Sample NFM Chapter Bylaws

Article I: Name

The name of this organization is the ________________, a chapter of New Faculty Majority: The National Coalition for Adjunct and Contingent Equity.

Article II: Purposes

The purposes of this chapter are to:

1. Support the purpose, principles, and programs and activities of NFM as set forth in Articles II, III and IV of the NFM Bylaws, and in all matters act in harmony with the principles and procedures of the national organization.

2. Protect and advance the professional status and interests of all adjunct and contingent faculty;

3. Educate colleagues and the general public about the actual working conditions of adjunct and contingent faculty locally and nationally;

4. Inform the academic community and the general public about NFM standards and statements; and

5. 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 residents of ___________. 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 consecutive] terms.

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.

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.

Secretary: The duties of the secretary shall include keeping a record of all proceedings and correspondence of the chapter, certifying chapter delegates to the National Conference, preparing or overseeing the preparation of newsletters for distribution to chapter members if such shall be desired, maintaining official contact with the national organization. It shall be the duty of the chapter secretary to provide the national secretary of NFM the names of the officers of the chapter and the chapter bylaws and to conduct the correspondence of the chapter with the national secretary. In the absence of the president and vice president, the secretary shall preside at meetings of the chapter.

Treasurer: The treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all funds received and disbursed. At the request of the executive committee, 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 national organization and/or to the applicable state conference any dues collected on behalf of the national organization and/or conference. In the absence of the president, vice president, and secretary, the treasurer shall preside at meetings of the chapter.

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 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.

Article V: Dues

The chapter may establish chapter dues. Chapter members are automatically members of the national organization but are not required to pay national dues in addition to any chapter dues.

Article VI: Committees

A. Executive Committee

The executive committee shall consist of the elected officers of the chapter, the immediate past president, and two members elected at large. 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, keeping all positions on the executive committee filled as vacancies occur. The executive committee shall:

Meet regularly;
Respond to chapter members seeking assistance;
Conduct the business of the chapter between meetings;
Regularly recruit members and encourage maintenance of membership;
Make necessary appointments to complete an unexpired term of any officer;
Set the agenda with appropriate notice for chapter meetings; and
Consult regularly with other community members and stakeholders on matters of mutual interest

B. Membership Committee

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.

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 executive committee. Some such committees may be, but are not limited to:

Status of women and minorities
Professional ethics
Elections, dues, and chapter organization
Relationships with local, state, and federal governments
Faculty participation in college and university governance
Legal and legislative issues

Article VII: Meetings

The chapter shall hold regular meetings at least twice 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 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 members.

Article VIII: Dissolution

Upon dissolution of the chapter, its assets shall be distributed to the national organization, 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

Roberts Rules of Order Revised shall be the authority for this chapter in matters of procedure not specified above.

Enacted this ___________ day of ________________in the year ___________________.