University of Pittsburgh School of Education

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CGSE - By Laws

By Laws of the Council of Graduate Students in Education of the University of Pittsburgh
As Amended by the Membership in March of 2002

ARTICLE I - Name

  • Section 1. This organization shall officially be known as the Council of Graduate Students in Education.
  • Section 2. This organization may be known as CGSE.

ARTICLE II - Purpose

  • Section 1. The Council of Graduate Students in Education shall represent the interests and articulate the concerns of its members before the administration, faculty, and alumni of the Graduate School of Education, and before the Graduate and Professional Student Association of the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Section 2. CGSE exists to assist graduate students to address their individual and collective concerns pertaining to the graduate experience, and professional and career development.
  • Section 3. The Council of Graduate Students in Education shall help open and maintain channels of communication between its members and the staff, faculty, and administration of the Graduate School of Education.

ARTICLE III - Membership

  • Section 1. Eligibility. All students enrolled in Graduate School of Education programs at the University of Pittsburgh are members of CGSE.
  • Section 2. Rights. Members are entitled to attend all meetings of the Executive Board; bring issues before it; participate in CGSE-sponsored activities; run for elected CGSE offices and elected positions on the School of Education's council and committees; vote in elections of CGSE officers and graduate student representatives, and vote for bylaw amendments.

ARTICLE IV - Organization

  • Section 1. The Council of Graduate Students in Education is an affiliate and constituent organization of the Graduate and Professional Student Association [GPSA] of the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Section 2. CGSE is a unicameral organization; its governing body is the Executive Board.
  • Section 3. CGSE recognizes and supports 2 affiliate groups: (a) International Students Affiliate Group and (b) The Black Student Affiliate Group. Each affiliate group is responsible for appointing a representative who will serve as a voting member of the CGSE Executive Board and submitting an annual budget to the CGSE Executive Board for its approval.
  • Section 4. Other groups may petition the CGSE Executive Board to become an affiliate group.

ARTICLE V - Executive Board Membership

  • Section 1. Composition. The Executive Board of CGSE will consist of the 4 officers, 4 academic department representatives (appointed by department chairs and approved by the Executive Board) also serve on the School of Education ad hoc Student Development Committee), graduate student representatives on the School of Education's council and committees, representatives from affiliate groups, at-large representatives, and a GSA for Admissions and Enrollment Services (when funding is available for this position), and the chairs of any ad hoc committees established by CGSE.
  • Section 2. Representatives to the Executive Board.
    • (a) maximum of five at-large representatives may be selected by the Executive Board. Any member may petition the Executive Board for selection. Selection shall be based upon the candidate's demonstration of interest in the organization.
    • (b) four officers, four appointed departmental representatives, and graduate student representatives elected to the School of Education council and committees shall be elected in the annual ballotings by eligible voters from the School of Education's academic departments: Instruction and Learning, Administrative and Policies Studies, Psychology in Education, and Health and Physical Activity.
    • (c) one representatives shall be chosen by each affiliate group.
  • Section 3. Qualifications. Any Graduate School of Education student who is not on academic probation is qualified to serve as an at-large CGSE Executive Board representative or run for and serve in the elected positions.

Article VI - Executive Board Meetings and Duties

  • Section 1. Authority. Except where explicitly prohibited by the university, graduate school, GPSA, or by these bylaws, the Executive Board shall have full authority to act and to disburse funds, as it deems necessary or desirable, on behalf of the organization.
  • Section 2. Duties. The Executive Board shall uphold the provisions set forth within these bylaws and approve an operating budget before any funds may be disbursed.
  • Section 3. Proviso. Neither the officers nor any individual member may take any action or allocate any funds on behalf of CGSE unless approved by a majority vote at an Executive Board meeting.
  • Section 4. Meeting. Regular meetings of the Executive Board shall be scheduled at least once each month during the academic year [September through April] for the purpose of conducting CGSE business. Special meetings may be called by the president or by majority vote of the Executive Board provided that written or orally-communicated notification has been given to each board member at least forty-eight hours in advance of the special meeting.
  • Section 5. Quorum. At all Executive Board meetings, a quorum shall consist of seven (7) members of the Executive Board. At least one officer and one elected representative must be included in those present. No action may be taken without a quorum. The presiding officer at Executive Board meetings shall confirm the fulfillment of the provision for a quorum before commencement of all meetings.
  • Section 6. Majority Rule. At all membership and Executive Board meetings, majority decisions rule.
  • Section 7. Voting. Unless otherwise prescribed in this document, each Executive Board member shall be entitled to one vote per poll on all issues and motions brought before it.
  • Section 8. Ad Hoc Committees. The Executive Board shall establish and charge such ad hoc committees as it deems appropriate; and the committee chairs, appointed by the president, will become temporary members of the CGSE Executive Board. In setting up an ad-hoc committee, its duration and terms of service to CGSE shall be expressly enunciated.
  • Section 9. Discharge. A CGSE Executive Board member is automatically removed from office upon [a] a finding that an offense related to academic integrity has been committed, provided all university and graduate school appeals have been exhausted, or [b] on the date he or she resigns, transfers, or is dismissed from the Graduate School of Education or the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Section 10. Removal from Office. Excluding the GSA for Admissions and Enrollment Services, an Executive Board member may be removed from office on the grounds of unsatisfactory discharge or neglect of duty. The procedure for removal from office shall be as follows:
    • (a) Any CGSE member may initiate a 'removal from office grievance'. The grievance shall be in writing, shall include a statement of rationale, and shall be presented to all Executive Board members.
    • (b) The council member initiating the grievance shall obtain in writing the names of at least nine other CGSE members in support of the grievance. This petition of names shall be presented to all Executive Board members along with, and as part of, the written grievance mandated in Section 10 above.
    • (c) Fourteen calendar days following receipt of the grievance and petition, the Executive Board member in question is obliged to either resign from office or contest the grievance; the president or vice-president must be informed of the choice. Failure to act results in automatic removal from office.
    • (d) If the board member chooses to contest, the president or vice-president will convene a special meeting [hearing] of the Executive Board within fifteen calendar days following the announcement to contest.
    • (e) The hearing shall be presided over by the president; if the president is the board member in question, then the vice-president shall preside.
    • (f) The board member in question shall be given the opportunity to respond to all charges, present witnesses, and be represented by counsel. The same rights will be extended to the griever.
    • (g) During the hearing, the board member in question has his or her Executive Board voting rights suspended.
    • (h) The Executive Board may vote to recess the hearing for the purpose of obtaining additional information upon a request to do so by either party. Said recess shall be granted for no more than fourteen calendar days, and only one such recess shall be allowed.
    • (i) Before fifteen calendar days have elapsed following the end of the hearing, the Executive Board shall vote on removal from office, then communicate its decision to the initiator of the grievance and the board member in question.
  • Section 11. Parliamentary Procedure. The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order, revised, shall govern this organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws or special rules of order of this organization.
  • Section 12. Calendar. Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, all references to calendar days in this and other articles of these by laws exclude recognized university holidays, intraterm, and interterm recesses.
  • Section 13. Funding. Individuals, including elected officers, may be funded as staff by CGSE with the advice and consent of the board.
  • Section 14. Support. Any use of support from the Dean's Office or school administration, like tuition remission or GSA funding, must be approved by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VII - Elections

  • Section 1. Composition. The Council of Graduate Students in Education shall have four officers: a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer/Business Manager.
  • Section 2. Selection. Officers shall be selected in accordance with provisions set forth in Article V, Section 2 (b).
  • Section 3. Qualifications. Any graduate student within the School of Education who is not on academic probation is qualified to seek and, if elected, occupy any of the four CGSE offices.
  • Section 4. Term of Office. The officers of CGSE shall serve in office from the July 1 following their election until the next June 30.
  • Section 5. Right of Succession. CGSE officers and graduate student representatives to School of Education council and committees may be nominated and elected to serve successive terms in office.
  • Section 6. Duties of the President. The President of CGSE shall:
    • (a) preside at all regular and special meetings of the Council and Executive Board.
    • (b) form any necessary ad hoc committees or task forces, and appoint their chairs.
    • (c) be responsible for soliciting volunteers or appointing members to vacated positions on committees.
    • (d) keep the Executive Board informed of all the activities of the organization.
    • (e) choose persons or request volunteers to represent CGSE.
    • (f) formulate the agenda for meetings.
    • (g) recommend to the Executive Board the appointment of paid staff persons and supervise the execution of their duties.
    • (h) sign all checks or contracts entered into on behalf of CGSE.
    • (i) serve as an ex-officio member on all CGSE committees.
    • (j) co-ordinate the activities of CGSE.
    • (k) be responsible for the disposition of all council funds.
    • (l) be jointly responsible with the treasurer for the preparation of the CGSE budget.
  • Section 7. Duties of the Vice-President. The Vice-President of CGSE shall:
    • (a) serve in place of the president during the president's absence.
    • (b) fill the unexpired term of the president when a vacancy occurs in the presidency.
  • Section 8. Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary of the CGSE shall:
    • (a) maintain the official record of the council, including the minutes of all meetings.
    • (b) distribute minutes of all meetings to Executive Board members within one week following the meeting's date, and provide public copies of minutes to members within two weeks following the meeting's date; with minutes approved at the following meeting to be distributed to Executive Board members within one week following approval of the minutes, and public copies of the approved minutes to be provided members within two weeks following the approval of the minutes.
    • (c) be responsible for conducting all correspondence as shall be necessary in the absence of the paid staff.
    • (d) be authorized to countersign all contracts entered into and on behalf of the council.
    • (e) maintain and update a membership roll.
  • Section 9. Duties of the Treasurer/Business Manager. The Treasurer/Business Manager of the CGSE shall:
    • (a) maintain and balance the organizational ledger;
    • (b) manage all business transactions;
    • (c) present monthly treasurer reports to the CGSE Board;
    • (d) participate in the end of the fiscal year financial audit with the President, the President-Elect and the Treasurer-Elect.
    • (e) participate with the President in discussing the proposed budget with the President-Elect and Treasurer-Elect.
  • Section 10: Elected Representatives to the School of Education Council and committees. Graduate Student representatives elected as needed, when vacancies arise, (elected annually) to the School of Education governance positions include:
    • (a) two (2) at-large graduate student representatives to the School of Education council
    • (b) two (2) at-large graduate student representatives to the Academic Affairs Committee
    • (c) one (1) at-large graduate student representative to the Affirmative Action Committee
    • (d) four (4) (three) at-large graduate student representatives to the Faculty/Student Research Award Committee, with a balance between departments (act in good faith to have one student from each department). Two year or 4 term semester appointment with option to terminate.
    • (e) One (1) graduate student representative from each academic department. A total of four (4)] to the Planning and Budget Committee.
    • (f) Two (2) at-large student representatives to the Technology Committee
    • (g) One (1) graduate student representative from each academic department [a total of four (4)] to serve as representatives to the School of Education's ad hoc Student Development Committee.
  • Section 11. Elections. Each year the Executive Board shall establish an ad hoc committee and charge it to plan and conduct elections to democratically elect officers in April and to democratically elect graduate student representatives to the School of Education council and committees in September.
    • (a) The election committee shall plan and implement timely nomination and election processes, subject to board approval, so as to seat the new officers by July 1 of each year; and to seat elected representatives to the School of Education Council and Committees by October 1 of each year.
    • (b) Officers and graduate student representatives shall be elected by a simple majority of eligible graduate students casting ballots.
    • (c) In the event no candidate for an elective position garners a majority of the votes cast, a runoff election shall be held between the two candidates receiving the top two number of votes.
  • Section 12. Vacancies. In the event a vacancy occurs on the Executive Board, the president will nominate replacement candidates to fill the vacant seat for the duration of the term. The Executive Board will approve all nominations by a majority vote.
    • (a) Should the vacancy occur at any time in the office of president, the vice-president shall automatically vacate his or her office and ascend to the presidency.
    • (b) The president will replace vacated elected positions by a) appointing the runnerup from the previous election, b) use recommendations by chairs of the academic departments, or c) by way of a vote by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VIII - Hired Personnel for Admissions and Enrollment Services

  • Section 1. Description. The CGSE Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) for Admissions and Enrollment Services is assigned to the council to provide office and administrative support services by the office of the Dean of the Graduate School of Education. The GSA for Admissions and Enrollment Services is automatically a member of the Executive Board. Work assignments will be the direct responsibility of the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs.
  • Section 2. Appointment. The GSA for Admissions and Enrollment Services shall be identified and appointed to the CGSE Executive Board in accordance with procedures established for said actions by either the Dean of the Graduate School of Education or his or her designate.
  • Section 3. Term of Office. The GSA for Admissions and Enrollment Services shall serve on the Executive Board from the time of appointment until a successor has been named.
  • Section 4. Reappointment. Members of the Executive Board, excluding the GSA for Admissions and Enrollment Services, may recommend to the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs reappointment of the GSA for Admissions and Enrollment Services for another term on the CGSE Executive Board.
  • Section 5. Duties. The GSA for Admissions and Enrollment Services shall:
    • (a) assist the president in the organization of all council activities, including but not limited to meetings, colloquia, workshops, seminars, and other functions.
    • (b) keep accurate records and files of the organization.
    • (c) disseminate information as recommended by other members of the Executive Board.
    • (d) assist the president and treasurer in the preparation of the annual budget.
    • (e) assist the president in the preparation of the agenda for all meetings.
    • (f) answer telephone calls and assist CGSE members with any problems or concerns they may have with the organization.
    • (g) in consultation with the president, be responsible for the disposition of all funds.
    • (h) be authorized to countersign all contracts entered into and on behalf of the council.
    • (i) work 20 hours a week.
    • (j) the GSA does not work for affiliate groups.
    • (k) will process contract, reception procedures with office of student activities.

ARTICLE IX - Faculty Advisor

  • Section 1. Description. The advisor to CGSE, a faculty member in the Graduate School of Education, will be available to the Executive Board to offer counsel when situations or circumstances occur in the daily operation of the organizations of the organization that require clarification of, advice on, or interpretation of university and school policies.
  • Section 2. Appointment. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the School of Education will assume and carry out the duties of CGSE Faculty Advisor as part of the position's job description.
  • Section 3. Duties. The CGSE faculty advisor shall:
    • (a) monitor all expenditures of the organization to assure funds are properly spent.
    • (b) interpret the bylaws of CGSE as needed.
    • (c) attend meetings and other functions of the organization.
    • (d) act as liaison between the council and the dean's office.

ARTICLE X - RULES OF ORDER

  • Section 1. Procedures at Meetings.
    • (a) Every meeting, whether a general meeting, an Executive Board meeting, or a committee meeting shall be declared open by the President/Chair with a quorum as specified in section 5 of this Article.
    • (b) The Secretary of CGSE shall then read the minutes of the last meeting, followed by a call from the President/Chair for a motion to pass the minutes as a true record. The general membership shall then be given a chance to make additions or deletions to the minutes, if necessary.
    • (c) The minutes shall then be passed as a true record, through a motion by one member of the general meeting which should be seconded by another member.
    • (d) The minutes shall then be signed by the President/Chair as a true record and kept in the files as an official document.
    • (e) The President/Chair shall then introduce the Agenda to the general membership. Preferably, this Agenda shall be made available to members at least 48 hours prior to the meeting, so that necessary inclusions and suggestions can be made prior to meeting time.
  • Section 2. Raising a Point of Order.
    • (a) Any member deviating from the provisions of the BY LAWS and these RULES OF ORDER, may be immediately called to order by the President/Chair or a member raising a point of order.
    • (b) A member raising a point of order shall simply direct attention to the point he/she desires to bring to notice and submit it to the President/Chair for decision.
    • (c) When a point of order has been raised, the member who raises it shall resume his/her seat; no member shall speak until the President/Chair has given his/her decision, after which the member who was addressing the meeting may continue.
    • (d) Members shall follow the same procedure in raising points of order, information, classification and explanation; but recognition to speak (on any item in sub-section d) shall be the prerogative of the President/Chair.
  • Section 3. Rules of Debates.
    • (a) A member, upon recognition, shall address the President/Chair and the meeting with respect and decorum.
    • (b) A member must confine his/her observations to the subject under discussion and may not introduce matters irrelevant thereto.
    • (c) It shall be out of order to use offensive and insulting language or to attempt to ridicule a member or the Council under any circumstances.
    • (d) When the President/Chair rises to speak, any member speaking or offering to speak must contain himself/herself. The meeting shall be silent so that the chair may be heard without interruption.
    • (e) The President/Chair shall be responsible for the observance of the RULES OF ORDER, and their decisions upon any point of order shall be final.
    • (f) The President/Chair after having called the attention of the meeting to the conduct of a member who persists in irrelevant or tedious repetition of arguments, may direct him/her to discontinue his/her speech.
  • Section 4. Voting.
    • (a) No member may speak to any question after the same has been fully put to the chair for a vote.
    • (b) A question is fully put when the President/Chair has framed his/her statement to solicit for votes or when the Secretary has started counting the votes.
    • (c) Votes shall be determined by secret balloting, show of hands, or by voice. The Council may decide which is most appropriate.
    • (d) Decisions shall be determined by a simple majority except as provided otherwise on other subjects.
  • Section 5. Quorum.
    • (a) Quorum for general meetings will consist of at least seven members of the Executive Board.
    • (b) Quorum for the Executive Board to be consistent with Article VI, Section 5. Quorum for committee meetings shall be not less than a majority of the membership. Principal offices in the Executive Board are the President and the Secretary. In Committees the principal office is the Chairperson or his/her delegate.
    • (c) The Chair shall confirm the fulfillment of the provision of quorum before the commencement of all meetings.

ARTICLE XI - Amendments

Whenever seven of its members deem it necessary or desirable, the Executive Board may propose amendments to these bylaws. Ratification will require a two-thirds majority of the voting members. Voting members shall be provided proposed bylaw revisions a minimum of fourteen calendar days prior to the ratification vote.

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