Mission
and Bylaws
The
PA/NJ Chapter of the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA)
is dedicated to furthering the goals of the National Chapter of the
CRLA. We are a network of higher education professionals who educate
and disseminate information on reading, learning and tutoring to its
members in the Northeastern United States.
National Chapter
Goals:
- to continue to
provide mediums for dialogue among professionals
- to cooperate
and coordinate with other professional organizations in these and
related fields
- to increase the
tools available to improve student learning
- to provide information
and consultants to bodies enacting legislation directly related to
college reading, learning assistance, developmental education and
tutorial services
- to ensure an
environment where effective learning can take place
Bylaws
of the PA/NJ Chapter Of the College Reading and Learning Association
Article
I: Name
The name of this
organization will be the PA/NJ Chapter of the College Reading Learning
Association, hereinafter referred to as "the Chapter."
Article
II: Objective
In accordance
with the policies and programs of the College Reading and Learning
Association (hereinafter referred to as "CRLA"), the objective of
this chapter is to advance the knowledge and interest of post-secondary
educators working in reading, learning assistance, developmental education,
and tutorial services.
Article
III: Membership & Dues
Section 1.
The Chapter will include a minimum of 25 members of CRLA.
Section 2.
Payment of annual chapter dues of $10.00 per year is required
to be a member in good standing. Members will be strongly encouraged
to maintain membership in the national organization.
Section 3.
Chapter dues become payable during the spring Chapter conference
each year and become delinquent sixty days after the final day of
the conference. Any member whose dues have not been paid within the
time will be dropped from membership. The Elections Membership Coordinator
will contact members prior to the expiration date of membership to
encourage them to pay their dues. Reinstatement within the fiscal
year may be granted upon payment of annual Chapter dues.
Article
IV: Leadership
Section 1.
The officers of the Chapter are the president-elect, Secretary, Treasurer,
and Past President. These Officers comprise the Executive Committee.
Section 2.
The Board of Directors consists of the Executive Committee and two
ex officio (non-voting) members: an Elections and Membership Coordinator
and a Communications Coordinator.
Section 3.
Only members in good standing with the Chapter and CRLA are eligible
to serve on the Board of Directors.
Section 4.
The duties of the Board of Directors are as follows:
A. The President
- chairs the
Executive Committee, the Board of Directors meetings, and all general
membership meetings;
- serves as Conference/Program
Chair for the regional spring conference;
Section 5.
The President, President-elect, and Past President serve terms
of one administrative year, while the Secretary & Treasurer serve
a term of two administrative years. The officers' terms of office
begin two weeks after the conclusion of the fall meeting of CRLA.
Section 6.
No Officer is eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms
in the same office but may return to a previously held office after
two years.
Section 7.
Vacancies
A. A Vacancy
in the office of President will be filled by the president-elect.
B. If vacancies
occur in the offices of the President and President-elect, the Past
President will call a meeting of the Board of Directors for the
purpose of election or appointing an eligible successor to fill
the unexpired term of President.
C. A vacancy
in the office of President-elect, Secretary or Treasurer will be
filled by appointment of the President with the approval of the
Board of Directors. Such appointed officers will serve until their
successors are elected. If the Past President is unable to serve
on the Board of Directors, the most recent Past President who consents
to serve will fill this vacancy. Other vacancies on the Board of
Directors not previously provided for will be appointed of the President
with the approval of the Board of Directors. Such appointees will
serve until their successors are elected or appointed.
Section 8.
These officers will perform the duties as described by these bylaws,
by the parliamentary authority adopted by the Chapter, and by the
directives of CRLA.
Article
V: Meetings
Section 1.
Executive Committee Meetings
A. The Executive
Committee can be convened at the request of any officer.
B. Conference
calls or email may be utilized for Executive Committee meetings
when time and distance necessitate such actions.
C. A majority
of the Executive Committee constitutes a quorum.
Section 2.
Board of Directors Meetings
A. The Board
of Directors will hold meetings at the discretion of the President.
B. Conference
calls or emails may be utilized for Board of Directors' meeting
when time and distance necessitate such actions.
C. Special meetings
may be called at any time by the President of at the request of
a majority of the Board of Directors.
D. A majority
of the Board of Directors constitutes a quorum.
Section 3.
General Membership Meeting
A. The Chapter
will hold at least two regular yearly meetings at a time and place
fixed by the Board of Directors.
B. The spring
meeting will be held in conjunction with the Chapter conference;
C. Special meetings
may be called by the President or a majority of the Board of Directors.
D. A quorum
consists of 20% of the members of the Chapter.
E. The President,
or the Board of Directors by a majority vote, may cancel or postpone
any meeting when such an action is deemed necessary.
Section 4.
In general, rational minds and common courtesy will govern the
meetings and administration of the Chapter. When requested or deemed
necessary by more than one member present, Robert's Rules of Order
will serve as the parliamentary authority.
Article
VI: Nominations & Elections
Section 1.
Elections & Membership Coordinator chairs the nominating Committee.
The Past President, two members in good standing, and appointed by
President, make up the nominating committee.
Section 2.
The committee chair reports the nominations for officers at the spring
meeting. Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the
time all nominees will be considered for office only with their consent.
Section 3.
Election of officers will be held the first week of May. The elected
officers will assume office on June 1st.
Section 4.
The officers will be elected by written electronic ballot. If
there is only one candidate for each office, the President will declare
the slate elected.
Article
VII: Administration
Section 1.
The administration of the affairs of the Chapter is vested in the
Board of Directors, who are responsible for carrying out the directives
of the membership of any duties prescribed in these bylaws.
Section 2.
The administration of the chapter begins June 1st.
Article
VIII: Amendments
Section 1.
These bylaws may be amended at any general membership meeting of the
Chapter by a two thirds vote of members present, provided those present
constitute a quorum of the Chapter.
Section 2.
All amendments adopted by this Chapter will be submitted to CRLA for
approval before becoming effective.
Section 3.
When amendments to CRLA bylaws affect this Chapter's bylaws, such
amendments will become automatically effective for the Chapter. Notice
in writing will be sent to the membership.
Article
IX: Dissolution
Section 1.
This Chapter will be dissolved if its active membership drops below
25 members. It can also be dissolved by a two-thirds vote of the members
present and voting at a spring conference meeting and a majority vote
of the Board of Directors at the same meeting. Notice of such a vote
must be submitted to each Chapter members in writing at least thirty
days in advance.
Section 2.
Within thirty days from the date this Chapter is declared inactive
by its members and Board of Directors, it will notify CRLA; the coordinator
of States/Regions will appoint a person to the position of Regional
Director.
Section 3.
In the event of dissolution of this Chapter, the remaining Chapter
funds will be surrendered to the appointed Regional Director. If no
individual can be found to serve as the Regional Director, all remaining
Chapter funds will revert to CRLA.
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