University of Missouri System

Academic Affairs

President's Academic Leadership Institute (PALI)

Frequently-Asked Questions

Disclaimer: The Frequently Asked Questions section is designed to provide general guidance. It is not intended as a substitute for sound legal advice or advice from professionals designed to address serious psychological or human resource issues. Readers should always consult the University of Missouri Collected Rules and Regulations, the sections cited in the answers, or any recent changes.

For more information or answers to pressing legal questions, contact the University of Missouri Office of the General Counsel, 227 University Hall, at 573-882-3211. For more information on employee relations issues, contact your campus employee assistance program or the University of Missouri Human Resource Services at 215 University Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 or at 573-882-8279.

Review of Tenured Faculty (Post Tenure Review) – Guide Sheet and Suggestions

Departmental Responsibilities

• What is the role of a chair and what are my responsibilities?
• Is the chair authorized to sign contracts with outside companies on behalf of the department?
• What are my obligations and responsibilities when grant funding runs out?
• How do I handle employee annual evaluations?

Faculty and Tenure

• What is the UM stance on academic freedom and tenure?
• What if a faculty member is accused of research dishonesty?
• Under what circumstances can faculty be dismissed?
• How can I foster leadership among mid-career faculty?
• What if a tenured faculty member isn't meeting his departmental obligations?

Student Affairs

• What must I do if a student is accused of cheating?
• What is the process for a student who wants to appeal a grade?
• What are my responsibilities regarding disabled students?
• Does the University have a code of conduct or guidelines for disciplining students?
• Do students have a right to see faculty emails regarding themselves?

Academic Affairs and Research

• Can a parent or relative who pays student fees see the student's academic records?
• Can a faculty member post grades anonymously via a numeric I.D.?
• What are the rules concerning patents and royalties for work developed at UM?
• What are the guidelines for ownership of intellectual property?

Personnel Issues

• What are some basic rules for dealing with faculty performance issues?
• What are the University's policies regarding a "positive work environment?"
• How do I help staff members work together as a team?
• How can I reduce and relieve stress among the staff?
• What can I do about poor work performance in a faculty member?
• How can I deal with conflicts between two faculty members?
• How do I deal with a faculty member who can't get along with anyone?
• Are relatives and spouses allowed to work in the same department?
• Can I terminate a staff member immediately?

Legal Issues

• What are the University rules concerning discrimination?
• What procedures are available for those who feel their "positive work environment" has been violated?
• What are the procedures for filing a grievance?
• What must I do to protect all parties in a sexual harassment charge?
• What protection does the University provide to employees for actions taken in the course of their jobs?

Personal Problems

• How do I approach faculty with personal problems?
• What should I do about alcoholism?
• What should I do about psychological problems?
• How do I assist faculty members with a serious illness?
• Divorce and its impact on departmental needs.
• How can I get a "difficult" employee to avoid emotional outbursts and work with others?
• Should I recommend counseling?

Want More? Submit a Question!

grahams@umsystem.edu

Answers to FAQ's are carefully developed with the University's legal counsel. Consequently, it takes a while for responses to be posted on the web site. Immediate questions should be directed to the University of Missouri, Office of the General Counsel at 573-882-3211.