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YSU trustees want more say in hiring
By Denise Dick
Youngstown
Youngstown State University trustees want more control in personnel hiring, promotion and salary increases.
The board last month approved policy changes dealing with administrative officers and professional/administrative staff.
The changes say that the university may issue multi-year contracts to executive- level officers, administrative officers and designated professional/administrative staff and other positions “with the approval of the board of trustees.”
The changes affect vice presidents, deans, associate vice presidents, executive directors, directors, associate and assistant provosts and deans, executive associate to the president and government associate to the president.
The policy modifications went through the board’s University Affairs Committee before being approved by the full board. Scott Schulick and Delores Crawford, the committee chairman and vice chairwoman, respectively, voted against the changes.
Schulick deferred comment to Dr. Sudershan Garg, who, as trustee chairman, is the board’s spokesman. Crawford couldn’t be reached.
“The board wants all hiring approved by the board,” Dr. Garg said.
“I think with a new president coming in, we wanted to have all the bylaws in place so he or she is aware the board would like to be notified. We are not going to look at each and every individual, but we want to be aware of who is being hired at what salary so we can stay within the budget,” he said.
The change wasn’t precipitated by any problems, Dr. Garg noted.
Trustee Harry Meshel said the only issue has been a lack of clarity in board policies regarding “just what kind of information boards should be able to get, should seek and also the process of reviewing hiring, promotion and increases in salary. It’s never been very clear.”
Since the change, though, the board reconvened to pass additional policies allowing new coaches to begin work before trustees’ approval.
Offers of employment, however, are contingent upon trustee approval.
For staff positions, YSU’s chief human resources officer will submit a summary of appointments, separations and transfers to the University Affairs Committee for recommendation for trustees’ approval.
“Upon approval, employment will commence,” the policy says.
University trustees have regular quarterly meetings, and may call special meetings as needed.
The changes also affect selection and evaluation of personnel including vice presidents and university general counsel.
The modified policy requires announcements for those positions, including required and preferred qualifications, to be approved by trustees before a search begins. The president, in consultation with trustees, will identify the candidate who will be offered the job.