CHAPTER BYLAWS

Article I: Name

The name of this organization is the Brown University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP or the Association). The chapter was established in November 2021.

Article II: Purposes

The purposes of this chapter are to:

1. Support the policies and goals of the Association as set forth in Article 1 of the AAUP constitution, and in all matters act in harmony with the principles and procedures of the national Association and its constitution;

2. Facilitate the cooperation of teachers and research scholars in universities and colleges, and in professional schools of similar grade, for the promotion of the interests of higher education and research, and in general to increase the usefulness and advance the standards, ideals, and welfare of the profession.

3. Defend academic freedom at Brown University and throughout academe;

4. Encourage faculty participation in governance at Brown University;

5. Protect and advance the professional status and interests of all faculty;

6. Facilitate the dissemination of information on higher education principles and practices;

7. Inform the academic community about AAUP standards and policy statements; and

8. Develop necessary and proper chapter programs for the accomplishment of the aforementioned purposes.

In furtherance of the purposes described above, but not in limitation thereof, the chapter shall have power to conduct studies; to disseminate statistics and other information; to engage in appropriate fundraising activities; to conduct promotional activities, including advertising and publicity, in or by any suitable manner of media; to hold such property as is necessary to accomplish its purposes; and to employ individuals to further its purposes under Article II. This chapter is organized and operated for the above stated purposes, and for other nonprofit purposes. No part of its assets, income, or profits shall be distributable to, or inure to the benefit of, any individual, except in consideration of services rendered.

Article III: Members

Eligibility for membership in this chapter shall extend to all current and retired faculty members, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students at Brown University who are national members of the American Association of University Professors. All chapter members may vote in chapter matters.

Article IV: Officers and Organization

The officers of this organization shall be the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The term of office shall be two years. Officers may serve no more than two consecutive terms.

President: The duties of the president shall include carrying out the policies of the chapter, appointing all committees of the chapter, exercising general supervision over the activities of the chapter, presiding at meetings of the chapter and executive committee, and calling for elections. The president shall be a member ex officio of all chapter committees and agrees not to chair labor-intensive university-level committees for the duration of their term. The president shall share monthly national membership lists with all other officers and report at least once a month to the executive committee.

Vice president: The duties of the vice president shall include those usually appertaining to the office and those delegated by the president. In the absence of the president, the vice president shall serve in the president's stead.

Secretary: The duties of the secretary shall include keeping a record of all proceedings and correspondence of the chapter, certifying chapter delegates to the Association's annual meeting, preparing or overseeing the preparation of newsletters for distribution to the faculty if such shall be desired, checking the AAUP email account regularly, responding where appropriate, and maintaining official contact with the Association. It shall be the duty of the secretary to provide the secretary-treasurer of the Association the names of the officers of the chapter and the chapter bylaws and to conduct the correspondence of the chapter with the secretary-treasurer. In the absence of the president and vice president, the secretary shall preside at meetings of the chapter. The secretary will update member lists and maintain a current list of members’ non-university email addresses.

Treasurer: The treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all funds received and disbursed. At the request of the executive committee, the treasurer shall prepare an annual chapter budget and report of finances, and submit them for approval. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to remit to the Association and/or to the applicable state conference any dues collected on behalf of the Association and/or conference. In the absence of the president, vice president, and secretary, the treasurer shall preside at meetings of the chapter. The treasurer will collect and keep an account of any chapter dues paid and file an annual tax 990-N card with the Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service and an annual report with the Business Services Division of the Rhode Island Department of State.

Members at large: The executive committee shall include two or three elected members at large, who will attend all executive committee meetings as full voting members of that committee.

When an officer or member at large has resigned or is disqualified, the office shall be filled by a special election of the chapter, which shall be held as promptly as is feasible. The executive committee is empowered to fill vacancies in any elective office until a special election is held. The person so elected shall hold office for the remainder of the term. Officers elected by secret ballot shall also serve as chapter delegates/alternates to AAUP meetings and any applicable AAUP state conference meetings in the order listed above.

Article V: Committees

A. Executive Committee

The executive committee shall consist of the four elected officers of the chapter, the immediate past president, and two members elected at large. Business of the committee shall be conducted by consensus or the majority of the executive committee. The executive committee shall assume responsibility for the chapter's continuing effective presence at the institution, keeping all positions on the executive committee filled as vacancies occur, and for consulting membership in making decisions and commitments on behalf of the chapter. The executive committee shall:

1. Meet regularly, at least once per month during the academic year;

2. Respond to faculty members seeking AAUP-related assistance;

3. Conduct the business of the chapter between meetings;

4. Regularly recruit members or appoint a membership committee and encourage maintenance of membership;

5. Make necessary appointments to complete an unexpired term of any officer;

6. Set the agenda with appropriate notice for chapter meetings;

7. Consult regularly with the administration on matters of mutual interest; and

8. Respond to inquiries from the media in a timely fashion.

B. Membership Committee

The membership committee shall regularly recruit new members and encourage the maintenance of membership in consultation with the chapter secretary who maintains current membership lists both local and national.

C. Other Committees and Delegates

The chapter may create additional standing and ad hoc committees as necessary to promote the welfare of the chapter. The chair and members of these committees shall be appointed by the executive committee. Some such committees may be, but are not limited to:

Web communications: maintains and updates chapter website and social media accounts.

Action committee: organizes annual Day of Action events and participation in other collective actions on campus and in the community.

Labor liaison: attends meetings of the Brown University Labor Coalition (BULC) and liaises with other labor organizations on campus, including GLO, BPLO, and bargaining units on campus.

Article VI: Meetings

The chapter shall hold regular meetings at least twice each academic year.

Special meetings of the chapter may be called by the president or a majority of the executive committee. Written notice of such meetings shall ordinarily be provided each member by the secretary of the chapter at least five days in advance of the meeting date. The president shall call special meetings of the chapter within seven days of being so directed by the executive committee or by a petition signed by ten percent of the members.

The quorum required for the transaction of business at all general meetings of the chapter shall consist of 11 members.

Article VII: Dues

Chapter dues and donations may be collected for the use of mutually agreed-upon expenses and/or mutual aid. Chapter members must pay current national AAUP dues. Chapter dues shall be paid at will.

Article VIII: Dissolution

Upon dissolution of the chapter, its assets shall be distributed to the Association, a professional association.  

Article IX: Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by majority vote of the members, provided that a notice setting forth the proposed amendment or amendments and explanation thereof and known objections thereto shall have been sent to each member at least thirty days prior to the vote. Any member of the chapter may initiate an amendment.

Article X: Rules of Order

Roberts Rules of Order Revised shall be the authority for this chapter in matters of procedure not specified above.

Enacted this 28th day of November in the year 2021.

Amended this 9th day of December in the year 2025.