September 27-28, 2001

SUBJECT:  GOVERNANCE AND ORGANIZATION
Policy 204.2 - Commissioner of Higher Education; Appointment

New Policy

Statutory authority:

            The board shall appoint a commissioner of higher education and prescribe his terms and duties.  (Article X, Section 9(2)(c), Montana Constitution)

Board Policies:

1.                   The Board shall select a Commissioner according to a process established by the Board. This process may vary from appointment to appointment depending on the circumstances facing the Board and the preferences of the Board members. The Board may consult as broadly or narrowly as it wishes before making a selection, and in whatever means it deems appropriate.

2.                   The Board may also select an interim Commissioner according to a process established by the Board. This process may be less rigorous and less detailed than the selection process for a non-interim Commissioner and it too may vary from interim appointment to interim appointment depending on the circumstances facing the Board and the preferences of the Board members.