Bylaws of Minnesota AHEAD

MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND DISABILITY (MN AHEAD) BYLAWS

MISSION

 
The Minnesota Association of Higher Education and Disability is an organization of professionals committed to full participation in higher education for persons with disabilities. The organization is dedicated to serving as a resource in promoting excellence through networking among professionals, dissemination of information, and providing or promoting professional development opportunities.

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Minnesota Association on Higher Education and Disability (MN AHEAD). MN AHEAD is a not-for-profit organization in Minnesota.

ARTICLE II: STRUCTURE

The Minnesota Association on Higher Education and Disability (hereafter referred to as the Association) was created as a volunteer professional organization directed by a volunteer Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will be composed of elected Board members whose responsibility will be to carry out the mission of the Association through policy formation, the execution of fiduciary responsibility, and maintenance and growth of the organization.

ARTICLE III: PURPOSE

SECTION 1. PURPOSE: The purpose of the Association shall be to serve as an organization providing education and professional development, and to:

  1. Serve as a source of expertise for information on disability, disability awareness, disability rights, and any other information as it relates to higher education by:
    1. Providing networking opportunities to members, such as listservs, meetings, and conferences
    2. Delivering training via meetings, workshops, and conferences 
  2. Provide vehicles to strengthen the professionalism, expertise, and competency of those working in higher education with students with disabilities through:
    1. Encouraging the development and expansion of a communications network primarily for those persons professionally involved in programs and services for students with disabilities
    2. Providing members with opportunities for training to educate institutional stakeholders and the public in the areas of disability, disability rights and awareness
  3. Promote the equal rights and opportunities of college and university students with disabilities
 
SECTION 2. EQUITY: The Association is committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and access in higher education and within our professional community. We celebrate diversity and the multiplicity of perspectives and worldviews, recognizing that these enhance our collective expertise and strengthen our mission. We strive to create a welcoming environment where all individuals are valued, respected, and supported.
 
The Association prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, gender, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. By promoting equitable opportunities, encouraging professional development, and advancing awareness of disability rights, we empower our members to advocate for and support the equal rights and opportunities of all students in higher education.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION: Membership shall be open and available to any interested person who supports the Association's mission and who is committed to the full participation in higher education by persons with disabilities.
 
SECTION 2. DUES: The membership and dues year shall be January 1 through December 31.
 
SECTION 3. NATIONAL AHEAD: It is recommended that Advisory Board members also hold membership in the National Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), though this is not a requirement. 

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS

SECTION 1. FREQUENCY: Meetings of the Advisory Board occur monthly.
 
  1. A quorum of the Board, for conducting business, will be constituted by a majority.
  2. Input of the Board, including actions requiring a vote, may be solicited by email.
SECTION 2. BOARD AND MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS: The Advisory Board will meet monthly. Advisory Board meetings are not typically open to membership. The Advisory Board will host monthly membership meetings, which are open to all membership. 
 
SECTION 3. BUSINESS MEETINGS: An update of the Association's business will take place at each annual conference to report financial and other information to the membership.
 
  1. A quorum at such meetings will be represented by those in attendance.
  2. Decisions on any votes taken during this meeting will be represented by a majority.

ARTICLE VI: EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY

SECTION I. ROLE OF THE ADVISORY BOARD: The executive authority of the Association shall be vested in the Advisory Board, which shall be comprised of elected Board members empowered to all things permitted by law and to exercise all authority within the purposes stated in the by-laws.
 
SECTION 2. BOARD POSITIONS: The board positions of the Association shall be the President and President-Elect, National Affiliate, Treasurer, Secretary, and Equity Advocate. 
 
President and President-Elect: shall call and preside at meetings of the Advisory Board and oversee the Board and organization proceedings.
 
National Affiliate (Outgoing President): shall provide historical knowledge and guidance to the Board, and the presiding President. 
 
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall serve as the fiscal officer of the Association and shall be responsible for the fiscal planning, management reporting of its financial records and policies, and maintenance of the membership roster. The Treasurer will monitor the financial status of the Association by reviewing income and expense reports. The Treasurer will process membership applications, monitor payment of annual dues by members and maintain a mailing list of members who pay dues. The Treasurer shall serve as ex-officio member of any committee where financial oversight and consultation are appropriate.
 
Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for recording and distributing the meeting minutes of the Advisory Board. The Secretary shall also be responsible for the following: scheduling monthly membership meetings, adding new members to the state listserv, and updating the membership email distribution group. 
 
Equity Advocate: The Equity Advocate shall consult with board members on issues/questions related to equity, inclusion, and diversity. This position will take a lead role in coordinating sessions and projects that focus on diverse perspectives and experiences.
 
SECTION 3. BOARD ELIGIBILITY: Any member in good standing of the Association may express a willingness to serve on the Advisory Board. Board members shall be elected from existing members of the Association.
 
SECTION 4. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT: Advisory Board members shall be and must remain active, voting members of MN AHEAD. It is also recommended that Advisory Board members shall be and must remain active, voting members of AHEAD, though this is not a requirement (with the exception of the National Affiliate).
 
  1. National Affiliate Requirement: The National Affiliate for the Advisory Board must remain active with AHEAD National membership. The National Affiliate must attend two affiliate meetings a year and disseminate information from AHEAD to their Advisory Board and state membership, where applicable.
SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE: Board members will serve the following terms:
  1. President, President-Elect, and National Affiliate (outgoing President): 3 years
  2. Treasurer, Secretary and Equity Advocate: 2 years 
 
SECTION 6. RESIGNATION: Any Advisory Board member may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Association President. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified therein, or, if no time is specified, at the time of acceptance by the Advisory Board.
 
SECTION 7. APPOINTMENTS: In the event of an unexpected vacancy, the Advisory Board shall solicit and appoint a replacement.
 
SECTION 8. INVOLVEMENT: Attendance at meetings by Board members is expected; notice of need to be absent shall be submitted to the President.
 
SECTION 9. COMPENSATION: No member of the Advisory Board shall serve for compensation but may be reimbursed for actual, reasonable expenses incurred on official Association business.

ARTICLE VII: FINANCE

SECTION 1. RESPONSIBILITY: The Advisory Board shall be responsible for maintaining the fiscal integrity of the Association. The Treasurer shall serve as the financial officer of the Association.
 
SECTION 2. REVENUE: Income shall be derived from sources consistent with the purpose and mission of the Association.
SECTION 3. FISCAL YEAR: The fiscal year shall be January 1 - December 31.
 
SECTION 4. AUDITS: The financial systems of the Association shall be audited annually and reported to the Advisory Board.
 
SECTION 5. MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES: The Advisory Board shall review the membership categories and dues periodically, but at least every five (5) years.
 
SECTION 6. FEES: Conference registration fees and all other conference fees shall be established by the Advisory Board.
 
SECTION 7. ROLE OF TREASURER: The Treasurer shall provide oversight into the fiscal affairs of the Association.

ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT: The Advisory Board, at the direction of the President, shall establish, maintain, and dissolve committees as may be needed to conduct its business and activities. 
 
SECTION 2. SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Special committees will be specifically charged and dismissed upon task completion.

ARTICLE IX: CONFLICT OF INTEREST

SECTION 1. DEFINITION: No Board member shall deliberately use their position, or the knowledge gained there from, in such a manner that a conflict between the interest of the Association or any of its affiliates and their personal interest arises.

ARTICLE X: REMOVAL

SECTION 1. REMOVAL: Advisory Board members may be removed by a two-thirds majority of voting membership. Direct cause for removal must be provided by membership to the President via email.
 
SECTION 2. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS: Advisory Board members may be removed by a majority vote of the Advisory Board. A quorum of the Advisory Board, for this vote, will be constituted by a majority of Board members.

ARTICLE XI: AUTHORITY

SECTION 1. BYLAWS: The Bylaws shall be the sole authority for the Association and shall supersede all other governing documents.

ARTICLE XII: DISSOLUTION

In the event that MN AHEAD is dissolved, assets remaining after all debts are paid will be put into an endowment from which scholarships will be funded for students with disabilities. The MN AHEAD Board will appoint trustees to administer these scholarships. 
Updated March 2025