​ARTICLE I – NAME

 

The name of this organization shall be “Texas Association of College and University Police Administrators” or TACUPA.

 

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

 

The purposes of the Texas Association of College and University Police Administrators (Association) are:

 

1. To promote the highest professional standards and best practices in leadership, management, and administration of campus and university law enforcement agencies.

2. To foster utilization of these best practices to provide a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors to college and university campuses.

3. To encourage partnerships, collaboration and communication between college and university law enforcement agencies and with other law enforcement agencies and police officials throughout Texas and the nation.

4. To maintain awareness of legislation, regulations, licensing, data, trends, intelligence, social issues, community expectations, and other influences that could impact campus and university law enforcement and security.

5. To educate policy and law-making bodies on the concerns, needs, and interests of college and university law enforcement.

6. To conduct an Annual Meeting and Conference of the Association.

 

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1.   Institutional and System Eligibility

 

1. Any public, private or independent institution of higher education as defined in Section 61.003 of the Texas Education Code.

2. Any university system as defined in Section 61.003 of the Texas Education Code.

3. Institutions or university systems shall not be eligible for membership when their primary police and security services are performed or provided by a private security company or corporation that is employed by the institution under any type of contract or agreement.

4. All institutions as defined above, even though they are a branch of an eligible parent or system institution.

5. Memberships must be approved by the Membership and Nominations Committee.

 

Section 2.   Types of Memberships

 

1. Professional Member – The director of a member university system or an employee of a member institution or university system holding an executive, a managerial, or a supervisory position which is primarily responsible for campus public safety.

   • A Professional Member must be a full-time employee of the educational institution and not compensated by any contract security service or private company.

   • Professional Members may attend meetings and conferences, be appointed to committees, serve as an Officer or on the Board of Directors (Board) of the Association and are eligible to vote.

   • As noted in Article III Section 3 of the Constitution, each eligible institution is entitled to only one vote on any motions, proposals or elections.
      

2. Associate Member – Associate membership is open to any employee of a member institution not holding an executive, managerial, or supervisory position. Former members who are honorably retired may join at this level.

   • An Associate Member may not be compensated by any contract security service or private company.

   • Associate Members may attend meetings and conferences, and be appointed to serve on committees.

   • Associate Members are not eligible to serve on the Board or as an Officer of the Association, and are not eligible to vote.
      

3. Corporate Member – Any company having an office or conducting business in the State of Texas may become a Corporate Member of the Association, after approval of the Membership and Nominations Committee and the Board, and after the payment of appropriate dues.

   • Corporate Members are not eligible to be appointed to committees, serve on the Board or as an Officer of the Association, or vote.

   • Corporate Members have the privilege of attending and contributing to discussions at the Annual Conference after registering for the conference.
      

4. Except for Lifetime Membership, membership levels from previous versions of the Bylaws will no longer be recognized or honored by the Association.

   • Lifetime Membership privileges will be recognized if the Secretary or the Lifetime Member can certify 20 years of paid Association membership as required by the previous version of the Bylaws.

 

Section 3.   Rights and Privileges

 

1. Professional Members in the Association represent their respective institutions.

2. Each represented institution meeting the requirements in Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution is considered an eligible institution.An eligible institution is entitled to one vote per institution by a Professional Member in good standing on motions, proposals and elections presented to the Association membership.

3. A Professional Member who is the Chief Administrative Officer of an eligible institution will be considered the voting member, unless they delegate this privilege to another Professional Member of their institution.

4. During the Annual Conference and any subsequent meetings, the Professional Member voting for an institution shall wear or display on their person a registration name tag identifying them as the voting member of the institution.

 

Section 4.   Annual Dues

 

1. The costs of annual dues for all membership levels will be evaluated each year by the Membership and Nominations Committee.The Committee will make recommendations or provide feedback to the Board regarding membership rates and levels.

2. The Board has the authority to change the annual dues, or may elect to present proposed changes to the Association membership for a vote.

 

ARTICLE IV – ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION

 

Section 1.   Qualifications

 

1. All administrative officers and members of the Board of Directors shall be Professional Members in good standing representing an eligible institution.

2. Committee membership is open to all Professional and Associate Members of an eligible institution in good standing with the Association.

 

Section 2.   Officers

 

1. Officer Titles and Terms

   • The Officers of the Association shall be the President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

   • The term of office for the President, First Vice President and Second Vice President shall be for one (1) year.The term of office for the Secretary and Treasurer shall be for two (2) years.All Officers’ terms of office shall be effective January 1 through December 31 of the year following their election or term in their previous position.
      

2. President

   • Election - The First Vice President shall automatically become the President following his/her year of service as First Vice President.

   • Powers and Duties
      

1. The President shall be the executive officer of the Association.

2. The President shall be a member of and President of the Board of Directors.

3. The President shall preside at the meetings of the Association and at all meetings of the Board.

4. The President shall have authority to appoint all committees of the Association not otherwise provided for.

5. The President shall have the authority to change the Board liaisons to the various committees.

6. The President may recognize any member of the Association for their service to TACUPA and the profession.

7. The President shall be responsible for the general supervision and direction of the affairs of the Association.

8. It shall be the duty of the President to appoint replacements for officers and positions vacated prior to the expiration of the elected term, with such replacements completing the unexpired term.

9. The President shall not dispense any Association funds over $500.00 without the advance approval of a majority of the Board of Directors.

10. The President shall be the Board liaison to the Government Relations Committee.
     

1. First Vice President

   • Election - The Second Vice President shall automatically become the First Vice President following his/her year of service as Second Vice President.

   • Powers and Duties

     1. The First Vice President shall occupy the office and assume the function of the President in the absence of the President.

     2. The First Vice President shall perform a review of the Treasurer’s work at least once a year and present the results to the Board and the Association membership at the Annual Conference.

     3. The First Vice President shall be the Board liaison to the Conference Committee.
         

2. Second Vice President

   • Election – The Second Vice President shall be elected by the Professional Members of the Association via electronic ballot.

   • Powers and Duties

     1. The Second Vice President shall occupy the office and assume the function of the First Vice President in the absence of the First Vice President.

     2. The Second Vice President shall be the Board liaison to the Membership and Nominations Committee for matters related to Association membership.
         

3. Treasurer

   • Election – The Treasurer shall be elected by the Professional Members of the Association via electronic ballot.

   • Powers and Duties

     1. The Treasurer shall receive applications for membership.The Treasurer will forward all applications to the Membership and Nominations Chair to be reviewed and approved by that committee.

     2. The Treasurer shall collect all dues and other monies owed to the Association.

     3. The Treasurer shall dispense all funds in accordance with the budget approved by the Board at the Annual Meeting.

     4. The Treasurer shall prepare an annual financial report of the Association.This report shall be presented to the Board and to the membership at the Annual Conference.

     5. The Treasurer shall insure that a financial review is performed annually by the First Vice President at least two (2) weeks prior to the Annual Conference.

     6. The Treasurer shall conduct all financial business for the Association’s Fiscal Year, January 1 through December 31.
         

4. Secretary

   • Election – The Secretary shall be elected by the Professional Members of the Association via electronic ballot.

   • Powers and Duties

     1. The Secretary shall provide notice to all members regarding the Annual meeting and conference, and any meetings directed to the membership.Information will also be posted on the Association website.

     2. The Secretary will also post the dates and times of Board meetings on the website.

     3. The Secretary shall keep a record of the minutes of the annual meeting or any other meeting directed to the Association membership.

     4. The Secretary shall be responsible for the records of the Association and for conducting correspondence for the Association under the direction of the President and the Bylaws.

     5. The Secretary will receive membership approval decisions from the Membership and Nominations Committee and will send the appropriate communication and Association information (if applicable) to the applicant.

 

Section 3. Board of Directors

 

1. The Board of Directors of the Association shall be comprised of the following:

   • The President, First and Second Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, and two Members-at-Large.The immediate past President will also serve as a Board member for one (1) year.

   • The President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, and Secretary of the Association shall also serve as President, First Vice President, Second Vice President and Secretary of the Board of Directors.

   • The Members-at-Large shall be Professional Members in good standing with the Association.

   • The two Members-at-Large shall be elected by the Professional Members via electronic ballot and will serve for a two (2) year term.The terms shall run alternately with one member serving as the First Year Member and the other as the Second Year Member.

   • The term of office for all members of the Board of Directors shall be effective January 1 through December 31 following the year they are elected or assume office, with the Members-at-Large serving for two calendar years.

   • The Second Year Board member shall be the Board liaison to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee.

   • The First Year Board member shall be the Board liaison to the Membership and Nominations Committee for matters related to the Association scholarships and awards.
      

2. Powers and Duties

   • The Board of Directors shall rule on questions of policy, which arise between annual meetings.

   • The Board of Directors shall approve any proposed Constitution and Bylaw changes before they are sent to the membership for a vote.

   • The Board of Directors shall approve any recommendations made by the Government Relations Committee before any government or political actions are taken on behalf of the Association.

   • The Board of Directors shall approve the President’s expenditures from the treasury during the interim between the annual meetings, and shall hold the President accountable for such expenditures being made in the prudent interest of the Association.

   • The Board of Directors shall take action on the recommendations made by the Membership and Nominations Committee regarding membership levels and rates, and annual awards and scholarships.

   • The Board of Directors shall approve the dates for the Annual Conference and meeting of the Association, unless the date was approved by the membership attending the previous Annual Meeting.The Board will also set the registration rate for members and vendors.

   • The Board of Directors shall review and approve the venue and speaker contracts, and approve all other major expenditures related to the Conference.

   • The Board of Directors shall have the authority to appoint Special Committees from its membership for the purpose of expediting work or addressing special needs of the Association or its membership.The Special Committees may be voted authority by a majority of the Board of Directors to act for the Board as a whole, and shall report to the Board.

   • The Board of Directors shall take action on any other recommendations made by the Standing and Special Committees.

   • At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a simple majority shall constitute a quorum.Each member of the Board is entitled to one vote.Proxy voting will not be permitted.

 

Section 4.   Election of Officers and Board Members

 

1. Elections of Association Officers and members of the Board of Directors will be made by electronic ballot and will follow membership rights and privileges as outlined in Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution.

2. Per Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution, an eligible institution is entitled to one vote per institution by a Professional Member in good standing.

3. Elections will be determined by a simple majority of the Professional Members that cast a vote.Only ballots cast by the communicated deadline will be counted.

 

ARTICLE V – STANDING COMMITTEES

 

Section 1.   Standing Committees

 

1. Constitution and Bylaws Committee

   • The Constitution and Bylaws Committee is responsible for maintaining the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association and keeping them current and/or amended to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Association.

   • This Committee will receive direction from the Board of Directors to review the Constitution or Bylaws or any section requiring review, and draft and provide to the Board proposed recommendations for any changes and/or amendments to the Constitution.

   • The Board liaison to this Committee is the Second Year Board Member.
      

2. Membership and Nominations Committee

   • The Membership and Nominations Committee is responsible for developing new and innovative ways to attract new members as well as retain current membership, seeking out and identifying Association members who are willing to serve on the Board and various Committees, and will manage the elections for the Board and Officer positions.

   • The Committee shall make recommendations or provide feedback to the Board regarding membership rates and levels.

   • The Committee will receive all membership applications from the Treasurer, review the applications for eligibility, and determine approval of the applications.The Committee’s decision will be forwarded to the Board.The Secretary will provide notification to the applicant.

   • The Committee will make recommendations to the Board regarding what annual awards and scholarships should be offered and presented each year. These awards and scholarships will only be available to employees of member institutions.

   • The Committee will review all scholarship and award applications and make selection recommendations to the Board.Upon approval from the Board, the Committee will be responsible for securing the awards and any scholarship presentations.

   • The Board liaison for membership matters is the Second Vice President.The Board liaison for scholarship and award matters is the First Year Board Member.
      

3. Conference Committee

   • The Conference Committee shall organize and conduct an Annual Conference each year.

   • The Committee is responsible for soliciting member departments to host the Annual Conference.

   • This Committee will manage most aspects of the Annual Conference to include:

     1. Identifying the host agency or agencies,

     2. Identifying a venue for the Conference,

     3. Negotiating the lodging/meeting/food and beverage terms of the contract with the hotel,

     4. Developing a Conference schedule,

     5. Identifying and scheduling Conference presenters,

     6. Making travel and lodging arrangements for the presenters,

     7. Recruiting vendors for the Conference, and

     8. Making arrangements for vendor displays and presentations (if their level of sponsorship is awarded conference time).

   • The Committee will make recommendations regarding the registration rates for members and vendors.

   • The Board must provide final approval of any venue and speaker contracts.

   • The Treasurer will also work closely with this Committee regarding venue, presenter and Conference fees.

   • The Board liaison for this Committee is the First Vice President.
      

4. Governmental Relations Committee

   • The Governmental Relations Committee is responsible for keeping the Association membership apprised of any legislation or regulations that might impact member agencies or their college or university as it pertains to safety, security and administrative or regulatory responsibilities or mandates.

   • This Committee is also charged with assisting the Association and its members in obtaining passage of legislation that is beneficial to our agencies.

   • The Board liaison to this Committee is the President.
      

5. Powers and Duties

   • Each standing committee will have a Chair appointed by the President.A Co-Chair and committee members will be appointed by the President as participation permits.

   • Each committee will have a Board liaison appointed as identified in the Bylaws or by the President.The Board liaison will be a member of the Committee during the tenure of their Board position.

   • The committees may be voted authority by a majority of the Board of Directors to act for the Board as a whole, and shall report to the Board.

   • Absent this authority or the authority provided by the Association Bylaws, they will report to and seek approval from the Board before taking any actions and work under the Board’s direction.

 

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS

 

Section 1.   Annual Conference and Meeting

 

1. A meeting of the membership of the Association shall be held at least annually.

2. The Board of Directors will conduct their Annual Meeting prior to or during the Annual Conference.The Association will conduct a business meeting during the Annual Conference, which may satisfy the annual requirement listed above.

 

Section 2.   Quorum

 

1. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the Professional Members present at the Annual Meeting or any other official Association meeting.

2. In the event any official business of the Association is conducted at the Annual Meeting, all requirements within Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution will apply.

 

Section 3.   Representation at Meetings

 

Each eligible institution may be represented at the Annual Meeting or other official Association meeting as provided in Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution.

 

Section 4.   Procedure for Annual Meeting

 

1. The following business will be conducted at the Annual Meeting:

   • Reading and approval of the minutes of the previous Annual Meeting

   • Reading and approval of the Treasurer’s Report

   • Presentation and approval of the Treasury review report by the First Vice President

   • Reports from the Officers, Board of Directors and Committees

   • Reports from any Special Committees

   • Unfinished business

   • New business

   • Adjournment

 

ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS OR CHANGES TO THE CONSTITUTION OR BYLAWS

 

Section 1.   Amendments or Changes to the Constitution and Bylaws

 

1. The Association may, by electronic ballot, adopt or amend the Constitution or Bylaws not consistent with the provisions of this Constitution and in accordance with provisions of Article VII of the Constitution.

2. Any proposed changes to the articles, sections, or paragraphs of the Constitution and Bylaws shall be submitted to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee for review and consideration.This Committee will present recommendations for changes to the Board.If approved by the Board, the Secretary will distribute the proposed changes to the Professional Members by email for comments and/or a vote.

3. Any and all articles, sections, or paragraphs of the Constitution and Bylaws may be repealed, changed or amended via electronic ballot by a simple majority of Professional Members that cast a ballot.Per Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution, an eligible institution is entitled to one vote per institution by a Professional Member in good standing. Only ballots cast by the communicated deadline will be counted.

4. All requirements within Article III, Section 3 of the Constitution apply.
    

Section 2.   Temporary Legislation

 

Temporary changes or amendments may be proposed by the Board through resolutions not inconsistent with the Constitution or Bylaws, and will be effective only for the time specified in the resolution.

 

Section 3.   Notice of Changes and Amendments

 

1. Notice of all proposed temporary legislation and changes and amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws which have been made in accordance with the provisions of Article VII, Sections 1 and 2, shall be sent via email from the Secretary to all Association members.

2. Changes and amendments will also be posted in the Constitution and Bylaws section of the Association website.

 

 

Revisions: 12/89, 12/95, 12/97, 12/08, 12/10, 9/18