SFN Chapter Bylaws

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this chapter shall be the Society for Neuroscience Winnipeg Chapter.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Winnipeg Chapter shall be to promote at the local level the general objectives of the Society for Neuroscience. These are “(a) to advance the understanding of nervous systems… by bringing together scientists of various backgrounds and by facilitating the integration of research directed at all levels of biological organization: (b) to promote education in the neurosciences; and (c) to inform the general public on the results and implications of current research in this area.”

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Members. The Winnipeg Chapter of the Society of Neuroscience shall consist of three classes of member: Regular, Associate and Student.

Section 2. Regular Members. Any scientific worker residing in Manitoba or the surrounding area who has an interest in research relating to the neurosciences is eligible for Regular Membership. The Executive and Council members shall have responsibility for approval of all applications for Regular Membership.

Section 3. Associate Members. Any scientific worker residing in Manitoba or the surrounding are who has an interest in research relating to the neurosciences is eligible and is NOT a faculty or industry primary research supervisor is eligible for Associate Membership. Associate Membership may be available for reduced annual rates, relative to Regular Membership. The Executive and Council members shall have responsibility for approval of all applications for Regular Membership.

Section 4. Student Members. Student Membership in the Chapter is open to any person enrolled in undergraduate or graduate training in the neurosciences or related fields.

Section 5. Dues and Assessments. The Executive and Council members shall set annual dues and special assessments to the Regular and Student Members according to the needs of the Chapter. The membership year shall be the calendar year, and dues shall be payable in advance.

ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS

Section 1. Annual Meeting. The Chapter membership shall meet annually at a place and time designated by the Executive and Council members. Special meetings of the membership may be called as well.

Section 2. Notice of Meetings. The President of the Chapter shall give notice of annual meetings and special meetings to the membership by mailing to each Regular and Student Member, stating the place and time of the meeting and the purpose for which the meeting is called.

Section 3. Quorum. A quorum for transaction of business shall be not less than ten Members or twenty-five percent of the membership, whichever is larger, at business meetings of the Chapter.

Section 4. Voting and Representation. Each Regular, Associate and Student Member who is present shall be entitled to one vote at all meetings of the membership of the Society.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS

Section 1. The Officers of the Chapter. The officers will consist of (1) a President, (2) a Secretary, and (3) a Treasurer. The above named individuals will make up the Executive of the Chapter.

Section 2. President. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Chapter and preside at all meetings. The President shall be elected at an annual business meeting or by mail vote for a term of two years. Election shall be by simple plurality of votes received by the Executive and Council members.

Section 3. Secretary. The Secretary shall be elected at a business meeting or by mail vote and shall serve for a term of two years. The Secretary shall substitute for the President if the President is unable to serve.

Section 4. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be responsible for all monies and valuable effects of the Chapter, and for full and accurate accounting of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Chapter. The Treasurer shall have signatory powers and shall disburse the funds of the Chapter as may be ordered by the Executive and Council members. The Treasurer shall report to the membership of the Chapter at its regular business meetings an account of the financial transactions and status of the Chapter. The Treasurer shall be elected at the annual business meeting or by mail ballot for a two-year term.

Section 5. Nomination of Officers. The Nominating Committee shall consist of the Councilors of the Chapter. The Nominating Committee shall present a slate with not less than two, nor more than three, names for each position, from among the roll of Regular Members of the Chapter.

Section 6. Voting. Officers shall be elected by simple plurality of votes on ballots received by the Executive and the Councilors at the annual business meeting or by mail.

ARTICLE VI. COUNCIL

Section 1. Council. The Society’s affairs shall be conducted through a Council consisting of six elected Councilors and the President, Treasurer and Secretary. One of the councilors shall be a student. The councilors shall represent various constituent bodies as outlined in a policy of the Chapter. The councilors shall be sought by the elected executive council from the constituents.

Normally,
Basic Science Councilor
Clinical Councilor
Fort Garry Councilor
Bannatyne Councilor
UW Councilor
Student Councilor

All members of Council shall be entitled to one vote each except for the presiding officer, who shall vote in the case of a tie.

Section 2. Quorum. A quorum of Council shall consist of five of the nine members.

Section 3. Meetings. Council shall meet at times and places as it deems necessary, and may transact business by mail provided that not less than four members of Council approve in writing any proposed transaction.

Section 4. Election of Councilors. Councilors shall be elected for a single three-year term, with one councilor elected at each annual business meeting.

Section 5. Nomination of Councilors. Same procedures and guidelines as for Officers, except the slate shall be provided in advance of each annual business meeting. A notification for a “Call for Councilors” would be made in advance of selection of councilors.

Section 6. Voting. Councilors shall be elected by a simple plurality of votes on ballots received by the Executive and Council members.

ARTICLE VII. FISCAL AND MEMBERSHIP YEAR

Section 1. Period. The fiscal year and membership year of the Chapter shall coincide with the Society for Neuroscience, i.e. January 1 to December 31.

Section 2. Treasurer’s Report. A report of the fiscal state of the Society shall be made by the Treasurer at the Annual Meeting and whenever requested by Council.

ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended by simple majority of votes cast at the Annual Business Meeting of the Chapter. Changes in the Bylaws go into effect following their adoption at the Annual Business Meeting.

ARTICLE IX. DISSOLUTION

Upon dissolution of the Chapter, any remaining assets shall be conveyed into a registered charitable organization, to be selected by the Council.