Disability, Neurodiverse, Chronically Ill (Disability+) Faculty & Staff Association

Section 1:

The name of this organization shall be the Disability, Neurodiversity and Chronically Ill Faculty and Staff Association (“Disability+ FSA”) of Towson University (“TU” or “university”)

Section 1:

The mission of the Disability+ FSA is to create a network of support and empowerment of the university’s Disability, Neurodiversity and Chronically Ill faculty and staff by fostering a community that provides networking for the purposes of advocacy for its members and building initiatives to improve upon accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion across the university community and surrounding areas.

Section 1: The purpose of the Disability+ FSA is to:

• bring together members of the community and allies to support and encourage effective communication between all segments of the community
• establish and maintain a community by providing a vehicle for staff, faculty and administrators to network and collaborate in professional activities and advocate for concerns communicated by members of the community
• provide a student support system by engaging with students and providing opportunities in support of Disability+ recruitment and retention efforts
• support the university’s mission, especially regarding accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion
• promote outreach efforts and advocacy that will support the Disability+ community on campus and the surrounding areas

Section 1:

Current and/or retired faculty and staff members of the university identified by self-reporting as disabled, neurodiverse or chronically ill are eligible to become members of the association. Allies are current or retired faculty and staff of the university who are supportive of the mission of Disability+ FSA. The president of the university and their designated vice president shall be ex-officio members of the Disability+ FSA.

Section 1:

The officers of the Disability+ FSA shall consist of a faculty co-chair and a staff co-chair. Officers must be full-time faculty or staff members of Towson University in accordance with Article IV: Membership. 

Section 2: Co-chairs duties 

• will coordinate general meetings and formulate the agenda
• shall co-sign all official documents
• will be responsible for the distribution of all official documents, including an annual progress report
• will take the lead in planning programs and activities consistent with the mission of the Disability+FSA
• will oversee Disability+FSA membership list and resource account

Section 3: Elections

Elections will be held every two (2) years and those elected will serve for a period of two (2) years. No one may serve for more than two (2) consecutive terms unless the association does not receive nominations and/or acceptance of nominations. 

Section 4: Nominations

Nominations for the officer positions can be made by any member including self-nominations. Elections may take place at a Disability+ meeting or be conducted electronically. The nomination process will open one month prior to the end of the term of office of the Disability+ FSA current officers. A one-week period will be allowed for the nomination process and another week for the acceptance of the nomination and the election will be administered by the University DEI Specialist or designee. 

Section 5: Removal or Replacement

Any conduct or action by an officer that is deemed unprofessional or damaging to the Disability+ FSA may be considered for removal. If there is an officer resignation or removal before the completion of their term, the DEI specialist or designee shall appoint a replacement to serve until the next membership meeting. At that next meeting, elections will be held or announced allowing active members to vote for a new officer. 

Section 1: Co-chair Meetings

Co-chairs of the Disability+ FSA shall meet on a monthly basis. Upon unanimous consent of the co-chairs, meetings can be canceled and rescheduled.

Section 2: General Membership Meetings

The general membership meetings are open meetings for all members and allies. Co-chairs of the Disability+ FSA will schedule regular general meetings and formulate meeting agendas with input from membership. A general meeting shall be held at least once during fall semester and once during spring semester. All general membership meetings shall follow Roberts Rules of Order. 

Section 3: Special Meetings

Co-chairs may call a special meeting when the business of the Disability+ FSA warrants the same.

Section 1:

Co-chairs shall strive for consensus in their decision making process, decisions will be made by a simple majority vote on funding request submitted by an external group and funding proposals submitted by Disability+ FSA.

Section 2:

The election process as prescribed in Article 5 will be adopted for the ballot-voting process for officers. 

Section 1: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Disability+ FSA shall run from July 1 to June 30 of each year.

Section 2: Amendments

Any member can propose amendments to alter or repeal these bylaws. Adoption of proposed changes to the Disability+ FSA bylaws must be approved by a majority of the current Disability+ FSA membership. Votes may take place during Disability+ FSA meetings or may be conducted electronically.