Section 2: Policies of General Applicability

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MESARYA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

MTU Board of Trustees’ Policy Manual

 

Preface

This Manual is published for The Mesarya Technical University Board of Board of Trustees by the Mesarya Technical University Policy Office. Users should read the preface for critical information on the authority and use of this Manual. A search function is available to search this Manual for specific terms. The Table of Contents lists individual policies.

Purpose and Scope of the Manual

This Manual sets forth policies adopted by the Board of Board of Trustees for the governance of the Mesarya Technical University. The Manual has been prepared as a guide for the Board of Board of Trustees in carrying out its constitutional responsibility for the control and management of the Mesarya Technical University and as a source of information for others concerning the fundamental policies of the University and the operational procedures of the Board. This Manual either sets forth verbatim or makes reference to all current policies of continuing applicability adopted by the Board of Board of Trustees. Reference is made to the location of those Board of Trustees’ Policies too lengthy to be included verbatim in this Manual.

The President of the University has adopted separate administrative policies and procedures for implementing Board of Board of Trustees’ policies.

They are contained in several other documents, such as the Faculty Handbook, the University Administrative Policy Manual, and the Pathfinder.

Effective Date

The policies contained in this Manual became effective on the date the Manual is adopted by the Board of Board of Trustees. The adoption date of each policy appears at the top of each page. The adoption date of policies added or amended in the future will also appear at the top of the new or revised pages.

Table of Contents

 

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    Section 2 – Policies of General Applicability

     

    – Section 2.1: Free Expression and Advocacy

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to all members of the University community: Board of Trustees, faculty, students, staff, and visitors.

    Policy

    Freedom of academic inquiry and freedom of expression are indispensable elements of a university. The freedom to express dissent by lawful means, including peaceable assembly and the right of petition, is as important on a university campus as elsewhere in our society. The Board of Trustees have protected and defended and will continue to protect and defend the academic freedom of all members of the University community. The exercise of the freedom to dissent, however, must be balanced with the rights of others, respect for others, the educational process, and other legitimate University activities and interests.

    The Board of Trustees recognize and approve the right of free speech and honest expression of opinion on any subject by any member of the University community, subject only to reasonable viewpoint-neutral rules. Those who speak or act shall not do so in the name of the University or any of its organizations unless there has been specific authorization to do so. The Rector of the University, as its Chief Executive Officer, is authorized by the Board of Board of Trustees to be the primary spokesperson for the University. The Rector of the Board of Board of Trustees is authorized to speak officially on behalf of the Board.

    Implementation

    The Rector of the University shall develop viewpoint-neutral administrative policies and procedures for free expression and advocacy on University grounds.

     

    – Section 2.2: Speakers from Off Campus

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to all speakers at the University who are not affiliated with the Mesarya Technical University, whether or not sponsored by members of the campus community.

    Policy

    The University encourages free inquiry on the campus. It has confidence in the ability of its students, faculty, and staff to critically evaluate all ideas that may be expressed at the University by speakers from off campus.

    As an educational institution, the University expects that presentations of speakers in University facilities will be of educational value, and that they will be conducted in an orderly manner. The responsibility for determining the educational value of invited speakers rests ultimately upon the group authorized to extend the initiation. No University organization should accept speakers did not impose upon it by any outside agency or individual, nor should an organization lend its entitlement to invite a speaker merely as an accommodation to anyone.

    University facilities normally will not be made available for non-affiliated or non-sponsored speakers. Exceptions will be made for candidates for international and national political office and for speakers who address closed audiences of organizations that use University facilities on an invitational or rental basis. This policy is not intended to restrict the use of University facilities for meetings of a professional or academic nature arranged as part of the University’s regular functions.

    Speakers approved in accordance with University procedures should be allowed free expression of their views. Members of the audience with divergent points of view should permit such speakers to be heard without harassment.

    Implementation

    The Rector shall adopt administrative policies and procedures to implement this policy.

     

     

    – Section 2.3: Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action for Employees & Students

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to recruitment, admission, extracurricular activities, housing, facilities, access to course offerings, counselling and testing, financial assistance, employment, health and insurance services, and athletic programs for students. This policy also applies to the recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion of University employees (faculty and staff), and to all other terms and conditions of employment.

    Policy

    Equal Employment Opportunity

    University policy, Northern Cyprus (TRNC) law and regulations forbid unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual preference, ancestry, or medical condition, in recruiting, hiring, training, promoting, and all other terms and conditions of employment. All personnel policies, such as compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, terminations, returns from layoff, University-sponsored training, education, tuition assistance, social, and recreation programs will be administered without regard to the characteristics or conditions listed above, except when one of these is a bona fide occupational qualification. The University strives to establish procedures which assure equal treatment and access to all programs, facilities and services.

    Equal Educational Opportunity

    The Mesarya Technical University is committed to providing equal educational opportunity and forbids unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual preference, ancestry, or medical condition. Equal educational opportunity includes: admission, recruitment, extracurricular programs and activities, housing, health and insurance services and athletics. In keeping with this policy of equal educational opportunity, the University is committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere free from all forms of harassment.

    Affirmative Action

    Further, the Mesarya Technical University commits itself to a program of affirmative action to increase access by, and participation of, traditionally underrepresented groups in the University’s education programs and work force. It is the policy of the University in the case where a vacant position falls within a job group which is determined to have underutilization, that the hiring official give preference for selection to a finalist who is a member of the underutilized group, provided his/her qualifications and past performance are substantially equal to other finalists.

    Reasonable Accommodation Policy

    The University makes reasonable accommodations to the religious observances / national origin practices of a student, an employee or prospective employee, and to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified student, employee, applicant or program user with a disability, unless such accommodations have the end result of fundamentally altering a program or service or placing an undue hardship on the operation of the University. Qualified students, employees or program users with disabilities should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs or the Office of Disabled Student Services for information regarding accommodations.

    Anti-Harassment Policy

    It is the policy of the institution to prevent and eliminate forms of unlawful harassment in employment and educational settings. The University prohibits harassment of employees by supervisors or co-workers and harassment of students on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, sex, sexual preference, ancestry, medical condition, or other protected status. The University makes special efforts to eliminate both overt and subtle forms of sexual harassment.

    Implementation

    The Rector will develop administrative policies and procedures to implement this policy. The Rector shall establish an affirmative action plan and procedures which will ensure increased access and participation in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other employment-related activities. The Rector shall establish grievance procedures for resolving allegations of discriminatory treatment or harassment against employees and students. Retaliation against any individual for bringing a complaint or participating in an investigation or hearing is strictly forbidden.

     

    – Section 2.4: Diversity and Campus Climate

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to all members of the University community.

    Policy

    The University values the diversity of its students, faculty, staff and the other people with whom it interacts. The University is a forum for the expression, consideration and evaluation of ideas. The educational process on campus is clearly enriched and strengthened by the fact that these ideas arise and are evaluated from such different perspectives.

    The University is committed to increasing participation in the University by populations historically underrepresented at MTU (Europeans, Americans, African, Near & Middle Eastern, Asian, Australians, New Zealanders and students from rural areas and first -generation college students); recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff; and fostering diverse intellectual approaches to teaching, research and creative activity.

    The University is further committed to creating and maintaining a diverse community and a campus in which students, faculty and staff can learn and work together in an atmosphere that is productive and free from harassment, exploitation, intimidation, hate crimes, discrimination and retaliation. The University will act decisively and promptly to deal with those who engage in criminal acts and who violate applicable administrative policies and procedures, thereby demonstrating in the strongest terms that such actions will not be tolerated on this campus.

    – Section 2.5: Sexual Harassment

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to all members of the University community.

    Policy

    The University is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which students, faculty, and administrative and academic staff can learn and work together in an atmosphere that enhances productivity and draws on the diversity of its members — an atmosphere free from all forms of disrespectful conduct, harassment, exploitation or intimidation, including sexual. Sexual harassment subverts the mission of the University and threatens the careers of students, faculty and staff. It is a violation of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) law and will not be tolerated. The University makes special efforts to eliminate both overt and subtle forms of sexual harassment. In fulfilling its dual roles of educating and providing public service, the University can and must demonstrate leadership in educating all members of its community to what is appropriate behaviour between the genders.

    Implementation

    The Rector shall adopt administrative policies and procedures for implementing this policy and for resolving complaints of sexual harassment. Retaliation against any individual for bringing a complaint or participating in an investigation or hearing is strictly forbidden.

     

    – Section 2.6: Drug Free Environment

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to all members of the University community and all property owned, used, leased, or controlled by the University, or any site where official University business is being conducted.

    Policy

    The University is committed to fostering an environment for the pursuit of its mission that is free of drugs and the illegal or inappropriate use of alcohol. Drug and alcohol abuse at the University pose a serious threat to the health and welfare of faculty, staff, and students; impair performance; jeopardize the safety and well-being of other members of the University community and of the general public; and conflict with the responsibility of the University to foster a healthy atmosphere for the pursuit of education, research, and public service.

    The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances or alcohol on University property or as part of any University activities by any member of the University community is strictly prohibited.

    All members of the University community shall abide by this policy as a condition of employment or enrolment. Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal and expulsion.

    Implementation

    The Rector shall adopt administrative policies and procedures to implement this policy which shall be in accordance with the requirements of international and Northern Cyprus (TRNC) laws. In addition, the Rector will maintain alcohol and drug-free awareness programs to inform all members of the University community about the issues and risks of substance abuse at the University.

     

    – Section 2.7: Use of the University’s Name and Symbols

    Adopted Date:October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to the use of the University’s name and official symbols, including the University seal.

    Policy

    The official seal of the Mesarya Technical University is the symbol of the authority and corporate signature of the Board of Board of Trustees and may be used in its impressed or embossed form only on diplomas, academic transcripts, enrolment certifications or other official University documents for which certification is requested by the Northern Cyprus (TRNC) government or a foreign government. The seal cannot be altered or modified except by authorization of the Board of Board of Trustees. Use of the University’s name and other symbols must comply with the “University External Graphic Identification Standards,” UBPPM 1010. The Office of the University Secretary and the Office of the Registrar shall have custody of the seal for the purposes described in this policy. The Rector of the University may determine additional or different custodians for the seal.

     

     

    – Section 2.8: Visitors to the University

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to all persons on University campuses who are not members of the University community.

    Policy

    The University acknowledges and affirms the rights of visitors under the Northern Cyprus (TRNC) state constitutions, including due process rights. However, conduct which adversely affects the University’s educational function, disrupts community living on campus, or interferes with the rights of others to pursue their education, to conduct their University duties and responsibilities, or to participate in University activities shall be considered an offense against the University. Such conduct is prohibited and shall lead to disciplinary action, including expulsion or barring from campus, or arrest by the University when the offense occurs on University premises, as part of a University-sponsored event, or in connection with University activities. The Board of Trustees adopted a “Visitor Code of Conduct” which is published in the MTU Pathfinder. The Code specifies the types of conduct which will lead to disciplinary action and the sanctions for such conduct.

     

     

     

    – Section 2.9: University Archives and Records

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to all employees of the University.

    Policy

    There is a need to adequately document, by identifying and preserving historically and legally significant records, the University’s three basic functions of teaching, research, and public service. Any record bearing upon the activities and functions of the University that is produced or received by an employee of the University in the transaction of University business becomes University property. Such records may not be permanently removed from the University or destroyed without the prior approval of the University Archivist.

    Implementation

    The University shall appoint a University Archivist. The University Archivist shall develop, in accordance with Northern Cyprus (TRNC) law where applicable, standards and procedures for selecting, preserving, organizing, and servicing both official and personal records which provide evidence of the University’s contribution to society, and for determining whether and when University records may be permanently removed or destroyed. The Archivist shall have final authority to disapprove the removal or destruction of University records until satisfied that the records have no historical, legal, or fiscal value.

     

     

    – Section 2.10: Architectural Style of Campus Buildings and Campus Master Plan

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to all buildings on the central campus of the University.

    History

    The Mediterranean style of architecture on campus was introduced by Founder Ali Demirag in the early 2018 and was officially adopted by the Board of Trustees at that time .The Board of Trustees agreed to preserve and enhance the established Mediterranean architectural style, with modifications, if need be. No such architectural restrictions were imposed within campus area, but hope was expressed that new buildings in future would have regional character.

    Policy

    It is the policy of the University that all buildings constructed on the central campus continue to be designed in the Mediterranean style. The consistent use of a single architectural style has become a unique feature of the Mesarya Technical University campus, and contributes to an aesthetically pleasing environment for all members of the University community.

    The Board of Board of Trustees shall approve the University’s long-range campus master plan to guide the physical development of the campus. Revisions to the master plan must have the approval of the Board of Trustees.

    Implementation

    The Rector, through the Planning and Campus Development Department, shall draft:

    • design specifications for central campus buildings which specify use of the Mediterranean architectural style for central campus buildings and that are compatible with this style for other areas of the campus; and
    • updates to the campus master plan for approval by the Board of Board of Trustees.

     

    References

    A copy of the current approved campus master plan is on file in the Office of the Provost/Executive ViceRector for Academic Affairs, the Office of the Executive Vice Rector for Administration/COO/CFO, and the Planning and Campus Development Department.

     

     

    – Section 2.10.1: Historic Preservation

    Adopted Date:October, 2019

     

    Applicability

    This policy applies to all buildings, landscapes and places or objects of historic significance that possess exceptional value or quality in representing and reflecting the University’s architectural and cultural heritage.

    History

    The Mesarya Technical University has several buildings, landscapes and places or objects of historic significance and value, and is one of the first institutions in the Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to adopt and promote the Mediterranean style as an important regional architectural style. The campus contains some of the earliest non-residential interpretations of the Mediterranean style.

    Policy

    It is the policy of the University that all buildings, landscapes and places or objects of historic significance be preserved and protected. Removal of or major alteration to any buildings designated by the University Historic Preservation Committee to be of historic significance must be approved by the Board of Board of Trustees. These unique historic resources provide a connection to the past for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the general public. They are essential to alumni development, student recruitment, the public image of the University, and help define a sense of place.

    Implementation

    The Rector shall adopt administrative policies and procedures which create the Historic Preservation Committee, define the Committee’s responsibilities and provide guidelines for ensuring the preservation and protection of the University’s historic resources, consistent with this Board of Trustees’ policy. The Rector will report annually to the Board of Trustees on Committee activities and findings.

     

    – Section 2.11: Naming University Facilities, Spaces, Endowments, and Programs

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to the naming of facilities including buildings and structures, interior spaces, landscapes, roads, collections, programs, endowed chairs and professorships, schools and faculties on the campus of the University.

    Policy

    The Mesarya Technical University welcomes the opportunity to honour those who have rendered extraordinary service or support to MTU. Facilities, spaces, endowments or programs may be named for individuals or entities whose accomplishments or generosity advance the academic mission of the University, further the capacity of MTU to meet its teaching and scholarly objectives and to serve its community, and enhance the growth and reputation of MTU. A decision to construct or renovate a building, establish a chair or create a program is to be taken on the basis of established academic and other operational criteria and approved in keeping with the University’s established practices and academic mission. Naming will be independent of all appointment, admission and curriculum decisions which the University will continue to make in keeping with its established practices and academic mission. To ensure the appropriateness of the honour, the University will follow the guidelines listed in this policy as it makes decisions on a case-by-case basis with regard to naming facilities, spaces, endowments or programs.

    Criteria for Selection of Honourees

    Naming a facility, space, endowment or program for an individual, organization or corporation is one of the highest honours that the University can bestow. This recognition is a lasting and powerful affirmation of the honouree’s connection to the University’s mission. As such, honourees shall have exemplary character, an unqualified reputation for honesty, personal integrity and the highest standards of personal and professional ethics.

    1. Extraordinary University Service

    Honourees who have been employed by the University shall have given extraordinary service to the institution in a teaching, research, service or administrative field with such exceptional distinction that their contributions are widely recognized by their peers, both at the University and elsewhere. The recognition afforded the honouree may also include private financial contributions related to the naming opportunity. Honourees may not be in active service at the University or hold elected office at the time of the naming, unless the circumstances are exceptional.

    1. Private Financial Support 

    Individuals who have not been University employees, corporations and other organizations may be considered for naming recognition if they have made significant financial contributions to the University related to the naming opportunity. Decisions regarding such recognition are made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the approval process contained in this policy and any other applicable University policies and shall also take into consideration the total cost of the project, the availability of other funds and the level of financial contribution. A bequest or legacy gift from a donor who is still alive will not normally be considered for a naming opportunity.

    The following guidelines should also be taken into consideration in determining a significant level of financial support in a given situation:

      • New facilities–fifty per cent (50%) of construction costs or three million dollars whichever is greater.
      • Renovation of facilities–seventy-five per cent (75%) of the cost of renovating a facility.
      • Existing facilities without renovation–seventy-five per cent (75%) of the fair market value of the facility.
      • Portable items–donation of the collection or at least fifty per cent (50%) of the value of the collection.
      • Tribute markers–fifty per cent (50%) of the cost or value of associated items (e.g. trees, gardens).
      • Endowed chairs and professorships–full funding of the endowment.
      • Programmatic Entities–determined on a case-by-case basis.

     

    Request for Approval

    Since naming facilities, spaces, endowments and programs has a long-term impact on the University, the approval process is designed to ensure such action is in the best interest of the University. All naming requests will be reviewed by the Committee on Naming Facilities, Spaces, Endowments, and Programs in accordance with the guidelines and procedures found in UAP 1020 (“Honorary Naming Recognition”) . The Committee will submit recommendations to the Rector or other official with approval authority. A plan for any naming opportunity that involves private financial support must be submitted in writing to the Committee and the appropriate approving official prior to submission of a request for approval of a specific name. In the best interest of the University and prospective honourees, information relating to any naming request or plan should remain confidential until appropriate approvals have been obtained.

    1. Naming facilities and spaces that are part of the outside environment of the University must be approved by the Board of Board of Trustees.
    2. Naming facilities and spaces that are part of the interior space of the University must be approved by the Rector. At the discretion of the Rector, the request may be forwarded to the Board of Board of Trustees for approval.
    3. Naming facilities and spaces that are made up of portable items which are identifiable because of a specific focus or purpose (for example, collections of art and/or artefacts) must be approved by the Provost/Executive Vice Rector for Academic Affairs or the Executive Vice Rector for Health Sciences, depending on the location.
    4. The display of tribute markers which include plaques, medallions or other markers in association with features such as trees, benches or small monuments must be approved by the Executive ViceRector for Administration.
    5. Naming of endowed chairs and professorships must be approved by the Board of Board of Trustees.
    6. The naming of academic or non-academic programmatic entities (such as departments, schools, faculties, institutes and centres) must be approved by the Board of Board of Trustees.

    The Board of Board of Trustees reserves the right to review for approval, on a case-by-case basis, any naming request not specifically addressed above and not otherwise delegated by the Board of Board of Trustees to the Rector of the University.

    Duration of Name

    Naming of facilities, spaces, endowments and programs in honour of individuals is generally expected to last the lifetime of the facility, space, endowment or program. Naming of facilities, spaces, endowments and programs in honour of corporations or other organizations will have a set number of years attached to the naming which will be determined on a case-by-case basis and listed in the signed gift agreement. Naming associated with a particular facility, space, endowment or program will not preclude further naming within the facility, space, endowment or program.

    Request Processing

    Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure that a naming request will be acted upon within sixty (60) days of the initial submission of that request to the Committee.

    Recording and Reporting

    The University Secretary will be responsible for recording the official decisions on all naming requests and reporting those decisions to the appropriate MTU officials.

    Implementation

    The Rector will develop detailed policies and procedures to ensure that the naming of facilities, spaces, endowments and programs is consistent with this Board of Trustees’ policy. The Rector shall appoint a Committee on Naming Facilities, Spaces, Endowments, and Programs to review naming plans and requests and to make recommendations for approval. This amended policy does not apply to any arrangements that are in existence at the date the amendment is adopted.

     

     

    – Section 2.11.1: Building Plaques

    Adopted Date:October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to the placement of plaques on new buildings and major new additions to buildings constructed on the University’s campuses.

    Policy

    Upon the completion of construction of a new building or a major new addition to a building on the University’s campus, a plaque shall be mounted in the lobby of the building or other appropriate interior location as determined by the University Rector.  The plaque will be of such material, proportion and detail as to harmonize with its surroundings in an appropriate manner, as approved by the University Architect.  The plaque will include the following information:

    • Building name
    • University Rector on the date (the “contract approval date”) of approval of the construction contract for the building project.
    • Members of the Board of Board of Trustees and their Board offices on the contract approval date, and members and their offices on the dedication date.
    • Executive Vice Rector for Administration on the contract approval date, if project is under his/her jurisdiction
    • Provost/Executive Vice Rector for Academic Affairs on the contract approval date, if project involves an academic or student services building
    • Executive Vice Rector for Health Sciences on the contract approval date, if project involves a Health Sciences Centre building
    • Members of the Clinical Operations Board on the contract approval date, if determined appropriate by the Rector for a project that involves a Health Sciences Centre building
    • Name of Architect
    • Name of General Contractor
    • Year building completed
    • Other individuals and/or public officials who the Rector of the University determines made substantial efforts or contributions that made the project possible
    • If elected officials who were in office at the time the building was funded are listed, acknowledged or thanked, the plaque shall also include a statement of equal size and visibility that thanks the creditors for their contribution in funding the construction.

     

    – Section 2.12: Advertising, Sales, and Solicitations on Campus

    • Adopted Date: October, 2019
    • Applicability
    • This policy applies to advertising and solicitation on campus, to indoor and outdoor sales on campus, and to vending. This policy applies to parts of the campus.
    • Policy
    • Sales, solicitation, and advertising are a natural part of modern life, and an integral part of many university activities. Moreover, the University, with its prime location campus, is an attractive location for many sales, solicitation and advertising activities, both University-affiliated and independent.
    • Unregulated advertising, solicitation, and sales can create chaos, disturb the University’s educational environment, detract from University activities, and create unwarranted risks for consumers. Moreover, different parts of campus have different needs and concerns in connection with advertising, solicitation, and sales. In addition, unregulated vending mars the beauty and tranquillity of the campus and contributes to unnecessary congestion, noise, and trash.
    • The Rector is authorized to adopt policies regulating advertising, sales, and solicitations, including machine vending.  The Rector shall adopt administrative policies and procedures to allow for outdoor vending, but in a controlled manner that protects and preserves the academic environment of the University from unnecessary disturbances; protects and preserves the beauty and tranquillity of the University environment; promotes the health and safety of the University community; prevents commercial exploitation of students; and protects and preserves the University’s proprietary interests in its property.

     

     

    – Section 2.14: Branch Faculties and Off-Campus Education Centres

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    This policy applies to all branch faculties and off-campus education centres of the University.

     

    Policy

    • Pursuant to the Branch Faculties regulation of the university, and the Off-Campus Instruction regulation, the University has agreed to serve as the parent institution for branch faculties and off-campus education centres in response to requests from several Northern Cyprus communities. The objective of the branch faculties and education centres is to serve the citizens of Northern Cyprus more fully and to provide the highest quality of education throughout the state for students in different locations pursuing post-secondary education.
    • Pursuant to the applicable statute, an Advisory Board to the Board of Board of Trustees shall be formed for each branch Faculty or education centre. The establishment of a off-campus education centre must be approved by the YODAK of North Cyprus.
    • The branch faculties and education centres shall respond specifically to the unique needs and multicultural background of the citizens in their respective communities by offering community education programs; career education, including certificate and associate degree programs; and/or transfer programs that prepare students for upper division entry into faculties and universities, as approved. The branch faculties utilize resources in their communities, primarily a local property tax levy, and therefore also function as an integral part of the community. The branch faculties and education centres shall commit themselves to protect the quality and integrity of all academic curricula, which are subject to approval by the MTU Faculty Senate pursuant to the Faculty Constitution.
    • The branch faculties are authorized to operate under a different admissions policy than the main campus. However, course and degree offerings and transferability shall be subject to criteria and requirements to be established by the administration and the faculty.
    • The MTU Faculty Handbook is generally applicable to faculty in the branches, with exceptions noted in the Handbook.
    • Implementation
    • The Board of Board of Trustees shall enter into an operating agreement with the Advisory Board of each branch college or education centre. These operating agreements shall be reviewed biennially.

     

     

    – Section 2.15: Science and Technology Corporation at MTU

    • Adopted Date: October, 2019
    • Applicability
    • This policy applies to the commercialization and transfer of all technology developed by faculty and staff of the University.

     

    Policy

    Pursuant to the University Research Park regulation of the university(here after it will be called as Act), the Board of Board of Trustees has established the Science and Technology Corporation at MTU (STC),a Northern Cyprus not-profit corporation. The sole purpose of the STC is to support the mission of the University by promoting, developing and administering research parks, technology commercialization and transfer, and any other activities permitted under the Act. The STC is intended to promote the economic well-being of the State of Northern Cyprus, as well as the mission of the University, by bringing special expertise to the commercialization of University-owned intellectual property and management and development of the University’s Research Park.

    • The University is the only member of the STC and any net resources generated shall inure to the benefit of the University, subject to the University’s Intellectual Property Policy. All intellectual property generated by University faculty and staff subject to disclosure under MTU’s Intellectual Property Policy shall be made available to the STC for possible assignment to that entity for commercialization.
    • As required by the regulations of the university, the Board of Board of Trustees has approved an agreement between the University and the STC, setting forth the relationship between these entities and their respective responsibilities.

     

    Implementation

    The Rector may adopt administrative policies and procedures consistent with the Agreement and the STC bylaws to carry out this policy.

     

    – Section 2.16: University Counsel

    • Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    • This policy applies to the Office of University Counsel, the use of outside legal counsel by the University and requests for legal advice concerning University business from members of the University community.  This policy also applies to the initiation of, joinder or intervention in litigation or other forms of legal proceedings in the name of the Board of Trustees or for or on behalf of the University.

     

    Policy

    • The Rector of the University shall, consistent with RPM 3.3,   appoint a University Counsel who shall be a member of the Northern Cyprus Bar and shall serve as the chief legal officer to the University.  University Counsel reports directly to the Rector of the University and may when appropriate provide advice on legal issues to the Board of Board of Trustees. The function of the University Counsel’s Office shall be to help the University carry out its mission of teaching, research, and service in compliance with international and Northern Cyprus (TRNC) law and University policies and procedures.  The Office shall emphasize preventative strategies for avoiding legal difficulties.  The Office shall also defend, or arrange for defence, of the University and, in appropriate cases, its officers and employees, in legal proceedings.  The Office shall also defend or arrange for the defence of students against any legal proceedings commenced against them arising from their good faith participation in official University investigations or grievance or disciplinary proceedings, or in official positions, boards or committees (other than as officers or members of chartered student organizations).

     

    The University Counsel, with the approval of the Rector of the University, is hereby authorized to initiate, join and intervene in legal proceedings in the name of the Board of Trustees of the Mesarya Technical University in routine matters, which do not raise policy issues, such as commercial disputes, collection of amounts due, or trespass on University property.  Initiation of, joining and intervening in non-routine legal proceedings must be authorized by the Board of Board of Trustees; provided, however, that the Rector or his designee, may authorize the initiation, joining, or intervening in legal proceedings that involve medical treatment decisions or care of patients.

     

    It is in the best interest of the University that legal services provided by outside counsel to the University and its components be of the highest quality and delivered in a cost-effective manner.  In order to attain these objectives, no component of the University may retain or employ outside counsel except with the prior approval of the Rector of the University or his designee.  The term “component of the University” includes the University, any unit, department or office of the University and any University-affiliated organization of which the University is the sole member or in which the University holds, directly or indirectly, a majority voting interest.  The retention, employment and supervision of such outside counsel shall be in accordance with guidelines promulgated by University Counsel and pursuant to a contract for legal services approved by the Rector of the University.

     

     

     

     

    – Section 2.17: Public Access to University Records

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

     

    This Policy applies to requests for University records under the Inspection of Northern Cyprus Public Records Act, Policy

    The policy of the University, as a public body, is to fully comply with all the provisions and requirements of IPRA.  IPRA provides that “every person has the right to inspect public records of this state,” subject to certain exceptions.  IPRA broadly defines “public records” as all documents or other materials, regardless of their physical form or characteristics, that are used, created, received, maintained or held by any public body and relate to public business.  IPRA provides certain exceptions to the right of public inspection.  These exceptions include, for example, individuals’ medical records, letters of reference, matters of opinion in personnel files or students’ cumulative files, trade secrets, items that fall within the attorney-client privilege and items that are considered non-public “as otherwise provided by law.”  Items considered non-public as otherwise provided by law, for purposes of IPRA, may include for example, individuals’ identity card numbers.

    The policy of the University is to treat as public records, and therefore subject to public inspection under IPRA, every item that is defined by IPRA as a public record, and to except from the right of public inspection only those public records that are specifically exempted by IPRA from public inspection.  No person who is employed by, does business with, or has a contractual relationship with the University has a legitimate expectation of privacy or confidentiality with regard to public records concerning that person except as specifically provided by IPRA.

    Notwithstanding this broad policy that University records are subject to public inspection, the University will comply with all federal and state laws and regulations that provide for confidentiality or non-disclosure of specific records, such as for example, student records and information from student records within the meaning of the Northern Cyprus Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”).

    • Implementation

    The Rector shall adopt policies and procedures to ensure that the University complies fully with IPRA so that public records pertaining to the University will be available for public inspection to the fullest extent permitted by law.  Pursuant to Northern Cyprus Laws and regulations, the Rector shall designate at least one custodian of public records who shall have the duties and responsibilities specified in that section and who shall respond to requests to inspect public records in accordance with this policy.

     

     

     

    – Section 2.18: Guiding Principles

    Adopted Date: October, 2019

    Applicability

    These guiding principles serve to direct and guide ethical conduct.  They apply to all members of the University community: Board of Trustees, executive officers, faculty, staff, student employees, students, public and student members of University advisory boards and committees, and other volunteers serving in an official capacity.

    Policy 

    Integrity, trust, the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, and public service are essential elements of the University’s character and guide our decisions.  These and other elements of our character are reflected in the guiding principles.

    All members of the University community are expected to maintain the highest standard of ethics as articulated in the guiding principles.  Our devotion to these principles at all times, under all circumstances, and in all our actions is key to our success as an institution and as individuals.

    Guiding Principles

     

    1. Freedom of Inquiry

    We encourage, protect, and respect the exploration of ideas and their free expression.

     

    1. Integrity

    We build trust through transparency, truthfulness, and responsibility.

    1. Inclusiveness and Respect

    We thrive in a diverse environment characterized by respectful regard for other persons, recognition of their dignity, and considered use of influence and power.

    1. Responsibility to Community

    We reflect upon our past, serve our present, and strive to improve our future through thoughtful stewardship of our cultures and environment.

    Implementation

    The Rector shall ensure that all members of the University community are aware of the guiding principles, which are supported by existing policies and procedures.