With these Bylaws, we set forth our commitment to improving higher education at Coppin State University, defending values common to all faculty, extending academic freedom, and promoting cooperation among all members of Coppin State University.
The name of this organization is the Coppin State University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors.
The purposes of this chapter shall be to:
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.
Eligibility for membership in this chapter shall extend to all current and retired faculty members at Coppin State University. Active Member: Any member of the Coppin State University Faculty who is a national member of AAUP (Full-time, Part-time, Emeritus, or Graduate Student Member), provided that current dues as established in Article V, have been paid.
All active chapter members may vote in chapter matters.
The officers of this organization shall be the president, vice president, recording secretary, correspondence secretary, and treasurer. The term of office shall be two years.
President: The duties of the president shall include carrying out the policies of the chapter, appointing all committees of the chapter, exercising general supervision over the activities of the chapter, and presiding at meetings of the chapter and executive committee. The president shall be a member ex officio of all committees. The president shall be the official spokesperson for the chapter.
Vice President: The duties of the vice president shall include those usually appertaining to the office and those delegated by the president. In the absence of the president, the vice president shall serve in the president's stead.
Recording Secretary: The duties of the secretary shall include keeping and disseminating approved records of all proceedings, and in the absence of the president and vice president, presiding over chapter meetings, maintaining official contact with the national Association and certifying chapter delegates to the Association's annual meeting.
Correspondence Secretary: The duties of the correspondence secretary shall be to prepare or oversee the preparation of all communications, including newsletters for distribution to the faculty if such shall be desired. It shall be the duty of the secretary to provide the secretary-treasurer of the National AAUP Association the names of the officers of the chapter and the chapter bylaws and to conduct the correspondence of the chapter with same secretary-treasurer.
Treasurer: The treasurer will be responsible for the receipt and disbursement of funds and shall keep an accurate record of all funds received and disbursed. The treasurer shall prepare an annual chapter budget and report of finances, and submit them for approval. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to remit to the Association and/or to the applicable state conference any dues collected on behalf of the Association and/or conference. In the absence of the president, vice president, and recording secretary, the treasurer shall preside at meetings of the chapter.
In the event that an officer has resigned or is disqualified and a vacancy occurs between elections, 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.
The chapter membership may establish and adjust chapter dues. Any chapter dues will be established by a secret ballot vote conducted among voting chapter members (majority decision). The vote may be conducted either by mail ballot (e-mail ballot) or, after reasonable notice, at a regular or special membership meeting. Chapter members must pay current AAUP dues, any mandatory conference dues, chapter dues, and any service dues.
The executive committee shall consist of the elected officers of the chapter. The majority of the executive committee shall constitute a quorum for conduct of 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:
There may be nominations from the floor.
The membership committee shall regularly recruit new members and encourage the maintenance of membership. Working with the treasurer and other applicable chapter officers, the committee shall promote the establishment of a dues deduction plan and other appropriate plans to encourage membership recruitment and maintenance.
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. Possible committees may be, but are not limited to:
The chapter shall hold regular meetings once each month. Special meetings of the chapter may be called by the president or a majority of the executive committee. Written notice of such meetings shall be provided to each member by the recording secretary of the chapter at least five days in advance of the meeting date. 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.
The quorum required for the transaction of business at all meetings of the chapter shall consist of 20 percent of the membership, with at least a minimum of five members.
Upon dissolution of the chapter, its assets shall be distributed to the National AAUP Association.
These bylaws may be amended, altered, or adopted by majority vote of the members, provided that a notice setting forth the proposed amendment or amendments an explanation thereof and known objections thereto shall have been sent to each member at least thirty days prior to the vote. Any member of the chapter may initiate an amendment.
Robert's Rules of Order Revised shall be the authority for this chapter in matters of procedure not specified above. In cases of conflict between Robert's Rules of Order and these Bylaws, the latter shall prevail.