C: The governing board of the institution is sufficiently autonomous to make decisions in the best interest of the institution and to assure its integrity

CSU's Board of Trustees consist of a nine-member Board with two non-voting Student Trustees. All Board members are appointed by the Governor of the State of Ohio. Ohio Law grants the Board of Trustees the authority to oversee all operations of the University. Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 3343 (ORC 3343) states that, "The government of CSU shall be vested in a board of trustees to be known as the Board of Trustees of the CSU.”  3343.02. Members of the Board of Trustees are responsible for "all things necessary for the proper maintenance and successful and continuous operation of the University." 3343.03. Members of the Board of Trustees are also responsible for maintaining exclusive authority, direction, supervision, and control over the operations and conduct of the University, to ensure that the University attains the best results in its operations with aid secured from the State of Ohio (ORC. 3343.05).

2. C.1. The governing board’s deliberations reflect priorities to preserve and enhance the institution.

Members of the Central State Board of Trustees meet at least twice a year to discuss ways to preserve and enhance the University. These discussions occur during Standing Committee meetings, and full meetings of the Board. The four standing committees of the Board-- Executive Committee, Budget and Finance, Academic and Student Affairs, and Institutional Advancement--review the functions of the University and propose policies that affect the effective operation of the University.  Board members on each Committee review all issues presented to them by the University’s administrative leadership.

 Issues brought before the Board are openly discussed and deliberated and voted on via resolutions. The Board of Trustees hold regular meetings in June and November of each year and may hold special meetings as needed. Minutes taken at Committee and full Board meetings demonstrate that the Board makes decisions in the best interests of the University to preserve and enhance the University. 

2. C. 2: The governing board reviews and considers the reasonable and relevant interests of the institution’s internal and external constituencies during its decision-making deliberations.

The structure of the Board and its committees allow for clear communication about campus events, programs, and policies. The Code of Regulations of the Board of Trustees, through various Articles, establishes mechanisms for receiving and reviewing input from external and internal constituencies. Article 2.8 allows internal and external groups to submit issues to the Board and to request that these issues be placed on the agenda for the next Board Meeting. Article 5.2 requires the President to submit regular reports to the Board detailing significant developments in the operation of the University. In addition, Article 7.1 requires that communications from individuals or groups within the University be transmitted to the Board without modification. 

Standing Committees of the Board consider reasonable and relevant interests of internal and external constituencies regarding the University as described in Article 4.2, which states: "In order to make recommendations to the Board, committees may seek input from interested parties within and without the University community who may or may not be directly affected by University policy." The University's administrative leadership often presents issues affecting the functions of the University at open and closed Board meetings. For example, members of the President's Cabinet are often asked to present to the Board on financial, academic, institutional advancement or development matters. The President of the Faculty Senate may be asked to present at Board meetings on matters and issues related to the faculty. These processes allow the Board to work collaboratively with the administrative leadership, faculty, staff and students in arriving at solutions to move the University forward.  Board presentations may also come from the two non-voting Student Trustees to inform the Board on issues related to students.

A review of the minutes of the Board of Trustees' meetings demonstrates that Central State's governing board considers matters of interest to the University to be reasonable and relevant, and considers matters affecting the well-being of the University to be a priority. Securing adequate and equitable state and federal-funding support is essential for the University. On numerous occasions, members of the Board of Trustees have led the University’s efforts by serving as advocates for the University at both state and national levels. For example, on December, 2004, Central State's Board of trustees sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) asking it to reopen its investigation regarding Title VI concerns relating to inequity in the State of Ohio’s treatment of CSU compared to other public universities. The OCR subsequently agreed to continue monitoring the state’s compliance with a 1998 agreement between the State of Ohio and the OCR. The OCR called on the state to enhance the infrastructure on Central State's campus by making it as attractive as other public universities in Ohio.

 In October 2010, the Board also sent a letter to the Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents expressing concern about the changes in the state's funding formula for higher education, which would adversely affect the University. Since Central State is a not-for-profit institution of higher education with no "investors" and no "ownership interest’ and is thus very different from private institutions,  the Board wanted to remind the OBR to consider how changes in the state’s funding formula could affect the financial well-being of Central state. 

2. C. 3. The governing board preserves its independence from undue influence on the part of donors, elected officials, ownership interests, or other external parties when such influence would not be in the best interest of the institution.

The Central State Board of Trustees limits the influence of external parties by adhering to tough conflict of interest and ethics rules and by carefully monitoring fund-raising activities. It pursues the best interests of the institution when working with state lawmakers. Article 1.3 of the Code of Regulations establishes a conflict of interest policy to ensure that Board members are not unduly influenced by external parties when deliberating on University matters. The Board is also guided by Chapter 102 of the Ohio Revised Code, which regulates conflicts of interest for certain state employees.  Board members are required to attend training annually on Ohio Law and Ethics pursuant to Executive Order 2007-01S.    

Central State solicits financial contributions from alumni and outside supporters. However, University personnel may solicit funds from private sources only with prior written clearance from the Development or Institutional Advancement Office. Personnel must complete a "clearance to solicit" form and submit the form to the Development Office. In completing the form, employees must explain how the solicitation meets a University or program-specific goal. In addition, the employee must verify that the University official ultimately responsible for the program area has reviewed the request. The President has the authority to refuse unsolicited gifts.

Given Central State's status as a public institution, it is inevitable that political leaders may exert influence over the University. Lawmakers write the state budget that influences the University’s day-to-day operations and the state Department of Education establishes educational standards that are enforced through the OBR. With the consent of the state Senate, the Governor approves appointed or nominated members to serve on the University's Board of Trustees.  However, the Board works independently of the influence of state political leaders to protect the interests of the institution, maintaining “exclusive authority, direction, supervision, and control over the operations and conduct” of the University to realize the "best attainable results” with the aid provided by the State of Ohio. The Board thus conducts itself ethically and responsibly in developing relationships that benefit the University.

2. C. 4. The governing board delegates day-to-day management of the institution to the administration and expects the faculty to oversee academic matters.

Central State's Board of Trustees exercise exclusive authority over the University. However, it delegates the day-to-day operations of the University to the President and her Cabinet and the various supervisors in each Unit. The Board's authority to delegate is stated explicitly in Article 5.1 of the Board's Code of Regulations:

In the same vein, Article 5.2 of the Code directs that Board to appoint a President to lead the day-to-day operations of the University, and establishes responsibilities of the President to include the following: 

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  Making periodic and regular reports to the Board, which contain not only a review of the principal advancements in policy and program, but also a report concerning the financial status and progress of the institution; 
  
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  Oversight of the institution's operations, to ensure that operations are efficient and in accordance with the policies adopted by the Board and in accordance with applicable laws;   
  
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  Recommending and presenting to the Board and the appropriate committees thereof, the proposed annual budget;  
  
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  Recommending all appointments, promotions and dismissals to the Board of Trustees of persons he/she wishes appointed to the staff, faculty and other positions or dismissed from the University; 
  
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  Supervising all University personnel, including the teaching, technical and administrative personnel in all divisions of the University;
  
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  Serving as the chief spokesperson for the University in all matters relating to the administration of the University; 
  
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  Fostering good relations with the Board of Regents and other governing bodies organized and existing under law, to foster good relations between the Trustees, the alumni, members of the legislature and the public. 
  

Similarly, the Board of Trustees expects the faculty to oversee academic matters, particularly matters related to the curriculum. The administration believes in shared governance and expects the faculty to initiate curriculum development, changes, and review of content.. Through the University Faculty Senate, faculty serve on various Committees that oversee the quality and rigor of the courses offered.  Under the AAUP collective bargaining agreement, the faculty exercises authority over academic matters through the Faculty Senate, and is guided by policies and procedures outlined in the Faculty Handbook and modeled after Articles in the American Association of University Professor (AAUP)'s agreement. Policies related to faculty matters, including membership on the Senate, meetings of the Senate, and voting privileges within the Senate are described within the agreement. The various Senate committees are described in greater detail in Criterion Five, under Core Component 5.B. of this Self-Study.

 The Senate Committee on Academic Policy is responsible for the currency of courses in general education as well as in all program curricula. The Academic Policy Review process demonstrates faculty oversight of the curriculum. The Faculty Handbook describes the charge for this Committee as follows:

 "The Senate Committee on Academic Policy shall have authority: (1) to review recommendations forwarded to it by the various Colleges of the University; (2) to recommend major changes in curricula; (3) to consider policy with respect to the grading system and the requirements for good standing and degrees, (4) to develop a grade appeal policy and procedure (5) to make continuing study of the standing and reputation of the various academic units within the University, (6) to oversee the Honors program, and (7) to act in the name of the University Senate in emergency situations on matters of curricula and instruction. The Registrar shall be an ex officio member of the Committee on Academic Policy."

During the Academic Policy Review process, faculty members initiate the revision of existing general education or degree program courses. Faculty can also initiate the development of new courses or programs. Both processes begin with development of an academic program request (APR) by an individual faculty or a group of faculty. Using the APR form, the faculty member outlines the proposed change and submits it to the Department Chair. Members of the academic department review the request and vote on it at a department meeting.  When the request is approved it is submitted through the College Dean to the Senate Committee on Academic Policy, which, upon approval, submits it to the Senate President for signature and submission to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. If the request is for the establishment of a new program, it must be reviewed by the Provost, President and the Board to ensure that the University has the resources needed to provide a quality program to students. New programs must also be approved by the Ohio Board of Regents. In the academic year 2011-2012, the Senate approved sixty percent (60%) of the academic program requests. The remaining forty percent (40%) of the requests were either rejected by the Senate or withdrawn before the final approval process.

Academic Program Review

Program review is essential for regional as well as specialized program accreditation. It also allows the University to assess program productivity through student enrollment, course completion and graduation rates. Department Chairs are responsible for completing program review.  The first formal University-wide attempt to conduct program review at CSU took place during the 2004-2005 academic year during conversion of the academic calendar from the Quarter to Semester system. A review of courses in every program was conducted through a comprehensive process. In the Fall of 2011, a consultant from Wright State University was invited to the CSU campus to make a presentation to the faculty on program review. CSU's administrators and faculty who attended the 2011 HLC conference identified a "Program Review Template (PRT)," consisting of twenty five (25) Essential Program Review Questions," and brought it back to the campus for consideration. 

Discussions were held at various forums, including the Academic Council, Dean's Council, and Faculty Senate meetings in the Fall 2011 and the Spring 2011 to review the 25 questions of the PRT.  The PRT was approved by the Faculty Senate and adopted for use. A Planning and Assessment Advisory Council is in the process of developing a five-year Program Review Plan that allows the University to conduct a systematic program review of all programs at CSU. Each program will be internally reviewed using the 25 questions and externally evaluated by a consultant with expert knowledge of program accreditation for the respective discipline. 

2. D. The institution is committed to freedom of expression and the pursuit of truth in teaching and learning.

Central State is committed to freedom of expression and the pursuit of truth in teaching and learning. This applies equally to faculty, staff, and students. This commitment allows for robust discussion in and out of the classroom. Faculty members are free to express themselves in the classroom within their departments, College, and the University Senate meetings. Faculty members are also free to discuss campus events in an electronic forum via email discussion groups. The faculty collective bargaining unit, AAUP, also produces a regular newsletter. 

The University’s policy on academic freedom is stated in the CSU Faculty Handbook as well as in the AAUP agreement, which serves as the contract between the University and the Faculty. The University’s endorsement of the 1940 AAUP Statement on Principles of Academic Freedom can be found in the CSU Faculty Handbook (2010) as follows:

“The University subscribes to the 1940 Statement of Principles on Academic Freedom of the American Association of University Professors.” The University endorses this statement not only by virtue of its membership to the formulation of the original document, but also because the University feels strongly that the freedom of inquiry, freedom of expression, the right of due process for the faculty, and the sense of professional duties and responsibilities as set forth by this document are essential to the pursuit of truth of academic excellence at this institution.” (Faculty Handbook, page 25)

It is further stated in the CSU Faculty Handbook that:

“The University recognizes that academic freedom is the cornerstone of our society and that it is indistinguishable from academic responsibility. This responsibility which is imposed on all members of the academic community includes the respect of the rights and dignity of others as well as the basic freedom necessary for a free University.” (CSU Faculty Handbook, page 26)

While faculty enjoy academic freedom at CSU, they are expected to behave responsibly while interacting with students, particularly as it relates to freedom in the classroom. The AAUP agreement also provides policies and procedures regarding academic freedom in several of its Articles. For example, in Article 5.1, it is stated that:

Faculty members are able to pursue research within their disciplinary areas and in conjunction with faculty outside their fields of study. The administration does not restrict the type of grants that faculty and staff may pursue. It supports all proposals that adhere to University and sponsor guidelines. Over the last few years, the administration has especially encouraged faculty in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics areas to pursue external grants. In the future, it hopes to encourage faculty from all disciplinary areas on campus to pursue grant opportunities. A detailed list of funded faculty research and grants is provided in Criterion Three.

Central State University seeks to maintain the following standards as a means of preserving student rights and responsibilities. In order to provide an atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of knowledge, basic rights and responsibilities must be understood, guaranteed, and reinforced by every member of the University community. The University’s responsibility extends to all students enrolled. Students found responsible of serious or repeated violations of University standards may receive a maximum penalty of dismissal from the University. The following is not intended to restrain the activities of students and members of the University community. They are intended, however, to assure an orderly fashion of life on Central State University’s campus and to give every student an equal and orderly opportunity to pursue an education.

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  A student has the right of respect for personal feelings; the right of freedom from indignity of any type; the right to a high quality education; and the right to make the best use of time and talents toward reaching his/her educational goal.
  
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  A student has the right to exercise freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of peaceful assembly and petition.
  
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  A student has the right to inquire about and to recommend improvements in policies, regulations and procedures affecting the welfare of students. The right to participate in Student Government and other student self-governing bodies which provide channels of communication and means for using democratic processes to solve problems.
  
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  A student has the right to conduct oneself off campus without specific restrictions imposed by the University except for violations of University policies or when one’s conduct impacts or poses a continuing threat to the University community. Violations of laws and unbecoming conduct off campus may be interpreted as impacting or posing a threat to the University community. Disciplinary action, including but not limited to, the revocation of off-campus living privileges or expulsion from the University, may result from such violations or conduct.
  
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  A student has the right to have access to review all such documents that constitute the personal permanent record maintained by the University with the exception of items supplied to the University in confidence, the right to have all disciplinary records purged when deemed inactive, and the right to privacy of one’s education records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
  
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  Discrimination against a student including harassment, on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information, military or veteran status is against federal, state, and local laws.
  
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  A student has the right to personal privacy except as otherwise provided by law and University policy.
  
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  A student has the right to be assured procedural due process when under investigation or during a hearing for alleged violation of the Student Code of Conduct. A student has the right to written notice of the alleged infractions; sufficient time, as defined in the judicial procedures, to prepare a defense; opportunity to question witnesses who participate in the hearing; assurance that the decision concerning responsibility or lack hereof shall be made only on the basis of introduced information; and provision for appeal.