Statement of Purpose and Bylaws

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

&

BY-LAWS

UNIVERSITY MISSION

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS MISSION

To achieve preeminence in creating, preserving, and applying knowledge and academic values, and to enrich the lives of students and transform them into leaders and citizens who challenge the present and illuminate the future.

DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MISSION

The mission of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is to promote education and scientific discovery about the entire Earth.

ROLE OF THE ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD

The Alumni Advisory Board (AAB) is a committed partner with the Department in delivering their mission.  The AAB provides guidance and support to the Department, with particular emphasis on the educational goals, and fostering professional relationships.  The Board is comprised of individuals with diverse professional experiences that can provide a broader context for the Department’s educational path forward.

PURPOSE OF THE ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD

• To provide a vehicle for communication among the Department alumni, faculty and students;
• To provide insight into economic and employment trends in public and private sectors affecting the Department;
•  To serve as a resource to students with regard to career counseling, academic guidance, and mentorship;
• To provide guidance to the Department on employable skillsets required for the modern Earth and Environmental Science workforce;
•  To provide financial support and assist the Department in the identification and solicitation of financial and other resources;
• To serve as an external advocate of the Department to the College and Central University Administrations;
• To assist with special projects with special projects or other Department initiatives as may be called upon.

BY-LAWS FOR THE ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD

ARTICLE I: BOARD MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION

Section 1:  Number

The University of Michigan Earth and Environmental Sciences Alumni Advisory Board (AAB) will be comprised of a minimum of eleven members, including the Chair and Chair-Elect.

Section 2:  Nomination & Qualification

Members are nominated by either the Department or existing Board, and approved by their mutual consent.  Members may include alumni, as well as select individuals who can offer special advice and input to the Board and Department. 

Section 3:  Terms of Membership

Members are appointed for five-year terms, limited to two terms as Active Members, with the option of becoming Emeritus Members at the conclusion of their service (see Article I, Section 6). 

Section 4:  Active Board Membership

Active Board Members are expected to attend the Annual Business Meeting (see Article II, Section 3), approve minutes and Letter to the Department Chair, participate in committees, and vote on Board actions and resolutions.  In addition, Members will represent the Board at various alumni functions held near their place of residence or annual meetings (e.g., GSA, AAPG, AGU) that they attend.

Section 5:  Removal of Board Members

A Member may be removed if they miss two consecutive meetings or three meetings in a five year period or can be removed from the Board by a majority vote at the Annual Meeting. If a Board Member is removed it must be noted in the Annual Meeting Minutes.

Section 6:  Emeritus Status

Members who have completed their term (s) on the Board may request Emeritus status and attend annual meetings, receive Board communications and serve on committees.

ARTICLE II: BOARD LEADERSHIP

Section 1:  Board Leadership

Board Leadership will consist of a Chair; a Chair-Elect; and an Immediate Past-Chair.

Section 2: Role of Chair

The Board Chair will serve as the primary liaison between the Department and Board members throughout the year, and will chair the annual fall meeting of the Board.

Section 3:  Term

The Board Chair will serve a maximum of two two-year terms or upon his/her request to be replaced.

Section 4:  Election of Chair

The Board elects with input from the Department the Chair–Elect from those Board members who have attended at least two AAB meetings

Section 5:  Role of Chair-Elect

The Board Chair-Elect will manage the annual meeting in the Chair’s absence, is responsible for the Board’s governance and amendments to the AAB by-laws, and will review and recommend approval of the minutes from the Annual Meeting.

Section 6: Role of Immediate Past-Chair

At the conclusion of the Chair’s term, they will assume the role of Immediate Past-Chair.  The role will manage new nominations for Board Membership.  The Board Immediate Past-Chair may be Active or Emeritus.

ARTICLE III: MEETINGS

Section 1:  Frequency

Board members will convene at least annually in Ann Arbor on pre-selected dates, normally in October, and will occur from Thursday evening until Saturday.

Section 2:  Annual Meeting Activities

The Annual Meeting will consist of activities which will enable the AAB to perform its role. These will  include activities which provide interaction between the AAB, students and faculty.

Section 3:  Annual Business Meeting Agenda

The Board Chair and Department Chair will agree upon the agenda of the annual business meeting prior to the event.  The agenda should reflect the strategic goals of the Department.

Section 4:  Special Meetings

Special meetings to discuss topics where board support is necessary, at the discretion of the Board Chair or Department Chair, may be called outside of the Annual Business Meeting cadence.  Special Meetings can be in-person or virtual.

Section 5:  Minutes

Minutes will be recorded by a Department representative such as the Executive Secretary, reviewed by the Chair-Elect, and approved by the Board.

Section 6:  Quorum

Board members representing at least 50% of the Active Membership, with a minimum of six Members, shall represent a quorum for voting on Board actions and resolutions. 

ARTICLE IV: COMMITTEES

Section 1:  Creation of New Committees

Committees may be formed, as needed, or at the discretion of the Board Chair

Section 2:  Committee Organization

Committees must have a Chair and may have a Co-Chair.  Emeritus members are eligible for any position within a committee.  Committees should include at least 2 Board members.

Section 3:  Frequency

Committees are expected to meet at least once per year and report out to the Board at the Annual Business Meeting.  Committee recommendations should be brought forth to the Chair as necessary. 

ARTICLE V: AMENDMENTS OF BY-LAWS

Section 1:  Amendments

Any amendments to the by-laws shall be submitted in writing to the Chair-Elect and distributed to the Board at least thirty days prior to the Annual Business Meeting.  Amendments will be adopted upon approval by a two-thirds majority of Active Board Members at either the Annual or a Special Meeting.