COERA Plan of Organization

Plan of Organization of the College of Education Retiree's Association At The University of Maryland

Article 1 Name

The name of this organization is the College of Education Retiree's Association of the University of Maryland (COERA).

Article 2 Membership

Any retired employee of the College of Education at the University of Maryland, their spouse, partner, widow or widower may become a member of the Association. The Board may establish additional categories for membership.

Article 3 Purpose

The purpose of COERA is to enhance the well being of its members through educational and cultural programs or experiences that provide:

· information of importance to the member's status as a retiree of The University of Maryland;

· benefits and privileges extended to retirees by the University and the State Retirement Systems;

· an effective communications link with various public agencies and institutions that relate to the retirees;

· ways of maintaining and improving the member's health, personal welfare, economic status, and financial condition;

· opportunities for members to maintain a relationship with and service to the College and University;

· educational, recreational, social and volunteer activities.

Article 4 Governance

4.1 The Board of Directors shall consist of five members serving staggered two-year terms, as described in the by-laws, and elected under provisions described in the by-laws.

4.2 The officers of the Association shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and shall be elected annually by the Board of Directors at the first meeting following their election. If the financial duties of the Association are minimal, the Board may combine the offices of Secretary and Treasurer.

4.3 The Board will hold regular meetings, oversee the affairs and purposes of the Association, and advise the Dean of the College of Education. If any Board member is unable to complete her or his term of office, the Board shall designate a successor to fill that term. A majority of Board Members constitutes a quorum. Board meetings shall be called by the President or upon the request of three Board Members.

4.4 The President or designee shall represent the Association in carrying out the actions and directives of the membership.

4.5 The Secretary shall keep the records of all meetings of the Association and the Board and maintain an up-to-date list of members and all non-financial records of the Association.

4.6 The Treasurer shall keep and maintain the financial records of the Association, shall receive and deposit dues and other funds received by the Association, expend these funds as authorized and make financial reports as appropriate. There shall be an annual audit of the Treasurer's accounts by a committee appointed by the Board. The fiscal year shall be from January 1 to December 31.

4.7 The by-laws shall provide for the creation of standing and ad hoc committees and their governance.

4.8 The Board shall make periodic reports to the College of Education.

Article 5 Association Business Meetings

5.1 The Annual Business Meeting of the Association shall be held each year during the fall semester at a place, date and time determined by the Board. The President and the Treasurer will provide reports on the state of the Association at this meeting.

5.2 The Board shall schedule additional meetings as appropriate.

5.3 Special meetings of the Association may be called upon written request of at least fifteen members of the Association. Written notice will be provided to the membership at least two weeks prior to any Association meeting.

5.4 A quorum of 15 members is required for Association business to be conducted.

Article 6 Dues

The Association will have the authority to assess dues as proposed by the Board and approved by the Association membership at a business meeting.

Article 7 Amendments

This Plan of Organization may be amended at any business meeting of the membership by a 2/3 majority vote of the members present and voting, provided that the proposed amendment has been submitted at a preceding meeting or in a written notice provided to the membership not less than one month prior to the vote.

Article 8 Rules of Order Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern the conduct of all meetings.

Article 9 Initial By-laws, Officers, and Board Members

9.1 The initial Board of Directors shall be those members of the College of Education Retiree's Committee. The initial Board shall elect officers, develop and adopt the by-laws of the Association and conduct such other business until a new Board is elected as provided for in Article 4. The first election of a new Board shall be at the Annual Business Meeting during the fall semester of 2001.

9.2 The initial Plan of Organization of the Association shall be adopted by the initial Board of Directors in consultation with the membership.