Bill > S933

This bill amends Chapter 75 of the Massachusetts General Laws to clarify and expand the rights of faculty members during tenure review proceedings at the University of Massachusetts. Specifically, the bill modifies the rules for board of trustees meetings, allowing them to hold executive sessions (closed meetings) to consider tenure awards, but with important protections for the faculty member being reviewed. Under the new provisions, the faculty member must be notified in writing at least 48 hours before an executive session, though they can mutually agree to waive this notice requirement. The faculty member has the right to be present during discussions about their tenure, to bring a counsel or representative for advisory purposes (but not active participation), and to speak on their own behalf. Additionally, if the faculty member requests an open meeting, the trustees must comply. The bill maintains existing quorum requirements (nine members constitute a quorum) and continues to subject board meetings to existing state open meeting laws, with a specific provision allowing executive sessions for discussing honorary degrees.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S933