Res. 7-02 — To Amend Bylaw 3.10.6.2.2

WHEREAS, The 2023 Synod convention adopted Resolution 7- 04B, “To Revise Bylaws to Revisit and Renew Relationship of Colleges and Universities with the Synod” (Proceedings, 170–90); and

WHEREAS, 2023 Res. 7-04B significantly changed the way that the Synod relates to the universities of the Concordia University System (CUS); and

WHEREAS, Part of 2023 Res. 7-04B establishes mandatory training for the regents of the universities of the CUS; and

WHEREAS, That training is now codified in Bylaw 3.10.6.2.2, its subparagraphs (a–d) further describing such training; and

WHEREAS, The required training has been initiated and is ongoing; and

WHEREAS, Bylaw 3.10.6.2.2 (d) has been subject to several interpretations and has caused some confusion regarding the training required of regents appointed or elected between conventions of the Synod; therefore be it

Resolved, That Bylaw 3.10.6.2.2 be amended as follows:

PRESENT/PROPOSED WORDING

F. Concordia University System Boards of Regents …

3.10.6.2.2 Persons elected or appointed to a board of regents shall undergo training for such service.

(a) The Concordia University System and Synod Board of Directors shall provide for training of elected and appointed regents concerning their responsibilities under the Synod Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions, to advance the Synod’s confession and mission objectives and to advance their respective institutions in service of the church through the Concordia University System visitation program.

(b) The chair of each board of regents shall, subject to guidelines prepared by the Concordia University System Institution Advisory Council after input from Concordia University System, provide training of elected and appointed regents in the task of governance and in their business and legal duties as regents.

(c) The training under (a) and (b) above shall be provided within one year after each Synod convention and at least annually between Synod conventions as follows: (1) an initial training within one year after each Synod convention; and (2) at least annually thereafter until the next Synod convention.

(d) Every training session under (a) above, both initial training and further annual training, shall be recorded to allow for remote participation and completion of the training for those unable to attend in-16 person training sessions. (de) After each Synod convention, every regent must complete the initial training provided thereafter within six months after the training or within six months of being elected or appointed, whichever is later. Failure to complete the initial training within the first year after the first Synod convention after a regent is elected or appointe dsix months renders the regent ineligible to continue in office. Upon such failure, the respective board of regents shall declare the position vacant.

(e) Training programs, initial and continuing, may allow for electronic or remote participation.

(f) Concordia University System, in collaboration with its Institution Advisory Council and the Synod Board of Directors, shall prepare and make available a summary of the demands and expectations of service as a college or university regent, including their responsibilities under the Synod Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions. This summary shall be reviewed and confirmed by nominees as a condition to being eligible to serve if elected or appointed.

(g) The cost of the development of the regent training by CUS and Synod Board of Directors shall be funded by the CUS; the cost of regent participation in the training shall be funded per capita by the institutions.