CONSTITUTION

Article I - Name

This organization shall be known as Maverick Parent & Family Association of The University of Texas at Arlington. The association shall be a part of the Parent & Family Center, Division of Student Affairs.

Article II - Purpose

The purpose of the association shall be:

1. To increase public awareness of the mission, goals, priorities, concerns, organizational structure and policies of The University of Texas at Arlington.
2. To provide an organization whereby the administrative officials and members of the faculty and staff may become better acquainted with the parents of UT Arlington students and develop a broader understanding of their special interests, concerns and perspectives.
3. To bring about closer cooperation by forming positive relationships among the parents of students, the administrative officials, faculty, and staff of The University of Texas Arlington.
4. To recognize and honor outstanding students, faculty, staff and programs of UT Arlington as appropriate through scholarships, and awards.
5. To support our students from their entry into UT Arlington through graduation by providing services that are of value to parents and families.

Article III -Membership

Any individual or entity is invited to purchase a membership in the Maverick Parent & Family Association. The cost of membership is set annually upon recommendation of the Maverick Parent & Family Center and by majority vote of the executive committee.

Article IV – Executive Committee

1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the following officers:
          President
          Vice President
          Fundraising Chair/s
          Outreach Chair/s
          Ex-Officio Member/s appointed by the Maverick Parent & Family Center
2. To be eligible for nomination for the Executive Committee an individual must be the parent or guardian of a currently accepted or enrolled student at The University of Texas at Arlington. An individual, who is elected to any office, including that of President/Vice President, may continue to serve until the end of the designated term of office regardless of the enrollment status of the officer’s student.
3.The Executive Committee shall function as an advisory board to the Parent & Family Center.
4. Executive Committee members’ terms of office shall be for one year.
5. In case of vacancies in the position of President/Vice President, Fundraising Chair/s and/or Outreach Chair/s, the Executive Committee shall have the authority to fill such vacancies by appointment for the remainder of the designated term of office.
6. The duties of the Executive Committee shall be as provided in this Constitution and as set forth in the Bylaws

Article V -Meetings

1. The Executive Committee shall meet as necessary for the purpose of planning, reviewing, evaluating, recommending and/or implementing the organization’s activities and programs.
2. At minimum, the Executive Committee will hold two annual meetings in Arlington, Texas. The fall meeting will be held in conjunction with Parent & Family Weekend. The spring meeting will be held during the spring semester. Other meetings of the organization may be called by the President at any time or by a majority of the Executive Committee.
3. The vote of a majority of the Executive Committee Members present at any officially constituted meeting of the organization shall govern, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution or Bylaws.
4. The Association will conduct its business according to Roberts Rules of Order, as amended by the Executive Committee.

Article VI - Amendments

1. Amendments to this constitution must be presented to the Executive Committee at least 2 weeks prior to vote.
2. The Executive Committee and the Assistant Vice President responsible for the Parent & Family Center must first approve the amendment.
3. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of members present and voting at any meeting of the Maverick Parent & Family Association.

BYLAWS

Article I - Duties of Officers

1. President
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Maverick Parent & Family Association and the Executive Committee. The President will serve as the official representative of the association. The President shall appoint committees as authorized by the Executive Committee.
2. Vice President
Shall assist the President as required and in the absence of the President, shall perform all duties pertaining to the office. The Vice President shall be responsible for membership programs and membership recruitment.
3. Fundraising Chair/s
The Fundraising Chair/s shall be responsible for fundraising campaigns and activities.
4. Outreach Chair/s
The Outreach Chair/s shall be responsible for coordinating the association’s involvement in Parent & Family Weekend, Maverick Parent Family Orientation activities and other external organization initiatives.
5. Ex-Officio Members
Ex-Officio members of the Executive Committee and the association shall include the UT Arlington Director of Parent & Family Center and staff designated to provide support and assistance to Maverick Parent & Family Association. Ex-Officio members serve without voting privileges.

Article II - Awards

By a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee, and approval by the University, the organization shall recognize distinguished contributions and dedicated service by members of the association to The University of Texas at Arlington. This award shall be termed the Maverick Parent & Family Association Award of Distinction.

By a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee, and approval by the Director of the Parent & Family Center the association shall recognize, when merited, exceptional participation, dedication and service to the organization by awarding the Maverick Parent & Family Association Service Award.

Article III – Amendments to Bylaws

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee and approval of the Assistant Vice President responsible for Parent & Family Center at any meeting of the Executive Committee having first been submitted in writing at least two weeks in advance.

1. Proposed for adoption at the annual business meeting of the Association on February 14, 2009.

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