Constitution

Below is the full constitution of JSA without any alterations:

Article I: Name

The name of the organization is the Japan Studies Association.

Article II: Purpose

This corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and

To create a network of university faculty, administrators and other interested individuals throughout the United States and abroad to share knowledge about and resources on the study of Japan.

This organization shall:

  • advocate on behalf of the infusion and support of Japan Studies at all levels of the educational system across the United States;
  • provide continuing education on Japan Studies for its membership;
  • facilitate and promote collaborative efforts in research and curricular development in Japan Studies;
  • disseminate information on external funding opportunities, resources, programs, research, and curricula in Japan

Article III: Membership and Dues

The membership of the Japan Studies Association shall be comprised of the following:

  • individuals who have expressed an interest in the work of the Association;
  • institutions and associations with an interest in the work of the Association;
  • corporations that want to participate in or support the work of the Association;
  • honorary memberships bestowed by the board. Individual members and one representative from each member institution, association, and corporation shall have full voting privileges.

Dues will be determined by the Board and assessed by the Secretary.

Article IV: Executive Board

  1. The Executive Board shall formulate policy for and direct the Association. It has all the powers necessary for, or incidental to, the performance of these functions.
  2. The Executive Board shall consist of seven members (the four officers and three members at large). Charter members shall appoint the four officers and the representative at large. Thereafter, the officers and the representative at large shall be elected by mail ballot and take office at the end of the annual meeting following their election.
  3. The officers shall consist of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and three members at large. Officers shall serve two-year terms
  4. In case of a vacancy on the Board, the position shall be filled by the remaining members of the Executive Board through a majority vote.

Article V: Duties of Officers

  1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Board and the Associations general membership. The President shall be an ex officio member of all committees appointed by the Executive Board except the Nominating Committee.
  2. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President when the President is absent, chair the program committee, and complete other duties assigned by the President.
  3. The Secretary shall take minutes and record attendance at all Executive Board and Association meetings; keep a current membership list and make it available at all Executive Board and Association meetings; notify members of the time and place of meetings; assess membership dues; and conduct the correspondence of the organization.
  4. The Treasurer shall supervise the safe keeping of the Associations funds; maintain an accurate accounting of revenues and expenditures; present a written financial report at designated Executive Board meetings and each annual meeting. The Treasurer shall prepare and file the annual Not-for-Profit Corporation report with the Office of the Secretary of State or other appropriate office; prepare the Tax Exempt Return form for Not-for-Profit organizations with the Department of Revenue; file the necessary reports with the Federal Internal Revenue Service as needed to maintain a tax-exempt status.

Article VI: Nominations and Elections

  1. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) members of the Association, at least one of whom is not a current Executive Board Member. The Nominating Committee shall be appointed by the President and shall serve until a new Executive Board is elected.
  2. A nominated slate of Executive Board candidates shall be presented to membership at an Annual Meeting. Nominations may be made from the floor at the annual meeting preceding the election of officers by mail ballot.
  3. Elections shall be by secret mail ballot when there are more nominees than positions. Those receiving the greatest number of votes shall be elected.
  4. Installation of Executive Board Members shall be held at the Annual Meeting following the election.
  5. Only members in good standing in the Association have the right to vote.

Article VII: Meetings

  1. The Executive Board shall meet (or have a conference call) a minimum of two (2) times per year.
  2. here shall be an annual meeting with the full membership invited to attend. The agenda shall include all reports from officers and committees as well as the election and installation of the new Executive Board.
  3. Special Executive Board meetings may be called at the request of three (3) Executive Board members. Each Executive Board member shall be notified at least five (5) days prior to such a meeting.
  4. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the voting members of the Executive Board.

Article VIII: Parliamentary Authority

A current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by the By-Laws of the Association.

Article IX: Dissolution

In the event of the dissolution of the Japan Studies Association, the assets shall be distributed to other non-profit organization(s) in accordance with governmental regulations and as determined by the membership of the Association at a special meeting

Article X: Change of By-Laws

The By-Laws may be amended at any Association annual meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting, provided that notice of such proposed amendment has been sent to each Association member at least a month prior to the meeting.