Constitution & by Laws

 

Constitution

By-Laws


Constitution

Article I Name of Organization

The name of this organization shall be the Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA ) of East Tennessee State University (ETSU).


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Article II Mission Statement

It shall be the mission of the BFSA to provide an atmosphere of cultural and social networking among the black faculty and staff of ETSU. It shall be the mission of the organization to aid in the recruitment and welcoming of black faculty, staff and students, to be a supportive network for new and continuing black faculty, staff and students, and to improve the retention and quality of life of African-Americans and others at ETSU through the development of a multicultural perspective.


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Article III The Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be to encourage participation by black faculty and staff in activities that:

  1. Promote harmony among diverse cultural and ethnic groups on campus.
  2. Influence and effect social change that aids in solving problems in the black community (both campus and town).
  3. Support affirmative action in the hiring, promotion and tenure of black university employees.
  4. Increase the number of black students matriculating and graduating from ETSU.
  5. Support the special needs of black students while in attendance at ETSU, and acting as a resource and advocacy group on their behalf.
  6. Promote activities that foster a multicultural view of the universe.


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Article IV The Organization

Section A. The BFSA shall be a nonprofit organization.

Section B. As an official organization of the University, the association shall not be in conflict with the policies, rules and regulations of ETSU.

Section C. Membership into BFSA shall be opened to all faculty and staff desirous of contributing to the cultural and racial growth and development of the University.

Section D. Each member shall pay annual dues as established by the Executive Committee and the vote of the membership. Members who have paid their current dues will be considered active members.

Section E. A quorum must be present to conduct official business of the organization. One-fourth (25%) of the active membership shall be deemed a quorum.


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Article V Membership

There shall be two classes of membership in the organization, active and general.

Section A. Active members are ETSU faculty, staff and graduate students who have paid the required membership dues for that academic year. An academic year commences with the first official school day of the Fall Semester and terminates on the preceding day before classes begin that following Fall Semester.

Section B. General members shall be any and all black/faculty staff employed during an academic year at ETSU.


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Article VI Officers

Section A. The officers of the Association shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian and two members at large. The officers shall perform the duties prescribed by this Constitution and By-Laws and by parliamentary authority adopted by the body and/or Roberts Rules of Order.

Section B. The above officers shall constitute the Executive Committee of the BFSA. With the exception of the Parliamentarian who shall be appointed by the President, election of these officers shall follow the procedures and regulations designated by this Constitution and By-Laws.

Section C. All officers shall be active members of the association at the time of their election.

Section D. Election of officers shall be by 2/3 vote of the active members voting during that election.

Section E. All active members have voting privileges on all matters of the association with the exception of those designated in this Constitution. A majority vote of the active members present is necessary for final action on all decisions conducted at regular meetings.


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Article VII Amending the Constitution

This Constitution may be amended in the following manner:

A. Submission of recommended changes in writing by any member of the Association to the Parliamentarian or a member of the executive committee.

B.Proposed amendments shall be read and discussed at a regular meeting for which notice has been given to all members at least seven (7) days prior to the date of that meeting.

C. Voting of recommended amendments and changes shall be by secret ballot of all active members. Written notice regarding the date for voting on all recommended amendments and changes shall be given to all members at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of voting.

D.Two-thirds of the total number of votes cast by active members shall be required for adoption.


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By-Laws

Article I Election of Officers

Section A. Officers of the BFSA designated in Article VI, Section A of the Constitution, with the exception of the Parliamentarian, shall be elected by secret ballot. The Parliamentarian shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by a majority of the members present at the next regular meeting after the appointment.

Section B. Officers of BFSA shall be elected in the Spring Semester of each year. The election shall be in accordance to that prescribed in the current Constitution and By-Laws. Officers shall be installed during the month of September after their election.

Section C. All elected officers shall serve a term of two years, commencing with the date of their installation. Officers may succeed themselves once in any given office. The Parliamentarian shall be subject to re-appointment by the President and shall be installed at the same time as other officers of the association.

Section D. In case of an unexpired term, the executive committee shall recommend an active member to fulfill this position to the full membership at a meeting for which at least a seven (7) day notice has been rendered. Approval of the recommendation shall require a majority of the active members present at that meeting. Completion of an unexpired term does not negate the individual from serving a full term nor will it prevent the individual from succeeding themselves one term.

Section E. Election of officers shall be staggered. Election of the President, Secretary and one member-at-large shall be in even years. Election of the Vice-President, Treasurer and one member-at-large shall be in odd years. This procedure shall begin one year after the adoption of this Constitution. Any individual re-elected for an office in which they are currently serving shall be considered to have already served one, two-year term. Such individuals although eligible for that election shall not be eligible to succeed themselves for an additional term.

Section F. Nominations for all offices with the exception of the Parliamentarian shall be formulated by a Nominating Committee convened for the purpose of establishing a slate of recommended officers for that election. In addition, nominations will be solicited and received from active members.


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Article II Duties and Powers of the Officers

Section A. The President. The President shall:

  1. Preside over all regular and call meetings of the Association and executive committee meetings.
  2. Serve as the official spokesperson and representative of the Association unless another member is designated by the president of the membership.
  3. Appoint all committees, with the exception of the executive committee.
  4. Vote only in instances of a tie vote. The vote of the President shall be the deciding vote when such a vote is required to break a tie.
  5. Serve as an ex-officio member without voting privileges of all committees.

Section B. The Vice-President. The Vice-President shall:

  1. Preside over regular and executive meetings of the Association in the absence of the President and shall conduct all business of the Association in the event of a vacancy in the office of the President.
  2. Carry all motions and break ties regarding special reports presented by the President for approval by the body.
  3. Serve as the organizations planning meeting (s)
  4. Serve as a member of the executive committee.

Section C. The Secretary. The Secretary shall:

  1. Record and maintain a complete record of all business transactions of the Association.
  2. Notify the University of all changes in the organizations officers and to annually furnish the same with an active membership roster.
  3. Maintain a record of all committee reports.
  4. Officially notify each member regarding dates and times of meetings.
  5. Distribute to all active members in a timely manner the necessary notices regarding elections and voting of any proposed constitutional changes.
  6. Deposit all monies collected by the treasurer.
  7. Maintain the official copy of the Associations University account and distribute a copy of the same to the Treasurer.
  8. Serve as a member of the Executive Committee
  9. Serve as a member of the Budget and Finance Committee.

Section D. The Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:

  1. Collect all monies due to the Association and issue receipts for the same.
  2. Maintain an acceptable accounting method of the Associations income and expenditures.
  3. Submit a monthly financial report to the members of BFSA.
  4. Submit to the Secretary for deposit monies collected on behalf of the Association.
  5. Serve as Chair of the Budget and Finance Committee.
  6. Serve as a member of the Executive Committee.

Section E. The Parliamentarian. The Parliamentarian shall:

  1. Maintain order during all meetings conducted by the Association.
  2. Assure that all meetings and activities of the Association are not in violation of the organizations Constitution and By-Laws or the rules and regulations of the University.
  3. Serve as Chair of an Ad-Hoc Constitution and By-Laws Committee in instances of proposed constitutional changes.
  4. Be an ex-officio member of the Nominating Committee.


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Article III Meetings

Section A. Regular meetings shall be held once a month.
Additional meetings will be called at the request of the President and/or the Executive Committee, or upon written request of five active members. Unless otherwise stipulated in this Constitution and By-Laws, a majority of the members present shall be required to pass all motions, amendments, bills, resolutions, actions and etc.

Section B. The Vice-President shall preside over the planning meeting(s) of the association. Recommendations and proposals for this meeting shall be approved by the membership at a regular business meeting.


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Article IV Committees

Section A. There shall be three standing committees of BFSA; Nominating, Budget-Finance and Hospitality. The President is empowered to appoint all members and Chairs of these committees that are not in conflict with this Constitution and By-Laws.

Section B. Ad-Hoc committees and the chair of these committees shall be appointed annually by the President at the beginning of each academic year in accordance with proposed programs and activities for that year.


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Article V Functions and Responsibilities of Standing Committees

Section A. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall:

  1. Consist of a minimum of three but no more than five active members of the Association.
  2. Establish a slate of qualified active members for election of officers for that year as prescribed in Article I Section (F) of the By-Laws.
  3. Oversee that election of officers are in accordance with this Constitution and By-Laws.

Section B. Budget-Finance Committee. The Budget-Finance Committee shall:

  1. Consist of a minimum of three but no more than five members of the Association of which the Treasurer is Chair.
  2. Be responsible for presenting a proposed budget of operation for the academic year.
  3. Be responsible for presenting proposed annual dues to the membership for the implementation of programs and activities.
  4. Oversee the distribution of operational funds for the Association.

Section C. Hospitality Committee. The Hospitality Committee shall:

  1. Consist of a minimum of four of the Association.
  2. The Chair of this committee shall be selected from the appointed members of this committee.
  3. Oversee and plan the Welcome Program in the Fall, the September installation of officers as well as collaborate with the Associations Committees other social aspects.
  4. Oversee that all new Black faculty and staff are appropriately greeted by the Association and that members leaving are extended farewell and best-wishes.
  5. Establish and present to the members recommended guidelines for the implementation of No. 3 as well as guidelines governing goodwill and condolence and upon approval, oversee the implementation of these guidelines.


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Article VI Rules of Order

Roberts Rules of Order shall be the governing authority for this Association in instances not covered by this Constitution and By-Laws or the rules and regulations of East Tennessee State University.


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Revised 8/2010

By-Laws - Article I Election of Officers: Revised & Amended Spring 2001

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