College of Dentistry | University of Florida

Academy of Alumni and Friends

Academy of Alumni and Friends: Constitution and Bylaws

THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
ACADEMY OF ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
A CONSTITUENT SOCIETY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA NATIONAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I: NAME

The official name of this organization shall be "The Academy of Alumni and Friends, a Constituent Society of the University of Florida National Alumni Association".

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of Academy of Alumni and Friends, a Constituent Society of the University of Florida National Alumni Association, shall be to advance the causes of dental education; to promote the interest and increase the usefulness of the University of Florida College of Dentistry; to further the relationship with the practitioner of dentistry for the advancement of dentistry for the State of Florida; to promote a spirit of cordiality, mutual acquaintances, and good fellowship among the members of the Association; and to promote the general welfare of the University of Florida as an educational institution.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1

The regular membership in the Academy of Alumni and Friends shall consist of graduates of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, those of Advanced Dental Education programs at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, past members of the Academy 100, and friends of the school who are committed to the purpose of the organization and meet the financial requirements for membership. Only regular members will have a vote.

Section 2

All present and former faculty members of the University of Florida College of Dentistry and current pre-doctoral students and advanced education students are honorary members. Honorary members may also be elected by a majority vote at the annual business meeting. Honorary members do not have a vote.

Section 3

From time to time, the Board of Directors may elect Honorary Fellows on the basis of outstanding and meritorious service to the College of Dentistry, University of Florida, through an Honorary Fellows Nominating Committee. The Honorary Fellows Nominating Committee shall be composed of three members:

  1. The President of the Academy of Alumni and Friends
  2. Two members of the Board of Directors, appointed by the President.

This committee shall submit at least two names to the Board of Directors each year for consideration of the award "Honorary Fellow of the Academy of Alumni and Friends." The criteria for selection of Honorary Fellows shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

  1. Service and contribution to the Academy of Alumni and Friends, including offices held, committee appointments and recruitment of members.
  2. Service and contribution to the College of Dentistry of the University of Florida and to dental education in the state of Florida.
  3. Service and contribution to organized dentistry, including offices held, committee appointments, and honors awarded clinical and literary presentation, and professional reputation.

Upon consideration and election by the Board of Directors, Honorary Fellow(s) will be awarded these fellowships at the annual business meeting of the Academy of Alumni and Friends.

ARTICLE IV: FINANCES

Section 1

Contributions. Requirements for membership shall be based on the following:

  1. The different categories of membership and any associated fund raising are set and approved by the Board of Directors.
  2. The fiscal year shall be from July 1 through June 30.
  3. Honorary Fellows shall not be required to make an annual contribution.

Section 2

Assessments. No assessments shall be levied without the consent of a majority of the membership.

Section 3

Finance Committee. The Board of Directors shall be the Finance Committee. It shall be the duty of this committee to decide upon the disposition of all funds of the organization, consistent with its purposes and the policies of the University of Florida, and to authorize payment of all running expenses of the organization.

ARTICLE V: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1

Administration of the activities of the Academy of Alumni and Friends shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall consist of:

  1. The elective members
  2. The Dean of the College of Dentistry or his or her designate
  3. The immediate past president as ex officio for one year. The second year and thereafter shall be invited to attend two Board of Director meetings per year.
  4. The Dean’s appointed Director of Development (ex officio)
  5. The Dean’s appointed Director of Alumni Affairs (ex officio)
  6. Two at-large faculty members appointed by the Dean
  7. The chairperson of the Development Advisory Committee (ex officio)

The elective members shall only be dentists (except for dental student positions), and are

  1. President
  2. Vice President/President Elect
  3. Secretary-Treasurer
  4. Four at-large representatives, two being alumni and two being non-alumni friends
  5. Six district representatives, one each from districts which parallel those of the Florida Dental Association (no designation of alumnus or non-alumnus friend for these district positions)
  6. Two student representatives, who may not serve as officers.
  7. One Admissions Committee representative

Section 2

The President, Vice President/President Elect and Secretary-Treasurer shall each serve a one-year term, from July 1 June 30. At least two of the line officers shall be alumni, and one may be a non-alumnus friend. Up to ten other elective members from the general membership shall be elected to serve for two-year terms on a staggered basis. The student representatives serve for two years unless they are a senior student. The admissions committee representative shall be an alumnus/a without children enrolled in the doctor of dental medicine program or seeking admission to the program. The admissions committee representative shall be elected to serve a three-year term.

A Nominating Committee of three active members shall be appointed by the President at least 90 days prior to the annual business meeting to select one candidate for each of the elective member’s positions, as appropriate. The candidates for President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer must be members of the Board of Directors. In selecting a nominee for a district representative position, the Nominating Committee shall consult with alumni and friends in that district. The Nominating Committee shall present the slate of nominees to the general membership at the annual business meeting. Nominations for all elective positions may also be made from the floor at the annual meeting. All elective members shall be elected by the general membership at the annual business meeting.

Section 3

Unforeseen vacancies on the Board will be filled by appointment by the President of the Academy of Alumni and Friends.

Section 4

Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held twice a year, and more often at the discretion of the President or if called for by three Board members. Members will be notified of a meeting by mail more than one month prior to the meeting. A quorum shall consist of eight elective members of the Board, and a quorum will be necessary to conduct business.

Section 5

All members of the Board who are present will have one vote on all motions brought before the Board. Motions shall be passed or failed by a simple majority vote of those voting.

Section 6

Board members will remain in good standing by attending each meeting or by submitting reasons for failure to attend prior to the meeting. One unexcused absence will result in automatic replacement of the member.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS

Section 1

An annual business meeting shall be held at the University of Florida at a time and place to be determined by the Board. Other meetings may be called at the discretion of the President of the Academy of Alumni and Friends.

Section 2

A quorum of the general membership of the Academy of Alumni and Friends membership shall consist of those members present at the annual business meeting.

ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this Constitution may be made by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership present at the annual business meeting.

ARTICLE VIII: PUBLICATIONS

Any publications of the Academy of Alumni and Friends shall be approved and directed by the Board of Directors.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I: COMMITTEES

Section 1

Designated committees are outlined within the body of this document.

Section 2

Additional Committees may be appointed by the President of the Academy of Alumni and Friends to serve during his term of office. Committees will report at the annual business meeting and at the meeting of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE II: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS

These Bylaws may be amended or revised at the annual business meeting by a majority vote of those members present.

back to top