LCMS Commission on Constitutional Matters — Minutes St. Louis, Missouri — November 1–2, 2019, Page 4

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review, and how hearing facilitators are trained and utilized, with an eye toward the importance of
continuing education and professional development.
11. Review of Standard Operating Procedure Manuals for Seminaries (19-2922)
The commission reviewed and provisionally approved, pending approval by the seminary boards of regents,
a draft of the Standard Operating Procedure Manual (SOPM) for Faculty and Administration Complaints
and Appeal of Termination: Seminaries (Bylaw section 3.10.5.7.9), as prepared by the Secretary to reflect
bylaw changes effected by the 2019 convention of the Synod. Principal changes include:
•
•
•

reiteration of the bylaw-mandated structure and appointment of the review committee in the
relevant SOPM definition;
update of Bylaw 3.10.5.7.9 language and relevant procedure (2019 Res. 10-01 [C]); and
clarification and amplification of the integrity of and communication with the review committee
and its members.

The Secretary was directed to convey the draft to the seminary boards of regents for their approval, in
accordance with Bylaw 3.10.5.7.9 (k):
(k) In consultation with the Commission on Constitutional Matters, the boards of regents of the
seminaries shall maintain and amend, as necessary, a Standard Operating Procedures Manual
which shall serve as a comprehensive procedures manual for this bylaw.
12. Review of Model Operating Procedure Manuals for Colleges and Universities (19-2923)
The commission reviewed and provisionally approved, pending adoption by the Concordia University
System Board of Directors, a draft of the Model Operating Procedure Manual (MOPM) for Faculty and
Administration Complaints and Appeal of Termination: Colleges and Universities (Bylaw section
3.10.6.7.5), as prepared by the Secretary to reflect bylaw changes effected by the 2019 convention of the
Synod. Principal changes include (following the changes made by the convention to Bylaw 3.10.5.7.9, with
the intention of keeping the once-identical processes as parallel as possible):
•
•
•
•

reiteration of the bylaw-mandated structure and appointment of the review committee in the
relevant SOPM definition;
update of Bylaw 3.10.5.7.9 language and relevant procedure (2019 Res. 10-01 [C]);
clarification and amplification of the integrity of and communication with the review committee
and its members; and
inclusion of new bylaw language (2019 Res.10-01 [C]) related to requirements for maintaining
policies aligned with the MOPM.

The Secretary was directed to convey the draft to the Concordia University System Board of Directors for
its approval, in accordance with the following bylaws:
Regarding Concordia University System:
3.6.6.8

The Concordia University System shall maintain a Model Operating Procedures
Manual, in consultation with the Commission on Constitutional Matters, regarding the
handling of faculty complaints and dispute resolution by college/university boards of
regents.

Regarding the college and universities:
3.10.6.7.5.2 An appeal process consistent with the Model Operating Procedure Manual for Faculty
and Administration Complaints and Appeal of Termination: Colleges and Universities
(developed by the Commission on Constitutional Matters in consultation with the
Concordia University System) shall be in place for use by faculty members who wish
to challenge a termination decision. Notwithstanding the provisions of any such policy,
CCM Minutes – November 1–2, 2019 – Page 5