Revised March, 1996

ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be the New York College Learning Skills Association (NYCLSA).

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
The New York College Learning Skills Association is a non-profit organization organized and operated exclusively for education purposes.

ARTICLE III: OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the NYCLSA are:

Section 1: To advance standards for teaching and learning skills professionals through education, research and public service.
Section 2: To develop principles and standards for the establishment of learning assistance programs.
Section 3: To assist in the professional development of teaching and learning skills professionals.
Section 4: To provide educational information and analysis to college educators, and school systems about learning skills research, systems, techniques and available support.
Section 5: To provide a forum for the interchange of ideas, methods and expertise to improve the learner's relationship with his/her institution and educational environment.

ARTICLE IV: ACTIVITIES AND OPERATION

Section 1: Financial Support

1. Primary operational support for the NYCLSA is derived from membership dues.
2. Secondary operational support for the NYCLSA is derived from the annual Symposium and other educational forums sponsored by NYCLSA.

Section 2: Publications
Section 3: Educational Research
Section 4: Professional Development

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1: Members of the Association shall be of one class and each member shall have the same privileges. As such, each member shall be entitled to originate and take part in any subject that may properly come before any meeting, hold one vote, and hold office in the association to which he/she may be elected or appointed.

Section 2: Membership includes but is not limited to any individual who has interest in learning assistance programs, college developmental education, or support services in higher education. Applications for membership shall be in writing in a form prescribed by the Executive Board in consultation with the Membership Chair.

Section 3: The NYCLSA does not discriminate because of ethnic background, national heritage, sex, religious affiliation, sexual preference, or age.

ARTICLE VI: EXECUTIVE BODIES
To establish those persons in charge of the organization, and to establish the method of their appointment, the following policies are delineated:

Section 1: The Executive Board shall be the administrative body of the association. The Board shall conduct the affairs of the association and shall have the power and authority to do and perform all acts and functions consistent with the Constitution and By-Laws.

1. The Board shall consist of nine (10) members, who shall be: the President; the President-Elect; the Immediate Past President; the 1st Vice-President; 2nd Vice-President; the Secretary; the Newsletter Editor; the Editor of the Journal RTDE; the Membership Coordinator; the Treasurer.
2. The President shall fill vacancies in the Executive Board.
3. Each member of the Executive Board shall have one vote, and affairs will be decided by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Board.

ARTICLE VII: FINANCES

Section 1: Regular members of the Association shall pay annual dues in the procedure specified by the By-Laws.

Section 2: By a two-thirds (2/3) vote, regular members may levy assessments against themselves, as per Article X: Sec.2.

Section 3: Expenditures of organizational funds shall be governed by policies established by the Executive Board.

Section 4: Upon dissolution of the New York College Learning Skills Association, such assets as may remain shall be distributed for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes as described in Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, and such decision shall rest with the elected officers. (amended 4/2/84)

Section 5: Annual review of accounting techniques and procedures shall be conducted by a Certified Public Accountant.

ARTICLE VIII: AFFILIATIONS
The Association may affiliate with other faculty, teachers, and allied organizations by a majority vote of the membership. Affiliation may be revoked in the same manner.

ARTICLE IX: INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM, AND RECALL
Any officer of the Association may be recalled, any proposed actions on behalf of the Association may be initiated, or any previous action taken by the Executive Board on behalf of the Association may be rescinded by means of a properly worded petition set forth by one-fifth (1/5) of the members of the Association. Any action or initiative, referendum, or recall shall require a regular motion, and a majority vote of the membership or two-thirds (2/3) vote of those members present at any annual meeting of the Association.

ARTICLE X: PROCEDURE FOR AMENDMENTS

Section 1: The Constitution may be amended at any regular or special meeting of the membership of the Association only if the proposed amendment shall have been included in the notice calling the meeting.

Section 2: No amendment may be adopted unless it is approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the membership meeting of the Association, at which meeting there is an attendance of at least ten percent (10%) of the entire membership of the Association.

Section 3: The By-Laws may be amended by a majority vote of the Executive Board, at which meeting no fewer than seven (7) members must be present.