By-Laws

BY-LAWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EAC)

(updated 4/22/2021)

 “It is important that the University becomes more environmentally literate and sensitive. To this end, I would like to establish an Environmental Task Force to make recommendations to the University Cabinet on pertinent environmental issues.”

–The late Dr. Leslie Duly 10-22-92

Art. I Statement of Purpose

The fundamental purpose continues as articulated by the late Dr. Les Duly. The need to address pertinent environmental concerns on a long-term, sustained basis is reflected in the conversion of the task force into a permanent standing committee. The Environmental Advisory Committee will assist the university in meeting its goals by facilitating discussion and action among members of the University, including faculty, staff, and students as stated in the Environmental Policy Statement, first drafted 6-12-97.

Art. II Membership

The EAC shall consist of a maximum of 23 members, nine (9) of which will be permanent nonvoting members and 14 non-permanent voting members.  The Sustainability Project Manager may vote only to break a tie vote. Each voting member shall hold office for a term of three years.  Up to two of the 14 voting members, one student and one non-student, may be elected to serve as conveners.  During their one-year term as convener, they lose their ability to vote. 

Art. III Selection of Voting Members

Members shall be chosen by the bargaining units and constituent groups identified below.

  • 5 Faculty members: 1 from each college and the remainder at large, appointed by the IFO
  • 5 students: 2 members of Students for the Environment, 3 students at large, appointed by the Student Senate
  • 1 member appointed by MSUAASF
  • 1 member appointed by MAPE
  • 1 member appointed by Middle Management
  • 1 member appointed by Council 6
  • a representative of the vendor providing food service*
  • a representative of Residential Life*
  • a representative of Hobson Memorial Union*
  • a representative of Procurement and Logistics*
  • the Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator*
  • the Director of Physical Plant or designee*
  • a representative of Northwest Technical College
  • the Sustainability Project Manager**
  • the Sustainability Director*

*these members are permanent nonvoting members, but may be voting members if appointed by one of the bargaining units mentioned above

**the Sustainability Project Manager may vote only to break a tie vote

Art. IV Filling of Vacancies in Voting Membership

Vacancies may occur due to resignation, inability to complete the term, or upon majority vote of the current membership after a member has missed at least 3 consecutive meetings. Vacancies will be filled when a successor is chosen by the constituent group, bargaining unit, etc. which the member represents, as specified above in Article III.

Art. V Meetings of Membership

Meetings of membership shall be open to all interested parties in the University community but only voting members are eligible to vote on motions before the committee.  Motions before the committee may enter discussion but require a minimum quorum present to be decided. Quorum shall be defined as a majority of voting member positions which are filled. In the case where all 15 voting member positions are filled, quorum shall be 8 of 15.  If all 15 voting positions are filled, but two are elected to serve as conveners, quorum shall be 7 of 13. 

Art. VI Officers

There shall be three conveners: the Sustainability Project Manager, a student convener, and a non-student convener.  The student and non-student conveners shall be elected by a majority of voting membership, each to a one–year term.  The conveners, once established, shall create agendas, hold meetings, and take minutes.  The conveners are non-voting members of the Environmental Advisory Committee with the exception of the Sustainability Project Manager who may vote only to break a tie vote.