Official University Policy Manual

Administrative Officer Succession Policy

Approval Date: January 30, 2025
Responsible Office: Office of the President
Approved By: President

SCOPE

This policy should be read by anyone seeking decision making on behalf of the University when the President is unavailable on an emergency or otherwise unforeseen basis.

POLICY STATEMENT

Delegation of Temporary Authority in Emergencies

University decision making is the responsibility of the President of Western Illinois University.  The following is the campus-based Administrator-in-Charge sequence for when the President is unavailable on an emergency or otherwise unforeseen basis:

  1. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
  2. Vice President for Student Success
  3. Vice President for Finance and Administration
Delegation of Authority Pending Appointment of a Successor

In the event of the death, extended absence, termination, or resignation of the President, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs will serve as the Acting President until the Board of Trustees determines otherwise.  If the Provost is for any reason unavailable or indisposed, the acting presidency will be filled according to the list above, pending action to the contrary by the Board of Trustees. 

In the event of the death, extended absence, termination, or resignation of a Vice President, the President will appoint a temporary replacement, pending completion of an appropriate search process. When vacancies occur among subordinate administrative officers, the President and the appropriate Vice President, or their designees, will address the organizational and staffing issues on an ad hoc basis.

REASON FOR POLICY

To provide an order of succession for University-level decision making when the President or other senior administrators are unavailable on a temporary or permanent basis.

REVISION HISTORY

  • Original August 1, 1997
  • Revision February 16, 2009
  • Revision August 24, 2015