TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY BLACK FORMER STUDENTS NETWORK
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I – NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION
The name of this organization shall be the Texas A&M University Black Former Students Network (a.k.a. “TAMU BFSN” and “BFSN” and “Black Former Students Network”).
ARTICLE II – DURATION
The period of the Black Former Students Network’s duration shall be perpetual.
ARTICLE III – ADDRESS
The Black Former Students Network shall be located at the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students, 505 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840-2918.
The Chair may designate an alternate address for the BFSN
The Chair shall designate an officer to receive correspondence for the BFSN.
The designated officer shall be the registered agent for the BFSN.
ARTICLE IV – CHARTER
The Texas A&M University Black Former Students Network shall not be financially obligated to or by The Texas A&M University Association of Former Students (a.k.a. “TAMU AFS” and “The Association”), nor shall The Association in any way be obligated or responsible for the financial affairs of the Black Former Students Network.
In the event of dissolution of the Black Former Students Network, all assets of the BFSN remaining after payment or settlement of the indebtedness of the BFSN shall be allocated to the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students in totality and with no encumbrances. This is construed in no way to obscure the separateness and independence of the Black Former Students Network from The Association during the BFSN’s legal existence.
ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Black Former Students
All Black Former Students of Texas A&M University.
Section 2. Other Members
All individuals committed to promoting the interests of Texas A&M University Black Former Students.
Section 3. Active Member
An active member is a dues-paying member.
Section 4. Dues
The annual dues shall be $50 per calendar year.
Section 5. Founding Members
Founding Members shall be dues-paying members who pay $150 for active membership by December 31, 2002. All members paying 2001 member dues by December 31, 2001 shall be credited $50 towards $150 Founding Member dues.
ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS
Section 1. Officer Designations
The Chair, Chair-Elect, Immediate Past Chair, Vice Chair, Correspondence Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian.
Section 2. Officer Eligibility
To be an officer you must be an active member of the Association of Former Students and the BFSN.
Section 3. Officer Duties
The Chair is the primary representative of the BFSN. The Chair presides at all meetings of the BFSN and the Board of Directors. The Chair will develop the agenda for the BFSN and execute the will of the general body. Appoints all committees (except the Nominating Committee which is appointed by the Board of Directors) and serves as ex-officio member of all committees. The Chair must be a former student of Texas A&M University.
The Chair-Elect assists the chair as needed. The Chair-Elect serves as the secondary representative of the BFSN and serves on the Board of Directors.
The Immediate Past Chair serves on the Board of Directors, provides leadership continuity, and mentors the Chair.
The Vice-Chair will oversee all of the committees and assist the Chair as needed.
The Correspondence Secretary will be responsible for disseminating and receiving news/events/information to/from BFSN members as well as entities outside of the BFSN.
The Recording Secretary will keep printed records of all official BFSN business and keep minutes of all Officer meetings.
The Treasurer will maintain and manage any financial accounts/funds held by the committee. He/She will also be responsible for preparing a budget for the committee.
The Parliamentarian will be responsible for Constitution and By-Laws adherence. He/She will also be the final authority on Robert’s Rules of Order (which will govern BFSN meetings).
Section 4. Method of Nomination
Every other year, in advance of the election, the Board of Directors shall appoint a Nominating Committee to prepare a slate of officers to manage the BFSN for the following two (2) years. The Nominating Committee will consist of 5 active members of which no more than 2 can be Board Members or Officers. Only one person will be selected for each vacancy, but provisions will be made on the ballot for write-in candidates.
Section 5. Method of Election
The officers shall be elected by the active membership at the annual meeting election or by mail ballot received prior to the annual meeting election. The officers shall serve for a term of two (2) years. Whoever receives the most votes wins the election. A run-off for an office will be held between the candidates in case of a tie.
ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Board Member Designations
The Chair, Chair-Elect, Immediate Past Chair, and four (4) Board Members chosen from the active membership.
Section 2. Board Member Eligibility
To be a member of the Board of Directors you must be an active member of the Association of Former Students and the Black Former Students Network.
Section 3. Board Member Responsibilities
Board Members shall provide overall plans, policies, and guidelines for the BFSN; and oversee the actions of the officers. Board members shall attend all meetings of the Board of Directors. No meetings can be missed by Board Members without special permission of the Chair.
Section 4. Method of Nomination
Every other year, in advance of the election, the Board of Directors shall appoint a Nominating Committee to prepare a slate of directors to lead the BFSN for the following two (2) years. The Nominating Committee will consist of 5 active members of which no more than 2 can be Board Members or Officers. Only one person will be selected for each vacancy, but provisions will be made on the ballot for write-in candidates.
Section 5. Method of Election
The directors shall be elected by the active membership at the annual meeting election or by mail ballot received prior to the annual meeting election. The directors shall serve for a term of two (2) years. In addition to the Chair, Chair-Elect, and Immediate Past Chair, the four (4) top vote-getters of the active member candidates will serve on the Board.
ARTICLE VIII - ELECTIONS
Section 1. Nominating Committee
Every other year, in advance of the election, the Board of Directors shall appoint a Nominating Committee to prepare a slate of officers to lead the BFSN for the following two (2) years. The Nominating Committee will consist of 5 active members of which no more than 2 can be Board Members or Officers. Only one person will be selected for each vacancy, but provisions will be made on the ballot for write-in candidates.
Year 2001 Exception: Since there is no Board of Directors until the Year 2002 elections, the Nominating Committee cannot be appointed. Therefore, in 2001 only, the Nominating Committee will be appointed by the BFSN Steering Committee.
Section 2. Election Procedure
The Board of Directors and Officers shall be elected by the active membership at the annual meeting election or by mail ballot received prior to the annual meeting election. The Board of Directors and Officers shall serve for a term of two (2) years.
Year 2002 Exception: The Board of Directors and Officers elected in the year 2002 will serve for only one (1) year instead of two (2) years.
ARTICLE IX - ANNUAL MEETING
At least one meeting known as the “annual meeting” shall be held bi-annually for the BFSN membership.
ARTICLE X – COMMITTEES
Committees have been included to handle various functions of the BFSN that are not explicitly or inherently covered by the officer positions. The Chair of the BFSN will appoint all committee chairs. Any active member of the BFSN can serve on any committee under the committee chair.
Section 1. Fundraising
This committee chair and committee members will be responsible for raising funds for the BFSN.
Section 2. Scholarship
This committee chair and committee members will be responsible for administration of BFSN scholarships.
Section 3. Programs/ Community Service
This committee chair and committee members will develop and execute approved programs, productions , and community service events sponsored by the BFSN.
Section 4. Public Affairs/Public Policy
This committee chair and committee members will be responsible for public policy statements of the BFSN, including but not limited to, University policies, state education policies, and stances on current issues relevant to black students/black former students of Texas A&M University in consultation with the Board of Directors.
Section 5. History/Archives
This committee chair and committee members will maintain a history of the BFSN, photograph/videograph all events, and archive any items, documents, and/or property of the BFSN.
Section 6. Media
This committee chair and committee members will produce a
BFSN newsletter and maintain the BFSN website:
http://www.blackaggies.org
Section 7. Social Activities
This committee chair and committee members will organize all social events/activities sponsored by the BFSN.
Section 8. Reunion
This committee chair and committee members will plan, organize, and manage the Black Former Student Reunion every other year. The Reunion may also serve as the “annual meeting”.
Section 9. Membership
The committee chair and committee members will conduct membership drives and keep records of all active members. The committee should periodically check the mailing list of the BFSN to add prospective members.
Section 10. Bylaws
The committee chair and committee members will review the bylaws at least once every two (2) years. Any needed changes will be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors and recommendations shall be kept in such form that they aid the officers and directors in the efficient operation of the BFSN.
ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Three-Fourths Vote:
The proposed amendment to the Bylaws will be presented to the Board of Directors. The Board will publish the proposed amendment for the active membership to review. At the next regular meeting, where a quorum is present, of the BFSN, the bylaws may be amended by a three-fourths vote of the active membership. An active member may vote by mail or in person. A quorum is defined as 33% of the active membership.
These Bylaws were adopted by the Directors at a meeting held __________, 20__ , and approved by the active membership at an annual meeting on _________________, 20__.
________________________
Chair
Revised 7/29/01 kdw