GLBTAA Constitution
Article I – Name
Section I: The name of this organization shall be the Indiana University Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Alumni Association (GLBTAA). The Association is an affiliate organization of the Indiana University Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Student Support Services Office (GLBTSSS) and the Indiana University Alumni Association (IUAA).
Article II – Purposes
Section I: The purposes of the GLBTAA shall be to:
- Provide a recognized forum that facilitates dialogue and builds positive relationships between the University, the IUAA, and its GLBT alumni.
- Support and encourage a positive social and academic environment throughout the University for its GLBT alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
- Keep GLBT alumni informed of the progress of the University and the IUAA, especially in relation to the concerns, needs, goals, and interests of GLBT alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
- Establish programs and events for promoting friendship among GLBT alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
- Develop programs that will support current GLBT students, e.g. scholarship and mentoring programs and/or assist the GLBTSSS Office in the development of such programs.
- Seek partnerships and opportunities to support the programs and activities of other campus, community, and IUAA affiliate organizations that involve issues of interest to or promote awareness of GLBT alumni, students, faculty, or staff.
- Promote the interest and welfare of Indiana University and the IUAA.
Article III – Membership
Section I: All alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Indiana University shall be eligible for membership in the GLBTAA. Currently enrolled students who have not yet completed an IU degree are not eligible for membership but may become associate members until such time as they complete degrees or leave the university.
Section II: There are no GLBTAA membership dues. Membership in the IUAA is not required, but is strongly encouraged. All officers and board members must be members of the IUAA.
Article IV- Board of Directors
Section I: The Board of Directors (Board) of the GLBTAA shall consist of:
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Immediate Past President
- Eight Directors
- Two Student Directors
- IUAA representative (ex-officio, non-voting)
- IU GLBTSSS Office Coordinator or designee (ex-officio, non-voting)
Section II: Each member of the Board shall be elected by the membership at the annual meeting to serve a two-year term except for the two student directors who shall serve one-year terms. One-half of the Board membership shall be elected each year.
The President will appoint a three-member nominating committee to seek and prepare a slate of incoming Board members that will be presented and voted upon by the general membership at the annual meeting. Nominations will be open to the general membership 60 days prior to the annual meeting and will be considered by the nominating committee for the slate of board members.
Every two years, the nominating committee shall also prepare a slate of officers who will be voted upon by the Board for two-year terms. This would be a new two-year term for anyone who becomes an officer. Additional candidates may be nominated from the floor by other Board members.
Once an officer, any officer can seek a different officer position, meaning, the Vice President may not necessarily always become the President.
One student member will be appointed by OUT, the IU GLBT student organization, and the other by the GLBTSSS Coordinator.
Vacancies between elections shall be filled by a plurality vote of the remaining members of the Board, with the exception of the office of President, which shall be filled by the Vice President. Any replacement to the Board, shall only serve the remainder of the term for that particular Board member. The Board shall make every effort to remain as inclusive as possible when nominating and electing Board members.
Section III: A quorum of the Board, consisting of a majority of the voting members, shall be necessary to conduct business. Two-thirds of the voting members of the Board must be present to vote upon amendments to the constitution of the organization.
Article V – Standing Committees
Section I: The following standing committees are established, with membership open to any GLBTAA member and a chairperson to be appointed by the Board:
- Membership Committee: This committee shall be charged with developing and implementing plans for membership recruitment and coordination between the Board and regional representatives.
- Communications Committee: This committee shall be responsible for publication of the GLBTAA newsletter and for the development of various means of communications with the general membership including to the Web site, e-mail, and publicity for all GLBTAA events once given input from the Membership Committee.
- Finance & Development Committee: This committee shall be charged with developing strategies for raising the funds necessary to supplement the GLBTAA’s allotment from the IUAA for conducting activities; and for raising funds for scholarships, the operation of the GLBTSSS Office, or other projects which the Board may define.
- Advocacy Committee: This committee shall be responsible for keeping the GLBTAA membership informed on matters involving transgender policy, trustee surveys, and other policy or events concerning GLBT students and alumni. This committee may have co-chairs for certain issues however the overall chair shall be the Immediate Past President if so willing to serve or board can appoint.
Article VI – Annual Meeting
Section I: An annual meeting of the GLBTAA will be held for the purposes of electing Board members by a plurality of votes cast and for considering other business.
Section II: All GLBTAA members are eligible to vote provided they have completed a membership application at least fourteen days prior to the annual meeting. All members will be notified of the date, time and location of the meeting, which shall be determined by the Board.
Revised: 12/2004