CSCCU - Consortium of Southern California Colleges and Universities

I. NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1.01
The full name of the organization is The Consortium of Southern California Colleges and Universities, and the organization may be referred to as CONSORTIUM.

Section 1.02
The purpose of the CONSORTIUM is to present educational alternatives for adult learners to corporate, community and professional organizations. Specifically, the CONSORTIUM:

1.	Organizes, schedules, and conducts educational fairs at civic and corporate sites.
2.	Produces a directory/handbook of educational programs available for adult learners.
3.	Invites and promotes valuable interaction among member institutions for information sharing and developments.
4.	Provides other programs and services, as applicable.

II. MEMBERSHIP

Section 2.01
(Amended 12/06/02) (Amended 03/07/03) (Amended 06/03/05)
Full membership in the CONSORTIUM is open to institutions of higher education meeting the following criteria:

1.	The academic institution must be an institution of higher education which is fully accredited (not just in candidacy status) by the Western Association of Schools and colleges or one of its regional counterparts.
2.	The academic institution must be willing, through its representatives, to actively participate in CONSORTIUM activities and fulfill its share of responsibilities within the CONSORTIUM.
3.	The academic institutions' membership application must be approved by a majority vote of the CONSORTIUM membership in attendance at a regular meeting.
4.	The academic institution member must pay in full the required annual CONSORTIUM membership dues. The membership fee is due July 1st of each year. A two-month grace period, until September 1st, is permitted for receipt of dues payments. Those members not paid in full by September 1st will have their membership suspended and be de-listed from all CONSORTIUM information until payment is received.
5.	An organization which does not meet CONSORTIUM membership requirements may be nominated by a CONSORTIUM member institution for associate membership. Such associate membership must be approved by a majority vote at a regular meeting of the CONSORTIUM. Associate members pay membership fees, are listed as associate members in CONSORTIUM literature, may attend CONSORTIUM meetings and participate in CONSORTIUM functions, but have no voting rights and may not serve as officers of the CONSORTIUM.
6.	An organization that does not meet the requirements for member, or associate member status, may apply as an affiliate member. Such organizations must be on-line distance-learning providers whose programs meet the accreditation requirements listed in Section 2.01.1. Affiliate members pay membership fees determined by the Board of Directors, are listed as affiliate members in CONSORTIUM literature, may attend CONSORTIUM meetings and participate in CONSORTIUM functions, but have no voting rights and may not serve as officers of the CONSORTIUM.
7.	Membership in the CONSORTIUM may be revoked on the basis of non-compliance with the CONSORTIUM'S Charter and/or By-laws by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Notice must be sent certified mail within one week informing the expelled institution of the Board's action, and the CONSORTIUM membership must be informed via email of the member institution, by name, and the specific Charter and/or By-law Section(s) violated.
8.	Members of the CONSORTIUM who have had their membership revoked under Section 2.01.7 must wait a minimum of six-months before reapplying for membership.
9.	An individual who has been an active representative of a member institution, an associate member institution, or an affiliate member institution who retires from that institution may continue as an honorary member. An honorary member must be nominated and approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 2.02 (Amended 12/06/02)
Responsibilities of membership include: attending and actively participating in regional and general membership meetings, voting on issues brought before the membership, hosting regional and/or general membership meetings, receiving and reviewing announcements and minutes of meetings, serving on at least one committee or running for elected office, hosting at least one Education Fair per year, and paying annual dues on time.

Section 2.03 (Amended 12/06/02) (Amended 06/11/04)
The academic institution member shall have a representative at each regional and general membership meeting of the CONSORTIUM. Full membership institutions may exercise one vote in all CONSORTIUM proceedings. Full, associate and affiliate member institutions may exhibit at any CONSORTIUM educational fair.

Section 2.04
Each full membership institution is allowed one vote. If several representatives from the same institution attend meetings and participate in CONSORTIUM activities, it is the responsibility of that institution to designate the voting representative from their institution.

Section 2.05 (Amended 06/11/04)
Active membership shall terminate: (1) upon receipt of the institutions written or typed resignation; and/or (2) upon failure to pay the annual membership dues in a timely manner; and/or (3) upon violation of Ed Fair Policies and Procedures. The Vice President shall notify institutions that have violated Ed Fair Policies and Procedures. The treasurer shall notify delinquent institutions. Those institutions that fail to become current by September 30th shall forfeit their membership.

Section 2.06 (Amended 06/06/03) (Amended 06/03/05)
Institutions seeking membership in the CONSORTIUM shall be referred to the Chair of the membership committee. The chair will determine if the institution meets the guidelines discussed in Section 2.01. If qualified, the institution will submit a completed application. The membership Chair shall provide all application information to the Board of Directors for review. Once reviewed and certified as eligible for membership by the Board of Directors, Member and Associate Member materials shall be forwarded to the appropriate Regional Chair. A representative of the applying institution shall attend the next scheduled regional meeting; make a brief presentation of their programs. The voting members present at the regional meeting shall vote on the institutions membership application. The prospective joining institution must receive a majority approval from the voting regional members in attendance. The results will be announced to the institution after the vote and appear in the minutes. The Regional Chair shall notify the Membership Chair of the results, and membership chair shall report the results to the CONSORTIUM membership via email.

The Membership Chair shall forward the application materials for affiliate membership directly to the Board of Directors for review. Once reviewed and certified the Board shall vote on the institution's application. The prospective affiliate member must receive a majority approval from the Board of Directors. The result will be forwarded to the Membership Chair who will notify the applicant, the Executive Assistant, and report the results to the CONSORTIUM membership via email.

Section 2.07 (Amended 03/09/01)
If a member institution has two separate schools or department, and they operate independently from each other, both can be granted full membership in the Consortium. Each school or department must meet all of the requirements for full membership.

Section 2.08 (Amended 06/08/02)
CONSORTIUM materials and resources developed by or for the CONSORTIUM and its activities shall be used only for promotion and support of the CONSORTIUM and its collective membership, and shall not be used for individual or single institutional gain.

Section 2.09 (Amended 12/06/02)
Whenever a member has a concern involving any other member institution or representative, said concern will be submitted in writing directly to a member of the Executive Committee who will log the date and time of the submission. Upon receipt the Executive Committee member shall refer the document to the appropriate Regional Chair. The Regional Chair will conduct an investigation into the issues and attempt to resolve them within two-weeks of receiving the written document. If the Regional Chair is unable to resolve the issue within the allotted time the issue will be returned to the referring Committee member along with a written report of the investigation and any action(s) taken. The Executive Committee will convene to review the issue and render a decision within two-weeks of receiving the report. Notification will be provided to all parties involved by the President.

III. MEETINGS

Section 3.01 (Amended 12/06/02) (Amended 03/07/03)
Member institutions shall meet six times per year in regional and general membership meetings. Four regional membership meetings will be held for the Los Angeles, Orange County, San Fernando Valley/Ventura, and San Gabriel Valley/Inland Empire regions. The regional membership meetings shall take place in the Fall (August), Winter (November), Spring (February), and Summer (May), and may not conflict with any other CONSORTIUM meetings. General membership meetings shall be held in the Fall and Spring.

Section 3.02 (Amended 12/06/02)
Notices and agendas for regional and general membership meetings shall be sent to the membership at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting date.

Section 3.03
Locations for meetings shall be determined by the membership.

Section 3.04 (Amended 12/06/02)
General meetings shall be open to all members of the CONSORTIUM and invited guests. Regional meetings are open to all members in that region, and members from other regions interested in participating.

Section 3.05
Special meetings may be called by the executive officers or whenever deemed necessary by at least ten of the member institutions.

Section 3.06
Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with rules established by the executive officers as long as such rules are not inconsistent with or in conflict with CONSORTIUM by-laws.

Section 3.07
Ten (10) full member institutions constitute a quorum.

Section 3.08 (Amended 12/06/02)
Committee meetings shall be called as needed.

Section 3.09
A simple majority vote of voting full member institutions is required on all matters requiring a vote.

IV. OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS

Section 4.01
The CONSORTIUM is a democratic organization that accomplishes its workload and objectives through a system of active committees composed of volunteers from the CONSORTIUM member representatives. Direction is provided through a slate of officers who are elected for two-year terms on a rotating basis.

Section 4.02
CONSORTIUM member institutions may appoint one or more representatives to attend CONSORTIUM functions. Each member institution, however, may cast only one vote in CONSORTIUM proceedings.

Section 4.01 (Amended 12/06/02) (Amended 03/07/03)
(Amended 06/06/03) (Amended 05/30/04)
The elected officers of the Consortium shall consist of a President, President Elect Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer, and one Member-at-Large. The four officers (President, President-Elect, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer) shall be nominated by the Nominations and Awards Committee, elected by the CONSORTIUM voting membership and along with the Past President and Executive Director shall be known as the Executive Committee.

Section 4.04 (Amended 12/06/02) (03/07/03)
The Executive Committee along with the appointed chairperson’s of each regional area, the membership committee, nominating committee, public relations committee, special events committee, strategic planning committee, and the parliamentarian shall be known as the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall meet quarterly in February, May, August, and November each year.

Each officer shall perform the duties as outlined in the following sections:

Section 4.05 (Amended 12/06/02)
The President is the elected representative who:

1.	Serves as the primary spokesperson for the CONSORTIUM.
2.	Works with the Executive Director to develop the agenda for and conducts all CONSORTIUM general membership meetings.
3.	Ensures the updating of the CONSORTIUM directory/handbook, and brochure on an annual basis.
4.	Delegates to the membership chair the responsibility to review all membership applications for completeness and to present appropriate applications for consideration to the CONSORTIUM membership.
5.	Makes recommendations to and monitors the progress of CONSORTIUM committees toward their objectives.
6.	When violations of Education Fair policy and/or procedures occur by any individual member or member institution and a written complaint is filed with a member of the Executive Committee the President will ensure that the complaint process is completed in a timely manner. In cases where the problem cannot be resolved at the regional level the President will call the Executive Committee members into session to discuss and resolve the issue(s) involved. The President will notify the affected parties, and the Board of Directors of the decision in writing.
7.	Recommends to the Board of Directors a member to serve as the CONSORTIUM Parliamentarian.

Section 4.06 (Amended 12/06/02)
The President Elect is the elected representative who:

1.	Is elected in the alternate year as the President.
2.	Serves one year as the President Elect attending all Board of Directors meetings, and other committee meetings as necessary prior to assuming her/his two-year term as President.
3.	Has full voting rights at all Board of Directors meetings.

Section 4.07 (Amended 12/06/02)
The Vice President is the elected representative who:

1.	Assumes the duties of the President in the President's absence.
2.	Serves as the CONSORTIUM'S Education Fair Coordinator, coordinating the schedule of events, and monitors the conduct of all CONSORTIUM education fairs.
3.	Works with the appropriate Regional Chair whenever there is a written complaint involving Education Fair policies or procedures to find an acceptable resolution.
4.	Whenever a written complaint is not resolved at the regional level the Vice President represents the involved parties during the Executive Committee's discussion of the problem.
5.	Maintains and updates the Education Fair Handbook as needed.
6.	Selects the outstanding Education Fair producers each year for recognition at the Winter general membership meeting.

Section 4.08
(Amended 12/06/02) (Amended 03/07/03) (Amended 12/03/04)
The Secretary is the elected representative who:

1.	Records and distributes to all members the minutes of all CONSORTIUM general membership meetings within two weeks of the meeting.
2.	Records and distributes to all Board of Directors the minutes of all Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings to the committee members within two weeks of the meeting.
3.	Delegates to the Executive Assistant, and the listserv manager the responsibility of maintaining a current roster of all CONSORTIUM member representatives.
4.	Reproduces and distributes information to the CONSORTIUM membership, as directed by the President.

Section 4.09 (Amended 12/03/04)
The Treasurer is the elected representative who:

1.	Delegates to the Executive Assistant the collection, recording, and depositing of all dues payments and other receivables to the CONSORTIUM account.
2.	Delegates to the Executive Assistant and monitors the disbursement of funds as necessary for the professional operation of the a CONSORTIUM.
3.	Delegates the Executive Assistant to provide monthly, and year-end financial reports.
4.	Conducts monthly reviews and analysis of budget reports to monitor the financial well-being of the organization.
5.	Presents quarterly status reports to the Board of Directors and makes recommendations related to financial matters.

Section 4.10 (Amended 12/02/02)
The Parliamentarian is appointed by the President with Board of Directors approval and fulfills duties as specifically defined by Robert’s Rule of Order Revised.

Section 4.11 (Amended 03/09/01) (Amended 12/06/02)
The Past President position is assumed by the outgoing President and:

1.	Serves as an advisor to the Executive Committee, and Board of Directors'.
2.	Conducts the installation of new Board members.
3.	Serves as the mentor to new Board of Directors members.
4.	Has full voting rights at all Board of Directors meetings.

Section 4.12 (Amended 06/06/03)
The Member-at-Large is the elected representative who:

1.	Is elected in the alternate year as the Secretary/Treasurer.
2.	Serves for a two-year term.
3.	May run for reelection once.
4.	Represents the general membership on the Board of Directors.
5.	Has full voting rights at all Board of Directors meetings.

Section 4.13
Officers shall serve without compensation.

Section 4.14 (Amended 12/06/02) (Amended 06/11/04)
The Executive Assistant is selected by the Board of Directors with the approval of the membership:

1.	Shall be the only paid employee of the CONSORTIUM with compensation determined by recommendation of the Board of Directors, and approval of the membership at a general membership meeting.
2.	Serves as an advisor to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
3.	Maintains and keeps current the CONSORTIUM web presence.
4.	Acts on behalf of the Treasurer as the fiscal representative of the CONSORTIUM: a. Maintains all financial records and accounts. b. Issues annual dues invoices. c. Ensures that all payables are keep up-to-date.
5.	Ensures the annual publication of the directory/handbook and brochure. a. Maintains distribution of the database of business contacts. b. Designs, produces, and distributes all CONSORTIUM publications.
6.	Attends general CONSORTIUM Board meetings.

Section 4.15
(Amended 12/06/02) (03/07/03) (Amended 06/06/03) (Amended 12/03/04)
Election of officers will be held annually at the June CONSORTIUM meeting. The President Elect will be elected for a three-year term consisting of one year as President Elect followed by a two-year term as President. The first President Elect election will take place at the June 2004 general membership meeting. The Vice President and the Member-at-Large will be elected for a two-year term beginning with the June 2003 general membership meeting election. The Secretary and Treasurer will be elected to a two-year term beginning with the June 2004 general membership meeting election. Newly elected officers will assume their positions at the conclusion of the June meeting.

Officer	2003/04	2004/05	2005/06	2006/07	2007/08	2008/09
President	Elect	Serve	Pres. Elect Serves		Pres. Elect Serves
Pres Elect		Elect		Elect		Elect
Vice President	Elect	Serve	Elect	Serve	Elect	Serve
Secretary		Elect	Serve	Elect	Serve	Elect
Treasurer		Elect	Serve	Elect	Serve	Elect
Member-at-Large	Elect	Serve	Elect	Serve	Elect	Serve

Section 4.16
Vacancies shall be filled by election at the next general membership meeting following the announcement of the vacancy, and shall be for the remainder of the term of the vacated office, except for the vacancy of the President, which shall be immediately filled by the Vice President.

Section 4.17
(Amended 12/06/02) (Amended 03/07/03) (Amended 06/11/04)
No person shall serve on the Board of Directors if the institution she/he represents is not a member in good standing.

Section 4.18 (Amended 03/07/03)
The slate of officers will be presented to the CONSORTIUM membership prior to the Spring meeting. Nominations will only be valid for candidates who accept and are in good standing with the organization.

Section 4.19 (Amended 03/07/03)
Officers are elected by a majority of voting members in attendance at the Spring meeting.

Section 4.20 (Amended 03/12/99)
The CONSORTIUM may choose to hire staff to serve the organization in its day-to-day operations and mission. The Executive Committee is empowered to determine and select staff member(s).

V. COMMITTEES

Section 5.01
The Executive Committee may from time to time designate ad hoc committees for specific purposes.

Section 5.02 (Amended 03/07/03) (Amended 06/06/03)
Standing Committees and their Chairs are approved by resolution of the general membership, and consist of the following:

1.	Membership Committees
2.	Nominations and Awards Committee
3.	Public Relations Committee (Two positions) a. External Communication b. Internal Communication
4.	Regional Committees
5.	Special Events Committee
6.	Strategic Planning Committee

VI. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Section 6.01
The annual dues, payable to the CONSORTIUM by member institutions shall be in such amounts as determined by resolution of the general voting membership.

Section 6.02
The fiscal year of the CONSORTIUM shall be from July 1st to June 30th.

Section 6.03 (Amended 12/02/05)
Any expenditure to be made on behalf of the CONSORTIUM that exceeds fifteen hundred dollars ($1500) shall be approved by the general membership.

Section 6.04
CONSORTIUM general funds may not be used for food or beverages unless approved by a vote of the membership at a general meeting.

VII. AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS

These by-laws may be amended by a majority vote of the active members present at any general meeting or special CONSORTIUM meeting, provided the membership has been given prior notice of at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting.