University of Rochester
EMERGENCY INFORMATIONCALENDARDIRECTORYA TO Z INDEXCONTACTGIVINGTEXT ONLY
African globe logo

African American Network
@ the University of Rochester


Bylaws

MISSION STATEMENT

To support the growth and development of the above members. To establish representation within the University community that will foster and strengthen workplace effectiveness and leadership abilities; enhancing professional development and promoting career growth and success within the University; achieving this goal through recruitment, retention and mentoring.

STEERING COMMITTEE

The African-American Network is administered and facilitated by a Steering Committee, consisting of:

  • Chair
  • Vice-Chair
  • Secretary
  • Communications Chairperson
  • Membership Chair
  • Executive Champion

The Steering Committee (Executive Board) of the African-American Network represents the organization and its official positions. Positions are completely voluntary and terms for all positions are two years in length, with no term limits; elections to be held every two years. All members of the Steering Committee may serve consecutive terms. Members of the Steering Committee are accountable to the membership of the African-American Network for their activities and communications. If the general membership of the African-American Network feel that any member of the Steering Committee has failed to perform satisfactorily, that member may be removed from office by a majority vote of no confidence by the membership. Additional subcommittees and task forces can be created through the Steering Committee, with the direct support of the Chairperson.

Vacancies on the Steering Committee shall be communicated through the Membership Chair and can be filled by special election as the Membership Chair sees fit.

Roles:

  • Chairperson
    1. Act as liaison to the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Inclusion and with the University community as a whole.
    2. Responsible for overall operations and strategic development of the organization.
  • Vice-Chair
    1. Facilitation of Steering Committee and general membership meetings, ultimate collation of meeting agenda and reporting mechanisms.
    2. Create and support subcommittee or task forces to address current issues and work with leadership of said subcommittee of task force on communicating the results of their work to the general membership.
  • Secretary
    1. Act as a primary point of contact for prospective members, help maintain demographic information on the membership, facilitate the application process
    2. To attend all necessary monthly meetings and meetings requested by Chair and Vice Chair persons
    3. Duties not limited to above
  • Communication Chair
    1. To communicate the positions of the African-American Network by the use of public contacts, potential newsletter activity, and diversity awareness activities
    2. To communicate closely with the Chair, Vice Chair persons on information obtained and established
    3. To increase awareness of the African-American Network through various University and community based programs
  • Membership Chairperson
    1. To maintain member relations, help grow the membership, and maintain accurate membership, activity and policy records
    2. To maintain the membership list and work closely with the Secretary to control the release of information in a timely manner
    3. To assist in the recruitment of volunteer and community services
    4. Duties not limited to above
  • Executive Champion
    1. Be a catalyst for change to the environment and systems that support diversity and inclusion
    2. Provide Executive review for problem resolution (as appropriate)
    3. Serve as an advocate for a management staff that reflects the diversity of the current and future workforce
    4. Interface with employees and employee Affinity group leadership
    5. Serve on Executive Diversity Council (when established)

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the African-American Network is open to all staff, faculty and retirees of the University of Rochester. Further to include Caribbean, other Islanders and Africans and those who identify with African decent and others who consider themselves people of color. Workforce members and retirees can register themselves as members of the African-American Network by contacting the Secretary via e-mail or hardcopy mail, with the choice of being anonymous members, or known members. No prospective membership shall be refused membership based on their sex, gender, religion, race, or creed. All general members will have the opportunity to hold office and serve on committees, receive resource materials, and attend African-American Network special events.

SUB-COMMITTEES

The Chair and Vice Chair will bring the suggestion of other committees to the executive board and the board will make the final decision; delegate to them such powers and duties as the board shall think appropriate, except that enumerated powers specifically delegated to the Secretary/Communications Chairperson, Membership Chair. Sub-Committees shall be dissolved by a decision of the general membership, the Steering Committee or the Sub-Committee itself.

AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

Revisions and amendments to these bylaws may be made by a two-thirds vote of the Steering Committee. Copies of the proposed amendment shall be sent to each board member along with the notice of the meeting at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting date. If an action under a proposed amendment would be greater in scope than the proposed amendment of which the Board received notice, it may not be acted upon at such a meeting, and a new meeting must be called for this purpose. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the board members present and voting shall be necessary to adopt any amendment or modification to these bylaws. Once changes have been adopted they can be found on the African American Network website.

DISSOULTION

The African American Network at the University of Rochester may be dissolved by an affirmative vote of seventy-five percent (75%) of the membership, with the option to be reestablished under the same guidelines or modified if necessary at any given time.

MEETINGS

General membership meetings will be held bi-monthly, at a minimum of six meetings per year. The location and time may differ, depending on availability of conference space and general consensus on meeting times. The Steering Committee may call executive meetings as needed and limit attendance to itself and to those individuals it chooses to invite. Communication on the meeting venue and agenda items shall originate with the Secretary and be sent electronically to the appropriate e-mail distribution list. Special consideration shall be provided for anyone who does not have access to e-mail. Any general member can submit agenda items through the Secretary to be included in the mailing prior to the next meeting. Meetings shall be facilitated by the Chair and or Vice-Chair, Guest Speakers, or other Committee members. Minutes will be taken by the Secretary or a designee. Executive Board will hold bi-monthly meetings.

Bylaws: Revised 04/22/08