Bylaws

UNCW AAUP Chapter Bylaws

Article I: Name

The name of this organization is the UNCW Chapter of the American Association of University Professors. Hereafter, “Chapter” will be used to designate the UNCW Chapter of AAUP, “Conference” will be used to designate the Conference of AAUP Chapters in North Carolina, and “AAUP” and “Association” will be used to designate the national organization.

Article II: Purposes

The purposes of this Chapter are to:

1. Act in accordance with the principles, policies, and procedures of AAUP and its constitution;

2. Advocate for and defend academic freedom at UNCW and throughout academe;

3. Advocate for and defend faculty participation in governance at UNCW;

4. Inform the UNCW community about the AAUP standards and policy statements;

5. Protect and advance the professional status and interests of all faculty and graduate students at UNCW;

6. Facilitate cooperation among faculty and students in universities, colleges, and professional schools;

7. Develop necessary and proper 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: Membership

All UNCW full-time and part-time faculty members, current and retired, and enrolled graduate students are eligible to participate in Chapter activities. AAUP membership is strongly encouraged but not required for participation in Chapter activities. All Chapter members may vote on Chapter business.

Article IV: Officers

The Chapter shall include the following elected officer positions: President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer. Officers shall be elected to serve two-year terms and may serve no more than three consecutive terms, except in the event of an emergency, as determined by the Executive Committee. 

President: 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 will consult with university administration on matters of mutual interest and respond to inquiries from the media. The President, in consultation with the Executive Committee, sets the agenda, with appropriate notice, for Chapter meetings and Executive Committee meetings.

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 preside at meetings of the Chapter and conduct other Chapter business.

Secretary-Treasurer: The duties of the Secretary-Treasurer shall include: keeping a record of Chapter members; keeping a record of Chapter proceedings; corresponding with the Secretary-Treasurer of the Association as needed; and certifying Chapter delegates to the Association's annual meeting. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all funds received and disbursed. At the request of the President, the Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare an annual Chapter budget and finance report and submit them for approval to the Executive Committee. In the absence of the President and Vice President, the Secretary-Treasurer shall preside at meetings of the Chapter and conduct other Chapter business.

When an officer has resigned or is disqualified, the office shall be filled by a special election of the Chapter, which shall be held as promptly as is feasible. The Executive Committee is empowered to fill vacancies in any elective office until a special election is held. The person appointed or elected to fill a vacated office shall hold the office for the remainder of the term. Officers elected by ballot shall also serve as Chapter delegates/alternates to AAUP meetings and any applicable Conference meetings in the order listed above.

Article V: Dues

The Chapter may establish Chapter dues. Any Chapter dues will be established by a secret ballot vote conducted among Chapter members. The vote may be conducted virtually or at a regular or special meeting with reasonable advance notice.

Article VI: Committees

Executive Committee: The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of the Chapter and six elected members-at-large. In as much as is reasonable, an effort should be made so that the members at large represent the six major units at UNCW:

1. Cameron School of Business

2. College of Health and Human Services

3. College of Humanities, Social Sciences & the Arts

4. College of Science and Engineering

5. Watson College of Education

6. UNCW Library

Members at large shall be elected to serve three-year terms and may serve no more than two consecutive terms, except in the event of an emergency, as determined by the Executive Committee.

Four members of the Executive Committee, including at least one officer, shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting Chapter business at Executive Committee meetings. The Executive Committee shall assume responsibility for the Chapter's continuing effective presence at UNCW and for keeping all positions on the Executive Committee filled as vacancies occur. The Executive Committee shall engage in the following activities, although some duties may fall upon specific individuals on the committee:

1. Conduct the business of the Chapter;

2. Respond to faculty members seeking assistance;

3. Advise the officers;

4. Recruit members and encourage Chapter and Association membership;

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

Other Committees
The Chapter may create additional standing and ad hoc committees as necessary to promote the welfare and goals of the Chapter. Committee chairs and members shall be appointed by the Executive Committee, unless otherwise specified in these bylaws.

Article VII: Elections

Each Executive Committee member—officers and members-at-large—is elected by a plurality vote of the chapter membership. Terms normally begin July 1, except in the event of a vacancy. Elections are conducted by the Elections Committee, consisting of two or more members of the Executive Committee, appointed by the President, who are not themselves running for any position. 

Any current member of the chapter may run for a position as officer or member at large. If a current officer or member at large wishes to serve an additional term, any chapter member may also be nominated for the position. 

The Elections Committee must actively recruit faculty to run for vacant positions, ensuring the practice that the six members at large should each represent one of the six major units at UNCW. The committee must also seek nominations from the chapter membership, including self-nominations.

To ensure representation from each of the six units, ballots for members-at-large elections should separate each candidate by unit.

Article VIII: Chapter Meetings

The Chapter shall hold regular meetings during the fall and spring semesters. Special 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 AAUP or the Conference as necessary. 

Article X: Amendments

These bylaws may be amended with the approval of 2/3 of the voting chapter members, provided notice has been given at least thirty days prior to the vote. Any member of the chapter may initiate an amendment.

Article XI: Rules of Order

Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the authority for this Chapter in matters of procedure not specified above.

Enacted August 6, 2025.