MC3021 - Succession of Authority

1. Temporary, unplanned short-term -The Board and senior management will take necessary and appropriate action to cover such absences.
2. Long term - An absence that is expected to last more than 90 days.
3. Permanent absence -When it is determined that the President will not be returning to the position.

For purposes of this Procedure, the following definitions apply:

1. Acting- Means that the appointment is to temporarily fill in while the incumbent is on leave.
2. Interim- Means that the appointment is to temporarily fill the position until a permanent replacement has been determined.

The Board has full discretion to determine what level of authority to assign to either an Acting or Interim appointment.

I. Temporary (1-30 days) and Short Term (30-90 days): Generally, if the absence of the President is expected to be 90 working days or less, the Board President may appoint an Acting successor.

A. Temporary (1-30 Days)

The Board will convene within 72 hours of the President’s initial absence and act to confirm the appointment for a period of up to 30 working days.  The Board will give authority to the appointee to assume only those duties and responsibilities of the President that require immediate action. The Board may agree to adjust the level of authority the appointee will assume.
 

B. Short Term (30 - 90 Days)

If during a temporary leave status, the Board determines the absence of the President will exceed 30 days, the Board may provide discretion for the appointee to act in the place of the President in all areas of responsibility past the temporary absence and may extend the appointment up to 90 days.  The Board retains discretion to extend the length of the temporary appointment and to specify the terms of authority assigned. 

The appointee has discretion to assign responsibilities to other employees within the Cabinet and/or administrative staff to fulfill College management responsibilities. The appointee will keep the Board advised as to such assignments.

II. Long Term (more than 90 days):  If the absence of the President expected to be longer than 90 days but is not expected to be permanent, the Board President may appoint an Acting successor, to assume only those duties and responsibilities of the President that require immediate action until the full Board is able to convene. 

The Board will convene within 72 hours of the Board President’s initial appointment, acting to confirm the appointment, providing the length of the appointment and determining the level of authority to be assumed. The Board may at this meeting provide full discretion to the successor to act in all areas of responsibility.  Generally, the long-term appointment will not exceed one year.  The Board retains discretion to specify the terms of the authority during this appointment. 

The appointed Acting successor may assign responsibilities to other employees within the Cabinet and/or administrative staff to fulfill College management responsibilities and shall notify the Board of such assignment.

If it becomes apparent, in the Board’s complete and full discretion, that a permanent successor is required, the status of the Acting President will become Interim President, and the Board will initiate a competitive application process in anticipation of filling the position upon completion of the search process. 

Planned Succession:  Upon receiving notice of a permanent and planned vacancy in the College Presidency the Board President will convene the Board within 72 hours either in person or virtually to determine how to fill the vacancy. 

The Board may elect to follow the procedures set forth above for an unplanned short term or long-term vacancy and/or announce an Interim successor. 

Alternatively, the Board may elect to immediately begin the process of seeking applications for the position of President by deciding whether to retain a search consultant or agency, setting forth a timeline for recruitment, receipt of applications, and preferred start date.

In preparation for a possible succession, the College President, if available, will operate in a manner that assures that the Vice-Presidents and the Administrative Assistant to the President are knowledgeable and current on the key issues - local, state and Federal - that impact the College. In addition, the Administrative Assistant to the President is to be made aware of and have access to supporting documentation and recurring actions/reports that are generally handled by the President. If the College President is not available, the Board shall designate an Interim President to perform such duties and provide leadership to the College until a President is chosen by the Board.

Legal Reference:
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code § 279.8
281 I.A.C. 21
 

Adopted: February 12, 2024