Recommended Contents of Academic Department Bylaws
The following is a list of recommended contents for the bylaws of academic departments. The list is not exhaustive, and individual departments may choose to add or subtract from this list. Departments should avoid addressing subjects (examples: budget, teaching schedules, allocation of space, allocation of discretionary funds for travel or other purposes) that are primarily within the purview of chairs/heads and administrators. Departments should also avoid attempting to replicate or conflict with existing university policies or the UMass-MSP Collective Bargaining Agreement (examples: Faculty Senate guidelines on the appointment, evaluation, and reappointment of department chairs/heads; Red Book standards on promotion and tenure).
Need Assistance?
For help with time off and leaves; reappointment, promotion, and tenure; academic policies and procedures; or to find an answer to another question, please contact the team directly at academic.hr@umass.edu.
For assistance with financial policies, annual budget and planning, and other financial and budgetary processes for academic affairs, please contact Academic Administration and Finance. For other hiring and benefits issues, please contact the university’s Department of Human Resources.