ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. There will be ten (12) members of the Staff Council.

Section 2. Each term shall be two (2) years. After serving four (4) consecutive years, an individual may not again serve as a member for (2) years.

Section 3. Memberships begin and end in February of each year with at least three transition meetings with old and new members.

Section 4. The make-up of the membership shall represent, as much as possible, the various constituencies of the staff of Norwich University.

Section 5. Meetings will be held monthly throughout the year, unless changed at the discretion of the Chair with the consent of the members.

Section 6. When terms expire, the Council shall solicit nominations or volunteers from the University staff community, review and select according to the guidelines established above, with preference given to staff who have never served, and forward the names recommended to the University President, through the Chief Administrative Officer, for review and approval.

Section 7. If a member resigns, the Staff Council will recommend a replacement to the President through the Chief Administrative Officer. Members appointed to fill a mid-term vacancy shall not be prohibited from appointment to a subsequent full term.

Section 8. The President shall notify the newly appointed members and invite them to the inaugural meeting of the new Council year.

ARTICLE II. ATTENDANCE

Section 1. All members are expected to attend meetings if possible. In the event of an absence, the member is responsible for contacting the Chair to find out what business was conducted in his/her absence.

Section 2. The Chair will contact any member with more than four (4) absences and appropriate action may be taken by the vote of the members with concurrence by the Chief Administrative Officer.

ARTICLE III. COUNCIL MEETINGS

Section 1. Agenda items shall be submitted and recommended at the end of each meeting for consideration

Section 2. All agenda items will be given a time limit for discussion.

Section 3. Minutes and Reports:

  1. Approval of the minutes will be the first item of business after the meeting is called to order, and approved minutes shall be distributed to the University community. Ongoing efforts will be made to expedite approval and distribution of the minutes.

  2. An annual report of the accomplishments and activities of the Staff Council shall be presented to the President by June15 of each year and attached to the minutes of the June meeting.

Section 4. The Chairperson's report will include general announcements and notification of agenda items with time allotments specified.

Section 5. Any votes take will be noted in the minutes.

Section 6. A quorum shall consist of seven (7) members.

Section 7. Rules of Order and Suspension of Rules:

  1. The rules of parliamentary procedure found in Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern Council meetings, except where they are inconsistent with Norwich University regulations.

  2. Rules shall be liberally interpreted to provide orderly debate but still allow full discussion.

  3. c. Rules may be suspended by two-thirds of the voting members present.

Section 8. Voting

  1. Council positions on issues shall be established by a majority of those present and voting, unless otherwise specified.

  2. Voting shall be by voice vote, a show of hands, or by written ballot. A written ballot may be used at the discretion of the Chair, or when requested by members.

Section 9. The Chair shall forward recommendations of the Staff Council to the President, through the Chief Administrative Officer, in a timely manner.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers:

The Council shall elect from its membership a Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary.

Duties of the Chair or Vice-Chair:

  1. Shall convene each meeting and conduct whatever business is on the agenda.
  2. Shall provide leadership for the Council as outlined in the President's charge to the Council.
  3. May invite members of the University community to attend Council meetings to present information about specific issues.
  4. The Vice-Chair shall assume the duties of the Chair in the event of the Chair's absence.

Duties of the Secretary:

  1. Shall take minutes of each Council meeting and review them with the Chair.
  2. Shall provide a copy of the minutes of the last meeting to the Council and make note of any changes made before final approval.
  3. Shall distribute minutes to the University community after the Council has approved them.
  4. Shall keep the Staff Council informed and updated about meetings and other correspondence.
  5. Shall record and maintain all official records. All official records of the Council shall be open to very member of the staff.

ARTICLE V. STAFF CALL

Staff Call is a meeting of all staff of the university to publish information and solicit feedback and questions on staff or related issues.

Section 1. Time of Meetings. Staff Calls normally shall be held in October and April. The Staff Council through the Chair of the Council or Chief Administrative Officer will determine dates jointly.

Section 2. Attendance. All Staff Calls shall be open to non-exempt (full and part time) and exempt staff members of the University who may speak when recognized by the presiding officer. The Chief Administrative Officer shall serve as the presiding officer.

Section 3. Major issues and concerns from the Staff Call will be brought before the Staff Council in accordance to the Council's charge for action.

ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Proposed amendments to the Bylaws of the Staff Council shall originate with the Council.

Section 2. Amendments may be recommended upon a two-thirds vote of the members present.

Section 3. Amendments shall be forwarded to the Chief Administrative Officer, and then on to the President for final action.

Approved by the President
May 25, 2001