Last revised Spring 2017 Page 1 of 5 James Madison University Lifelong Learning Institute CONSTITUTION Article I NAME The name of the organization shall be the James Madison University Lifelong Learning Institute (JMU-LLI). The Outreach & Engagement office within the University Studies at James Madison University sponsors the Lifelong Learning Institute. The LLI shall be affiliated with the Road Scholar Institute Network (RSIN). Article II - OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSE The purposes of the Institute shall be to: Foster the interests of members in continuing education. Promote quality programming for its members. Provide opportunities for members in study, discussion, social interaction, and leadership. Article III MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING RIGHTS Membership is open to all persons upon receipt of annual dues. Participation is invited without regard to previous levels of formal education. All members in good standing shall be eligible to participate in the business of the general meetings and vote on all motions presented by the LLI Advisory Board Article IV - GOVERNANCE The Institute shall be administered by the Director of the LLI in collaboration with the Advisory Board, which shall be elected by the membership at the annual general meeting and shall with the exception of the members-at-large serve for a one-year term. Advisory Board members who have served a one-year term remain eligible for re-election two additional years. The Advisory Board shall have a maximum thirteen (13) voting members. It shall consist of the executive officers, the chairperson of the six standing committees, non-voting past president, and three (3) members-at-large. The Senior Director of Outreach & Engagement and the Director of LLI shall be ex-officio members. The Executive Officers are the President, the President-Elect, and Secretary. The President and President-Elect are elected by the general membership for a term of one year. The Secretary is elected by the general membership for a term of three years. At-large board members represent the general membership and are elected for a term of three year, with one third of the at-large board members terms expiring annually. A member who has served three consecutive years on the Advisory Board may fill move up to the offices of President or President-Elect but may not serve on the board more than five consecutive years. No other board member can serve more than three years consecutively.
Page 2 of 5 The President-Elect shall assume the presidency if a vacancy in the office occurs. For other vacancies on the Advisory Board, the President, with the concurrence of the remaining board members, shall appoint a replacement for the remainder of the year. Newly elected officers and board members will take office on July 1 of the year in which they are elected. They are elected to coincide with the fiscal year. The President-Elect will assume the presidency on July 1 of the subsequent year. Article V -- COMMITTEES The six standing committees of the LLI shall be: Membership, Administration and Finance, Curriculum, Nominations, Events & Lectures, and Publicity. Ad Hoc committees shall be appointed as needed. Article VI - MEETINGS The annual general meeting of the LLI shall be held in the spring for the election of the incoming advisory Board and for a progress report from the outgoing officers. Special general meetings may be called by the president or director. All meetings shall be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order Revised. Members shall be notified of all general meetings at least two weeks in advance of the meeting date. Article VII - AMENDMENTS The constitution may be amended by a 2/3 majority of members present at a general membership after said amendment has been circulated to the membership at least two weeks prior to the meeting. The amended constitution will become effective immediately and will replace the former constitution. Constitution Revisions: Spring 2004 Spring 2009 Spring 2011 Fall 2015 Spring 2017
James Madison University Lifelong Learning Institute BYLAWS Page 3 of 5 1. Membership Membership shall be for one year from July through the following June 30. The annual membership entitles the member to participate in LLI classes and activities, to vote and hold office, to serve as a committee member, and to use JMU facilities as allowed. The annual membership fee is payable at the beginning of the membership year (July 1) or whenever a member first registers during the year. Fees for membership and courses are set by the advisory Board upon recommendation from the Administration and Finance Committee. 2. The Advisory Board shall advise the Director of the LLI. It shall consist of the elected officers, the chairpersons of the standing committees, the non-voting past president and three members at-large. The Senior Director of Outreach & Engagement and the Director of the LLI shall be ex-officio members of the Board. The Advisory Board shall meet at least six times a year. 3. Executive Officers a. The President shall Preside over all LLI Advisory Board and general membership meetings. Implement in conjunction with the Director the decisions reached by the Advisory Board. b. The President-Elect shall Act in the president s absence and assume the presidency if a vacancy in the office occurs. At the request of the president, act as coordinator of special activities. c. The Secretary shall prepare minutes of the meetings of the advisory Board and the general membership meetings. d. The Executive Officers in conjunction with the Director shall exercise all of the functions and powers of the Advisory Board between meetings of the Board in situations requiring emergency action. 4. Standing Committees a. Committee members shall be selected by the chairperson of each committee from the general membership. b. Each committee shall consist of new fewer than six or more than twelve members with a maximum of three consecutive one-year terms on the same committee.
Page 4 of 5 c. Each committee shall provide minutes and other relevant information to the LLI office and provide timely information to all committees that could be impacted. d. Each committee shall maintain, review, and update as appropriate the LLI Policies and Procedures Manual. e. The Director serves as a liaison to the committees and shall help to ensure continuity between the LLI committees, the LLI office, and with JMU policies. f. The Membership Committee shall: Seek new members. Assist other committees in determining interests of members. Endeavor to retain non-renewing members. Survey members concerning satisfaction every two years. Seek to collaborate with the Publicity Committee, sharing information, resources, and ideas. g. The Curriculum Committee shall: Recommend courses and instructors. Be responsive to the interest of membership. Present the committee s recommendations for programs to the Advisory Board for comment. Facilitate in the development/procurement of courses besides recommendations so as to secure the courses. Seek to collaborate with the Events and Lectures Committee, sharing information, resources, and ideas. h. The Administration and Finance Committee shall: Work with the LLI Director in developing a budget for approval by the Advisory Board. Monitor income and expenses. Present year-to-date financial report to the Advisory Board quarterly. Monitor the functioning and management of the LLI and suggest changes, where needed, to the president. i. The Events and Lectures Committee shall: Make plans for social events such as previews, course leader appreciation and other appropriate activities that address the fellowship aspect of JMU- LLI. Arrange for special lectures and events such as brown bag lunches and trips. Seek to collaborate with the Curriculum Committee, sharing information, resources, and ideas.
Page 5 of 5 j. The Nominations Committee shall: Consist of six members, three of whom are the executive officers of the organization, the chair of the committee, and two from the general membership. The Director of the LLI shall be an ex-officio member. Solicit nominations for the incoming Advisory Board. Review nominees and make recommendations to the advisory Board for approval. Prepare a slate of incoming officers and other elected positions for a vote at the annual spring meeting. k. The Publicity Committee shall: Advance the LLI by publicizing events or announcements as requested by the Director or President. Submit all PR releases to the Director for approval prior to release. Copies of approved releases shall be made available to the president and the Membership Chair. Work closely with the Membership Committee by attending meetings, and sharing information, resources, and ideas. 5. Archivist The President in consultation with the Director shall appoint an archivist shall collect and preserve on an annual basis the information and documents which are necessary to maintain an organizational history. 6. Amendment to the Bylaws The Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of members present at a general membership meeting after said amendment has been circulated to the membership at least two weeks prior to the meeting. The amended Bylaws will become effective immediately and will replace the former Bylaws. Bylaws Revisions to Date: Spring 2004 May 2009 June 2011 Fall 2015 Spring 2017