Emeriti Bylaws

The name of the organization shall be “The University of Hartford Emeriti Association” (the “Association”).

The purposes of the Association shall be (a) to provide a continuing social outlet for the membership, (b) to assist the University of Hartford (the “University”) in achieving its academic and professional goals by utilizing the individual expertise of members to the best advantage of the institution, and specifically in areas where members are requested to help, (c) to advocate the support of the University in assisting the membership to continue professional, educational, and scholarly activities, and (d) to provide scholarships for meritorious students.

1. Eligibility for Membership:
   • Any faculty member or administrator awarded emeritus/a/X status by the University shall be invited by the Emeriti Association to become a member of the Association.
   • University retirees not eligible for emeritus/a/X status who have made important contributions to the University for no fewer than ten years may be nominated by a current member of the Association to become a member. The Executive Committee will review nominations. Those recommended for membership by the Executive Committee shall be submitted for consideration to the membership at meetings of the Association. A two-thirds majority vote of those present is required for approval.
2. Dues:
   • Nominal annual dues shall be collected from the membership to cover operating expenses.

The members of the Association shall normally meet once a semester. Additional meetings of the association may be called at the discretion of the Chair of the Executive Committee. Meetings of the membership may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid.

1. Association Leadership. The leadership of the Association shall consist of the Executive Committee and the officers.
2. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will consist of at least eight members who will assist the Chairs in the oversight and management of the affairs, and interests of the Association. The Chairs will be voting ex officio members of the Executive Committee. The Chair of the Association will be the Chair of the Executive Committee. Members of the Executive Committee nominate potential members of the Executive Committee and, if approved, a designated member of the Executive Committee shall inform the nominees of their nomination and appointment.
3. Officers. The officers of the Association shall consist of the Chair (Chairman, Chairwoman, or Chair, if a different title is preferred by the individual in office), a Vice Chair (or other title as with the earlier position), and Executive Secretary/Treasurer. The Chair and Vice-Chair may act as Co-Chairs at the discretion of the Executive Committee. The Chair, Vice-Chair, or Co-Chairs are referred to collectively herein as the “Chairs.”
4. Duties of Chair and Vice-Chair. The Chairs shall prepare the agenda for and preside over all meetings. The Vice Chair will perform the duties of the Chair in the event the Chair is not available.
5. Election of Chair and Vice Chair. Elections for the Chair and Vice-Chair shall take place at the Fall semester meeting, and Chairs shall take office after the Fall semester meeting. Chairs  serve two-year terms with a maximum of two terms.
6. Vacancies. If a Chair is no longer able to fulfill the duties as Chair, the Vice-Chair will assume the position. The Executive Committee will then elect a Vice Chair to serve out the term. If the Vice Chair is no longer able to fulfill the duties as Vice Chair, the Executive Committee will elect a Vice-Chair to serve out the term. Vacancies on the Executive Committee may be filled by majority vote at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
7. Appointment and Duties of Executive Secretary/Treasurer. The University shall appoint the Executive Secretary/Treasurer of the Association. The Secretary/Treasurer shall (1) record actions taken during meetings of the Executive Committee and the membership, (2) maintain an up-to-date membership roster, and (3) provide general organizational support of the Association under the direction of the Chair and shall keep the financial records for the Association. All association funds will be handled through the University of Hartford accounting system.

1. Standing Committees:
   • The Chair, with advice from the Executive Committee, will establish standing committees as necessary to further the mission of the Association.
     • Scholarship Committee
       1. The Chair selects the chair of the Scholarship Committee.
       2. The Chair of the Scholarship Committee selects a minimum of four members.
       3. The Scholarship Committee recommends scholarship awardees. The Executive Committee approves, by a two-thirds majority vote, scholarship candidates.
     • Nominations and Elections Committee
       1. The Chair selects the chair of the Nominating Committee.
       2. The Chair of the Nominating Committee selects additional members as needed.
       3. The Nominating Committee recommends candidates for offices. The Executive Committee, by majority vote, recommends candidates presented at the Fall meeting.
     • Communications Committee
       1.  The Chair selects the Chair of the Communications Committee
       2. The Communications Committee oversees information available on the Association’s website and is the main communications vehicle for the Association.
2. Ad Hoc Committees:

The Chair or the Executive Committee may establish ad hoc committees as needed to address specific projects.

1. Proposing Amendments:
   • Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by any member of the Association. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee. Amendments approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Committee will be submitted to the membership for final approval.
2. Approval of Amendments:
   •  Proposed amendments must be presented to the membership at least 14 days before a plenary meeting. Amendments to these Bylaws must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of members present at the plenary meeting.

1. Proposing Amendments:
   • Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by any member of the Association. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee. Amendments approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Committee will be submitted to the membership for final approval.
2. Approval of Amendments:
   •  Proposed amendments must be presented to the membership at least 14 days before a plenary meeting. Amendments to these Bylaws must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of members present at the plenary meeting.