WRAC Advisory Board

WRAC Advisory Board By-Laws

Mission
The Women's Resource and Action Center Advisory Board's mission is to consider, promote and assist in planning campus activities which reflect the rights of women of all: races, ethnic backgrounds, national origins, abilities, ages, religions, socioeconomic classes, and sexual orientations.

Responsibilities
The board's role is to work closely with the coordinator and the student interns in the promotion of the rights of female staff, faculty, and students at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. This will be accomplished via serving as an advisory group to the WRAC coordinator and student interns. We will work in conjunction with the other groups (such as the Commission on Women and the Women's Studies Department) to promote the rights of women.

Membership
The board has as its membership individuals of all backgrounds who believe in and promote equality for women. These may include students, staff and faculty from any department at UMD. Community people may also be included on the board. The board shall consist of a minimum of two students, two faculty and two staff, in addition to the WRAC coordinator and student interns. Board positions are yearly positions, and may be renewed annually.

New Members
New individuals may be nominated as vacancies occur and/or as desired by current board members. If there is a favorable consensus of board members in attendance at the meeting, the nominated individuals will be invited to join the board. New members should have a commitment to the mission of the board, and to regular attendance at meetings.

Selection of Officers
During the spring semester of the academic year, members will be asked by the Chair to nominate individuals for the Chair and Secretary positions. The Chair will send a list of nominees to all board members, and a vote will be taken at the next scheduled board meeting.

Meetings

Dates: meetings will be held at least once a month during the academic year. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the Chair. The Chair will email or intercampus mail an agenda to board members at least two days before the scheduled meeting.

Voting Process: votes taken at the meetings shall require a favorable consensus of members in attendance for passage of each motion.

Open Meetings: all of the Board's general meetings are open and visitors are welcome. If the visitors would like to contribute or participate in the meeting, they may indicate this to the Chair. Discretion will be made in allowing participation. Visitors cannot be involved in the consensus process. Special meetings can be closed to visitors, where confidentiality is a legal issue.

Minutes: the secretary will take minutes at each meeting and will distribute them within a week after the meeting.

Resignation/Leave of Absence From the Board
Board members shall provide the Chair with written notification of the desire to resign from the Board or take a leave of absence. Continuing on the mailing list is an option. People who have not been members may also request to join the mailing list.

Hiring and Accountability
The interns shall be hired by the coordinator, who shall work in consultation with the Board.

Coordinator
The administration appoints the coordinator in consultation with the board.

Budget Procedures
All major expenditures shall be approved by the coordinator, in general consultation with the Board. Minor expenditures will be at the discretion of the coordinator. Budget material going to the Student Service Fee Committee shall be approved by the Board.