GACC Bylaws

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ARTICLE I: Name

Section 1.1 Name

The organization shall be named the Gettysburg Alumni of Color Council and, from now on, shall be called GACC.

ARTICLE II: Mission, Vision, Purpose, and Responsibilities

Section 2.1 Mission

The Gettysburg Alumni of Color Council (GACC) is a dynamic group created to foster, maintain and support current and future alumni, regardless of citizenship status, that identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Latinx herein referred to as People of Color (BIPOC). GACC represents the interest of alumni and will work in conjunction with current organizations and initiatives on campus to enhance BIPOC alumni's relationship with the college. GACC serves as a valuable asset to support the college's strategic plans to strive for an equitable and socially just environment.

Section 2.2 Vision

GACC partners with Gettysburg College (“the College”) to maximize the success of current and future alumni. Philanthropy, engagement, and communication are top priorities of GACC. We aim to support programs that foster campus traditions and inspire a passion for a life-long involvement with the college.

Section 2.3 Purpose

GACC is organized with the following intentions:

  1. To encourage and maintain a productive relationship between alumni of color—and the College.
  2. To serve as an advisory group to the College.
    1. Recommend and support programs and events to serve students of color and alumni of color
    2. Respond to surveys sent by the College (relevant to college searches or general feedback)
  3. To advocate for the needs and concerns of BIPOC students and alumni.
  4. To implement BIPOC specific programming for students and alumni to enhance inclusion and belonging on campus and the College.
  5. To inspire, promote, and cultivate leadership while encouraging BIPOC alumni support of the College and BIPOC students through volunteer activities and financial contributions.

2.4 Responsibilities

The responsibilities of GACC include but shall not be limited to these illustrative functions:

  1. Involvement – GACC and its members are expected to:
    1. Maintain a connection to campus during their membership
    2. Be an active College and Council representative within their regions (including Send-Offs and other regional club events).
    3. Strive to be present in person at the College for major events such as Homecoming, Reunion Weekend, Get Acquainted Day, and other College-sponsored events off campus.
  2. Assessment – GACC is required to annually assess the Council's performance and the GACC program goals. These include but are not limited to the following:
    1. Annual recruitment of new GACC members
    2. Attendance at biannual Council meetings
    3. Participation in subcommittees and College-sponsored events
    4. Support the Gettysburg Fund and other platforms, programs, and methods that serve BIPOC students.
  3. Approve Policies – GACC will be responsible for creating the Policies and Procedures that govern it, including the establishment of standing committees of GACC.

ARTICLE III: Organizational Structure

To effectively and efficiently conduct its business, GACC will be organized into three categories: an Executive Board, Committees, and General Members. All GACC meetings will adhere to the 12th edition of Robert’s Rule of Order.

Section 3.1 Executive Board

Executive Board members must be nominated by another member in good standing. The

Executive Board will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Director of Finance, and Committee Chairpersons. The role of the executive board is to govern the council and uphold the mission, vision, and purpose of the council.

  1. Once elected, officers will serve for 2 year terms, but no more than 2 consecutive terms.
  2. Officers on the Executive Board must attend 75% of board meetings and member meetings combined to maintain status as an active voting member. Noncompliance results in suspension of voting privileges for one year.

Section 3.2 Committees

Committee members are the working body of GACC and are expected to uphold its mission and help with engagement and accountability. There shall be 5-10 committee members, including a chairperson, to help organize the committee. The President and/or Vice President will appoint a member of the Executive Board to support the work of the committee. They shall also appoint a member of the general body to serve as the Committee Chairperson.

Section 3.3 General Membership

To be eligible for General Membership, an individual must successfully complete at least one semester at Gettysburg College to be considered for membership and identify as BIPOC alumni and allies interested in engaging with the College and other alumni in the Council. Members must come from varying geographical areas; be representative of gender, age, and race. They do not hold any responsibilities, beyond participating in a minimum of (1) committee and assisting with the execution of at least (1) event per semester. Members maintain voting status based on attendance at GACC and College programs.

Section 3.4 Membership Records

The Alumni Relations office and the Secretary of the Executive Board shall maintain a complete and accurate list of members of GACC.

Section 3.5 Meetings

Biannual meetings will take place virtually each Fall and Spring. Monthly meetings of the Executive Board, Committees, and General Members will take place on the third Monday of the month virtually. At least one (1) meeting of the body will take place in person during an on-campus event.

ARTICLE IV: Officers

Section 4.1 President

The President shall be the chief executive officer of the GACC and shall have general and active supervision, control, and management of the Council’s affairs. The President shall preside at meetings of GACC. Should the President not be able to attend a meeting, the Vice President will preside over the meeting.

Section 4.2 Vice President

The Vice President shall help coordinate and oversee all programming, networking, and

College-based events for GACC. The Vice President will serve as Chair of the Elections Committee. Should the President not be able to attend a meeting, the Vice President will preside.

Section 4.3 Secretary

The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of all Executive Committee and Council meetings and, at the request of GACC, prepare any resolutions. The Secretary shall perform all such duties as assigned by the President, including notices required by these Policies and

Procedures. The Secretary shall send out minutes from all meetings and activities of the

Executive Board and Council within ten (10) working days of the conclusion of the meeting. The Secretary will also coordinate any necessary follow-up discussion. The Secretary shall serve as the primary contact for all ad hoc members and coordinate all communications delivered on the organization’s behalf.

4.4 Director of Finance

The Director of Finance shall work with the appointed College staff member to review and manage fundraising records, financial reports, and any financial transactions related to the GACC. The Director of Finance shall perform all such duties as assigned by the President, and will serve as the chair of the Finance and Philanthropy Committee. The Director of Finance will provide financial updates to the body during bi-annual meetings and maintain accurate financial records to provide updates as requested.

Section 4.5 Committee Chairs

There will be committee chairs or co-chairs serving as the primary contact persons for the specified committees for which they are elected or appointed. Chairpersons must submit a resume to the Executive Board 30 days prior to assuming the role. Duties of a committee chair/co-chair include coordinating and leading committee meetings, communications, and other assigned tasks. Chairs, where applicable, are elected to a two (2) year term with an annual evaluation by the executive board. A committee chair can serve a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms for a total of four (4) years. No less than thirty (30) days prior to assuming their role, chairpersons are required to submit a resume to the Executive Board. Newly selected committee chairs will begin their duties after the Spring Meeting. Members selected to be committee chairs should have been members of GACC for at least one year.

ARTICLE V: Committees

Section 5.1 Standing Committees

All Members shall participate as an active member of at least one (1) committee. Each committee supports the respective programs and initiatives in alignment with GACC’s strategic plan, mission, and vision. Committee Chairs determine the appropriate meeting time, agenda, and best use of the Committee’s time. The chairperson shall report at the monthly Executive board meeting and at the biannual meetings.

  1. Finance and Philanthropy Committee - The Finance and Philanthropy Committee is responsible for devising and implementing fundraising efforts to support BIPOC programming. They are responsible for budgeting and managing funds available through fundraising and giving efforts. The Director of Finance will support this committee to monitor incoming and outgoing funds.
  2. Student Engagement Committee - The Student Engagement Committee is responsible for engaging with BIPOC current students through events on campus and virtually. The committee is also responsible for helping set up the GACC mentoring program led by the Alumni Relations staff representative. The Vice President will sit on this committee.
  3. Alumni Engagement Committee - The Alumni Engagement Committee is responsible for engaging the general members of GACC through virtual and in-person events. The chairperson or their designee will serve on the alumni of color programs the Alumni Relations Office hosts, including but not limited to GACC weekends and Reunion Weekends. The Vice President will sit on this committee.
  4. Equitable Advancement & Accountability Committee - The Equitable Advancement & Accountability Committee is responsible for helping with the DEI efforts of the College and keeping the College and the Office of Diversity & Inclusion accountable to the DEI initiatives and objectives. The President will sit on this committee.
  5. Communications & PR - The Secretary will serve as the Chairperson of a committee to engage on social media platforms, and disseminate information including email updates, event invitations, and end-of-the-year reports. Each committee is expected to adhere to the protocols and procedures for communications requests as outlined by the Communications & PR committee to ensure the development and distribution of communications materials.

Section 5.2 Ad-Hoc Committees

These committees provide leadership and guidance to GACC. The Administrative Committees are composed of members already serving on other committees.

  1. Election Committee - The Vice President is responsible for establishing a committee to review vacancies and outline and execute the process for elections annually.
  2. Policies and Procedures Committee – The Secretary can establish a committee to review the GACC Policies and Procedures and/or make recommendations at any time. The document must be reviewed at least every two (2) years.
  3. External Boards - The President shall appoint a GACC member to serve as a liaison to Gettysburg College volunteer boards as appropriate.
  4. Special Events - The President shall appoint GACC members to serve on committees to execute events during Homecoming Weekend, GACC Weekend, and any other events as confirmed by the Council.

ARTICLE VI: Elections

Section 6.1 Elections

Each year the Election Committee, chaired by the Vice President of GACC, shall identify the number of anticipated vacancies on the Executive Board. In collaboration with the Alumni Relations staff representative, the Election Committee is responsible for updating the GACC officer application, advertising, and collecting applications. The Elections Committee should determine a process for reviewing applications. It will make recommendations for filling vacancies.

Section 6.2 Council Vacancies

Should a vacancy occur during the year, the President may appoint a member after advising the elections committee and the Alumni Relations staff representative. In the event no one can uphold the work of the vacancy, the Alumni Relations staff representative will hold the position until the next election or a GACC member will be asked to volunteer to fill the position.

6.3 Eligibility

To be considered eligible for an elected position, a General Member must attend a minimum of 65% of GACC events and meetings per calendar year.

Section 6.4 Terms of Office

The following are the terms for each leadership role within GACC.

  1. Executive Board Members, including the Director of Finance, shall serve for two (2) years but no more than two consecutive terms. Executive Board members have full voting power. The member’s term shall begin on July 1st and end on June 30th.
  2. Committee Chairpersons shall serve a two (2) year term with an annual evaluation by the executive board. A committee chair can serve no more than two (2) consecutive terms. Committee Chairpersons have full voting power. The member’s term shall begin on July 1st and end on June 30th.
  3. General Members are lifetime members; however, voting privileges vary based on commitment level and demonstrated attendance at meetings and events.

Section 6.5 Removal of Members and Voting Privileges

The following are terms of removal of membership and voting rights.

  1. Any executive board member missing more than three (3) consecutive Executive meetings without notifying the President or Secretary is subject to removal from the executive board. A meeting with an Alumni Relations staff representative is required.
  2. Any committee member missing more than half of their committee meetings without notifying the committee chairperson is subject to jeopardizing losing voting privileges. A meeting with an Alumni Relations staff representative is required.
  3. Members may appeal to the Executive Board. Members failing in their duties or otherwise found to be ineffective can be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council. In the absence of a Council vote or specific circumstances, only the Executive Committee can determine proper penalties if removal is inappropriate.
  4. Any general member missing more than two (2) All Council meetings without notifying the President or Secretary is subject to removal of voting privileges.

Section 6.6 Voting

Each eligible voting member of GACC shall be entitled to one (1) vote on any matter which may be submitted to a vote of members of GACC by the Executive Board. No meetings of members of GACC shall be necessary or required for voting on any matter. Electronic voting via email, phone, or otherwise is permissible.

ARTICLE VII: Bylaws Adoption and Amendment

Section 7.1 Amendments and Revisions

Amendments and revisions to the Bylaws may be made at any meeting of the GACC membership. Any member in good standing may propose an amendment or addition to the bylaws by written request including suggested language and rationale to the Executive Board thirty (30) days or more prior to the meeting in which the request is to be heard by the body or verbal request during the meeting. The member must follow up within thirty (30) days of the meeting with a written request, including suggested language and suggested language.

The Executive Board will review and include the request with any other proposals. A copy of the proposals shall be provided to the body thirty (30) days or more prior to the meeting in which it will be heard. The bylaws may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the GACC by a two-thirds (⅔) vote of the total number of voting members present.

ARTICLE VIII: Awards, Scholarships, and Annual Events

Section 8.1. Awards

Nominations for awards will be submitted to the nominating committee of the GACC by GACC members or friends of Gettysburg College. All nominations must be supported by a resume and a letter of recommendation provided by the nominating party and a member of the GACC. Award recipients will be selected by the GACC. The total number of awards presented shall be limited to one (1) per year per category. Awards shall be presented at the annual GACC Weekend.

  1. Distinguished Alumni Award: The highest award given to an alumnus for their service to support the GACC, BIPOC alumni and students, and the Gettysburg College.
  2. Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement: An award recognizing outstanding achievement in an alumnus’ professional, recreational, or retirement activities, service to the community, and/or service to the College. An alumnus can be nominated for achievements in a minimum of three of the four categories listed.
  3. Outstanding Volunteer Award: An award recognizing an alumnus who displays meritorious volunteerism for Gettysburg College.
  4. Community Service Award: An award recognizing an alumnus who demonstrates exemplary service to their community.
  5. GACC Young Alumni Award: An award recognizing Gettysburg College alumni under the age of 40. Recipients will exhibit a commitment to excellence in post-collegiate life and a significant or ongoing commitment to extraordinary work, research, or volunteerism.

8.2 Sankofa Weekend

The Sankofa Weekend will take place annually during Commencement Weekend. Events will include the Awards Banquet, Alumni Welcome Breakfast, a mixer with current students and alumni, a community service project, and a wellness event.

Section 8.3 Mentoring Program

The GACC Mentoring Program will connect both current students to alumni and alumni to alumni in hopes of establishing connections across class years and fostering personal and professional development within the GACC Alumni Network.