Boise State University SSPA Advisory Council Bylaws

Mission:

The mission of the Advisory Council is to support the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs as advisors and advocates of its mission in our communities and state, to help further the educational, research and service goals of the faculty, and to raise funds to carry out these activities.

Specific Purposes:

· gain awareness and understanding of the College’s mission, departments and programs.
· participate with, and provide counsel to the College regarding objectives, strategies, goals, problems, and opportunities.
· be an advocate for the College whenever and wherever possible, providing a link between the College’s mission and relevant community programs.
· help facilitate development of robust public policy and community-based research.
· help determine and implement creative ways to market the goals and programs of the College.
· support the College by advancing its development and fundraising objectives.
· enhance faculty and student interactions with governmental entities, professional and business organizations, citizen groups and other community institutions.
· assist in the recruitment and retention of students and faculty.
· assist in supporting internship and student research programs.

Organization:

· The College of Social Science and Public Affairs Advisory Council (SSPAAC) will normally consist of between 12 and 20 members, serving three year staggered terms.

· Nominations of new members shall be submitted to, and solicited by the executive team of the SSPAAC (the Dean is a member of this team), with notice to all SSPAAC members for vote approval. Membership approval requires a simple majority of those members present during a regular meeting. The specific membership requirements for all members are:

1. A commitment to support the SSPA and enhance its mission.

2. A commitment to attend all Council meetings, or send a representative when unable to attend.

3. A commitment to participate on one of the teams.

4. A commitment to contribute financially to the College on an annual basis.

The SSPAAC recognizes the fact that members incur career changes that inhibit their active team participation, yet want to continue to support the SSPA through attendance at the full council meetings. The SSPAAC may create an Honorary Council Member status for such individuals. Honorary Council Members would continue to meet the four requirements for membership, minus number three, related to the team participation.

The initial appointment is for a three-year term, but members may be reappointed by the Dean. No member shall serve more than five consecutive terms.

· The Council will endeavor to have a membership that reflects the diversity of the region and the College.

· A President will be elected by a simple majority of members present to serve a two-year leadership term. Presidential elections will take place at the second scheduled meeting of the SSPAAC in the appropriate year. A President may be re-elected to a second successive term, after which he/she must leave office for a two-year term before seeking re-election. In unusual circumstances, the Dean may appoint a President, subject to the approval of the Council. The Council will also elect a President-elect.

· A member of the SSPAAC may be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of those present at a duly called meeting of the SSPAAC. The proposed removal must be on the agenda of the meeting at which said action is to take place.

· The Dean of the College shall serve as an ex-officio member.

· Meetings of the SSPAAC will be held at least twice a year, one in the fall and one in the spring. The meeting dates will be set for the upcoming academic year at the preceding spring meeting. Members are expected to make a commitment to attend those meetings or to send a representative when unable to attend.

· Special meetings: the President or the Dean may call special meetings of the SSPAAC.

· Notice of all meetings shall be given by mail to members at their usual address at least 30 days prior to the scheduled meeting. The notice will specify time, place and the agenda for the meeting.

· Each year, a report shall be given to the members of the SSPAAC by the Dean as to the status of the College. The Chairs of any and all teams shall report the status of any projects or programs. Included in these reports shall be goals, accomplishments, and next steps.

· 50% of the membership including ex-officio members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of taking any action intended to represent the views of the Council.

· Minutes of the meeting shall be taken by the Dean’s Administrative Assistant. Copies of the minutes will be provided to all members and approved at the next regular meeting of the Council.

Teams of the Council:

Standing Teams of the Council shall include:

1. Community Relations Team:

This team is charged with promoting the mission of the SSPA College in the community, and throughout the state, when appropriate. This task includes using the Council’s networks to identify opportunities and emerging needs in the community and state. The Council will take actions to increase opinion leaders’ and the public’s awareness, understanding, and interaction with the College’s mission, research, educational programs, institutes and centers.

2. Fund-Raising Team:

This team is charged with fulfilling the SSPAAC's purpose of assisting the College to increase revenues. This task includes fund raising, grants, in-kind contributions, federal, state legislative and Board of Education financial support, and other potential sources of revenues.

3. Faculty and Student Support Team

This team is charged with assisting the SSPA College in attracting and retaining outstanding, energetic faculty. This undertaking includes providing incentives and supporting faculty research, recognizing outstanding teaching, as well as enhancing faculty involvement with the community in their respective fields. Council members could facilitate positions on boards, advisory participation with community organizations and agencies, as guest speakers, experts, etc. The Council could also assist in supporting student internship and research programs.

4. Executive Team:

DRAFT. This team is charged with general administrative and strategic planning issues of the SSPAAC. This task includes needs assessment and changes where appropriate. The executive team shall approve all chair appointments to various teams and retain the right to appoint ad hoc teams and task forces as they see fit. The executive team shall consist of the Dean, the President, the President-elect, the former President and the Chairs of the standing teams.

This team is also charged with soliciting and recommending new/replacement members to the Council. The team shall make every effort to make sure that the membership represents the diverse nature of the region (both individually and by professional affiliation). The team shall recommend new/replacement member to the entire Council for approval.

Amendments to Bylaws:

Changes in these Bylaws may be submitted to the Dean or President, in writing, by any active member of the SSPAAC. Such proposed changes must be approved by the Dean in consultation with positive support by two-thirds of the SSPAAC. The Executive Team before submission for vote will appropriately examine changes.