AVSA
Constitution
Section 1: Objective
The Australasian Victorian Studies Association (The Association) is an unincorporated association
organised to promote the activities and research of scholars in Victorian and global nineteenth-century
studies.
Section 2: Membership
Membership is open to all those who are interested in the study of Victorian and global nineteenth-century studies.
Each member is required to pay annual dues. The amount of these dues is set or reviewed by the Executive Committee and approved by the members of The Association present at a duly called
meeting.
Life membership may be given to members who in the opinion of the Executive have made a substantial contribution to the welfare and success of The Association.
Section 3: EXECUTIVE Officers
The Executive Officers comprise the President (Chair), Secretary, and Treasurer of the Association.
Executive Officers will be elected annually by a majority of those present at a duly called meeting of The Association.
Members may make nominations from the floor.
Should a President die or resign,
the Secretary or Treasurer will serve as Acting President until a President is elected.
Section 4: The Executive Committee
The Executive Committee will be composed of the following: the President, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and two members elected by the membership. At least one Executive member should be
from New Zealand, who will normally act as the New Zealand Treasurer.
Regional and discipline representatives may be nominated and will be elected annually by a majority of those present at a duly called meeting of the Association. Members may make nominations from
the floor. The regional and discipline representatives will assist in the dissemination of information in
their respective areas.
The Executive Committee may co-opt such additional members from time to time as it thinks fit.
The Executive Committee will be responsible for the daily affairs of The Association, and a quorum of the Committee will be 50% plus one of the Committee members present in person or in direct communication through the electronic media. The Executive Committee will reach decisions, when
necessary, by a majority vote of those present or in electronic communication within a 48-hour period.
The President of The Association will serve as Chair of the Executive Committee and shall call meetings of the Committee or arrange electronic communication on their initiative and at the request
of two Committee members.
Section 5: Meetings
Normally, The Association will meet formally once each year for an Annual General Meeting, usually in conjunction with an annual conference. Special General Meetings may be called as deemed
necessary for the business of The Association.
To conduct business at a duly called meeting, the quorum will be ten members of the Association present in person. When there is not a quorum, the members will be polled by mailed ballots in any question requiring a vote, including the election of officers.
Section 6: Amendments
By-laws may be amended by a majority vote of those present at any duly called meeting, provided that an explanation of the proposed amendment has been sent to all members of the Association not
less than thirty days before the meeting. The membership list will be available upon request from the Executive Secretary.
Section 7: Non-Profit Principles
The Assets and income of the Association shall be applied solely in furtherance of its stated objects and no portion shall be applied to any other purpose except as bona fide compensation for services rendered or expenses incurred on behalf of the Association.
Upon the winding up of the Association, all income and assets on hand after payment of all liabilities will be transferred to an Institution or Association having similar objects to this Association and which shall also prohibit the distribution of its property to the same extent as the Association and which has been approved as a tax-exempt body under the Income Tax Assessment Act.
Section 8: Publications
Where resources permit, the Association will sponsor the production of peer-reviewed publications.
Where editors are required, they should be appointed by the Executive Committee. Editors thus appointed will be responsible to the Executive Committee.