Constitution of the University of Florida Chapter of the United Faculty of Florida

Preamble
In accordance with Article IV of the Constitution and Article II of the Bylaws of the United Faculty of Florida, we, the members of United Faculty of Florida (UFF) at the University of Florida, have established this Chapter in order to achieve the objectives which are of unique importance for the faculty at the University of Florida.

Article I. Name.
This organization shall be known as the University of Florida Chapter of the United Faculty of Florida (UFF-UF).

Article II. Objectives.
Section I. To bring faculty and professional employees of the University of Florida into a relationship of mutual assistance and cooperation in order to protect the rights and privileges to which they are entitled under the constitutions of the United States and the State of Florida, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement between United Faculty of Florida and the University of Florida Board of Trustees or successor employer.

Section 2. To promote the democratization of the University to better serve the people of the State of Florida.

Section 3. To ensure responsible management of the University and accountability for policies developed and actions taken by University administrators on behalf of the University, faculty and professional employees.

Section 4. To achieve and safeguard due process and academic freedom.

Section 5. To combat all forms of discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, political belief or sexual preference at the University of Florida and in the State University System.

Section 6. To promote academic excellence in research, teaching and service at the University.

Section 7. To assist faculty and professional employees to realize their professional and human potential.

Section 8. To promote economic security and humane working conditions within the University.

Article III. Membership
Section 1. Faculty and professional employees at the University of Florida who are within the bargaining unit shall be eligible for membership in the UFF-UF Chapter. Persons in certain other categories shall be eligible for membership, as provided in the Constitution of the United Faculty of Florida (Article III).

Article IV. Officers and Senators
Section 1. The membership of UFF-UF shall elect annually by open nomination and secret ballot the following officers: President, First Vice-president, four additional Vice-presidents, Secretary and Treasurer. These officers shall conduct the business affairs of the Chapter. No individual may hold more than one office at the same time.

Section 2. The membership shall elect the appropriate number of senators, as determined by the state UFF bylaws, to the UFF Senate.

Article V. Executive Committee
Section 1. The elected officers shall constitute an Executive Committee to advise the President in the operation of the Chapter. The Executive Committee shall confirm the appointment of the Bargaining Team and of the Chairs of the Standing Committees.

Article VI. Chapter Council
Section 1. The Council shall be the chapter’s legislative body. It shall consist of the elected officers, chairs of standing committees, UFF senators, chairs of ad hoc committees and a representative from each department within the bargaining unit.

Section 2. The Council shall interpret and enforce the Constitution, except that the Membership, in a general membership meeting, may overrule any action of the Council.

Section 3. The Council may create ad hoc committees and appoint their members.

Section 4. The Council shall review periodically the Chapter’s goals and may redirect its resources to achieve those goals.

Section 5. The Council shall have regular meetings, as provided in the bylaws, which shall be open for attendance by the membership of the Chapter.

Article VII. Standing Committees
Section 1. There are five standing committees: Collective Bargaining Committee, Grievance Committee, Membership Committee, Nominating Committee, and Government Relations Committee.

Article VIII. Rules of Order, Voting, Constitutional Ratification, and Constitutional Amendments.
Section 1. All Chapter business shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.

Section 2. All decisions of the Chapter shall require a majority of the votes of the members present and voting.

Section 3. Ratification of this Constitution shall be by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a Membership meeting or by a mail ballot. The Constitution shall be made available to the members one month prior to the vote.

Section 4. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a Membership meeting or by a mail ballot. The amendment(s) shall be made available to the members one month prior to the vote.