Board of Regents Policy CSCU Leadership Continuity Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that there are clear lines of authority, and to provide continuity in performance of the duties of the Chancellor and Institutional Presidents in the event of an absence of the Chancellor or an Institutional President.

This policy is intended to be interpreted and implemented in a manner that is consistent with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and other applicable BOR policies.

Extended absence is an absence which is expected to exceed 90 days.

Long-term absence is an absence which is expected to be for a period exceeding 30 days but less than 90 days and a return to the position at the conclusion of the circumstance precipitating the absence is expected.

Senior Level Administrative Leader: A President, Vice President, Vice Chancellor, or other member of a CSCU executive cabinet with sufficient experience to temporarily carry out the Chief Executive duties during times of the Chief Executive’s absence.

Short-term absence is an absence which is expected to be for a period of 30 days or less, excluding vacations or sick days not exceeding five business days, and a return to the position is expected.

A. Chancellor

By July 1^st of each year the Chancellor shall designate in writing to the BOR a Senior Level Administrative Leader from within the system with designated signatory authority to exercise authority as acting administrative lead and for administration of the CSCU system for periods where the Chancellor is unable to perform their responsibilities. The designee shall maintain continuity of operations and exercise routine administrative authority but shall not undertake material operational, personnel, or financial actions.

If during the fiscal year the designated Senior Level Administrative Leader is unavailable, the Chancellor shall provide an updated designation and transmit it to the BOR as soon as practicable. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the Chancellor from providing a secondary designation in the event the primary designee is unavailable to serve.

1. Short term absence
   If a Chancellor anticipates an absence that is short term, the Chancellor shall notify the BOR Chair of the need for the absence and the expected period of such absence. In the absence of an objection by the BOR Chair, the Chancellor’s designee shall serve for a period not to exceed 30 days.
2. Long term absence
   If the Chancellor anticipates an absence that is long term, the Chancellor shall notify the BOR Chair of the need for the absence and the expected period of such absence. The Chancellor shall confer with the BOR Chair and in the absence of an objection by the Chair, the Chancellor’s designee shall serve for a period not to exceed 90 days.
3. Extended absence
   In the event of an extended absence of the Chancellor, the Chancellor shall notify the BOR Chair and the BOR may, in accordance with the terms of the Chancellor’s contract and applicable BOR policy and bylaws, appoint an Interim Chancellor to lead the system.
4. Absence without notice
   If the Chancellor is absent for any period without notice to the BOR Chair, the Chair shall recognize the Chancellor’s designee as acting administrative lead for a period of 30 days to enable the BOR to call a special meeting to address the absence in the role of the Chancellor.

B. Institutional Presidents

By July 1st of each year each Institutional President shall designate in writing to the Chancellor a Senior Level Administrative Leader from within their respective institution with designated signatory authority to exercise authority as acting administrative lead and for administration of their respective institution for periods where the President is unable to perform their responsibilities. The designee shall maintain continuity of operations and exercise routine administrative authority but shall not undertake material operational, personnel, or financial actions.

If during the fiscal year a designated Senior Level Administrative Leader is unavailable, the respective President shall provide an updated designation and transmit it to the Chancellor as soon as practicable. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit any President from providing a secondary designation in the event the primary designee is unavailable to serve.

1. Short term absence
   If a President anticipates an absence that is short term, the President shall notify the Chancellor of the need for the absence and the expected period of such absence. In the absence of an objection by the Chancellor, the President’s designee shall serve for a period not to exceed 30 days.
2. Long term absence
   If a President anticipates an absence that is long term, the President shall notify the Chancellor of the need for the absence and the expected period of such absence. The President shall confer with the Chancellor and in the absence of an objection by the Chancellor, the President's designee shall serve for a period not to exceed 90 days.
3. Extended absence
   In the event of an extended absence of the President, the President shall notify the Chancellor and the Chancellor may, in accordance with the terms of the President’s contract and applicable BOR policy and bylaws, appoint an Interim President to lead the institution.
4. Absence without notice
   If the President is absent for any period without notice to the Chancellor, the Chancellor shall recognize the President’s designee as acting administrative lead for a period of 30 days to enable the Chancellor to address the absence in the role of the President.

C. Reservation of Authority

Nothing in this policy is intended to interfere with, amend or delegate the authority of the BOR over the selection and appointment of the CSCU Chancellor. Similarly, this policy is not intended to interfere with, amend or delegate the authority of the Chancellor over the selection and appointment of institutional presidents. 

D. Communication and Transition Plans

The Chancellor, or designee, shall develop and execute a communication plan, including internal and external stakeholders and key external state offices and agencies, regarding the designees required by this policy. 

Enforcement

This policy is enforced under the CSCU Code of Conduct for Regents, Employees & Volunteers. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including separation from CSCU.