Bylaws

BYLAWS of
The Alumni Association of Mesa State College
of Colorado, Inc.

Article I: Identification

Section 1: Name

The name of the organization is the Alumni Association of Mesa State College of Colorado, hereinafter referred to as the Association. The Association is a domestic, non-profit organization 501(c)(7) that operates in conjunction with Mesa State College, Office of Alumni Relations, hereinafter referred to as College.

Section 2: Purpose

The purpose of the Association is for the support and mutual benefit of Mesa State College graduates, former students, friends and the College.

Section 3: Principle Office

The principle office of the Association shall be the Office of Alumni Relations, Mesa State College, 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81501.

Section 4: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Association shall be from July 1st through June 30th.

Section 5: Rules of Order

Robert's Rules of Order shall govern in all matters to which they are applicable and in which they are not in conflict with these by-laws.

Article II Membership, Dues and Meetings

Section 1: General Membership

General Membership shall include all graduates and former students of Mesa State College; all former and present faculty of Mesa State College; and the Mesa State College Director of Alumni Relations.

Section 2: Active Members

Active Members shall include all graduates and former students of Mesa State College, all former and present faculty of Mesa State College, and friends of the College who have paid the annual or lifetime membership fee.

Section 3: Rights and Privileges of Active Membership

" May hold office or serve on committees of the Association, when appointed or elected.
" May utilize campus facilities, subject to the rules and regulations of each facility.
" May take advantage of alumni discount rates and special programs as applicable.
" Are invited to alumni activities as applicable.
" Shall receive appropriate mailings of the Association.

Section 4: Honorary Members

The Board of Directors may confer an honorary membership upon an individual if they see fit. Honorary Members of the Association are eligible to vote in Association elections and serve on committees, but they are not eligible to hold office.

Section 5: Dues

The Board of Directors shall determine the amount of annual and lifetime dues payable to the Association by Active Members. Upon payment of dues, a person becomes an Active Member for the 12-month period beginning with the first day of the month after dues were submitted and running the succeeding 12 months until the first day of the same month next year.

Section 6: Referendum

Any Active Member may petition a decision or ruling of the Board of Directors for a referendum of the membership at the next Annual Meeting. To do so, the Active Member must obtain the signatures of at least 10% of the alumni Active Members eligible to vote who have maintained a current address with the Office of Alumni Relations. The petition must clearly state the decision or ruling being questioned and must be presented to the Director of Alumni Relations and the Executive Committee at least thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting.

Article III: Board of Directors

Section 1: Responsibility

The Board of Directors shall exercise the power of the Association and shall act as a liaison between the alumni and the College in order that the Association can develop and implement plans to enhance and support the missions of the College and the Association.

Section 2: Composition:

The Association Board of Directors shall be composed of:
" Nineteen (19) Active Member alumni elected by the Association.

Section 3: Qualifications and Term of Office

Directors shall be Active Members of the Association who have demonstrated their support for Mesa State College. Each Director shall serve a two (2) year term of office, which will begin at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting. No Director shall serve more than three (3) consecutive terms, except to finish their commitment in a current term as an officer.

Section 4: Resignation and Removal

The Board of Directors, by a majority of all those present and eligible to vote at a duly called meeting, may remove any member of the Board of Directors for failure to fulfill the obligations associated with service on the Board.

Any vacancies caused by resignation, death, illness and/or failure to comply with the meeting attendance policy may be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Directors appointed in this manner shall serve for the balance of the term of the vacated position.

Any Director removed from the Board of Directors has a right to present his/her case to the Board of Directors. A removed Director must notify the College and Association of his/her intent within 30 days of removal. The Director will then have an opportunity to present his/her case to the Board of Directors at the next board meeting and have a second vote held to determine dismissal.

Section 5: Duties

Each Director shall be expected to:
" Attend all meetings of the Board of Directors. Failure to attend a minimum of two (2) meetings per year may result in removal from the Board of Directors.
" Serve on a committee of the Association.
" Supervise the operational fiscal programs of the Association, in coordination with the Director of Alumni Relations.
" Represent the Association, when and where it is appropriate to do so.
" Promote the interests of Mesa State College as outlined in the Mesa State College Mission Statement.

Section 6: Meetings

There shall be regular meetings held during the year and one (1) annual meeting. The Board of Directors shall determine meeting dates and times. Additional and/or special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President, the Director of Alumni Relations or by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.

Section 7: Quorum

A quorum shall consist of ½ plus 1 of the total number of Board Members.

Section 8: Voting

The vote of a majority of members of said defined quorum shall be sufficient to any action by these by-laws, with the exception of the amendments of said By-Laws.

Article IV: Director of Alumni Relations

Section 1

The Director of Alumni Relations shall be an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. The Director has the day-to-day responsibility of overseeing the general business, fiscal status and various activities of the Association and developing alumni programs and services consistent with Mesa State College's mission. The Director is responsible for annually preparing a comprehensive program and budget plan for review by the Board of Directors. The Director shall also maintain the Association files and records.

Section 2

While the Director shall be responsible and accountable to the College's Director of Institutional Advancement, the Director will be expected to be responsive to the needs and interests of the Board of Directors of the Association.

Article V: Officers

Section 1: Officer Positions

The officers of the Association shall consist of the President, President-elect, Secretary and Treasurer.

Section 2: Term of Office

Each officer shall be elected for a term of two (2) years. No officer may serve more than two (2) consecutive terms in the same office. The President-elect shall automatically become President at the expiration of the President's term and should the President vacate office during his/her term.

Section 3: Duties of Officers

The duties of the President shall be:
" Call and preside at all regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors.
" Perform all duties normally pertinent to the office, including general supervision of all business affairs and activities.
" Represent the Alumni Association at College and/or public programs requiring alumni representation when called upon to do so or designate a representative to act in this capacity if he/she is unavailable.
" Upon completion of term, serve on the Executive Committee as the immediate Past-president.
" Serve as a non-voting member on the Board of the MSC Foundation.

The duties of the President-elect shall be:
" Perform the duties of the President in his absence, unavailability or resignation of the President.
" Perform other duties as assigned by the President.
" The President-elect shall be expected to accede the presidency upon completion of the President's term of office.

The duties of the Secretary shall be:
" Maintain accurate minutes and records of the proceedings of the Association, both executive and general sessions.
" See that all notices are given and carry on other such correspondence of the Association as shall be deemed necessary and appropriate.
" Maintain a directory of the Board of Directors membership and record attendance at all meetings of the Association.

The duties of the Treasurer shall be:
" Work closely with the Director of Alumni relations, the Executive Committee and the Association Board of Directors in overseeing Association accounts, receiving funds to the Association, and disbursement of funds from the Association, subject to oversight from the Association Executive Committee and the Association Board of Directors and in accordance with applicable College policies and procedures on disbursement of College funds.
" Report on a regular basis the financial status of the Association.

Section 4: Vacancies and Removal

If any office becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, removal from office, or otherwise, the Executive Committee shall request from the Nominations, Awards & Recognition Committee one (1) or more names of Board of Directors members qualified to fill the vacancy. From the submitted list, the Board of Directors shall select a successor who shall hold office for the remainder of the term. This shall not infringe upon the right of the appointee to hold office in his/her own right for a subsequent full term. The Board of Directors, by a majority of all those present and eligible to vote at a duly called meeting, may remove any member of the Board of Directors for failure to fulfill the obligations associated with service on the Board.

Any Director removed from any office has a right to present his/her case to the Board of Directors. A removed Director must notify the College and Association of his/her intent within 30 days of removal. Director will then have an opportunity to present case to the Board of Directors at the next board meeting and have a second vote held to determine dismissal.

Article VI: Executive Committee

Section 1: Composition

The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, the President-elect, the Secretary and the Treasurer. The Director of Alumni Relations shall be an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Executive Committee.

Section 2: Meetings

The Executive Committee shall schedule meetings as necessary to prepare for the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors. The Director of Alumni Relations shall provide the date, time and place of each such meeting to each member of the Executive Committee at least two (2) weeks prior to each meeting. Should the need arise, emergency meetings of the Executive Committee may be scheduled and notice thereof should be communicated as expeditiously as possible.

Section 3: Quorum

A quorum shall consist of 3 members of the Executive Committee.

Section 4: Voting

The vote of a majority of members of the Executive Committee present at any duly constituted meeting shall be sufficient for any action by the Executive Committee.

Section 5: Responsibilities

The Executive Committee shall have the responsibility to:

" Advise the Director of Alumni Relations in the daily administration of the Association.
" Establish standing committees and annually appoint chairpersons thereto.
" Establish such other committees as may be necessary and recommend to the President of the Association chairpersons for said committees.
" Develop the agenda for the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors.
" Act on behalf of the Association in case of an emergency.
" Report actions of the Executive Committee to the Board of Directors.
" Perform any and all other duties necessary for the proper functioning and administration of the Association.
" Periodically review and update governance structure and by-laws of the Association and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate.

Article VII: Committees

Section 1: Membership

Membership of the various committees shall be comprised of Active and Honorary Members of the Association who have demonstrated interest in supporting Mesa State College and who have expressed a desire to become actively involved in the Association.

Section 2: Committee Chair Appointment and Responsibilities

The Executive Committee shall appoint the committee Chairs for a one (1) year term, renewable under the terms of the Board of Directors election policies.

Committee Chairs are responsible for:
" Recruiting committee members (including sub-committee chairs).
" Scheduling and conducting committee meetings.
" Developing program plans in concert with the Director of Alumni Relations.
" Coordinating the activities of the committee.
" Submitting written committee reports for submission to the Director of Alumni Relations and the President of the Association at each regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting.

Section 3: Vacancies and removal

The Executive Board shall select a successor to serve as a Committee Chair if any position becomes vacant. The President of the Association, upon concurrence of the Board of Directors, may remove any committee chair from his/her position for just cause including, but not limited to, failure to perform duties of the chair and non-excused absences from meetings.

Any Director removed from a committee chair has a right to present his/her case to the Board of Directors. A removed Director must notify the College and Association of his/her intent within 30 days of removal. Director will then have an opportunity to present case to the Board of Directors at the next board meeting and have a second vote held to determine dismissal.

Section 4: Standing Committees

1. Connections & Communications Committee
" Provide alumni news/events/tidbits; campus updates; notes from the President; and other relevant information for publication in the Mosaic and other alumni publications.
" Promote the College and the Association through positive public relations and other image enhancement efforts.
" Act as a vehicle for Chapter Chairs and Clubs to share their ideas, strategies and plans with the Board of Directors.
" Act as a liaison between the Association and the MSC School of Applied Technology.

2. Events Committee
" Assist in planning, execution and promotion of Homecoming, graduation, reunions and other alumni events.
" Act as a liaison between the Association and the MSC School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

3. Budget, Finance & Fundraising Committee
" Assist the Director of Alumni Relations in assessing the Association budget.
" Present periodic reports to the Board.
" Develop and implement fundraising activities and programs.
" Act as a liaison between the Association and the MSC School of Business and Professional Studies.

4. Nominations, Awards & Recognition Committee
" Develop candidates for officer and director positions, which will be vacated.
" Develop and implement all awards and recognition activities, including, but not limited to, the Distinguished Alumni Awards and Alumni Scholarship recipients.
" Act as a liaison between the Association and the MSC School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

5. Student Relations Committee
" Design and develop a Student Alumni Association.
" Provide assistance in recruiting quality students to the college.
" Develop student educational development programs through:
" Alumni classroom lecture series
" Internships
" Externships
" Other methods as appropriate
" Act as a liaison between the Association and the MSC Admissions Office.

Section 5: Special Committees

The President may create such special committees as deemed desirable and in the best interest of the Association.

Article VIII: Fiscal Affairs

Section 1

All checks, drafts or orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of the Association shall be signed by such officer(s) or agent(s) as determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

Section 2

All contracts and payments by the College relating to Association business shall be in accordance the College policies and procedures.

Article IX: Amendments

Section 1: Board of Director Action

These By-Laws may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the Association by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board Members provided the proposed amendments have been published in the official call to the meeting.

Section 2: Membership Authority

Any Board Member may submit in writing an amendment or alteration to the By-Laws. The Board of Directors shall then act upon such amendments.

Article X: Alumni Chapters & Affiliate Groups

Section 1: Recognition of Groups

The Association may recognize such groups, as it deems advantageous to the welfare of the Association and the College.

Section 2: Formation of Chapters and/or Special Interest Groups

Formation of alumni chapters or special interest groups shall be encouraged in each geographic area where a sufficient concentration of alumni resides. The chapter or special interest group must be officially recognized by the Board of Directors and the Director of Alumni Relations in order to use the College and Association name.

Section 3: Organization

When a chapter or special interest group has been organized, its designated Chairperson shall submit a list of the names and addresses of its members to the Director of Alumni Relations and thereafter any changes as they occur. Each chapter or special interest group shall adopt "Articles of Association" which shall govern their operation. These articles shall be consistent with the By-Laws of the Association.

Section 4: Meetings and Events

At minimum, each chapter or special interest group shall submit an annual report of meeting minutes and activities to the Director of Alumni Relations and the Board of Directors.

Section 5: Removal

The Board of Directors reserves the right to withdraw its recognition of any chapter or special interest group should they not comply with the College or the Association policies and procedures.

Any chapter or special interest group who has had recognition withdrawn has a right to present his/her case to the Board of Directors. A removed chapter or special interest group must notify the College and Association of his/her intent within 30 days of removal. Chapter or special interest group will then have an opportunity to present case to the Board of Directors at the next board meeting and have a second vote held to determine dismissal.