The name of this organization is the Furman University chapter of the American Association of University Professors.
The Purposes of this chapter are 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 various fund-raising 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 represent the chapter in lawsuits, negotiations, and for other purposes. This AAUP chapter is organized and operated for the above stated purposes, and for other nonprofit purposes, and no part of any net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any member.
- Support the policies and goals of the Association as found in Article 1 of its national constitution. Facilitate a more effective 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.
- Defend academic freedom at Furman University.
- Encourage faculty participation in governance at Furman University.
- Protect and advance the professional status and interests of all faculty.
- Facilitate the dissemination of information on higher education principles and practices.
- Inform the academic community about AAUP standards and practices.
- Participate in the state conference of chapters.
- Develop necessary and proper chapter programs for the accomplishment of the aforementioned purposes.
Upon dissolution of the chapter, its assets shall be distributed to the National AAUP, a charitable and educational organization.
All members of the American Association of University Professors (active full time, active entrant, graduate, associate, retired, and public) who are associated with Furman University are entitled to membership.
The officers of this organization shall be a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
The term of office shall not exceed two years. Persons so elected may serve two consecutive terms.
President: The duties of the president shall include carrying out the policies of the chapter, appointing all committees of the chapter, exercising a general supervision over the activities of the chapter, and presiding at meetings of the chapter and Executive Committee. In the absence of the president, the vice president shall serve in the president's stead. The president shall be a member ex officio of all committees, but the president shall not be counted in determining a quorum in these committees.
Vice President: The duties of the vice president shall include those usually appertaining to the office and those delegated by the president.
Secretary: The duties of the secretary shall include keeping a record of all proceedings and correspondence of the chapter, certifying chapter delegates to the Annual Meeting, and maintaining official contact with the National Association.
Treasurer: The treasurer shall receive the dues of the members and keep an accurate record of all money received and of all disbursements, promote the establishment of dues deduction to facilitate the recruitment and retention of members, and prepare an annual report of the finances of the chapter. The treasurer shall preside at meetings and assume responsibility for the leadership of the chapter in the absence or withdrawal of the president, vice president, and secretary, and until a new Executive Committee can be elected.
Vacancies/Resignations
When an officer has resigned or is disqualified, the office shall be filled by a special election of the chapter. 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 unexpired term.
Chapter dues shall be levied upon members in the amount to be determined by the Executive Committee and as approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the chapter. Payment of current national AAUP dues, conference dues, and chapter dues shall be a prerequisite for chapter members.
Dues may be set or increased only by a secret ballot vote conducted among members of the chapter. The vote may be conducted either by mail ballot or, after reasonable notice, at a regular or special membership meeting.
Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers of the chapter. It shall act as a governing body of the chapter, but only in pursuit of a prior resolution of the chapter or as needed to uphold the constitution. The majority of the elected members 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 presence at the institution, keeping all positions on the executive committee filled as vacancies occur. Among the duties of the Executive Committee are the following:
Nominating Committee: A Nominating Committee of four members, appointed by the Executive Committee, shall broadly represent faculty at Furman University. The names of all candidates shall be sent to members by the secretary at least one month before the chapter election meeting. Additional nominations of candidates for elective office may be submitted from the floor by an active member of the chapter. A plurality of votes shall be required for election to any office.
- Meet regularly to enable response to any faculty members seeking assistance.
- Conduct the business of the chapter between chapter meetings.
- Regularly recruit members and encourage maintenance of membership in established members.
- Make necessary appointments to complete an unexpired term of any officer.
- Set the agenda for chapter meetings.
- Consult regularly with the administration on matters of mutual interest.
- Respond to inquiries from the press.
- Supervise the preparation and distribution of information to members and other faculty of recent activities of local and national importance.
Standing Committees: The chapter may create, by majority vote at any meeting, standing and ad hoc committees from time to time as they are deemed necessary to promote the welfare of the chapter's program at the institution. The chair and members of these committees shall be appointed by the Executive Committee. Some standing committees may be as follows:
- Academic freedom and tenure
- Status of women
- Status of racial, ethnic, sexual, and religious minorities
- Professional ethics
- Accreditation of colleges and universities
- Membership, elections, dues, and chapter organization
- Relationships with local, state, and federal governments
- Faculty participation in college and university governance
- Economic status
The chapter shall hold regular meetings, not less than once each academic year.
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 each member by the secretary of the chapter at least five days in advance of the date selected. The president shall call special meetings of the chapter within seven days when directed by the Executive Committee or by petition signed by ten percent of the members of the chapter.
The quorum required for the transaction of business at all meetings of the chapter shall consist of 20 percent of the active members of the chapter.
This constitution may be amended by the three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of a quorum of the chapter at a regular or special meeting, provided that a notice setting forth the proposed amendment or amendments with reasons thereof and setting forth any known objections thereto shall have been sent to each member at least thirty (30) days period to the meeting. A petition of ten (10) percent of the chapter membership may also initiate amendments. The approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the active membership responding to a written ballot under the preparatory conditions cited above shall also constitute approval.
Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the authority for this chapter in matters of procedure not specified above.
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