American Association of University Professors
Elon University Chapter Bylaws
Article I: Name
The name of this organization is the Elon University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).
Article II: Purposes
The purposes of this chapter are to:
1. Support and promote the policies and goals of the American Association of University Professors as set forth in Article 1 of the national association’sconstitution, and in all matters act in harmony with the principles and procedures of the AAUP and its constitution;
2. Defend academic freedom at Elon University and throughout academe;
3. Promote faculty participation in governance at Elon University and throughout academe;
4. Protect and advance the professional status and interests of all faculty;
5. Facilitate the dissemination of information on higher education principles and practices;
6. Inform the academic community about AAUP standards and policy statements; and
7. Develop necessary and proper chapter programs for the accomplishment of the aforementioned purposes.
In furtherance of the purposes described above, but not in limitation thereof, the chapter shall have power to conduct studies; to disseminate statistics and other information; to engage in appropriate fundraising activities; to conduct promotional activities, including advertising and publicity, in or by any suitable manner of media; to hold such property as is necessary to accomplish its purposes; and to employ individuals to further its purposes under Article II. This chapter is organized and operated for the above stated purposes, and for other nonprofit purposes. No part of its assets, income, or profits shall be distributable to, or inure to the benefit of, any individual, except in consideration of services rendered.
Article III: Members
Eligibility for membership in this chapter shall extend to all current and retired faculty members at Elon University who are national members of the American Association of University Professors, except for associate members. All chapter members may vote in chapter matters.
Article IV: Officers and Organization
The officers of this organization shall be the president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer. The term of office shall be two academic years following election. Officers may serve no more than two consecutive terms in a particular office. Officers shall be elected by the membership present at a chapter meeting, with quorum being required. For the initial election of chapter officers or during the reinstatement of active status of the chapter, elections of officers shall be held at a time approved by the national association, and officers elected at this point in time shall serve the remainder of the current academic year, as well as the following two academic years.
President: The duties of the president shall include carrying out the policies of the chapter, exercising general supervision over the activities of the chapter, and presiding at meetings of the chapter and the executive committee. The president shall maintain official contact with the national association. The president shall be a member ex officio of all committees.
Vice president: The duties of the vice president shall include advising the president and carrying out duties delegated by the president. The duties of the vice president shall also include, conducting the correspondence of the chapter with the secretary-treasurer of the national association, providing the secretary-treasurer of the national association the names of the officers of the chapter and the chapter bylaws. In the absence of the president, the vice president shall serve in the president’s stead.
Secretary/Treasurer: The duties of the secretary/treasurer shall include keeping a record of allproceedings of the chapter and funds received and disbursed, certifying chapter delegates to the association's annual meeting, preparing and submitting for approval an annual chapter budget and report of finances, and preparing or overseeing the preparation of newsletters for distribution to the faculty if such shall be desired. In the absence of the president and vice president, the secretary shall preside at meetings of the chapter.
When an officer has resigned or is disqualified, the office shall be filled by a special election of the chapter, which shall be held as promptly as is feasible. The executive committee is empowered to fill vacancies in any elective office until a special election is held. The person so elected shall hold office for the remainder of the term.
Article V: Dues
The chapter may establish chapter dues. Any chapter dues will be established by a vote conducted among voting chapter members. Chapter members must pay current AAUP dues, any mandatory conference dues, and chapter dues.
Article VI: Committees
A. Executive Committee
The executive committee shall consist of the elected officers of the chapter, the immediate past president, and one member elected at large. Fifty percent of the executive committee shall constitute a quorum for conducting business of the committee. The executive committee shall assume responsibility for the chapter's continuing effective presence at the institution, keeping all positions on the executive committee filled as vacancies occur. The executive committee shall:
1. Meet regularly;
2. Respond to faculty members seeking assistance;
3. Conduct the business of the chapter between meetings;
4. Regularly recruit members and encourage maintenance of membership;
5. Make necessary appointments to complete an unexpired term of any officer;
6. Set the agenda with appropriate notice for chapter meetings;
7. Consult regularly with the administration on matters of mutual interest; and
8. Respond to inquiries from the media.
B. Other Committees
The chapter may create additional standing and ad hoc committees as necessary to promote the welfare of the chapter. The chair and members of these committees shall be appointed by the executive committee.
Article VII: Meetings
The chapter shall hold regular meetings at least twice each academic year.
Special meetings of the chapter may be called by the president or a majority of the executive committee. The president shall call special meetings of the chapter within seven days of being so directed by the executive committee or by a petition signed by ten percent of the members.
Written notice of such meetings shall be provided each member by the president of the chapter at least five days in advance of the meeting date. The quorum required for the transaction of business at all meetings of the chapter shall consist of 30 percent of the members.
Article VIII: Dissolution
Upon dissolution of the chapter, its assets shall be distributed to the national association.
Article IX: Amendments
These bylaws may be amended by majority vote of the members, provided that a notice setting forth the proposed amendment(s) and any known objections to the proposed amendment(s) shall have been sent to each member at least thirty days prior to the vote. Any member of the chapter may initiate an amendment.
Article X: Rules of Order
Roberts Rules of Order Revised shall be the authority for this chapter in matters of procedure not specified above.
Enacted this 12th day of November in the year 2015.