Chapter Constitution

(As Revised on March 13, 2012)

Article I – Name

The name of this organization is the Louisiana State University and A&M College Chapter (LSU-AAUP Chapter) of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).

Article II – Purposes

The purposes of this chapter are to:

  1. Support the policies and goals of the AAUP as set forth in Article 1 of the AAUP constitution, and in all matters act in harmony with the principles and procedures of national AAUP 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 to advance the standards, ideals, and welfare of the profession;
  3. Defend academic freedom at Louisiana State University and A&M College and throughout academe;
  4. Encourage faculty participation in governance at Louisiana State University and A&M College;
  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 distributed 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 graduate students, Post Doctoral Fellows/Research Associates, and all current and retired faculty members at Louisiana State University and A&M College who are national members of AAUP. Individuals designated by AAUP as Associate members of AAUP are eligible for chapter membership.

Article IV – Officers and Organization

The officers of this organization shall be the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The term of office shall be two years. Officers can serve up to three consecutive terms.

President: The duties of the president shall include carrying out the policies of the chapter, including speaking for 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 duties of the vice president shall include those usually appertaining to the office and those delegated by the president. In the absence of the president, the vice president shall serve in the president’s stead. The vice president shall be the program officer for every membership meeting.

Secretary: The duties of the secretary shall include keeping a record of all proceedings and correspondence of the chapter, certifying chapter delegates to the AAUP’s annual meeting, preparing or overseeing the preparation of newsletters for distribution to the faculty if such shall be desired, maintaining official contact with the AAUP. It shall be the duty of the secretary to provide the secretary of the AAUP the names of the officers of the chapter and the chapter bylaws and to conduct the correspondence of the chapter with the secretary. In the absence of the president and vice president, the secretary shall preside at meetings of the chapter.

Treasurer: The treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all funds received and disbursed. At the request of the executive committee, the treasurer shall prepare an annual chapter budget and report of finances, and submit them for approval. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to remit to the AAUP and/or to the applicable state conference any dues collected on behalf of the AAUP and/or conference. In the absence of the president, vice president, and secretary, the treasurer shall preside at meetings of the chapter.

Article V – Executive Committee

The executive committee shall consist of the elected officers of the chapter, the immediate past president, and two members elected by a majority vote of the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and past president.

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.

Article VI – Meetings

The chapter shall hold at least one meeting in every semester.

Article VII – Dissolution

Upon dissolution of the chapter, its assets shall be transferred to the national AAUP.