LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — May 18–20, 2007, Page 3

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procedures for dispute resolution (when not involving expulsion from membership) are set forth in Bylaw 1.10; and procedures
for expulsion from membership are provided in Bylaw sections 2.14–2.17.
II. Definition of Terms
In order to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstanding, it is critical that terms be carefully defined:
A.

Administration
Those persons responsible for managing the affairs and operations of the institution (who may or may not also be
faculty), with direct supervision of staff(s) to carry out the operational affairs of the institution. In most cases these
persons have a direct reporting relationship with and responsibility to the president of the institution.

B.

Blind Draw
Used by the Secretary of the Synod to select a name from the list of 25 hearing facilitators (Bylaw 1.10.12) to serve as
a member of the Review Committee in the Bylaw 3.8.3.8.9 process. The name is drawn in the presence of two
witnesses, who prepare and sign a written statement attesting to the proper conduct of the draw.

C.

Board of Regents
For the purpose of this process, only the voting members of the governing board of the educational institution. The
president of the institution participates without vote in the discussions unless personally involved in the complaint.
Non-voting members of the board are excluded from participation.

D.

Complainant
The individual or entity that brings a complaint against a member of the faculty or administration of an educational
institution under Bylaw 3.8.3.8.9 (a).

E.

Complaint
Any complaint against a member of the faculty or administration directed to the board of regents, including matters
arising out of Bylaw 3.8.3.8.5. The complaint should be concise, delivered to the president of the institution except
when the president is the subject of the complaint, in which case the chairman of the board of regents receives the
complaint. In all cases, it is to be presented to the board of regents (Bylaw 3.8.3.8.9 [a]).

F.

District President
For the purposes of this complaint process, the president of the geographical district of the Synod in which the
educational institution is located.

G. Face-to-Face
The nature of the meeting in person between the complainant and the respondent in the manner of Matthew 18:15. Email, surface mail, fax, or telephone call (or any combination thereof) will not satisfy the requirement of a face-to-face
meeting. This meeting is an essential step in the process following the submission of a complaint.
H. Faculty
As defined by Bylaw 3.8.3.8, “the president, the full-time faculty and the part-time faculty” of the college or university.
I.

Hearing Facilitator
The fifth member of a Review Committee, chosen by the Secretary of the Synod from the Synod’s roster of 25 hearing
facilitators (Bylaw 1.10.12) as required by Bylaw 3.8.3.8.9 (d) (2). The hearing facilitator serves as chairman of the
Review Committee.

J.

Informal Reconciliation Effort
Includes all efforts of the complainant and respondent to reconcile a complaint and must include a face-to-face meeting.
The president of the institution is required to assist in this attempt (Bylaw 3.8.32.8.9 [a] [1]). In such case as the

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