Constitution

CONSTITUTION of the
PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Article I: NAME

The name of the organization shall be
THE PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Article II: FUNCTIONS

Section 1: Graduate Study. The ASSOCIATION shall have as a primary purpose the consideration of mutual problems among the member institutions relating to graduate study and research. It will cooperate with other agencies for this purpose by dissemination of information, improvement of standards, encouragement of research, and assistance to institutions embarking upon graduate programs. The ASSOCIATION shall function in liaison with other national and regional educational bodies and may serve as representative on graduate affairs for the institutional members.

            Section 2: Academic standards. The ASSOCIATION will take continuous interest in the activities of other bodies which concern themselves with the standards of graduate work. The ASSOCIATION shall not assume the role of an accreditation agency.

            Section 3: Special Studies. Studies in graduate education may be undertaken by the ASSOCIATION upon authorization of the membership, or the ASSOCIATION may designate other organizations to conduct studies for it under its supervision.

            Section 4: Binding Actions. Although the ASSOCIATION may be regarded as a representative and spokesman of its constituent members, no action taken by the ASSOCIATION or any of its representatives is to be regarded as binding upon any institutional member.

            Section 1: Membership. Membership in the ASSOCIATION shall be open to all institutions in Pennsylvania awarding graduate degrees.

            Section 2: Admission. The Executive Committee of the ASSOCIATION, guided in principles by the standards of the Council of Graduate Schools, shall consider applications and if its judgment is favorable, shall recommend admission to the ASSOCIATION for final action.

            Section 3: Dues. Dues shall be $50.00 per institution.

Section 1: Annual Meeting. There shall be an annual meeting of representatives of the institutional members, to be held at a time and place designated by the Executive Committee. Special meetings may be authorized by the Executive Committee.

Section 1: Officers. The organization shall have a President, a President-elect (who shall serve as Vice President), and a Secretary-Treasurer. The President and President-elect will be elected at the annual meeting for one-year terms. The Secretary-Treasurer will be elected for a three-year term.

Section 2: Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers and the past President and four members at large elected at the annual meeting for two-year terms.

Section 3: Powers. The Executive Committee may act for the organization on all matters. On policy it must consult their members or ask for a special meeting.

Section 4: Midterm Replacement of Officers. Should any member of the Executive Committee be unable to carry out his or her appointment, the President, or in the case it is the President, the Vice President, with the consent of the remaining members of the Executive Committee, shall appoint a member of the ASSOCIATION to fill the vacancy. The appointment shall be voted upon by the members at the next meeting of the ASSOCIATION.

Section 1: Adoption. The Constitution of the ASSOCIATION shall become effective for each institution upon approval at the first annual meeting of the organization. All members present shall be charter members.

Section 2: Amendments. Amendments must be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee, and by it be made available a reasonable time in advance of a formal vote at the annual meeting. A majority of two-thirds of the members institutions is required to adopt such amendments.