Three accomplishments which reflect progress toward shared governance are the new University Senate constitution, positive faculty evaluation of upper administration, and the establishment of departmental charters. The new constitution provides a clear and detailed list of areas in which the Senate has policy-making advising and advisory power, and outlines the procedures for submitting proposals to the University administration and time limits for response. Communication between faculty, staff, and the administration has improved since the trial period began. In addition, in 1994, the University Senate passed a policy and procedure for regular faculty evaluation of the upper administration. The first evaluation was completed in 1996.
Every department now has an approved charter.
However, a review of departmental charters reveals that not all departments have policies in all areas of concern to faculty. Of particular interest for shared governance are procedures in the charters for the selection, appointment, evaluation, and reappointment of department chairs. This suggests that chairs are accountable to faculty as well as the administration. The majority of department chairs have been selected under the new procedures, which appear to have a favorable reception from faculty. Service Michigan Tech faculty are actively involved in service to the University and their departments, as detailed on their curricula vitae.