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SUNY ESF
By-Laws

GREAT LAKES RESEARCH CONSORTIUM BYLAWS

1. MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to New York colleges and universities with an interest in developing collaborative research programs on the Great Lakes. Consideration for institutional membership to the Consortium  will be reviewed at the annual (spring) board meeting and be based on majority  vote. Board members will consider the petitioning institution's past, current and future contributions to Great Lakes research. New member institutions are accepted by a simple majority vote of the Board of Governors. A membership fee may be assessed of each academic member of the Consortium upon action by the Board of Governors. Membership in the Great Lakes Research Consortium is granted by the Board of Governors to New York colleges and universities with an interest in developing collaborative research, education and public service programs pertaining to the Great Lakes. Board members  will consider a petitioning institution's  past, current and potential future contributions to Great Lakes research, education  and public service. Membership is maintained  by payment of the membership assessment and by participation  by faculty members from the member institution in the activities of the Great Lakes Research Consortium. Campus representatives and board members are expected to attend biannual meetings or send appropriate representation. If a member campus demonstrates persistent lack of participation, their membership may be revoked  by a two-thirds majority of the Board of Governors. Revocation  proceedings  will be initiated by recommendation of the director(s). The director(s)  may recommend  such action if any of the following should occur
• non-payment of member ship dues for 2 consecutive years;
• lack of representation at three consecutive board meetings;
• lack of representation at three consecutive campus reps meetings

2. REPRESENTATION

The Board of Governors consists of one representative from the Research Foundation of the State University of New York and one representative from each of the member colleges and universities. Each board member is appointed by the President of His/her Institution and is given the authority to commit the institution to implementing decisions of the Board of Governors. The Consortium  Director(s) and the Dean of Research at ESF are ex-officio members.
The Board will elect a Chairperson who will preside over the Board meetings. The Chair will have a single vote representing his/her campus.
An executive committee may be created by the Board to represent the Board between meetings as issues may arise. The executive committee will consist of the Chairman, the Director(s) and two additional board members elected by majority vote of the board.

3. DECISION PROCESS

Decisions are by simple majority of the Board members. Each member institution has one vote. In case of a tie, the Consortium Director(s) cast the deciding vote.

4. HOST CAMPUS

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is the host campus through which the director(s), administrative and clerical staff, space, facilities and basic support are obtained. Proposed actions regarding consortia! activities which may impact on personnel, other resources or normal campus prerogatives of ESF, require prior consultation and approval of its Vice President for Academic Affairs.
 
5. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS

The Board of Governors has final authority on all matters concerning consortia! activities. A chairperson is elected from the board members. The Board:

A. Sets consortia! policy and objectives;
B. Appoints the Director(s);*
C. In consultation with the Campus Representatives, reviews Director(s) performance no less than once every three years.

6. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR(S)
The Director(s):
A. Carry out the directives of the Board of Governors;
B. Report to the Board of Governors on the status and operation of the Consortium, including an annual fiscal and program report;
C. Make recommendations to the Board;
D. Consult with Campus Representatives;

E. Develop long-term research objectives in consultations with Campus Representatives;

F. Establish and foster collaborative research efforts between campuses;

G. Act as spokespersons for the Consortium;

H. Interact with appropriate agencies and organizations to enhance research efforts and funding possibilities on New York State's Great Lakes;

I. Chair the Great Lakes Research Consortium Advisory Board;
J. Write grant proposals;
K. Develop industry/agency/university cooperation.

7. CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVES

One representative is appointed by the President of each institution. The Representatives:

A. Represent their campuses to the Consortium and represent the Consortium to their campuses;
B. Meet at least twice yearly in sessions chaired by the Director(s). Additional meetings may be called by the Director(s) at their discretion or at the request of the Board of Governors or by two or more Campus Representatives;

C. Work with the Consortium Director(s) to develop research programs and initiatives;

D. Make recommendations to the Director(s) and through the Director(s) to the Board of Governors on consortia! matters.

E. At the request of the Board of Governors, review performance of the Director(s).
 
8. ADVISORY BOARD
The Advisory Board is comprised of citizen, agency, industrial and academic representatives. The Board advises the Director(s) on the identification of Great Lakes research issues requiring the collective expertise and resources available within the Consortium and advises the Director(s) on the establishment of research priorities. The Advisory Board is chaired by the Director(s).
9. TERMS OF OFFICE
A. Board of Governors
Each Campus President will determine the Term of Office of the Board member representing his or her campus.
B. Chair of the Board of Governors
The Chair holds office for a two year term.
C. Executive Committee
The executive committee will serve for one year from the time of election at the November meeting.
D. Director(s)
The Director(s) will serve at the pleasure of the Board of Governors.
E. Campus Representative
Each Campus President will determine the Term of Office of the Campus Representative from his or her campus.

F. Advisory Board
Advisory Board members will have staggered three year terms with the option for renewal at the end of term.
10. PROVISIONS FOR AMENDING BY-LAWS
The By-Laws can be amended at any meeting of the Board of Governors by a two-thirds majority vote of the governors present, after the governors have considered the proposed amendments for a minimum of two weeks prior to the meeting.