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Alumni Association Constitution

1. Name

The name of the association shall be IDS Alumni Association (henceforth referred to as 'Association').

2. Aims and Objectives

The objectives of the Association shall be to assist its members to keep in touch with the IDS and with each other; to promote the interests of the IDS; to participate in the governance of the Institute (through its Board of Trustee representative); to improve and maintain a growing professional development network; and to promote the collaboration between IDS and alumni across the world.

3. Membership

3.1 All IDS graduates holding degrees of the IDS at the University of Sussex shall automatically be members of the Association.

3.2 Other persons associated with the IDS shall be eligible for membership of the Association on the basis of individual application, and assessment by the Management Committee.

4. Management Committee

4.1 The Management Committee shall have at least five elected members. Among their functions shall be: 

  • Be active among the network, encourage participation and foster a sense of community
  • Generate ideas, energy and enthusiasm for alumni network activities
  • Promote the interests of the alumni
  • Act as a contact point for other alumni and for Institute staff and students
  • Represent IDS alumni in communications with the Institute
  • Support and contribute to publications produced by the Association
  • Maintain an effective communications strategy with alumni in different parts of the world
  • Organise networking and social events 

4.2 The Management Committee shall be elected at the General Meeting. Candidates, who must be members of the Association, shall be able to nominate themselves for election either in person or by e-mail. The Executive Officers shall take office at the Management Committee meeting immediately succeeding their election and shall serve for a period of four years; they shall be eligible for re-election for not more than one further term.

4.3 The Board of Trustees representative shall be member of the Management Committee. The Committee shall consider new members to join at any time.

4.4 Membership without a vote shall include two staff members of the Institute (Alumni Officer and Teaching Manager), and at least one current student.

4.5 The Management Committee will select a chair from within the AA membership.

4.6 The Management Committee shall conduct the business of the Association between General Meetings and act on its behalf.

4.7 The Management Committee shall prepare and publish annually a report of past activities and a timetable of forthcoming events and activities.

4.8 The Management Committee will be in continuous communication through e-mail and will meet once a term in person (and through other means of communication). A quorum of at least five people will constitute a meeting.

4.9 The Management Committee must have a two-thirds majority vote on making decisions. Voting through e-mail will be accepted.

5. Meetings and Ballots

5.1 The General Meeting of the Association shall take place at least every four years on a day and date and at a time to be determined by the Management Committee. Notice of the meeting shall be published not less than six months in advance.

5.2 On issues of exceptional importance, a membership ballot may be called:

(i) by the Management Committee, on its own initiative, giving three months' clear notice, or
(ii) by 5 per cent of the membership requesting such a ballot from the Management Committee. Upon receipt of such a request (supported by sufficient valid signatures) the Management Committee must announce the ballot to all members immediately and conduct the ballot three months later.

6. Constitutional Amendments

Amendments or additions to, or deletions from, this Constitution shall be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Committee Association members will be sent proposed amendments for comment. The Committee has the power to implement a new constitution.

7. Indemnity

Every Officer, appointee, representative or member of staff of the Association shall be entitled to be indemnified out of the assets of the Association against all losses or liability which he/she may sustain or incur in or about the execution of his/her office, or otherwise in relation thereto; provided that nothing in this clause shall effect their liability for the consequences of any negligent or dishonest act on their part.

8. Definitions

8.1 When, pursuant to this Constitution, a vote requiring a two-thirds majority is taken, abstentions shall not be counted.

8.2 All periods of time specified in this Constitution shall include Sundays and Public and Statutory holidays.

8.3 Members entitled to vote at a General Meeting may carry up to five proxy votes by non-present members supported by valid signatures. Voting through e-mail will be accepted.

9. Conduct of Meetings

The decision of the majority of the Committee on all matters pertaining to the conduct of meetings shall be final.

Alumni Association Committee