Article 10: Affiliated Groups

10.1 Affiliated Groups

Subject to the provisions of this Article 6 and the Operating Policies, the Board may authorize the Members to establish affiliated groups (each, an “Affiliate” or an “Affiliated Group“) from time to time that operate under the supervision and direction of the Board, provided:

(a) the purposes and activities of the Affiliate do not conflict, as determined by the Board, with the vision, mission, goals, purposes or By-laws of the Society, as amended from time to time;

(b) the Affiliate is made up of Members;

(d) the members of the Affiliate cause it to perform such activities as may be required by the Board from time to time.

10.2 Categories of Affiliated Groups

The Board may establish different categories of Affiliates from time to time. As of the effective date of these By-laws, there are three (3) categories of Affiliates, consisting of:

(a) Constituencies— Constituencies are communities of practice whose mission is to work within the aims and structure of the Society to advance the Society’s purposes. They operate with a formalized governance structure and are responsible for ensuring that their respective initiatives and activities are aligned and consistent with goals and purposes of the Society.

(b) Special Interest Groups— Special Interest Groups are groups representing special interests which Members wish to promote. They are member-led and national or international in scope. Special Interest Groups operate with a formalized governance structure to advance and build capacity around their topic of focus. A Member or Members wishing to establish a Special Interest Group must submit an application to the Board by way of the Chair of the Standing Committee for Partnerships. The application must state the name of and rationale for establishing the group, along with its stated goals, purpose, and focus. A petition signed by no fewer than ten (10) Members who are committed to maintaining the Special Interest Group’s active, bona fide existence must accompany the application. Upon Board approval of official status, the group is authorized to for as a Special Interest Group and prepare a governing by-law document.

(c) Teaching and Learning Networks — Teaching and Learning Networks are member-led networks that are regional, national, or international in scope and teaching and learning focused. Teaching and Learning Networks provide a forum to create awareness; initiate conversation; explore and exchange ideas, insights, and perspectives; create collegial connections; share or develop resources and so on with others engaged in teaching and learning. A formal governance structure is not required thereby allowing fluid formation, function, and dissolution. A Member or Members wishing to establish a Teaching and Learning Network must submit an application to the Board by way of the Chair of the Standing Committee for Partnerships. The application must include the name of the Teaching and Learning Network; a rationale for establishing the group including intended goals, purpose, and focus; and a brief plan to recruit members and collaborate as a group. A petition signed by no fewer than eight (8) Members from multiple institutions or regions and who are committed to maintaining the Teaching and Learning Network, must accompany the application. One (or two) of these Network Members must be identified as the group leader or convener and provide contact information. Upon Board approval of official status as a Teaching and Learning Network, formation of the group is recognized.

10.3 Dissolution of Affiliated Groups

The Board may withdraw resources from, recognition of, and cause to be dissolved, any Affiliated Group if, in the view of the Board, it does not demonstrate active progress in the pursuit of its purposes as approved by the Board, fails to comply with the Operating Policies or for any other reason determined by the Board, acting reasonably. Dissolved Affiliates may be reinstated in accordance with the Operating Policies.