Background:
This proposed constitution was constructed after in-depth review of the current "B" Association constitution coupled with a careful and lengthy study of the constitutions of the University of Wisconsin, Florida State University, Ohio State University, Marshall University, and the University of Notre Dame.
The current constitution of the "B" Association was adopted in 2000, but this effort only attempted in a general fashion to bring the constitution in compliance with the way things were already being done. The only substantive change was that item which removed the requirement for the Association to have its annual meeting at homecoming.
Because of the growth of the "B" Association along with other impending changes in the Association's structure and activities, it is felt that a new constitution is needed to guide the Association's progress in an orderly manner.
A summary of the proposed changes is as follows:
ARTICLE ONE - MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission Statement is substituted for the current untitled preamble. Some constitutions title this section as "Purpose".
ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP
Three different types of membership are described.
ARTICLE III - OFFICERS
It is noted that while the Executive Director and the Assistant Director are vital members of the team, they will not be voting members of the Association, the Board of Directors or any committee.
A provision is made for filling vacancies or removal from office.
The Nominating Committee is described in more detail.
The duties of all officers, including the President Elect, Executive Director and Assistant Director are described. Treasurer will be an elected position.
ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors will be expanded to fifteen (15) directors plus the elected officers and the immediate past president (total of 20). This change will produce the same size of Board of Directors that we have now, the difference being that they will all be elected by the membership. This change also creates the opportunity to give more diversity to the governing body in terms of age, race, sport, gender, and geographical location.
The powers of the Board are described in a general manner.
Nominations to the Board will be made with reference to the Nominating Criteria.
The meetings of the Board, along with items such as Notice, Quorum, Voting, Vacancies, and Resignation and Removal are codified. The appointment of committees is described. The Composition, Powers, Meetings and Quorum, and Conflict Resolution of the Executive Committee are outlined. Compensation Committee is created. Student representation is unchanged.
ARTICLE V - MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
The processes for calling the annual meeting and special meetings are described. The various methods for giving notice are outlined in detail along with the prescribed time delay between the notice and the date of the meeting. The current requirement to give six (6) months notice for the annual meeting is changed to twenty-eight (28) days. The rules of order, description of a quorum, and voting rights are also included.
ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS
Unchanged except that a requirement stating, "the notice of such a meeting shall contain a statement outlining the substance of the proposed amendment" has been added.
APPENDIX I
Selection criteria for honorary membership are codified.
APPENDIX II
Nominating criteria for officers and directors are listed.
