Office of Women in High Education/American Council on Education
New York State Network for Women Leaders in Higher Education
(Revised June 3rd, 2011)
PREAMBLEThe New York State Network for Women Leaders in
Higher Education is an informal network of women administrators, faculty, and
others associated with or supportive of higher education in New York State.
Formed under the auspices of the Office of Women in Higher Education (OWHE) of
the American Council on Education (ACE) in 1977, the New York State Network is
part of THE NETWORK, a national network organized by states and headed by
coordinating committees within each state.
ARTICLE
I
The name of this statewide coordinating organization is the New York State
Network for Women Leaders in Higher Education.
Section 2
The purpose of the New York State Network for Women Leaders in Higher Education
is to develop and promote the advancement of women in higher education in New
York State and reaffirm the principles of diversity and inclusion by:
• Increasing the number, visibility and influence of
women in leadership roles in higher education within New York state.
• Establishing linkages among women in higher
education, and between women in higher education and trustees, legislators,
policy makers, search firms, and other women’s organizations.
• Developing an agenda of policy issues affecting
women in higher education.
• Supporting, encouraging, and strengthening state
and regional associations.
• Implementing such goals consonant with its purpose
as may be identified by members of the Executive Board of the New York State
Network for Women Leaders in Higher Education.
ARTICLE
II
Activities and Responsibilities
Section 1
The New York State Network for Women Leaders in Higher Education will follow
policies, guidance, and procedures provided by THE NETWORK for its state-level
organizations.
Section 2
The Executive Board of the New York State Network for Women Leaders in Higher
Education will serve as the coordinating board for the New York State Network
and is empowered to act on the behalf of the New York State Network.
Section 3
The Executive Board will develop goals and priorities in order to fulfill the
purpose of the New York State Network and its parent organization, THE
NETWORK. Through meetings, programs, retreats, policy statements,
publications, sponsorship of events, and other actions as appropriate, the
Executive Board will implement activities to meet and support the goals and
priorities of the New York State Network.
ARTICLE
III
Membership of the Executive Board
Section 1
Composition
1.1
There shall be no more than sixteen (16) members of the Executive Board. All
members should hold mid-to senior-level administrative positions or full-time
teaching positions in institutions of post-secondary education in the State of
New York, administrative positions in governmental agencies that oversee or
implement policy regarding post-secondary education, or administrative or
leadership positions in organizations that promote or support women in higher
education. In seeking women from these areas of higher education, we
affirm our principles of diversity and inclusion.
1.2
Members of the Executive Board may vote on New York State Network business;
hold elected office on the Executive Board; serve on New York State Network
committees; and represent, with the approval of the Executive Board, the New
York State Network at regional and national meetings and conventions.
Section 2
Selection and Terms of Executive Board Members
2.1
Membership on the board is based on interest expressed through self-nomination
or in response to nomination or invitation. The Executive Board will make
appropriate efforts to ensure geographic, cultural, and institutional diversity
among the members of the Executive Board.
2.2
Selection to membership shall take place either at a regularly called meeting
of the Executive Board by voice or paper ballot or by ballot mailed or
electronically sent to members of the Executive Board. An affirmative
vote of a simple majority of Executive Board members eligible to vote is
necessary
2.3
Executive Board members will serve a three-year term of office, renewable once
(renewable twice if needed to serve as a past coordinator). The Executive
Board will make appropriate efforts to sequence terms of office of members in
order to ensure continuity on the Executive Board.
Section 3.
Responsibilities of Executive Board Members
3.1
Executive board members will attend regularly scheduled Executive Board
meetings and shall:
• Network with other women in mid- to senior-level administrative positions within the region.
• Promote visibility of the New York State Network and THE NETWORK.
• Support and promote New York State Network conferences, retreats, and events.
• Identify “emerging leaders.”
• Provide information about changes in senior leadership at colleges and universities within the region.
ARTICLE
IV
Officers
Section 1
with a leadership role in the New York State Network. The elected
officers of the Executive Board shall be: coordinator, associate
coordinator, past coordinator, secretary, treasurer, public relations committee
chair, conference committee chair, liaison to institutional representatives and
information officer.Section2
Election of Officers
2.1
shall be known as the Steering Committee. Officer membership positions
are filled based on interest expressed through self-nomination or in response
to nomination.2.2
members present at the meeting at which the vote is taken shall be necessary
for election as an officer of the Executive Board.2.3
on and participate in the initiatives of the Executive Board.2.4
approved by the Executive Board.2.4.1
followed by a two-year term as Past Coordinator.2.4.2
development of the conference through the holding of the conference.2.4.7
3.
Members will attend regularly scheduled Executive Board meetings and meetings
of the Steering Committee of the Executive Board. In addition, officer members
have general and specific responsibilities associated with their leadership
roles within the New York State Network.
3.2 The
Coordinator shall:
• Provide vision and overall direction for the New York State Network and
the Executive Board.
•
Preside at all meetings of the Executive Board and
the Steering Committee of the Executive Board.
• Serve as the Executive Board’s liaison with THE NETWORK, OWHE/ACE and
other national, state, and regional organizations.
• Represent the Executive Board of the New York State Network at regional
and national meetings sponsored by THE NETWORK, OWHE/ACE and other national,
state, and regional organizations.
•
Represent the Executive Board through
correspondence, to include letters to women within New York State recognizing
achievement, service, retirement, or new positions accepted.
•
Appoint committees deemed necessary or helpful in
furthering the business of the Executive Board.
•
Delegate responsibility to appropriate officers and
committees.
•
Plan the New York State Network annual board
meeting.
• Plan the New York State annual Network and Board retreat.
3.3
The Associate Coordinator shall:
•
Serve as coordinator for regional associations.
•
Provide budget oversight and establish budget
priorities.
• Coordinate nominations for Executive Board officers and members of the
Steering Committee.
•
Assist the Coordinator, as needed.
•
In the absence of the Coordinator, assume all
responsibilities of that office.
3.4
The Past Coordinator shall:
•
Advise and mentor the Coordinator and Associate
Coordinator
3.5
The Secretary shall:
•
Prepare and distribute minutes of the Annual
Meeting.
•
Ensure that written records of meetings of the
Executive Board
and Steering Committee are made and maintain these records.
•
Collect and disseminate nominations for at-large
members;
•
Maintain, update, and distribute membership
rosters.
•
Maintain a transferable database for secretarial
responsibilities
3.6
The Treasurer shall:
• Receive and disburse all monies of the Executive Board under policies
approved by the Board.
• Maintain records of bank accounts, keep appropriate records of receipts
and disbursements.
• Submit an annual report to the Executive Board and any interim reports
that may be required.
• Make provision for the filing of any and all required tax statements.
• When requested by the Executive Board, turn over all monies, accounts,
record books, papers, vouchers, and other records pertaining to the treasury.
• Maintain transferable database for the treasurer’s responsibilities.
• With the Associate Coordinator, plan the annual budget.
3.7
The Public Relations Committee Chair shall:
• Produce a newsletter on a periodic basis for use by Executive Board
members and regional associations.
• Prepare press releases.
• Create, maintain, and update the New York State Network brochure and any
other publications.
• Provide input to ListServe/Web site, as appropriate.
• Recruit and chair the committee created to provide public relations
support to the Executive Board.
3.8
The Conference Committee Chair shall:
• Oversee the planning and implementation of the periodic New York State
Network conference.
3.9
The Liaison to Institutional Representatives shall:
• Serve as the communications link between the Executive Board and the
institutional representatives.
• Establish state regions balancing interests and ability to travel.
• Identify and select institutional representatives following consultation
with the Coordinator.
• Mentor, coach, and develop new institutional representatives.
• Maintain a current list serve of institutional representatives
3.10 The Information Officer
shall:
•
Create, maintain and update the New York State Network web site, and
make relevant information available on social networks, and other electronic
venues;
•
Lead and coordinate all efforts pertaining to the public sharing of New
York State Network information and its Regions;
•
Liaise with the Public Relations Committee Chair to conceive and
implement all necessary information strategies for the New York State Network
information and its Regions;
•
Design and offer information technology training strategies and
opportunities to the New York State Network members as aligned with the mission
of the Network.
ARTICLE
V
Steering Committee of the Executive Board
Section 1 The
management of the Executive Board shall be vested in the Steering Committee,
consisting of the above officers and the immediate Past Coordinator.
1.1 The
Coordinator shall chair the Steering Committee.
1.2 The
Steering Committee shall act on behalf of the Executive Board between meetings.
1.3 The
Coordinator shall report actions taken by the Steering Committee on behalf of
the Executive Board at subsequent meetings of the Board.
ARTICLE
VI Change
in Membership – Executive Board
Section
1 Termination
of Membership
1.1 The
service of an officer of the Executive Board may be terminated for cause by a
vote of the two-third’s majority of the members in attendance at a regular or
special meeting of the Executive Board.
Section
2 Vacancies
in Membership
2.1 All
positions that become vacant may be filled at the next regularly called meeting
of the Executive Board. The position may remain vacant until filled, but the
Executive Board will actively seek a new member so that the position is filled
in a timely manner.
2.2 If
the Coordinator is unable to complete her term of office, the Associate
Coordinator shall assume the position of Coordinator and the Executive Board
will elect a new Associate Coordinator.
2.3 Vacancies
in other offices shall be filled by election to the office, with the term of
office to be that of a regular term of office plus the additional months to
July 1, the usual start of an officer’s term.
2.4 Prior
to an election to fill a vacant office, the Coordinator or Associate Coordinator
or designee will assume the responsibilities of the vacant office as necessary
in order to conduct business of the Executive Board and the New York State
Network.
ARTICLE
VII Meetings
– Executive Board
Section
1 Meetings of
the Executive Board
1.1 The
Executive Board shall meet at least twice a year, once in the fall and once in
the spring. The spring meeting will be considered the annual
meeting. Notice shall be given by mail, email, or phone at least 20 days
prior to the meeting.
1.1.1 The
Steering Committee may schedule additional meetings of the Executive Board, as
it deems necessary.
1.1.2 Meetings
may also be called by the Coordinator or by petition of three (3) members of
the Executive Board.
1.1.3 The Executive
Board shall consider each absence of a Board Member and/or Officer as a
separate circumstance. After a count of such three (3) circumstances, the
Executive Board may ask the Board Member and/or Officer to vacate the position.
1.2 Business
of the Executive Board may be conducted by telephone, mail, or email.
1.3 All
members of the Executive Board have a single and equal vote in the decisions of
the Executive Board.
1.4 A
quorum for the conduct of business shall consist of nine (9) members of the
Executive Board.
ARTICLE VIII New
York State Network Regions, Institutional Representatives and
Regional
Coordinators
Section 1 Regions
1.1.
The New York State Network for Women Leaders in Higher Education is
comprised of six Regional Chapters (Regions):
-
The Western Region
-
The Central Region
-
The Capital-Northern Region
-
The Hudson Valley Region
-
The Westchester-Rockland Region
-
The New York City-Long Island Region
1.2. The
Regional Chapters function independently under the guidance of the New York
State Network Executive Board to plan, develop and offer conferences, meetings,
initiatives and programs for women in Higher Education within their Regions, in
accordance with the Mission and Goals of the National Office of Women in Higher
Education/American Council of Education.
Section 2 Institutional
Representatives
1.1.
Each Regional Chapter is composed of Institutional Representatives (IR)
recruited from the Higher Education Institutions within the Region and approved
in that role by the President of the institution to which they belong.
1.2.
Each Institutional Representative will represent and serve as an
advocate for women’s leadership development at their institution as well as a liaison between the women of their
institution and the New York State Network Executive Board.
1.3.
Institutional Representatives will serve a renewable three-year term.
Section 3 Regional
Coordinator
1.1.
The Regional Coordinator of a Regional Chapter will be identified among
its Institutional Representatives by the New York State Executive Board.
Nominations or expression of self-interest from the Institutional
Representatives of a Chapter will be welcome. A vote of a simple majority of
the Executive Board Members eligible to vote is necessary.
1.2.
The Regional Coordinator will serve a three-year term of office,
renewable once.
1.3.
The Regional Coordinator will be eligible to serve on the New York State
Executive Board as a member.
1.4.
The Regional Coordinator will:
-
Convene regular meetings with the Institutional Representatives of the
Region;
-
Convene group of women aspiring to administrative leadership positions
in conferences, workshops or other meetings as appropriate to design or
implement specific agenda in behalf of women;
-
Actively identify and nominate new Institutional Representatives in the
Region;
-
Seek opportunities to partner, link and discuss with other associations
or networks having similar goals;
-
Provide the New York State Coordinator and Executive Board with a
periodic activity report on the work and initiatives undertaken by the relevant
Region.
ARTICLE IX Bylaws
and Amendments
Section
1 Bylaws
1.1 The
Bylaws of the New York State Network for Women Leaders in Higher Education will
be reviewed at least every five years.
1.1.1 The
Executive Board will appoint a committee to review the Bylaws and to make
recommendations to revise and rewrite, as necessary.
1.2 The
Bylaws are effective upon approval by the Executive Board.
Section
2
Amendments
2.1 Amendments
to the Bylaws may be proposed at any meeting of the Executive Board.
2.1.1 The
members of the Executive Board must be given a minimum of 5 business days to
review the proposed amendments to the Bylaws, unless a two-third majority of
members at an Executive Board meeting agrees for a vote to be held at the
meeting.
2.1.2 No
amendment that is inconsistent with the policies, guidance, or procedures of
THE NETWORK, OWHE/ACE, shall be submitted to a vote.
2.2 Amendments
are effective upon approval of the Executive Board. A two-third’s majority of
members is required to approve an amendment to the Bylaws.
2.3 A
copy of the approved amendment will be sent to each member of the Executive
Board.
Section 3 These
Bylaws will continue in force until rescinded by action of the Executive Board.
All members of the Executive Board will be governed by the provisions of the
Bylaws.
ARTICLE
X
Rules of Procedure
Section 1 The
officers may establish such rules of procedure as may be necessary for
implementing the provisions of these Bylaws and for managing the Executive
Board, as long as those rules of procedure do not violate the provisions of
these Bylaws.
Section 2
Robert’s Rules of Order, as most recently revised, shall govern the meetings of
the Executive Board unless otherwise decided by a majority vote.
2.1 The
Executive Board or the Steering Committee may adopt, by majority vote, standing
rules for their respective meetings. A record of such rules shall be kept by
the Secretary.
ARTICLE
XI
Dissolution
Section 1 A
two-third’s majority vote of the Executive Board will be required for
dissolution of the New York State Network for Women Leaders in Higher
Education.
Section 2 In
the event of dissolution of the New York State Network for Women Leaders in
Higher Education, whether voluntary or involuntary, no member shall be entitled
to any distribution or division of its remaining assets. The balance of
all monies and other property received by the Executive Board from any source
shall be used to satisfy all debts and obligations of the Executive
Board. Should further assets remain, a two-thirds majority vote of the
Executive Board will be required to determine whether the remainder shall be
used or distributed for the purposes set forth in Article I or distributed to
the Office of Women in Higher Education, American Council on Education.