GOVERNANCE AND LEGAL AFFAIRS
Section 203 Chancellor – Appointment and Responsibilities

Effective: 2/82
Last Revised: 7/17/89,  1/28/19, 4/8/24
Responsible Office: Clerk of the Board

Policy Statement:

The Chancellor of the University of Maine System is appointed by the Board of Trustees and serves at its pleasure as the chief executive and education officer of the University System. The Chancellor is accountable to the Board for making certain that the System achieves its mission and operates to serve students and the state of Maine in accordance with Board-established directions, Maine Statutes, and the policies and procedures of the University of Maine System.

The Chancellor is responsible for:

  • Governance and administration of the entire University System, including oversight of shared services provided to the entire university system, legal affairs and identification and management of risk.
  • Implementation of Board priorities and objectives, policy and procedures, the System Strategic Plan and other such duties as the Board may delegate or assign.
  • Providing the Board with professional, strategic judgments on all matters affecting the System and the universities.
  • System planning, in conjunction with campus Presidents and major system staff, for academic affairs, student affairs, research and public service programs, financial operations, human resources, labor relations, capital plans, and resource utilization.
  • Preparation of all operating, capital, and auxiliary enterprise budgets, appropriation requests, bond issues, and statutory changes.
  • Presentation of appropriation requests, bond issues, and statutory changes to executive or legislative branches of Maine government in accordance with the provisions of the Maine statutes.
  • Nomination of persons for approval by the Board to head the campuses and other System leadership whom, by nature of their work and contract, also serve at the pleasure of the Board, brought forth by a search committee where applicable or appropriate.
  • Lead and implement professional development programs and performance review of the presidents and major System staff.
  • Seeking consultation and advice from the Presidents, both collectively and individually, on matters pertaining to the System and, as appropriate, to each campus.
  • Development of an effective statewide communications, public relations and legislative program.
  • Providing leadership in the relationships of the University of Maine System with the Maine Community College System, pre-K to 12 education, the New England Commission of Higher Education, and the employer community.
  • Serving as a leading spokesperson for higher education in Maine.