Bill > S2703

This bill modifies existing law governing the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees' meeting procedures, specifically addressing how and when they can conduct executive sessions related to faculty tenure decisions. The bill requires that when the trustees want to discuss awarding tenure to a faculty member in an executive session (a closed meeting), they must provide written notice to that faculty member at least 48 hours before the session, though this notification requirement can be waived if both parties agree. If the faculty member requests an open meeting, the trustees must comply. During any executive session discussing their tenure, the faculty member has specific rights: they can be present during discussions about themselves, they may bring counsel or a representative for advisory purposes (but not active participation), and they have the right to speak on their own behalf. Additionally, the bill maintains existing quorum rules (nine members constitute a quorum) and references existing open meeting laws, while also allowing executive sessions for awarding honorary degrees. These provisions aim to provide more transparency and procedural fairness in faculty tenure deliberations.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Higher Education (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2703