Nebraska Distance Learning Association

Constitution

Section 1. Name: The name of this organization is the Nebraska Distance Learning Association.

Section 2. Affiliation: The Nebraska Distance Learning Association is a chapter of the United States Distance Learning Association with all rights pertaining thereto.

Section 1: Organizational Purposes. The Nebraska Distance Learning Association is a non-profit association formed to promote the development and application of distance learning for all citizens of the State of Nebraska.

Section 2: Mission. The mission of the Association is set forth in the areas of:

Leadership:	The Association shall provide state leadership in distance learning.
Advocacy:	The Association shall advocate and promote the use of distance learning.
Information:	The Association shall strive to be the first and best source of information on statewide distance learning.
Policy:	The Association shall serve as the representative of distance learning before government policy and regulatory bodies.
Recognition:	The Association shall provide recognition of the outstanding achievements in statewide distance learning through an annual awards program.
Publications:	The Association shall provide information and case studies of successful distance learning programs and grant information through an official newsletter and other publications.
Partnerships:	The Association shall serve as a catalyst for the formation of partnerships between education and business.

Section 1. Qualifications for Membership. Individual and institutional members of all educational institutions and businesses or organizations involved in distance education may obtain membership in this Association by the payment of dues as set forth in the Bylaws.

Section 2. Categories. Membership categories shall include Corporate which includes three individual memberships and one voting right; Educational Consortium, non-profit groups, ESU's, which includes three individual memberships and one voting right; University, state and community colleges, and private colleges, which includes three individual memberships and one voting right; and Individual, which includes one vote.

Section 1. Function and Authority. The affairs of this Association shall be managed by the Board of Directors which shall also be the governing body of the Association with power to formulate policies of the Association consistent with its purposes and subject to any specific directions of the membership as adopted at any duly held membership meeting. The Board of Directors shall have authority to conduct all business pertaining to the Association between official meetings of the membership. The Board of Directors shall be the custodian of the property of the Nebraska Distance Learning Association and shall assume responsibility for the management of its finances. The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Secretary to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The duties of such Executive Secretary shall be as determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Nomination, Election and Tenure. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, President Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, the immediate Past President, five (5) representative members elected at-large, and such non-voting ex officio members as may be set forth in the Bylaws. The Directors shall be nominated, elected, and shall serve for such terms in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws pertaining thereto.

Section 1. Designation. The Officers of this Association shall consist of a President, Past President, President Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. Nominations, elections, duties and terms shall be as set forth in the Bylaws.

Section 2. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is responsible for the execution of the policy decisions of the board and overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Association. The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, President Elect, Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section 1. Designation. There shall be nine Standing Committees of this association to be designated as Publication, Legislation, Membership, Conference, Nominations and Election, Professional Growth, Awards, Finance and Public Relations Committee. Such committees shall be formed as needed, and the duties of such committees shall be set forth in the Bylaws.

Section 2. Other Committees. The Board of Directors may create other Standing and Special or Ad Hoc Committees in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Bylaws.

Section 1. Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall meet at least four times annually in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws.

Section 2. Membership Meetings. There shall be at least one regular meeting of membership during each year. Such regular meeting(s) and any special meetings shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws.

Section 1. Designation. The fiscal year of the Nebraska Distance Learning Association shall be January 1 through December 31 July 1 through June 30.

Section 1. Amendment Initiation. Proposed amendments may be initiated by the Board of Directors, Standing, Special, or Ad Hoc Committees appointed by the Board of Directors for the purposes of recommending or proposing amendments to the Constitution or by petition of five percent (5%) of the membership of the Association.

Section 1. Membership Vote. This Constitution shall become effective and ratified by a majority of the vote of the Nebraska Distance Learning Association.

Section 1. Dissolution. Should said organization (Nebraska Distance Learning Association) dissolve for whatever reason, all assets shall be distributed to like organizations qualifying as tax exempt.

Formally adopted by a vote of the members on the 14th day of June, 2000.