Article I: Ball State University
The name of this organization is the Ball State University chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP or the Association).
Article II: Purposes
The purposes of this chapter are to:
1. Support the policies and goals of the Association as set forth in Article 1 of the AAUP constitution, and in all matters act in harmony with the principles and procedures of national Association and its constitution;
2. Facilitate the cooperation of teachers and research scholars in universities and colleges, and in professional schools of similar grade, for the promotion of the interests of higher education and research, and in general to increase the usefulness and advance the standards, ideals, and welfare of the profession.
3. Defend academic freedom at Ball State University and throughout academe;
4. Promote policies and procedures of joint governance at Ball State University and engage faculty and administration in those efforts;
5. Protect and advance the professional status and interests of all faculty, which includes anyone employed by Ball State University in a teaching or research role;
6. Facilitate the dissemination of information on higher education principles and practices;
7. Inform the academic community about AAUP standards and policy statements; and
8. 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 and graduate students at Ball State 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, secretary, and treasurer. The term of office shall be two years. Officers may serve no more than two full consecutive terms. As a chapter, we commit to working as a steering committee to execute the duties of these offices, prioritizing democratic decision-making and shared leadership. To the extent possible, we will elect co-officers. The steering committee must comprise academic employees representing different colleges and positions. [The AAUP constitution requires that the chapter elect, from its active members, at least triennially, a president, a secretary, and a treasurer (or secretary-treasurer), and such other officers as the chapter may determine.]
President or Co-Presidents: The duties of the president shall include exercising general supervision over the activities of the chapter and carrying out the policies of the chapter.
Vice President or Co-Vice Presidents: In the absence of the president, the vice president shall serve in the president’s stead.
Secretary or Co-Secretaries: The duties of the secretary shall include maintaining official contact with the Association and the chapter membership.
Treasurer or Co-Treasurers: The treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all funds received and disbursed, and be accountable to the steering committee for regular budget reports. 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.
Steering Committee: The steering committee duties will include appointing all committees of the chapter, selecting a member to preside over both steering committee and chapter meetings on a rotating schedule, keeping a record of all proceedings and correspondence of the chapter, certifying chapter delegates to the Association’s annual meeting, and providing the Association with the names of the officers of the chapter and the chapter bylaws.
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 steering 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. Officers elected by secret ballot shall also serve as chapter delegates/alternates to AAUP meetings and any applicable AAUP state conference meetings in the order listed above.
Article V: Dues
The chapter may establish chapter dues. Any chapter dues will be established by a secret-ballot vote conducted among voting chapter members. The vote may be conducted either by electronic ballot or, after reasonable notice, at a regular or special membership meeting. Chapter members must pay current AAUP national dues, any mandatory conference dues, and (if applicable) chapter dues.
Article VI: Committees
A. Steering Committee
The steering committee shall consist of the elected officers of the chapter, at least one representative from each of the standing committees, and up to two elected at-large members. The steering committee must comprise members representing at least two different colleges and across at least two different academic positions (tenured, tenure track, non-tenure track, adjunct, and graduate assistants). The majority of the steering committee shall constitute a quorum for conduct of business of the committee. The steering committee shall assume responsibility for the chapter’s continuing effective presence at the institution, keeping all positions on the steering committee filled as vacancies occur. The steering 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. Membership Committee
The membership committee shall regularly recruit new members and encourage the maintenance of membership.
C. 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 steering committee. Some such committees may be, but are not limited to:
Academic freedom and tenure
Status of women and minorities
Professional ethics
Accreditation of colleges and universities
Elections, dues, and chapter organization
Relationships with local, state, and federal governments
Faculty participation in college and university governance
Economic status of the profession
Article VII: Meetings
The chapter shall hold regular meetings at least twice each academic year.
Special meetings of the chapter may be called by a majority of the steering committee. Written notice of such meetings shall be provided to each member by the secretary of the chapter at least five days in advance of the meeting date. The steering committee shall call special meetings of the chapter within seven days of receiving 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 members and at least five people.
Article VIII: Dissolution
Upon dissolution of the chapter, its assets shall be distributed to the Association, a charitable and educational organization.
Article IX: Amendments
These bylaws may be amended 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.
Article X: Rules of Order
Robert’s Rules of Order Revised shall be the authority for this chapter in matters of procedure not specified above.
Enacted this August day of 14 in the year 2020.