ASANA Charter

I. Name and Purpose

The Australian Studies Association of North America (ASANA) is an interdisciplinary non-profit association that promotes teaching about Australia and the scholarly investigation of Australian topics and issues throughout institutions of higher education in North America. The purposes of the Association include:
  1. Strengthening and deepening bilateral relationships between Australia and North America.
  2. Providing a clearinghouse for information about activities in Australian institutions of higher education and research centers and about Australian-related studies in North America.
  3. Maximizing the use of existing resources through exchange of information among North American institutions of higher education.
  4. Expanding the Australian content of curricula and courses in North American colleges and universities and encouraging undergraduate and graduate educational exchanges and academic internships.
  5. Enhancing the means available for scholarly work by expanding library and other information sources.
  6. Facilitating contacts and exchanges between North American and Australian scholars and encouraging collaborative projects of mutual benefit.
  7. Providing for the dissemination and exchange of scholarly information and research findings through conferences and publications.
  8. Establishing links and partnerships with other [associations] and foundations having similar goals.

II. ASANA Officers and Management Board

The officers of ASANA are President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and the Immediate Past President. These officers and two Directors elected from the general ASANA membership form the ASANA Management Board which administers the affairs of ASANA. A quorum of the Management Board consists of four members. A simple majority will be necessary for all Management Board decisions except those involving changes in the structure or amount of dues. The latter shall require a two-thirds vote of those present and voting. The Management Board will establish such standing and special committees as it deems necessary.

III. Nominations, Elections, and Office Terms

Officers and Directors are elected by the general membership at regular intervals. Elections are conducted either at a general meeting of the membership or by mail ballot, as determined by the Management Board. Results are determined by the majority of those present and voting at the general meeting, or, in the case of a mail ballot by a majority of those voting.

The Management Board will appoint annually a four-member nominations committee whose names will be published in the ASANA Newsletter along with a request for nominations. No more than two of the nomination committee's members may serve simultaneously on the Management Board. The nominations committee will prepare a list of nominees and transmit this list to the Management Board. The Board shall determine whether the subsequent election will be by mail ballot or held at the next general meeting.

  1. The ASANA President holds office for two years and may not serve two consecutive terms as President.
  2. The Immediate Past President continues as a member of the Management Board for two years after expiration of the presidential term.
  3. The Vice-President is elected for two years and may not serve two consecutive terms as Vice-President.
  4. The Secretary-Treasurer is elected for two years and may be re-elected to consecutive terms without limitation.
  5. Directors are elected for two years and may be re-elected to consecutive terms without limitation.
  6. The Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections are held in even-numbered years, those for the Secretary-Treasurer and Directors are held in odd-numbered years. The terms of President and Vice-President began with the ASANA officer elections of 1992; the currently serving Secretary-Treasurer and Directors will serve until the 1995 elections.
  7. Vacancies in the Management Board or officer positions are filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by majority vote of the remaining members of the Management Board.

IV. Membership

Application for membership in ASANA is open to all who have scholarly interest in or a commitment to the advancement of Australian studies in North America. Applications are reviewed and approved by the ASANA Management Board. Acceptance of membership indicates a commitment to pay ASANA's annual dues.

V. ASANA Dues, Budget and Program Plan

The annual dues and operating budget, and an annual program plan are adopted by the Management Board in pursuit of ASANA's purposes outlined above. Supplemental funding, or other contributions, may be accepted by action of the Management Board. The structure and levels of dues have been set at annual dues for individuals of US $25 and group/institutional memberships at US $50. Student may request a special student membership in ASANA for which there are no dues.

VI. Charter Ratification and Amendment

The present Charter was adopted on 20 November 1993 at the ASANA meeting. Amendments to the Charter may be proposed by any member, in writing, for discussion at the immediately subsequent general meeting. Notification of proposed amendments must be received by the Management Board at least 90 days prior to the next scheduled general meeting. Notice of such proposed amendments will appear in the ASANA newsletter immediately preceding the general meeting. Amendments approved by a two-thirds vote of those present and voting at the general meeting, or by two-thirds of those voting in the case of a mail ballot, will become effective immediately, or as soon thereafter as practicable.
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