CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 

ALUMNI NETWORK AFFILIATE

(PAANA)

CONSTITUTION 

CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION,  PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ALUMNI NETWORK AFFILIATE 

ARTICLE I – NAME 

The name of this organization shall be known as the CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ALUMNI NETWORK AFFILIATE, hereinafter referred to as PAANA, with jurisdiction over all matters reflecting it, and all members associated. 

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE 

The purpose of PAANA shall be: 

A.    To promote, create, maintain, and instill in the alumni a sense of personal commitment to ideals, civic involvement, traditions, and principles of the PAANA, the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT and the University;

B.     To develop and implement programs that enhances the image of PAANA and supports the missions of the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT and the University;

C.     To engage current students in the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT through internships, mentorship, and activities that support student development throughout matriculation and beyond;

D.    To advocate for the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT through recruitment of students;

E.     To invest financially and seek ongoing support for the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT and the University;

F.      To promote a network among alumni of the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT to assist one another in professional, economic, and social development.   

ARTICLE III – ORGANIZATION 

The principal units of PAANA shall be: 

A.    The Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ALUMNI NETWORK AFFILIATE;

B.     The Members.  

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

A. MEMBER

1. LIFETIME PAANA MEMBERSHIP - Any person who has received an MPA degree from Clark Atlanta University's PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT is an automatic lifetime member of PAANA. Members in good standing shall have full privileges, voting rights, receive due publications of PAANA, and shall hold office;

2. National CAU Alumni Association Membership - Any person who has received a degree from Clark College, Clark University, Atlanta University or Clark Atlanta University shall be eligible for membership of the NATIONAL Clark Atlanta Unviersity's Alumni Network (CAUAA) by paying annual membership dues to the CAUAA National Membership Committee @https://cauaa.org/membership/. Members in good standing shall have full privileges and voting rights and shall receive due publications of the CAUAA.

B.  ASSOCIATE MEMBER  

1. Any person who expresses interest in and support of PAANA and subscribes to the purpose of same may become an associate member by contributing $100 to via the Membership Committee;

2. Associate members in good standing shall have full privileges without voting rights and shall not hold office.  

C.  HONORARY MEMBER 

1.  Honorary membership may be conferred to the President of Clark Atlanta University, members of the Clark Atlanta University Board of Trustees, and recipients of Honorary Degrees received from Clark College, Clark University, Atlanta University or Clark Atlanta University;

2.  The PAANA may also elect as honorary members, upon recommendation by Members, persons who have made significant financial or material contributions to the Clark Atlanta University or who have rendered notable service to CAUAA or to the University;

3.  Honorary members have no requirement to pay dues, shall not hold office or have voting privileges. 

ARTICLE V – FINANCES

A.  FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Alumni Network Affiliate shall develop a financial program structured to promote and cover any financial obligations which the PAANA directs, to maintain an efficient, stable, and economical organization.  

B.  FUND-RAISING

1.   Proceeds from PAANA fundraising activities shall be used to support the Organization, Clark Atlanta University PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT, CAUAA, or the University;

2.  The Budget Committee will recommend to the PAANA Board of Directors contribution levels from PAANA annual fundraising activities for the following:

a.  PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT student scholarships and support of the Public Administration Student Association’s annual banquet;

b.  Support for PAANA members, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT faculty mentors, and current students to attend and present research at academic conferences (i.e., American Society for Public Administration, Conference of Minority Public Administrators, National Forum for Black Public Administrations, the Southeastern Conference for Public Administrations, and the International City-County Managers Association);

c.   Payment of the CAUAA National Chapter annual affiliation fee to remain in good standing with the Association;

d.  Contributions to the CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY Annual Fund or General Scholarship fund.

C.  FISCAL YEAR TERM

The fiscal year of the PAANA beings on July 1 and end on June 30 of the succeeding year. 

ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS 

A. THE OFFICERS OF PAANA SHALL BE: 

President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Parliamentarian, Chaplain, and Faculty Liaison. 

B. OFFICER TERMS  

1. The President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Parliamentarian, Chaplain shall serve for one year. No officers shall serve more than two consecutive terms unless deemed necessary by the Board of Directors. All officers shall continue in office until a successor has been duly qualified, elected and installed;

2.  The Faculty Liaison shall serve as a liaison between the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT and the PAANA. The Faculty Liaison is appointed by the Public Administration Chairperson to an unlimited term of office. The Faculty liaison may request a removal from the Board; however, he/she shall continue in office until a successor has been duly appointed and installed.

C. UNSATISFIED TERM

In the event an officer cannot perform the duty of office, the President shall appoint a member of the Organization, with the approval of the Board of Directors, to serve the term until the next annual meeting. 

D. REMOVAL OF OFFICERS

In the event an officer is not performing his/her duties, a recommendation for removal may be made to the Board of Directors. An officer may be removed for substantiated due cause by two-thirds vote of the Organization membership present at the Annual Meeting or next regular meeting, whichever happens first.  

E.  ELIGIBILITY

Only graduates of Atlanta University, Clark College, or Clark Atlanta University are eligible to hold office with the exception of the Public Administration Faculty Liaison.

ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

The Executive Board.  

A. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

The Board of Directors is a subordinate unit of the PAANA and is composed of all members who have served in the following offices: President, who shall serve as Chairperson; Vice President, who shall serve as Vice Chairperson; Recording Secretary; Treasurer; Corresponding Secretary; Parliamentarian, Chaplain, and Public Administration Faculty Liaison. 

B. AUTHORITY  

The Board of Directors shall have the power and authority to act upon organization business between regular PAANA Meetings.  

C. BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS

1.  The Board of Directors shall meet at least four times per year: January; May (Annual Elections); July; and October (week of CAU homecoming and CAUAA Fall meeting); 

2. The President may call meetings as necessary to conduct the business of the Organization expeditiously;

3.   Six members are necessary as a quorum to conduct the affairs of the Board of Directors.  

D. BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ TENURE

Once members have been appointed to the Board of Directors, they may serve on the Board of Directors indefinitely or until participation prevents an individual from contributing to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors leadership shall have the privilege in assessing and providing recommendations & advisement for the Public Administration Department & PAANA networks. Members of the Board of Directors shall remain in good standing with the Department & PAANA networks. 

BYLAWS  

ARTICLE VIII - ELECTION OF OFFICERS

A. ELECTIONS

1.  The officers of PAANA shall be elected by the members in good standing by secret ballot. No member may hold two elected positions simultaneously;

2. The election of officers is as follows:  President, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Vice-President, Historian, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Parliamentarian, and Chaplain. 

B. NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Board of Directors shall elect a nominating committee consisting of five members. The Nominating Committee shall conduct the nominating process, election and report the results to the membership at the Annual Meeting. The Nominating Committee will use the following guidelines: 

1. Elections will be annual;

2. Nominations of officers will be in April, elections in May and installation of officers in July;

3. Ballots will be issued at least 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting;

4. Election results will be reported at the Annual Meeting;

5. Newly elected officers will assume responsibilities at the beginning of the fiscal year, July 1; 

6. The Nominating Committee shall request from the members in good standing nominations for each office according to the nominating process. 

C. NOMINEE CONSENT

No member’s name shall be submitted for PAANA office to the Nominating Committee without the member’s written declaration in writing or electronic mail stating his/her willingness to serve if elected.  

D. ELIGIBILITY 

Candidates for each office shall conform to the following criteria and must be:

1. A graduate of Clark Atlanta University's Public Administration Department;

2. A financial member in good standing of the CAUAA National Chapter; 

3. A member in good standing of the PAANA;

4. A member with good leadership qualities and is committed to the PAANA, the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT, the University, and public service values (i.e., respect for the law, public interests, competency, ethics, and social justice). 

E. VACANT POSITIONS

In the event that there is no candidate for an office, a candidate may be nominated and elected from the floor at the Annual Meeting. The Nominating Committee must obtain a willingness to serve statement and verify that the candidate meets the criteria of Article VIII, Section D within thirty days of the nomination. The Board of Directors shall appoint a member to fill the vacancy if the candidate does not meet the criteria or if an officer cannot fulfill his/her duties. 

F. DEPARTMENTAL APPOINTMENTS

The Public Administration Department reserves the right to appoint CAU MPA alumni to the eBoard. Appointments can be made at any time during the academic year. 

ARTICLE IX – MEETINGS  

A. MEETINGS 

The Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Alumni Network Affiliate shall have at least four meetings per year: January; May (Annual Elections); July; and October (week of CAU homecoming & CAUAA fall meeting).

B. SPECIAL MEETINGS 

Special meetings of the Association may be called by the President at any time upon request of the Board of Directors or upon written request of 10 members in good standing with the Association. The notice shall be sent at least 30 days prior to the meeting  

C. ANNUAL MEETING  

An annual meeting of the Organization shall be held during the CAUAA Spring Meeting (May Weekend) in Atlanta during the weekend of commencement, or at such other time as the officers may determine. The following activities shall be included at the Annual Meeting:  

1. Meeting of Board of Directors;

2. Business meeting and recommendations from the Board of Directors;

3. Written reports from Officers, and Chairpersons of Standing Committees;

4. Submission of budget and approval for the upcoming year; 

5. President’s outline of his/her program for the coming year.  

D. ELECTRONIC MEETINGS  

The Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Standing and Special committees of PAANA may hold electronic meetings such as teleconferences and video conferences provided all participants are able to hear and/or see each other at the same time. 

E. QUORUM 

 The quorum for the PAANA meetings shall consist of 4 financial members.  

ARTICLE X - DUTIES OF OFFICERS 

 A. PRESIDENT 

1. Preside at all meetings;

2. Establish committees for specific purposes with the concurrence of the organization;

3. Interpret and enforce the provisions of the Constitution and By-laws;

4. Sign all proclamations and awards issued by the organization;

5. Be an authorized signatory on all accounts maintained by the organization;

6. Execute all contracts on behalf of the organization;

7. Represent the organization at all significant public affairs or designate a representative when he/she is unable to attend;

8. Maintain consistent communication with the Vice President, Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association;

9. Pass on his/her records to the incoming President at the close of his/her tenure. 

B. VICE PRESIDENT 

1. In the absence of the President, or at the President’s request, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the office;

2. The Vice President shall recruit PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT alumni and maintain a roster of regular members, associate members, and honorary members;

3. The Vice President shall serve as the Chairperson of the membership committee;

4. Pass on his/her records to the incoming Vice President at the close of his/her tenure. 

C. RECORDING SECRETARY 

1.  The Recording Secretary shall be responsible for the minutes of all regular and special meetings of the organization, and shall keep a record of all members attending meetings;

2.  The Recording Secretary shall have the responsibility of posting copies of an abbreviated summary of all General Meetings to financial members within a week following the meeting via the PAANA website;

3. The Recording Secretary shall turn over all minutes at the end of his/her tenure to the incoming Recording Secretary. 

D. TREASURER 

1. The Treasurer shall be responsible for receiving and keeping a detailed record of all monies (i.e., income, expenses, fund-raising activities, and member contributions);

2. The Treasurer shall present a written detailed report at each meeting of the Organization and Board of Directors, commensurate with good and efficient accounting practices; 

3. The Treasurer shall be principal signatory along with one or two other designated as signatory (either the President or Secretaries), on all checks or instruments evidencing disbursements of Organization funds or any other related financial accounts; 

4.  The Treasurer shall deposit all monies of the Organization in such banks, or other depositories as shall be in such provisions of the Constitution; shall make withdrawals only as authorized by the organization;

5. The Treasurer shall be Chairperson of the Budget Committee;

6. The Treasurer shall turn over treasurer documents and account information at the end of his/her tenure to the incoming Treasurer. 

E. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY 

1. The Corresponding Secretary will communicate Chapter updates, news, and meeting dates to the members via the PAANA website and social media sites (i.e., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn);

2. The Corresponding Secretary shall serve as the Chairperson of the Social Media Committee;

3. The Corresponding Secretary shall receive and read all University and/or official correspondence regarding at the regular meetings and be responsible for replies to such correspondence when necessary;

4. The Corresponding Secretary shall pass on his/her records to the incoming Corresponding Secretary at the close of his/her tenure. 

F.  PARLIAMENTARIAN   

1. The Parliamentarian shall advise the President on all legal matters, including the interpretation of the Constitution of the PAANA;

2. The Parliamentarian shall perform such other duties as are usually incident to this office including oversight of Roberts Rules during meetings (see Article XII);

3. The Parliamentarian shall serve as the Chairperson of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee;

4. The Parliamentarian shall pass on his/her records to the incoming Parliamentarian at the close of his/her tenure. 

G. CHAPLAIN 

1. The Chaplain shall perform such services as will provide inspirational and divine guidance; 

2.  The Chaplain shall serve as Chairperson of the Community Outreach Committee;

3. The Chaplain shall pass on any records to the incoming Chaplain at the close of his/her tenure. 

H. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT FACULTY LIAISON

1.  The Public Administration Faculty Liaison shall serve as a representative of the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT and provide departmental updates during PAANA meetings; 

2. The Public Administration Faculty Liaison will also serve as the PAANA historian responsible for compiling and collecting historical, biographical, and archival materials for the use of the PAANA. The Historian shall also maintain file copies of all PAANA historical, biographical, and archival materials in the PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT.

ARTICLE XI-STANDING COMMITTEES 

A. The Organization shall have the following permanent committees:  

1. Budget  - This committee shall be responsible for presenting a yearly budget to be approved by the Board of Directors and ratified by the PAANA.   

2.  Fund Raising  - This committee shall be responsible for initiating fundraising projects, and activities which have been recommended and approved by the Board of Directors and ratified by the PAANA. 

3. Constitution and Bylaws  - This committee shall function when directed by the PAANA to make revisions of or amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws.  

4. Time and Place - This committee is responsible for the long-range planning for meeting sites and dates to be approved by the Board of Directors and ratified by the PAANA.  

5. Nominating  - This committee shall be responsible for the nomination and election process.  

6. Membership  - This committee shall be responsible for increasing the membership of the Organization.  

7. Program - The Program Committee shall be responsible for planning and helping with the implementation of all programs of the Organization and the Association as appropriate. 

8.  Community Outreach - The Community Outreach Committee shall be responsible for identifying, planning, and recruiting volunteer for services projects in the Atlanta University Center. 

9.  Social Media - The Social Media Committee shall be responsible for maintaining a PAANA social media presence to network, engage, and promote investment among alumni. 

ARTICLE-XII PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY 

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the PAANA in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the current Constitution and Bylaws of the PAANA, special rules or procedures that PAANA may adopt. 

ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS AND PROCEDURES 

A. AMENDMENTS

1. A two-thirds vote of the membership who are present at any regular meeting of the organization, may amend the Constitution of the CAUAA PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Alumni Affiliates Network provided that the proposed amendment(s) has been circulated to financial members in good standing at least (15) days prior to the meeting. 

2. Adopted this 1st day May of 2018.

a. Amended: July 29, 2020

b. Amended: October 7, 2023.

B. PROCEDURES  

1. Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the PAANA.