Graduate Student Network (GSN)

Association for the Study of Higher Education

Entity Bylaws 

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Graduate Student Network (GSN) of the Association for the Study of Higher Education.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purposes of the Graduate Student Network shall be to:

1. Create a community of graduate student members.

2. Create forums for discussion and resources for graduate student members.

3. Create relationships with other entity groups to consider connections between their purposes and graduate students.

These Bylaws or their amendments may not be in conflict with the bylaws or policies of the Association for the Study of Higher Education or the laws applicable to the Association. The leadership of this entity group will understand and adhere to the policies of the Association, including, but not limited to the Inclusion, Equity, and Organizational Diversity Policy; Conflict of Interest Policy; and Ethics Policies. 

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Criteria. Membership in the Graduate Student Network shall consist of members in good standing of the Association who are graduate students.

Section 2. Voting. All graduate student members will be voting members.

ARTICLE IV: FINANCES

Section 1. Budget. A proposed budget based on projected activities and funds will be presented annually to the Executive Director. Budgets operating in a deficit will require approval by the Board of Directors during the normal budget process.

Section 2. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the entity shall be the same as the Association.

Section 3. Management of funds.  All funds will be managed by the Association in a separate account from general operating expenses and must maintain a net positive balance. Regular reports of these funds will be provided by the ASHE Executive Director.

Section 4. Fundraising. The entity may fundraise for event sponsorship and/or grants, consistent with the ASHE Advancement and Fundraising Policies and only with prior approval from the Executive Director.

Section 5. Contracts. The ASHE Executive Director is the only individual able to enter into contracts on behalf of the Association, including this entity.

ARTICLE V: LEADERSHIP

Section 1: Leadership Committee. The Leadership Committee will consist of officers and appointed committee chairs. The Leadership Committee is charged with governance and strategic leadership. The Leadership Committee shall meet at the call of the Chair or at the written request of a majority of the members of the Council or Leadership Committee.

Section 2: Officers. Elected entity officers will include:

1. A Chair to coordinate the activities of the Graduate Student Network, lead meetings of the Leadership Committee and the membership, and appoint committee chairs. The Chair will serve a one-year term as Chair.

2. A Vice Chair to assume the responsibilities of the Chair when necessary and to shadow the Chair in their responsibilities. The Vice Chair will serve a one-year term as Vice Chair and assume the role of Chair at the end of this one-year term.

3. For 2026 and 2027, the persons previously appointed Vice Chair and Chair will serve. The first election will be for the 2027 Vice Chair/2028 Chair.

Section 3. Committees. Committee Co-Chairs will be appointed by the Graduate Student Network Chair, in collaboration with the Leadership Committee, to serve a two-year term. 

1. Professional Development Committee. The committee shall be chaired by two members who will serve two-year staggered terms.

2. Web & Social MediaCommittee. The committee shall be chaired by two members who will serve two-year staggered terms.

3. Social & Networking Committee. The committee shall be chaired by two members who will serve two-year staggered terms.

4. Nominations Committee. The nominations committee is responsible for an annual Leadership Committee assessment to determine the leadership needs of the council, solicitation of nominations, and creation of the slate of candidates. The activities of the committee will be consistent with ASHE Nominations and Elections Policies and Procedures.

5. Ad Hoc Committees. Ad Hoc committees may be established by the Chair of the Network to carry out particular tasks as described in a charge from the Chair. The Chair shall designate the term of the ad hoc committee which shall not exceed the Chair's term of office. Members of ad hoc committees shall be appointed by the Chair of the Network.

Section 3: Selection & Vacancies

1. Officer Nominations & Elections. Nominations for officer positions shall occur annually and will be consistent with ASHE Nominations and Elections Policies and Procedures.

2. Committee Chair Nominations & Selection. An open call for nominations/application for chair positions will occur annually. The Graduate Student Network Chair will review nominations/applications and make appointments in collaboration with the Leadership Committee.

3. Vacancies. In the event the officer, chair, or members cannot complete their term, the Leadership Committee may appoint a member of the Graduate Student Network to fill the unexpired term.

ARTICLE VI: MEETINGS

Section 1: Date. At least one regular, open meeting of the entity will be held each year and shall be known as the Business Meeting. The meeting may be held on a date and at a place corresponding with the Association conference.

Section 2. Quorum. The attendees at the Business Meeting shall constitute a quorum for the purposes of conducting business.

Section 3: Agenda. Any member will be entitled to bring before the Business Meeting any item of business appropriate to the functioning and/or jurisdiction of the Council. Notification of such intent must be made to the Chair at least 21 days prior to the Business Meeting.

Section 4. Special Meetings. Special meetings shall be called at the discretion of the Chair. Written notices of such meetings shall be sent out by the Secretary.

ARTICLE VII: RULES OF ORDER

In all cases to which they apply and do not conflict with the provisions of these Procedures, Robert's Rules of Order (current edition) shall govern meetings of the Council.

ARTICLE VIII: BY-LAW AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Process.

1. Proposed amendments shall be presented to the Chair in writing.

2. Proposed amendments must be reviewed and approved by the ASHE Executive Director and ASHE Legal Counsel prior to appearing on an agenda or ballot to ensure alignment with existing policies.

3. The Leadership Committee shall vote on the proposed amendment and decide whether or not to recommend it to the membership or to not consider it.

4. If it is recommended, it should be presented to the membership through an electronic ballot or at the next membership meeting.

5. Amendments approved by the membership must also be approved by the ASHE Assembly and the ASHE Board of Directors.