About AAUP-UTK

Article I: Name

The name of this organization is the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP or the Association).

Article II: Purposes

The purposes of this chapter are to:

1. Support the policies and goals of the Association as set forth in Article 1 of the AAUP constitution, and in all matters act in harmony with the principles and procedures of national Association and its constitution;

2. Facilitate the cooperation of teachers and research scholars in universities and colleges, and in professional schools of similar grade, for the promotion of the interests of higher education and research, and in general to increase the usefulness and advance the standards, ideals, and welfare of the profession.

3. Defend academic freedom at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and throughout academe;

4. Encourage faculty participation in governance at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville;

5. Protect and advance the professional status and interests of all faculty;

6. Facilitate the dissemination of information on higher education principles and practices;

7. Inform the academic community about AAUP standards and policy statements; and

8. Develop necessary and proper chapter programs for the accomplishment of the aforementioned purposes.

 

In furtherance of the purposes described above, but not in limitation thereof, the chapter shall have power to conduct studies; to disseminate statistics and other information; to engage in appropriate fundraising activities; to conduct promotional activities, including advertising and publicity, in or by any suitable manner of media; to hold such property as is necessary to accomplish its purposes; and to employ individuals to further its purposes under Article II. This chapter is organized and operated for the above stated purposes, and for other nonprofit purposes. No part of its assets, income, or profits shall be distributable to, or inure to the benefit of, any individual, except in consideration of services rendered.

​

Article III: Members

​Eligibility for membership in this chapter shall extend to all current and retired faculty members, both tenure-line and non-tenure-line, and graduate students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who are national members of the American Association of University Professors, except for associate members. All chapter members may vote in chapter matters.

​

Article IV: Executive Committee

​The Executive Committee of this organization shall consist of its officers and 2 members-at-large. The Officers of this organization shall be the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. 

President: The term of office for the president shall be one year, following a one-year term as vice president. Officers should serve no more than two consecutive terms. The duties of the president shall include carrying out the policies of the chapter, appointing all committees of the chapter, exercising general supervision over the activities of the chapter, and presiding at meetings of the chapter and executive committee. The president shall be a member ex officio of all committees.

Vice president: The term of office for the vice president shall be one year, followed by a one-year term as president. The duties of the vice president shall include those delegated by the president. The vice president must agree to serve as president during the year following his/her vice presidency.

Secretary: The term of the office for the secretary shall be two years, renewable. The duties of the secretary shall include ensuring that minutes are taken during each Executive Committee meeting.

Treasurer: The term of office for the treasurer shall be two years, renewable. The duties of the treasurer shall include keeping an accurate record of all funds received and disbursed, and remitting to the Association and/or to the applicable state conference any dues collected on behalf of the Association and/or conference. 

When an officer has resigned or is disqualified, the office shall be filled by presidential appointment, from among the members-at-large of the Executive Committee.

Members-at-large: Members-at-large serve two-year staggered terms. Members-at-large agree to fill vacated officer positions at the request of the president, and to conduct timely elections of Committee officers as outlined below.

​

Article V: Dues

​​The chapter may establish chapter dues. Any chapter dues will be established by a secret ballot vote conducted among voting chapter members. The vote may be conducted either by mail ballot or, after reasonable notice, at a regular or special membership meeting. Chapter members must pay current AAUP dues, any mandatory conference dues, and chapter dues.

​

Article VI: Committees

A. Executive Committee

The executive committee shall consist of the four elected officers of the chapter and two members elected at large. The majority of the executive committee shall constitute a quorum to conduct the business of the committee. The executive committee shall assume responsibility for the chapter's continuing effective presence at the institution, keeping all positions on the executive committee filled as vacancies occur. The executive committee shall:

1. Meet regularly;

2. Respond to faculty members seeking assistance;

3. Conduct the business of the chapter between meetings;

4. Regularly recruit members and encourage maintenance of membership;

5. Make necessary appointments to complete an unexpired term of any officer;

6. Set the agenda with appropriate notice for chapter meetings;

7. Consult regularly with the administration on matters of mutual interest;

8. Respond to inquiries from the media.

 

B. Other Committees

The chapter may create additional standing and ad hoc committees as necessary to promote the welfare of the chapter. 

​

Article VII: Elections

The members-at-large of the Executive Committee shall conduct an election to fill any vacant spots on the Committee each spring, for the following year.

 

Article VIII: Meetings

Meetings of the chapter may be called by the president or a majority of the executive committee. The quorum required for the transaction of business at all meetings of the chapter shall consist of 20 percent of the members.

​

Article IX: Dissolution

Upon dissolution of the chapter, its assets shall be distributed to the Association, a charitable and educational organization.

​

Article X: Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by majority vote of the members, provided that a notice setting forth the proposed amendment or amendments an explanation thereof and known objections thereto shall have been sent to each member at least thirty days prior to the vote. Any member of the chapter may initiate an amendment.

​

Article XI: Rules of Order

Roberts Rules of Order Revised shall be the authority for this chapter in matters of procedure not specified above.

 

Enacted this 29th day of March in the year 2015.