrative reporting and shall develop and recommend for approval by the board of trustees for inclusion in this rule, those circumstances in which the university chief audit executive shall report directly to the audit committee of the board of trustees, without prior or subsequent reporting to any institutional officer.

(ii) Selection/retention of outside auditors.

(a) Review the university administrators' proposed selection for outside auditors and recommend to the board for approval the recommended appointment of the outside auditors to be engaged by the university, and which auditors shall report to the board through the audit committee, establish the audit fees of the outside auditors, and pre-approve any non-audit services provided by the outside auditors before the services are rendered. In addition to audit services, outside auditors may be engaged to provide non-audit services to the extent that they are not auditing their own work, fulfilling the university administrators' functions or roles, or advocating externally for the university.

(b) Audit function. Review with the appropriate university administrators, outside auditors, and the chief audit executive the intended scope and plans for the audit, the completeness of coverage, a reduction of redundant efforts, and the effective use of audit resources. Review as needed written communications between the outside auditors and university administrators.

(c) Financial statements. Review with university administrators and outside auditors the university's audit report, including financial statements and footnotes, any difficulties experienced by the outside auditors in completing the audit, and any recommended changes to university practices or internal controls arising from the audit.

(d) Duration of audit partners. In consultation with university administrators, use best efforts to ensure that the lead or concurring audit partner from the outside auditors serves in such capacity for a period of responsible duration, consistent with then best practices for non-profit entities.

(e) Evaluation of outside auditors. In consultation with university administrators, review and evaluate the performance of the outside auditors and review with the full board any proposed discharge of the outside auditors.

(iii) Risk oversight. The chief audit executive shall work with university administrators to oversee and support the university's risk management framework, including oversight of compliance-related risks; and shall report to the audit committee through the functional reporting line and to the president through the administrative reporting line then in effect.

(iv) Compliance and internal reviews.

(a) Risks. Inquire of university administrators, the chief audit executive, and the outside auditors about significant risks or exposures facing the university; assess the steps university administrators have taken or propose to take to minimize such risks to the university; direct the chief audit executive and university administrators, as appropriate, to investigate or review issues related to university risk management.

(b) Coordinate as necessary the delivery of reports on university compliance and risk management issues by appropriate university administrators to the board.

(c) Controls. Review with the chief audit executive, other university administrators and the outside auditors, as applicable, the adequacy of the university's internal controls and any related recommendations.

(d) Laws and regulations. Periodically review with the general counsel and, if applicable, the chief audit executive, or other university administrators, any legal and regulatory matters that may materially impact university programs, operations, or finances.

(e) Codes of conduct. Periodically review with the chief audit executive, or other university administrators, as applicable, the university's conflict of interest, conflict of commitment, scholarly misconduct, and ethical conduct policies and procedures for compliance with applicable law and to ensure that such policies are current, easily accessible and understandable, and widely communicated.

(f) Alerts. Periodically review with university administrators the established procedures for the receipt of information, anonymous or otherwise, the potential violation of applicable laws and/or university conflict of interest and conflict of commitment polices, and the process to investigate and address such issues, if they were to occur.

(v) General. Perform such other functions as may be required by law, the university of Akron board of trustees' bylaws, or the university of Akron board of trustees.

(i) Reporting. The audit committee regularly shall apprise the board of its activities and recommendations.

(6) The chairperson of the board and the president of the university shall be ex-officio members of each standing committee. Whereas the chairperson shall have power to vote, the president shall be without power to vote. Questions involving assignments or duties of committees of the board shall be decided by the chairperson.

(7) Between meetings of the board, the board may request its standing committees to make recommendations within their respective assigned areas of responsibility as they deem necessary and to report any recommendations they make by virtue of this authority to the board at a regular or special meeting for consideration by the board. Committees shall not be empowered to act for the board; but committees may act or recommend action, subject to approval or ratification by the board. It is the purpose of this provision to establish that the board shall conduct its business and take official action only at regular or special meetings of the board as provided in these bylaws. Moreover, each individual committee shall review periodically its charge and work with a view of keeping with best practice.

(B) Special committees.

Special committees may be appointed by the chairperson for such purposes as the board may, from time to time, authorize and direct.

Advisory committees may, from time to time, be authorized by the board and appointed by the chairperson for permanent or temporary service in a consultative or advisory capacity. Persons who are not members of the board shall be eligible for membership thereon.

Last updated June 22, 2026 at 7:31 AM

History

Effective: June 22, 2026
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-04 Meetings of the board.

(A) Meetings.

(1) Regular meetings. Unless otherwise specified by the chair, there shall be at least four regular meetings of the board of trustees each year. At such meetings any business related to the authority of the board of trustees may be discussed and transacted.

(2) Special and emergency meetings. Special and emergency meetings may be held upon the call of the chair or upon the written request of two members of the board to the secretary.

(3) Notice of meetings. Public notice of all meetings shall be given in accordance with the requirements of section 121.22 of the Revised Code. Any person may obtain information regarding the time, date, and location of all meetings by contacting the board secretary or by visiting https://www.uakron.edu/bot/.

(B) Quorum.

(1) For all regular, special, emergency and/or committee meetings of the board, a majority of the board, and/or committee membership when duly convened, shall constitute a quorum as provided in section 3359.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) All members of the board of trustees may attend any meeting of any committee of the board of trustees.

In accordance with section 3345.82 of the Revised Code, trustees may attend board meetings via electronic communication, subject to the following requirements.

(1) ) A trustee shall attend in person at least one-half of the regular meetings of the board annually; and

(2) All meetings conducted using electronic communication shall meet the following minimum standards:

(a) At least one-third of the trustees attending the meeting shall be present in person at the place where the meeting is conducted;

(b) All votes taken at the meeting shall be taken by roll call vote; and

(c) A trustee who intends to attend a meeting via means of electronic communication must notify the chair of that intent not less than forty-eight hours before the meeting, except in the case of a declared emergency.

(3) A trustee who attends a meeting via means of electronic communication will be considered to be present at the meeting, will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum, and may vote at the meeting.

(D) Order of business.

Unless otherwise ordered by the chairperson, the usual order of business at regular meetings shall be as follows:

(1) Confirmation of quorum.

(2) Report of the chairperson.

(3) Report of the president.

(4) Consideration of minutes of previous meeting(s).

(5) Reports of the committees of the board of trustees.

(6) Unfinished business.

(7) New and miscellaneous business.

(8) Consideration and approval of action items.

(9) Special presentation(s).

(10) Adjournment.

(E) Rules of Order.

The most current edition of "Robert's Rules of Order" shall be accepted as authority on all questions of parliamentary procedure not determined by these bylaws or provisions of the Ohio Revised Code.

Last updated December 29, 2025 at 11:41 AM

History

Effective: December 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-06 University faculty.

(A) The university faculty shall consist of the president of the university, vice presidents, deans, distinguished professors, professors, associate professors, assistant professors, instructors, part-time faculty, and all others giving instruction for college credit who have been appointed by the board or the board's designee (s) upon recommendation of the president. It shall include, also, such administrative officers and staff members as may be assigned thereto by the board or their designee(s) upon recommendation of the president.

(B) The faculty senate of the university faculty is the legislative body thereof. In accordance with the state of Ohio appropriations budget as regards higher education boards of trustees, the board of trustees may consult with faculty senate about shared collegial academic governance in such fundamental areas as curriculum, subject matter and methods of instruction and faculty research. The board empowers it to formulate and recommend suitable rules, requirements, and procedures for the admission, government, management, and control of the students, courses of study, granting of degrees and certificates, and other internal affairs of the institution necessary to meet the objectives of the university in accordance with the established policies of the board. However in accordance with the state of Ohio appropriations budget as regards higher education boards of trustees, administrative decisions about the utilization of available resources, organizational structure, the operation and staffing of all auxiliary facilities, and administrative personnel shall be the exclusive prerogative of the board of trustees.

(C) The faculty senate shall be composed in the manner set forth in rule 3359-2-02 of the Administrative Code as approved by the board.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 8:01 AM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-2-02

(A) University organization.

(1) The university of Akron is a state university operating under the laws of the state of Ohio. It comprises the following degree granting colleges and schools of instruction:

(a) Buchtel college of arts and sciences.

(b) College of engineering and polymer science.

(d) School of law.

(e) College of health and human sciences.

(2) Colleges, schools, departments and other units may be established, altered, or abolished by the board upon recommendation of the president.

(3) From time to time, temporary units of administration or programs may be established, altered, or abolished by the board upon recommendation of the president. The operations of such units and employment of personnel within such units shall be temporary, with primary funding therefore provided from external sources, including without limitation the salaries and benefits of employees in such units, costs of equipment, services and supplies, and other ancillary costs of operation. In addition to funding from external sources, the university may provide such units with "in-kind" support in the form of space or other university resources as recommended by the president and approved by the board.

Such units and employees shall be subject to all applicable state and federal laws and all university rules as set forth in 3359 of the Administrative Code in the same manner as regular university units and employees, including but not limited to applicable provisions of Ohio's ethics laws affecting public employees.

Subject to the prior approval of the president, such units shall be authorized to engage volunteers or others in activities on behalf of the unit and the university of Akron. In addition to the volunteer protection laws of Ohio (sections 2305.38, 2305.381, 5502.30, 2305.234, 2305.23, and 2305.231 of the Revised Code) the university may also provide insurance coverage against loss or liability that arises or is claimed to have arisen from acts or omissions while acting with the scope of their employment or official responsibilities or while engaged in activities at the request or direction, or for the benefit of the university of Akron or said unit.

(B) University faculty.

The university faculty shall consist of the president of the university, who shall be its presiding officer, the vice presidents, the deans, all persons giving instruction for college credit in the university, librarians, and such members of the administrative staff as may be appointed thereto by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president. Voting power within the academic units shall be defined by the rules and bylaws of those units except when defined by university-wide rules and bylaws.

(1) Each degree-granting college shall be governed, subject to the rules of the board and the faculty senate, by a faculty consisting of the president of the university, the provost, its dean, and its full-time distinguished professors, professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and instructors.

(2) The functions of the faculty of a college shall be to prepare and recommend to the faculty senate curricula and courses for the college, changes in departmental or school organization, requirements for admission to and graduation from the college, and candidates for degrees and certificates. The faculty shall encourage the improvement of teaching and scholarship. The faculty shall meet at stated times or upon the call of the president or dean.

(3) Colleges may from time to time retain auxiliary faculty as part-time faculty members with the rank of assistant lecturer, associate lecturer, senior lecturer, or special lecturer. Further, they may also retain auxiliary faculty with the titles of adjunct faculty or visiting faculty.

(D) Graduate faculty.

(1) The graduate faculty shall consist of the president of the university, the provost, the vice president for research and business engagement and director of the school of graduate studies, and the assistant/associate director of the school of graduate studies, deans of colleges offering graduate programs, the chairs of departments or schools offering graduate programs, distinguished professors, and other faculty members holding graduate faculty status as determined according to the bylaws of the graduate faculty.

(2) The graduate faculty shall meet at regular or special meetings on call of the president or vice president for research and director of the school of graduate studies.

(3) The graduate faculty shall encourage and contribute to the advancement of knowledge through instruction and research of highest quality and foster a spirit of inquiry and a high value on scholarship throughout the university. Among its duties are to: develop curricula leading to appropriate graduate degrees; participate in research, publication, and professional societies; recruit, encourage, and supervise superior students in their graduate education; conduct graduate classes and seminars that stimulate creativity, independent thought, and scholarly attitudes and performance; serve on supporting committees, as needed; supervise student research, and direct theses and dissertations; provide advice to the dean of libraries regarding graduate program needs; appoint members of the graduate council (the executive committee of the graduate faculty), and if appointed to the council serve in the best interests of the graduate faculty and the graduate school; advise in the selection of the director of the school of graduate studies.

(E) Departmental\school staff.

The departmental\school staff is composed of all faculty members teaching subjects of instruction allocated to the department\school. The chair/director of the department\school who is appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the dean of the college, provost, and president, and holds office at the discretion of the president, shall be the administrative head of the department\school. The functions of the departmental\school staff shall be to prepare and recommend to the college or department\school curricula for the department\school, any changes in the curricula or courses, requirements for admission, and standards of academic achievement for graduation from the college or department\school; to prepare an annual strategic planning update; and to encourage the improvement of teaching and scholarship within the department\school in accordance with the rules of the board of trustees.

Last updated September 29, 2025 at 8:04 AM

History

Effective: September 27, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3359-2 University Administrative Offices

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-2-01 The office of academic affairs.

(A) President of the university.

As specified in rule 3359-01-05 of the Administrative Code, the president is the executive head of all university colleges, libraries, branches, schools, and departments, possessing duties, responsibilities, and powers as delineated in the rules of the university of Akron.

(B) Executive vice president and provost.

(1) The executive vice president and provost shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president; and shall hold office at the discretion of the president; and shall report to the president.

(2) The executive vice president and provost shall be responsible for the oversight and management of the academic functions and such other operational functions of the university as assigned, consistent with university rules and policies, or as directed by the president.

(3) The executive vice president and provost shall be an ex-officio member of each faculty and department or school.

(4) The executive vice president and provost shall have the authority to:

(a) Assist in the selection and appointment of faculty and staff, including the promotion, tenure, salary and dismissal of faculty members;

(b) Assist in the preparation of the annual budget;

(c) Oversee university academic departments and administrative offices, consistent with university rules and policies or as directed by the president;

(d) Execute contracts on behalf of the university, consistent with university rules and policies; and

(e) Perform other such duties as may be assigned by the president.

(5) The executive vice president and provost shall have the authority to organize and staff the division of academic affairs to meet its operational responsibilities, consistent with university rules and policies and the authority of the president.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 4:26 PM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-2-01.1 Deans of the degree-granting and professional colleges and schools.

(A) Deans of the degree-granting and professional colleges and schools.

(1) Each dean of a degree-granting college or school shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president, shall be responsible to the president through the executive vice president and provost and shall hold office at the discretion of the president.

(2) The dean shall be the administrative head of the respective college or school and shall be charged with the general supervision of all its interests, in accordance with the directions, policies and rules established by the board, the president, and the executive vice president and provost and in accordance with the applicable provisions of collective bargaining agreements and the approved actions of the faculty senate and the college or school faculty.

(3) Responsibilities of the dean shall include, but not be limited to:

(a) Attending to organizational matters by presiding over meetings of the college or school faculty; recommending members to standing and special committees; recommending nominees for division heads, department chairs, and staff to the executive vice president and provost; presenting policies for consideration by the faculty; and administering University policies, rules and regulations.

(b) Providing program leadership in developing college or school goals, priorities, initiatives, and strategies that align with the goals, priorities, initiatives, and strategies of the university. Facilitating the development of and monitoring the status of goals, priorities, accomplishments, and needs of each department within the college or school.

(c) Developing resources for the college or school by assisting in securing gifts and grants, and by developing an annual budget request. Responsibly managing the operating, capital, and personnel budget of the college or school.

(d) Impacting the college's or school's major programs by enabling quality teaching, research, and service with an appropriate balance.

(e) Enhancing student success and the well-being of students by supervising enrollment management and students' progress and education.

(f) Initiating and facilitating the engagement of the college or school units with other campus units and with the community.

(g) Performing such other duties as designated by the president or the senior vice president and provost and as outlined in other university rules.

(B) Dean, graduate school.

(1) The dean of the graduate school shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president and may also hold the title of vice president for research. The vice president for research and dean of the graduate school shall hold office at the discretion of the president and shall be responsible to the president, who shall consult with the executive vice president and provost on matters relating to the dean. The authority and duties of the vice president for research and dean of the graduate school are included in but not limited by rule 3359-02-10 of the Administrative Code.

(1) The dean, university libraries shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president, shall be responsible to the president through the executive vice president and provost, and shall hold office at the discretion of the president.

(2) The dean, university libraries shall be the administrative head of the university libraries and shall be charged with the general supervision of all its interests in accordance with university policies and regulations.

(3) Responsibilities of the dean shall include:

(a) Attending to organizational matters presiding over meetings of the libraries faculty and/or staff; facilitating the consideration of policies and practices; and administering university policies, rules and regulations.

(b) Providing leadership in developing the libraries' goals, priorities, initiatives, and strategies that align with the goals, priorities, initiatives, and strategies of the university and monitoring the status of goals, priorities, needs, and accomplishments.

(c) Facilitating the integration of traditional and digital content, the continuous improvement of library services, and the development of technology-enabled services for the benefit of the university community.

(d) Facilitating and fostering cooperative and consortial relationships (for example, OhioLINK) for the benefit of the university community.

(e) Developing resources for the libraries by preparing and recommending priorities-driven budget requirements and by assisting in securing gifts and grants.

(f) Initiating and facilitating the engagement of the libraries with other campus units and with the community.

(4) The dean, university libraries shall assist the executive vice president and provost by performing other duties as may be assigned.

(D) Dean, "The Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College."

(1) The dean of the Williams honors college shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president and shall be responsible to the president through the executive vice president and provost. The dean shall hold office at the discretion of the president.

(2) The dean shall be the administrative head of the Williams honors college, paying close attention to the advice of the honors council and shall be charged with the general supervision of all its interests, in accordance with the policies and rules established by the board, the president, and the faculty senate.

(3) In addition to performing the duties of the dean of a college (paragraph (A) of this rule) which are applicable to the college, the dean shall work closely with all administrators at the university who award scholarships to new students or who make enrollment strategies based on scholarship decisions. In addition, because of the close connections of the dean to honors students, in residential housing, the dean will work closely with officials in the department of residence life and housing in regards to honors student housing.

(4) The dean of the Williams honors college shall assist the executive vice president and provost by performing those duties as may be assigned.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 4:26 PM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-2-02 Organization of instruction.

(A) University organization.

(1) The university of Akron is a state university operating under the laws of the state of Ohio. It comprises the following degree granting colleges and schools of instruction:

(a) Buchtel college of arts and sciences.

(b) College of engineering and polymer science.

(d) School of law.

(e) College of health and human sciences.

(2) Colleges, schools, departments and other units may be established, altered, or abolished by the board upon recommendation of the president.

(B) University faculty.

(D) Graduate faculty.

(2) The graduate faculty shall meet at regular or special meetings on call of the president or vice president for research and director of the school of graduate studies.

(E) Departmental\school staff.

Last updated September 29, 2025 at 8:04 AM

History

Effective: September 27, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-2-03 University libraries administration.

Librarian of the school of law.

The librarian of the school of law shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president; shall be responsible to the president through the dean of the school of law and the senior vice president and provost; shall hold office at the discretion of the president; shall administer the school of law library in accordance with good practice; and shall utilize the access services division of the university libraries to assist in the operation of the school of law library.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 4:26 PM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-2-04 University research council.

The university research council shall serve in an advisory capacity to the vice president for research and business engagement regarding sponsored and contractual research activities carried out at the university of Akron. The research council shall be chaired by the vice president for research and business engagement. The membership shall include the director/assistant vice president of the office of research administration, general counsel, deans or associate deans of the Buchtel college of arts and sciences, engineering and polymer science, business, health and human science, and two faculty members recommended by the executive committee of the faculty senate.

Last updated September 29, 2025 at 8:04 AM

History

Effective: September 27, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-2-10 Vice president for research and dean of the graduate school.

(A) The vice president for research and dean of the graduate school shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president; shall hold office at the discretion of the president; and shall be responsible to the president.

Notwithstanding the direct reporting relation between vice president for research and dean of the graduate school to the president, it shall be the duty and responsibility of vice president for research and dean of the graduate school to coordinate with and keep the senior vice president and provost informed in advance on all matters, initiatives, or decisions within their area of responsibility that involve academic matters, or that have a reasonable expectation of involving or affecting the academic programs, activities, or directions of the university.

(B) The vice president for research and dean of the graduate school shall be responsible for:

(1) The university's research grants, contracts, and sponsored programs through the office of research administration;

(2) Its intellectual property administration, patent marketing, and licensing activity through the office of technology transfer, and coordination with the office of the vice president and general counsel with respect to all legal matters, including patent prosecutions, enforcement and maintenance;

(3) The conduct of programs to encourage basic, applied, and funded research among the appropriate faculty, staff, and students;

(4) Technology commercialization of university intellectual property and economic development;

(5) Serving as the university's chief research officer and a member of the university research council as well as serving on the Ohio board of regents research officers council.

(C) The vice president for research and dean of the graduate school shall be responsible, in cooperation with the deans of various colleges, for the general academic supervision of graduate education in accordance with the policies and rules established by the Ohio board of regents, the university of Akron board of trustees, and the president.

(D) The duties of the vice president for research and dean of the graduate school shall include but not be limited to:

(1) Encourage the colleges to develop programs of graduate study;

(2) Maintain, in cooperation with the deans of the degree-granting colleges, a satisfactory standard of instruction in graduate education;

(3) Approve those faculty members who qualify for service on master's and doctoral committees and for teaching graduate courses;

(4) Administer the admission procedures to graduate education, the prerequisites for graduate study, the requirements of graduate degrees, and the counseling and registration of graduate students;

(5) Administer the graduate research, teaching, and industrial assistantships and graduate fellowship programs;

(6) Convene and chair the graduate council;

(7) Present to the president at commencement those students who successfully fulfilled the requirements for graduate degrees for appropriate degree conferral;

(8) Serve as a member of the Ohio board of regents advisory committee on graduate study;

(9) Submit an annual report to the president concerning the academic activities, problems, and fiscal needs of the school, and perform such other graduate-related duties as may be indicated by the president or the senior vice president and provost.

(E) The vice president for research and dean of the graduate school shall have authority to sign research contracts for the university of Akron, consistent with the rules of the university, including but not limited to the requirements and restrictions set forth in rule 3359-02-05 of the Administrative Code, and upon prior legal review and approval of the vice president and general counsel or designee.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 4:26 PM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3359-3 University Finances

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-3-01 The office of finance and administration.

(A) President of the university. As specified in rule 3359-1-05 of the Administrative Code, the president is executive head of all university colleges, branches, schools and departments, possessing duties, responsibilities and powers as delineated in the rules of the university of Akron.

(B) Senior vice president and chief financial officer.

(1) The senior vice president and chief financial officer shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president; shall hold office at the discretion of the president; and shall report to the president consistent with the administrative reporting line then in effect.

(2) The senior vice president and chief financial officer shall be responsible for oversight and management of functions encompassed by the division of finance and administration, including all fiscal operations, financial planning and budgeting and such operational functions of the university as assigned, consistent with university rules and policies or as directed by the president.

(3) The senior vice president and chief financial officer shall:

(a) Oversee, in consultation with the finance and administration committee of the board, the investment and management of university assets, including real estate;

(b) Prepare the annual budget;

(c) Oversee the collection and reporting of financial and operational data required for accreditation, compliance, assessment, budgeting and planning;

(d) Oversee university administrative departments and offices, consistent with university rules and policies or as directed by the president;

(e) Execute contracts on behalf of the university, consistent with university rules and policies; and

(f) Perform other such duties as may be assigned by the president.

(C) The senior vice president and chief financial officer shall have the authority to organize and staff the division of finance and administration to meet its operational responsibilities, consistent with university rules and policies and the authority of the president.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 8:03 AM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-05

(b) The board will consider the recommendations from all constituency groups, but retains the final authority to determine the criteria, process and schedule for the search.

(a) To make initial and ongoing recommendations to the full committee regarding the criteria, process, and scheduling for the search for the president;

(b) To recommend executive search firms for consideration by the full committee; and

(3) The presidential search committee shall consist of:

(a) The entire board of trustees, including student trustees and advisory trustees, convened as a committee of the whole; and

(b) The elected leader (i.e. president or chair) of the following constituency groups:

(i) University council;

(ii) Faculty senate;

(iii) PSAC ;

(iv) SEAC;

(v) Undergraduate student government; and

(vi) Akron AAUP.

(c) Members of the search committee who are not members of the board of trustees shall be required to execute a confidentiality agreement as a condition of participating on the search committee.

(d) Members of the search committee shall participate in all discussions and meetings of the presidential search committee and shall have access to all presidential search materials.

(4) The search committee shall recommend by consensus those individual(s) to be considered for employment as president by the board of trustees.

Last updated December 29, 2025 at 11:42 AM

History

Effective: December 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-3-05 Office of human resources.

(A) The president of the university, as specified in rule 3359-1-05 of the Administrative Code, the president is executive head of all university colleges and departments possessing duties, responsibilities and powers as delineated in the bylaws.

(B) The vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer (the "chief human resources officer") shall be appointed by the president, shall hold office at the discretion of the president, and shall report to the president consistent with the administrative reporting line then in effect.

(1) The chief human resources officer shall plan and direct policies and initiatives to attain short-term and long-term goals as established by the president in accordance with the policies and rules established by the board and the president.

(2) The chief human resources officer is responsible for:

(a) Creating and maintaining a compensation and classification philosophy and system that supports performance enhancement and measurement strategies;

(b) Supervision of the university's office of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, including development of an annual affirmative action plan;

(c) Refining talent acquisition, retention, and advancement strategies and programs to support effectiveness and efficiency in the use and deployment of human talent;

(d) Recommending and implementing human resources policies and procedures consistent with a collaborative and integrated teamwork approach to institutional advancement;

(e) Administration of employee programs such as performance planning and management, employee development and recognition, employee benefits, labor relations, and employee relations;

(f) Complying with federal and state employment regulations and maintaining employee records;

(g) Negotiation and administration of all collective bargaining agreements;

(h) Administration of all disciplinary actions, including suspension or termination of classified, unclassified, professional staff, and collective bargaining unit employees; and

(i) Serve as the university appointing authority, including signatory authority for personnel actions, as delegated by the president.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 8:03 AM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-3-07 Office of university purchasing.

(A) President of the university. As specified in rule 3359-1-05 of the Administrative Code, the president is executive head of all university colleges, branches, schools, and departments, possessing duties, responsibilities and powers as delineated in the rules of the university.

(B) Director of purchasing.

(1) The director of purchasing shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon the recommendation of the president; shall hold office at the discretion of the president; and shall report to the president consistent with the administrative reporting line then in effect.

(2) The director of purchasing shall be responsible for the oversight and management of the department of purchasing as it conducts routine purchasing, accounting and budget control transactions, consistent with good business practice and applicable federal, state, and local laws.

(3) The director of purchasing shall have the responsibility and the requisite authority to execute contracts for the purchase of equipment, materials, supplies, and services for the university.

(1) Unless otherwise provided in this rule 3359-3-07 of the Administrative Code, all equipment, materials, supplies, and services shall be purchased through solicitation of competitive bids or proposals except in the following instances:

(a) Where such equipment, materials, supplies, or services are purchased pursuant to sections 4115.31 to 4115.35 and section 5147.07 of the Revised Code; or

(b) Where the amount of such purchase of equipment, materials, and/or supplies is less than seventy-five thousand dollars; or

(c) Where the purchase of services, or any combination of services, equipment, materials, and supplies, is less than one hundred thousand dollars; or

(d) Where the purchase is for the construction, addition, alteration, structural, or other improvements of a university building or structure and the purchase is for an amount less than the bidding threshold established in rule 153:1-9-01 of the Administrative Code.

(2) The limitations provided in this authority shall not be avoided through multiple purchases of goods or services under the limits authorized or through aggregations or purchases at the same or different times.

(3) The threshold amounts notwithstanding, the university may require competitive bidding for purchases below these threshold amounts if it determines that such bidding is in the best interest of the university.

(4) Contracts shall be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder that best meets the needs of the university. The university may accept or reject any or all bids or proposals in whole or by item. For any contract authorized by the university's policy on purchasing, the university is authorized to make multiple awards as provided for in the university's request for bids or proposals.

(D) Exemptions from the competitive procurement process.

(1) The purchase of goods or services through non-profit or governmental agencies or consortia, including but not limited to the inter-university council of Ohio, whose contracts meet the competitive bidding requirements, as determined by the university, and upon terms and conditions that are in the best interest of the university.

(2) In accordance with division (B) of section 5513.01 of the Revised Code, purchases through Ohio department of transportation agreements, for machinery, materials, supplies, or other articles upon such terms and conditions that are in the best interest of the university.

(3) The purchase of books, periodicals, and other learning resources for the university libraries' collections.

(4) The contracting for entertainment acts, performers, and artists, and their selected, required, or contractually mandated promoters or associated vendors.

(5) The purchase of stock merchandise for purposes of resale in campus retail locations.

(6) The negotiation of a contract following a request for proposals that by its nature solicits a response that includes multiple options or variable terms.

(E) Waiver of competitive bidding.

(1) Except where prohibited by law, competitive bidding requirements of the university may be waived under limited and exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances which warrant the waiver of competitive bidding include, but are not limited to:

(a) The need for certain professional, technical, and specialized services, where such services are temporary in nature, there are sufficient economic interests to support such a waiver, and where such terms and conditions are in the best interest of the university;

(b) Emergencies resulting from fire, flood, freezing, or other acts of God or force majeure situations in which it may reasonably be determined by a prudent person standard that there is substantial financial or other risk, or substantial financial or other opportunity to the university, such that the risk or opportunity warrants waiver, as well as emergencies necessitated by the immediate need to comply with laws or regulations affecting persons or property owned, leased, or operated by the university; or

(2) In order to implement the procedure to waive competitive bidding, the appropriate supervisor must provide such request for waiver to the director of purchasing with a written certification by the supervisor as to the rationale supporting the need to waive competitive bidding. The director of purchasing shall review all requests for waiver with the office of general counsel, and the director of purchasing shall make the final decision as to whether the waiver shall be authorized based on the information provided and the guidelines in this rule. Purchases resulting from the waiver of competitive bidding shall be separately identified in the vendor reports provided to the board of trustees at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board of trustees. In no event shall the director of purchasing waive competitive bidding for any purchase in excess of five hundred thousand dollars.

(F) Contract signature authority.

(1) Subject to the scope of their authority and consistent with applicable budgetary limitations and the requirements of university rules, policies, and procedures, the following university titles are authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the university:

(a) Contracts involving the expenditures of money may be entered into by the president, the executive vice president and provost, the senior vice president and chief financial officer, and the director of purchasing;

(b) The dean of the university libraries and the law librarian may enter into contracts for library books, periodicals, and other learning resources, subject to the budgets for the respective libraries;

(c) The director of theater operations may enter into contracts for entertainment acts, performers, and artists, and their selected, required, or contractually mandated promoters or associated vendors; and

(d) The director of athletics may execute contracts with other colleges and universities for intercollegiate athletic events and competitions.

(2) Contracts entered into by the university should be upon terms and conditions as are in the best interest of the university and are subject to review for legal form and sufficiency by the office of general counsel.

(G) Any purchase of goods or services in excess of five hundred thousand dollars, except for subcontracts issued through externally funded research grants and contracts for which the university is the grantee, shall be submitted to the board of trustees for prior approval. All purchases of goods in excess of seventy-five thousand dollars and services in excess of one hundred thousand dollars, but less than five hundred thousand dollars, including all subcontracts through externally funded grants, shall be reported to the board as an information item.

(H) The director of purchasing shall take into consideration potential opportunities for new vendors and contractors, especially minority business enterprises certified by the state of Ohio equal employment opportunity coordinator, and enterprises operated by historically disadvantaged owners. The university shall honor state laws concerning purchasing set aside rules and shall communicate to others on campus the desirability of using a variety of vendors.

(I) The purchase of insurance occasionally can be more economical and efficient through direct placement rather than competitive bid. In such instances, the board of trustees must be notified of action taken and the senior vice president and chief financial officer shall report the rationale for a purchase of insurance through direct placement rather than competitive bid.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 8:04 AM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 153:1-9-01

(A) For the purposes of this chapter:

(1) "Rate of inflation" has the same meaning as in section 107.032 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Public bidding threshold" means the monetary threshold contained in section 153.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) The executive director of the Ohio facilities construction commission shall evaluate the public bidding threshold and adjust the amount based on the average rate of inflation during each of the previous five years immediately preceding the adjustment by doing the following:

(1) Determine the rate of inflation by calculating the percent change in the average annual consumer price index (CPI-U), all urban consumers, midwest, all items, for the previous five calendar years as published by the U.S. department of labor, bureau of labor statistics in the month of January following the fifth year.

(2) Adjust the public bidding threshold by multiplying the calculated preceding five-year rate of inflation by the baseline public bidding threshold and rounding the result to the nearest five thousand dollars to establish the public bidding threshold.

(1) Determine the rate of inflation in the same manner as in paragraph (B)(1) of this rule.

(2) Adjust the public bidding threshold by multiplying the rate of inflation by the amount calculated previously as a threshold prior to rounding, and then rounding the result to the nearest five thousand dollars to establish the adjusted public bidding threshold.

(D) If the calculation results in paragraph (C) of this rule results in no change in the public bidding threshold, no change to this rule is required.

(E) The public bidding threshold shall be posted on the commission's website at http://ofcc.ohio.gov.

(F) Beginning in January 2023 until the next adjustment period, the public bidding threshold is two hundred fifty thousand dollars.

Last updated January 19, 2023 at 4:45 PM

History

Effective: January 19, 2023
Promulgated Under: 119.03

Chapter 3359-4 Public Affairs and Development

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-4-01 University communications and marketing.

(A) President of the university.

As specified in rule 3359-1-05 of the Administrative Code, the president is executive head of all university colleges, branches, schools and departments, possessing duties, responsibilities and powers as delineated in the rules of the university of Akron.

(B) Vice president, chief communication and marketing officer.

(1) The vice president, chief communication and marketing officer shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president; shall hold office at the discretion of the president; and ultimately reports to the president through the administrative reporting line then in effect.

(2) The vice president, chief communication and marketing officer shall be responsible for the oversight and management of the office of university communications and marketing (UCM) in its provision of institution-level integrated marketing and communications services to the university.

(3) The vice president, chief communication and marketing officer shall:

(a) Serve as the chief external spokesperson for the university and oversee the university's media relations;

(b) Oversee and manage UCM's efforts, in collaboration with campus leaders and constituencies, to develop and support consistent messaging, strategic marketing, and strong brand development for the university;

(c) Oversee and manage the university's marketing communications, advertising, social media, and internal and digital communications;

(d) Coordinate and manage crisis communications and reputational management messaging for the university;

(e) Provide advice and recommendations to senior leadership on communication and marketing issues; and

(f) Perform other duties as may be assigned by the president.

(C) The vice president, chief communication and marketing officer shall have the authority to organize and staff UCM to meet its operational responsibilities, consistent with university rules and policies and the authority of the president.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 8:04 AM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-05

(b) The board will consider the recommendations from all constituency groups, but retains the final authority to determine the criteria, process and schedule for the search.

(a) To make initial and ongoing recommendations to the full committee regarding the criteria, process, and scheduling for the search for the president;

(b) To recommend executive search firms for consideration by the full committee; and

(3) The presidential search committee shall consist of:

(a) The entire board of trustees, including student trustees and advisory trustees, convened as a committee of the whole; and

(b) The elected leader (i.e. president or chair) of the following constituency groups:

(i) University council;

(ii) Faculty senate;

(iii) PSAC ;

(iv) SEAC;

(v) Undergraduate student government; and

(vi) Akron AAUP.

(c) Members of the search committee who are not members of the board of trustees shall be required to execute a confidentiality agreement as a condition of participating on the search committee.

(d) Members of the search committee shall participate in all discussions and meetings of the presidential search committee and shall have access to all presidential search materials.

(4) The search committee shall recommend by consensus those individual(s) to be considered for employment as president by the board of trustees.

Last updated December 29, 2025 at 11:42 AM

History

Effective: December 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-4-02 Division of advancement.

(A) President of the university.

(B) Vice president of advancement.

(1) The vice president of advancement shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president; shall hold office at the discretion of the president; and ultimately reports to the president through the administrative reporting line in effect.

(2) The vice president of advancement shall be responsible for oversight and management of the department of development and its fundraising operations; the office of alumni relations; and management of the university of Akron foundation.

(3) The vice president of advancement shall:

(a) Be the chief development officer of the university and serve as the executive director of the university of Akron foundation;

(b) Oversee operations to identify, cultivate, solicit, record and steward private financial support from individuals, corporations, foundations and other organizations;

(c) Oversee operations, outreach and programs to mobilize alumni and other constituents' enthusiasm, commitment and financial support for the university;

(d) Initiate, in collaboration with senior leadership, future fundraising goals, initiatives and strategies; and

(e) Perform other such duties as may be assigned by the president.

(C) The vice president of advancement shall have the authority to organize and staff the department of development to meet its operational responsibilities, consistent with university rules and policies and the authority of the president.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 8:05 AM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3359-5 VPCIO Division

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-5-01 The office of information technology services.

(A) President of the university. As specified in rule 3359-1-05 of the Administrative Code, the president is executive head of all university colleges, branches, schools, and departments, possessing duties, responsibilities, and powers as delineated in rules of the university of Akron.

(B) Chief information officer ("CIO.")

(1) The CIO shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president; shall hold office at the discretion of the president; and ultimately reports to the president consistent with the administrative reporting line then in effect.

(2) The CIO shall be responsible for oversight and management of functions encompassed by the office of information technology services, including networking, academic learning technologies and distance learning, information resource management and dissemination, information management systems, and such operational functions of the university as assigned, consistent with university rules and policies or as directed by the president.

(3) The CIO shall:

(a) Oversee and coordinate the management of, and budgeting for information and instructional technology services at the university;

(b) Develop and implement the strategic planning of technology initiatives in support of the university's academic and administrative functions;

(d) Provide advice and recommendations to senior leadership on information and instructional technology issues; and

(e) Perform other such duties as may be assigned by the president.

(4) The CIO shall have the authority to organize and staff the office of information technology services to meet its operational responsibilities, consistent with university rules and policies and the authority of the president.

(1) The CISO, at the direction of the CIO, will manage and guide the prioritization, design, development, testing, and implementation of security initiatives for the university's information and instructional technology and infrastructure, including security investigations and implementation of corrective actions as needed.

(2) The CISO will review and approve applications systems and infrastructure to ensure quality and security.

(3) The CISO will support the CIO in the areas of governance, project management, personnel, financial, contractual, programmatic requirements and security.

(4) The CISO will chair and coordinate the activities of the university's information technology services program advisory committee ("ITSPAC.")

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 8:05 AM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-05

(b) The board will consider the recommendations from all constituency groups, but retains the final authority to determine the criteria, process and schedule for the search.

(a) To make initial and ongoing recommendations to the full committee regarding the criteria, process, and scheduling for the search for the president;

(b) To recommend executive search firms for consideration by the full committee; and

(3) The presidential search committee shall consist of:

(a) The entire board of trustees, including student trustees and advisory trustees, convened as a committee of the whole; and

(b) The elected leader (i.e. president or chair) of the following constituency groups:

(i) University council;

(ii) Faculty senate;

(iii) PSAC ;

(iv) SEAC;

(v) Undergraduate student government; and

(vi) Akron AAUP.

(c) Members of the search committee who are not members of the board of trustees shall be required to execute a confidentiality agreement as a condition of participating on the search committee.

(d) Members of the search committee shall participate in all discussions and meetings of the presidential search committee and shall have access to all presidential search materials.

(4) The search committee shall recommend by consensus those individual(s) to be considered for employment as president by the board of trustees.

Last updated December 29, 2025 at 11:42 AM

History

Effective: December 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3359-6 Capital Planning and Facilities Management

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-6-01 Office of capital planning and facilities management.

(A) President of the university. As specified in rule 3359-1-05 of the Administrative Code, the president is executive head of all university colleges, branches, schools, and departments, possessing duties, responsibilities, and powers as delineated in the rules of the university of Akron.

(B) Chief planning and facilities officer.

(1) The chief planning and facilities officer shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s), upon recommendation of the president; shall hold office at the discretion of the president; and ultimately reports to the president through the administrative reporting line then in effect.

(2) The chief planning and facilities officer shall be responsible for oversight and management of the office of capital planning and facilities management and shall serve as the primary advisor to the administration on physical planning, construction, maintenance, and safety; and, shall be responsible for the direction and supervision of all physical planning, construction, maintenance, and safety of the university, including the provision of design advice, and services in all matters pertaining to capital improvements on behalf of the university of Akron.

(3) The chief planning and facilities officer shall:

(a) Assist the president and other administrative officers to identify and implement programs and strategies that will provide comprehensive and preventative capital planning guidance to the university of Akron;

(b) Review, advise, and assist with planning and construction documents, including contracts related to capital improvements and maintenance at the university of Akron;

(d) Review, advise, and assist with property acquisitions and leases;

(e) Coordinate capital improvements and services for the university of Akron with the appropriate state of Ohio departments, liaison with the city of Akron, county of Summit, and state of Ohio planning authorities, including the office of the state architect; and

(f) Oversee the safekeeping of all construction drawings, specifications, and similar documents related to university capital projects.

(C) The chief planning and facilities officer shall have the authority to organize and staff the office of capital planning and facilities management to meet its operational responsibilities, consistent with university rules and policies and the authority of the president.

Last updated October 17, 2023 at 11:33 AM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-05

(b) The board will consider the recommendations from all constituency groups, but retains the final authority to determine the criteria, process and schedule for the search.

(a) To make initial and ongoing recommendations to the full committee regarding the criteria, process, and scheduling for the search for the president;

(b) To recommend executive search firms for consideration by the full committee; and

(3) The presidential search committee shall consist of:

(a) The entire board of trustees, including student trustees and advisory trustees, convened as a committee of the whole; and

(b) The elected leader (i.e. president or chair) of the following constituency groups:

(i) University council;

(ii) Faculty senate;

(iii) PSAC ;

(iv) SEAC;

(v) Undergraduate student government; and

(vi) Akron AAUP.

(c) Members of the search committee who are not members of the board of trustees shall be required to execute a confidentiality agreement as a condition of participating on the search committee.

(d) Members of the search committee shall participate in all discussions and meetings of the presidential search committee and shall have access to all presidential search materials.

(4) The search committee shall recommend by consensus those individual(s) to be considered for employment as president by the board of trustees.

Last updated December 29, 2025 at 11:42 AM

History

Effective: December 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3359-7 Offices of Vice President and General Counsel, Records Compliance and University Internal Audit

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-7-01 Office of the vice president and general counsel.

(A) Vice president and general counsel.

(1) Pursuant to sections 109.02 and 3345.15 of the Revised Code, the attorney general is the chief legal officer for the university of Akron and the legal representation of the university remains within the direction and control of the attorney general pursuant to agreement between the attorney general and the board of trustees of the university. The attorney general has ultimate responsibility for rendering legal services to the university and for the selection of counsel to provide representation for the university. The vice president and general counsel shall be appointed by the board of trustees or the board of trustees' designee(s) subject to the prior approval of the attorney general.

The vice president and general counsel shall hold office at the discretion of both the attorney general and the university board of trustees. Either the attorney general or the board of trustees may request the person in this position to cease serving in this position, and the person shall thereupon cease to serve. The associate vice president and deputy general counsel, and other associates or assistants thereto shall be appointed by the board with the prior written approval of the attorney general upon recommendation of the vice president and general counsel, and shall hold office at the discretion of both the attorney general and the board of trustees. Either the attorney general or the board of trustees may request the persons in these positions to cease serving in such positions, and the persons shall thereupon cease to serve.

The vice president and general counsel shall report directly to the president and shall work in close cooperation and coordination with the president, president's cabinet, and other university officers and administrators. The vice president and general counsel and associate vice president and general counsel, and other associates and assistant general counsels shall be appointed as assistant attorneys general. It is specifically understood that the nature of legal services are of such a personal and fiduciary nature that the attorney general is the sole judge of the adequacy of the legal services rendered pursuant to all appointments of attorneys as assistant attorneys general. All rights and conditions of employment pertaining to unclassified professional staff university employees shall apply to attorneys appointed assistant attorneys general except as provided otherwise in this rule.

Notwithstanding the direct reporting relation between the vice president and general counsel to the president, it shall be the duty and responsibility of the vice president and general counsel to coordinate with and keep the senior vice president and provost informed in advance on all matters, initiatives, or decisions within their area of responsibility that involve academic matters, or that have a reasonable expectation of involving or affecting the academic programs, activities, or directions of the university.

(2) The vice president and general counsel shall serve as the chief legal advisor to the president, board of trustees, and university officers and administrators; and, shall be responsible to the president and the board for the direction and supervision of all legal matters of the university, including the provision of legal counsel, advice, and services in all matters pertaining to the practice of law on behalf of the university of Akron. The vice president and general counsel shall be assisted by the associate vice presidents and deputy general counsel and such associates and assistants as approved by the board of trustees and the attorney general. All attorneys practicing law on behalf of the university shall report to the vice president and general counsel. No attorney employed by the university of Akron shall be authorized to practice law on behalf of the university of Akron except those appointed assistant attorneys general and reporting to the general counsel.

(3) Specific duties of the vice president and general counsel shall include responsibility for management of the office of general counsel and supervision of the legal staff, and directing and monitoring within the university, all legal matters on behalf of the university of Akron, including for example:

(a) Litigation matters, such as representing or overseeing the representation of the institution, and when appropriate, its officers, administration and employees in judicial and administrative proceedings, and in negotiations with other state or federal entities;

(b) Review, advise, and assist with legal documents, contracts, policies, procedures, practices, actions, or any matter having legal significance to the management and operation of the university of Akron, and including but not limited to providing legal counsel and guidance to institutional officers and upper management on all legal matters relevant to a large public institution, such as employment law, and polices, procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to students;

(c) Legal review of judicial decisions, legislative or governmental regulatory developments, and recommended compliance procedures or strategies;

(d) Review, advise, and assist with property acquisitions, leases, labor relations, and personnel matters, insurance matters, intellectual property issues, including patent, trademark, and copyright matters;

(e) Advise and assist with compliance reviews by governmental agencies, higher education regulatory agencies and internal compliance and management audits;

(f) Assist the president and other administrative officers to identify and implement programs and strategies that will provide comprehensive and preventative legal guidance to the university of Akron, including anticipation of legal issues and development of legal strategies and solutions in situations involving political, public relations, or financial risk or significance to the institution, its governing authority or management;

(g) Obtain authorization from the attorney general when required by law for the settlement of claims or lawsuits; and obtain authorization from the attorney general prior to the commencement of any legal action;

(h) Maintains professional growth and development through professional affiliations, seminars and workshops to keep abreast of current developments in college and university law and related areas;

(i) Provides training and education to the campus community on various legal issues through meetings, memorandums, and the general provision of legal advice and counsel.

(4) The vice president and general counsel shall be responsible for the safekeeping of all deeds, leases, mortgages, contracts, and like papers or instruments of value except for those instruments required to be kept by another institutional officer. The vice president and general counsel shall, on behalf of the university, be authorized to execute all contracts and legal documents, including without limitation, settlement documents approved by the attorney general of Ohio, routine settlements and releases pertaining to litigation or threatened litigation, including worker's compensation and unemployment compensation matters, collection matters, labor contracts, intellectual property documents, bond documents and supporting opinions, etc.

(5) The vice president and general counsel, associate vice president and deputy general counsel, and associates or assistants thereto shall maintain the professional qualifications for appointment as assistant attorneys general of the state of Ohio, including compliance with the Ohio supreme court rules for the government of the bar and the Ohio code of professional responsibility; and shall provide general legal counsel and advice in accord with the professional standards established by the Ohio attorney general, and American bar association to the extent such are not in conflict with the state of Ohio supreme court code of professional responsibility or rules for the government of the bar. Any attorneys employed by the university to practice law on behalf of the university must have their appointments approved in advance by the attorney general, and the attorney general shall appoint such attorneys as assistants attorneys general, with appropriate limitations or conditions of appointment as may be deemed necessary by either the attorney general or the vice president and general counsel.

(6) The vice president and general counsel shall coordinate the provision of legal counsel, advice, and services for the university of Akron with the Ohio attorney general, special counsel appointed by the Ohio attorney general, and provide appropriate liaison with the bench, bar, and law enforcement authorities. The vice president and general counsel shall work closely with the chief of the education section within the office of the Ohio attorney general and shall keep the chief of the section informed of all significant pending legal matters involving the university. The vice president and general counsel shall serve as liaison with the office of the Ohio inspector general. The vice president and general counsel shall serve as the liaison person regarding legal matters with affiliated organizations, such as the university of Akron foundation.

(7) As legal counsel to the board of trustees, the vice president and general counsel shall report to the chairman of the board and shall provide reports to the board of trustees as required by the board, and shall:

(a) Attend and provide legal counsel at meetings of the board and its committees;

(b) Assist in preparation of agendas for board meetings, review documents presented to the board which may have legal implications, and review all minutes of board meetings prior to their submission for adoption;

(d) Conduct inquiries and provide such other services as directed by the board, committees of the board, chairman or officers of the board;

(e) Work closely with the president to ensure good board and campus relations and flow of information;

(f) Maintain total confidentiality in regard to all board business and materials, as required by the code of professional responsibility;

(g) When appointed as secretary or assistant secretary of the board of trustees, administer those functions and duties prescribed for the secretary or assistant secretary of the board of trustees as outlined in the bylaws of the board.

(B) Associate vice president and deputy general counsel.

With prior approval and at the direction of or during any absence by the vice president and general counsel, the associate vice president and deputy general counsel shall fulfill the duties of the vice president and general counsel.

The vice president and general counsel and the associate vice president and deputy general counsel shall be assisted by such assistant or associate general counsel as shall be appointed by the board, and each shall hold office at the discretion of the board, and shall be under the supervision and direction of the vice president and general counsel.

(D) Amendments.

This rule shall not be altered, amended, repealed or otherwise modified without the concurrence of the then current Ohio attorney general.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 8:06 AM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-7-02 Office of university internal audit.

(A) The chief audit executive ("CAE") shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon the joint recommendation of the president and the audit and compliance committee of the board of trustees, and shall hold office at the discretion of the board. The chief audit executive shall report directly to the president on administrative matters and the board of trustees through the audit and compliance committee of the board on functional matters.

(B) The chief audit executive is responsible for conducting financial, operational, compliance and investigative audits. The chief audit executive, with advice and assistance from the university administration, including the vice president and general counsel, shall be responsible for developing both short and long-term internal audit plans, overseeing that audits are properly planned, staffed and completed, and summarizing and communicating results to the university administration and the audit and compliance committee and the board as appropriate. The chief audit executive shall identify where improvements to internal control processes effectiveness and process efficiency should be made to the university's financial and operational processes.

(C) The chief audit executive shall lead the evaluation and execution of audits associated with the university's compliance requirements, including, for example, compliance with university policies and rules and compliance with laws and applicable state and federal regulatory standards and mandates.

(D) The chief audit executive shall conduct those financial, operational and investigative audits as, from time to time, may be requested by the audit and compliance committee or the board of trustees and university administration, including the vice president and general counsel and shall perform and be responsible for the following financial audits and reviews:

(1) Audit and verify purchase orders and vouchers for bills and salaries; audit receipts of funds, including student tuition and fees, and the deposits thereof in banks and reconciliation of all bank accounts.

(2) Audit general funds, auxiliary funds, restricted funds, loan funds, endowment funds, plant funds, and agency funds; and, assist the external auditors as appointed by the board and Ohio auditor of state.

(3) Periodically, and from time to time, inspect securities, inventories, supplies, real property and equipment owned by the university.

(4) Periodically review and make recommendations for improvements of the system of internal control in effect for the entire university.

(E) The chief audit executive shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the audit and compliance committee or the board of trustees and university administration.

(F) Additional audit personnel. The president may recommend the appointment of additional audit personnel to support the work of the chief audit executive. These additional audit personnel may include a deputy audit executive.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 8:07 AM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3359-8 Student Affairs

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-8-01 Division of student affairs.

(A) President of the university.

(B) Vice president for student affairs.

(1) The vice president for student affairs shall be appointed by the board or the board's designee(s) upon recommendation of the president; shall hold office at the discretion of the president; and ultimately reports to the president through the administrative reporting line then in effect.

(2) The vice president for student affairs shall be responsible for the oversight and management of services and programming designed to engage students and to meet student development needs throughout their college experience.

(3) The vice president of student affairs shall:

(a) Oversee and manage student support services administratively assigned to the division of student affairs;

(b) Oversee the administrative structure for co-curricular activities, including student organizations and non-varsity student athletics;

(c) Develop and implement the strategic planning of initiatives in support of the university's student service functions;

(d) Serve as liaison to assigned university committees, either directly or through delegation;

(e) Provide advice and recommendations to senior leadership on student issues; and

(f) Perform other such duties as may be assigned by the president.

(4) Students dismissed from the university pursuant to division (A) of section 3345.23 of the Revised Code shall not be readmitted to the university of Akron except upon favorable recommendation of the vice president for student affairs and the president. Such recommendation for readmission shall be submitted to the board of trustees for approval and shall include reasons supporting such readmission. Readmission under these circumstances may be accompanied by terms of strict probation or other conditions deemed appropriate by the vice president for student affairs.

(C) The vice president for student affairs shall have the authority to organize and staff the division of student affairs to meet its operational responsibilities, consistent with university rules and policies and the authority of the president.

Last updated October 20, 2023 at 12:35 PM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-05

(b) The board will consider the recommendations from all constituency groups, but retains the final authority to determine the criteria, process and schedule for the search.

(a) To make initial and ongoing recommendations to the full committee regarding the criteria, process, and scheduling for the search for the president;

(b) To recommend executive search firms for consideration by the full committee; and

(3) The presidential search committee shall consist of:

(a) The entire board of trustees, including student trustees and advisory trustees, convened as a committee of the whole; and

(b) The elected leader (i.e. president or chair) of the following constituency groups:

(i) University council;

(ii) Faculty senate;

(iii) PSAC ;

(iv) SEAC;

(v) Undergraduate student government; and

(vi) Akron AAUP.

(c) Members of the search committee who are not members of the board of trustees shall be required to execute a confidentiality agreement as a condition of participating on the search committee.

(d) Members of the search committee shall participate in all discussions and meetings of the presidential search committee and shall have access to all presidential search materials.

(4) The search committee shall recommend by consensus those individual(s) to be considered for employment as president by the board of trustees.

Last updated December 29, 2025 at 11:42 AM

History

Effective: December 21, 2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Chapter 3359-9 Classified and Unclassified Civil Service; Full-Time; Notice Procedure

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-9-01 Appointments to the classified and unclassified civil service.

(A) The board recognizes that the civil service of the state is "... divided into the unclassified service and the classified service..." and, that the "...unclassified service shall comprise the following positions, which shall not be included in the classified service...":

"...All presidents, business managers, administrative officers, deans, assistant deans, instructors, teachers, and such employees as are engaged in educational or research duties connected with..." the university of Akron as determined by the board of trustees, as defined in division (A)(7)(a) of section 124.11 of the Revised Code.

(B) Pursuant to the rules of the board of trustees, the president and the president's designee(s) are empowered to employ, set compensation for and remove full-time administrative officers, faculty, professional staff, and unclassified staff members and all part-time employees and classified staff, and to perform all other personnel actions, except as otherwise provided in rules 3359-1-02 and 3359-7-01 of the Administrative Code. All appointments shall identify the classified or unclassified status of the position. By virtue of appointment to the classified or unclassified service, such employee shall be subject to the authority of the president, or the president's designee(s) who shall have the discretion at any time during the term of appointment to make or to authorize assignments, reassignments, or other administrative changes in an individual's duties or responsibilities, including but not limited to changing administrative designations or reporting relationships.

(C) Certificates of appointment, letters, job descriptions, or other instruments documenting or issued by the appointing authority shall not be constructed to limit the discretion and authority of the president, or the president's designee(s).

(D) Employment and compensation of employees of the university of Akron is the responsibility of the board, and the board has authorized the president and the president's designee(s), but no other officer or employee of the university of Akron, to employ, remove, fix the compensation of, or in any manner whatsoever create any expectancy of employment or reemployment, except as expressly authorized in the bylaws, rules, and regulations of the board, and consistent with the authority and limitations of this rule, and rules 3359-1-05, 3359-20-06.1 and 3359-22-01 of the Administrative Code. All offers of employment shall be subject to the approval of the board of trustees and/or the president or the president's designee(s), and no person shall be entitled to rely upon any verbal or written representation to the contrary.

(E) The board of trustees will act upon all personnel actions that involve full-time administrative officers, faculty, professional staff, and unclassified staff members whose employment is pursuant to a personal multi-year employment agreement.

(F) The office of general counsel shall provide advice and counsel with respect to the negotiation and terms of such contractual arrangements and shall review all such documents for legal form and sufficiency. Prior to any board meeting at which board approval will be requested for the employment of such individual(s), the document(s) containing all proposed terms of employment shall be provided to the board of trustees for its review.

(G) This rule shall not apply to undergraduate, graduate or professional students.

Last updated October 20, 2023 at 12:35 PM

History

Effective: October 14, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-1-02

(A) Officers.

(B) Duties of officers.

The duties of the officers of the board shall be as follows:

(1) Chairperson.

(c) The chairperson shall perform such other duties as these bylaws shall hereinafter prescribe or as may be, from time to time, delegated to the chairperson by the board.

(2) Vice chairperson.

(3) Secretary and assistant secretary.

(g) The assistant secretary shall assist the secretary in the execution of duties outlined in rules for the secretary, and shall substitute in the secretary's absence.

(i) The assistant secretary shall assist members of the board as they may request in carrying out their fiduciary duties to the board.

Last updated May 1, 2023 at 8:37 AM

History

Effective: April 29, 2023
Promulgated Under: 111.15

Ohio Adm.Code 3359-7-01