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CHARTER of the ADVISORY COUNCIL
College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment
Auburn University

I.     NAME

The organization shall be called the Advisory Council of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Auburn University (the CFWE Advisory Council).

II.      PURPOSE & MISSION

The CFWE Advisory Council offers appropriate advice and support for the College as it strives to achieve excellence in teaching, research, and extension/outreach in forestry, wildlife, and natural resources.

The Mission of the Advisory Council includes but is not limited to:

  • Provide guidance to the College on strategies for achieving excellence in academic, research, and extension/outreach programs.
  • Promote the College’s efforts to garner financial and other resources for the University, from state and federal sources, the private sector, and donors.
  • Serve as an advocate for the College to potential students, the University, the Alabama legislature, and the general public.

III.     MEMBERSHIP

A.     ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

    • The CFWE Advisory Council shall consist of a maximum of twenty-four (24) duly appointed Council Members. Council Members will be selected from alumni, friends, associates, and/or professional colleagues of the CFWE, based upon their professional expertise and accomplishments, exemplary service, and commitment to serving and supporting the It is desired and intended that the Council’s membership will be comprised of a diversified cross-section of professionals representing the various disciplines, fields, professions and industries associated with, and relevant to: the degrees, programs, and courses of study offered by the CFWE, including, Forestry, Wildlife, Natural Resources, Geospatial and Environmental Informatics, and Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging; the CFWE’ teaching, research, and extension/outreach missions; and, private and public sectors offering employment opportunities for CFWE graduates.
    • New Council Members will be nominated annually by the Council’s Executive Committee, with input and recommendation from existing Council Members and CFWE faculty. The Dean of the CFWE will give consideration to those individuals nominated by the Executive Committee and appoint New Council Members as he or she deems necessary, appropriate and in the best interest of the CWFE, the Council, and their goals and missions. Appointments will be staggered to ensure continuity of membership.
    • New Council Members will receive an orientation from the Dean and/or Chair (or their designees) prior to their first meeting, including any necessary review and discussion of this Charter and answering any questions the New Council Member may have regarding the procedural or substantive operations of the Council.
    • Each Council Member appointment shall be for a term of three (3) years. A membership year expires upon the conclusion of the Council’s Annual Meeting.
    • To initiate the desired Council Member rotation, initial appointments will be staggered as follows:
      • Eight Council Members will be appointed to a 1-year initial term, followed by eligibility for two (2) additional consecutive 3-year terms.
      • Eight Council Members will be appointed to a 2-year initial term, followed by eligibility for two (2) additional consecutive 3-year terms.
      • Eight Council Members will be appointed to a 3-year initial term, followed by eligibility for one (1) additional 3-year terms.
    • All subsequent Members appointed to the Council shall be limited to two (2) consecutive full 3-year terms.
    • A past Council Member shall be eligible for reappointment after the first anniversary of the conclusion of their last term of service on the Council.
    • In the event that a Member resigns prior to the expiration of their appointed term, the Resigning Member shall recommend a Replacement Member to complete the Resigning Member’s term, to the Dean and/or Executive Committee. The Dean and/or Executive Committee can accept or reject the Replacement Member at their sole discretion.
    • Upon due consideration of any recommendation made by the Resigning Member and the overall goals and mission of the Council, a Replacement Member will be appointed by the Dean, after consultation with Executive Committee, to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the Resigning Member’s term. A Replacement Member shall be eligible for re-appointment to the Council for two (2) full consecutive terms following the expiration of the Resigning Member’s term.
    • Upon completion of a term as a Council Member, a member who does not continue with the Council shall be designated a “Council” Council Associates, as non-voting members, may elect to attend meetings. Council Members and Council Associates will be identified on the School’s Website and in other promotional materials.

B.     EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS 

    • In addition to the duly appointed Council Members, the Council shall also offer Ex-Officio Membership to the following officers and officials:
      • The State Forester of the Alabama Forestry Commission, or their designee
      • The Director of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries within the ADCNR or their designee
      • Executive Director of the Alabama Forestry Association or their designee
      • Executive Director of the Alabama Wildlife Federation or their designee
      • President of the CFWE Alumni Association or designee
      • President of the Compass Circle or their designee
      • Chair of the CFWE Campaign Committee or their designee
      • Executive Director of Alabama Farmer’s Federation or their designee
    • Ex-Officio Members are non-voting members of the Council, and will not be included in counts necessary to determine a quorum. However, they are entitled, and encouraged, to participate in Council meetings and offer their insight, opinions and knowledge in any Council discussion or debate.

C.      EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

    • An Executive Committee will be established and maintained to coordinate and facilitate the efficient and productive operation of the Advisory Council.
    • The Executive Committee shall meet, either in person or via conference call, at least two (2) times per calendar year.
    • The Executive Committee will be comprised of:
      • The Chair, Vice-Chair, and Immediate Past Chair of the Advisory Council;
      • Ex-officio Members of the Council;
      • Two at-large Council Members selected bi-annually by the Chair from the full Council; and,
      • The CFWE Dean, Associate Deans (Academics and Research) and Coordinator of Extension.
    • Members of the Executive Committee shall attend all regular meetings of the Council, and a minimum of one additional Executive Committee meeting during the The Executive Committee will take no action outside of the Purpose and Mission of the Council (Article II). Any action(s) outside of the express purpose of the Executive Committee, as stated herein, must come before the full Council for review and approval. All members of the Executive Committee shall have voting privileges on matters before the Committee, with exception of those matters that may require recusal.
    • The Dean will appoint a secretary to schedule Council meetings and provide other logistical support.
    • The Advisory Council Chair will serve as the Chair of the Executive Committee, and shall:
      • Preside at meetings of the Council;
      • Act as a representative of the Council at such functions, events, and meetings necessitating Council representation;
      • Appoint Adhoc committees of the Council as needed in consultation with the Dean;
      • Assist the Dean in implementing initiatives and other programs or strategies; and,
      • Chair the Executive Committee of the Council.
    • The Chair Elect of the Advisory Council will serve as the Vice Chair of the Executive Committee.
    • The Vice Chair will serve in the Chair’s stead, in the event that the Chair is unable to attend any meetings or functions of, or on behalf of, the Council or the Executive Committee.
    • Executive Committee terms of the Chairperson, the Chair Elect, and the immediate Past Chairperson will be limited to 2 year terms, consistent with the terms of the offices held.
    • The Chair Elect shall be elected by the action of the full Council. The rotation of Council leadership shall occur at the conclusion of the Annual Council meeting: the Chair Elect shall rotate to the Chair; the Chair shall rotate to Past Chair; and, the Past Chair shall rotate off the Executive Committee.

IV.     FUNCTIONS

The Advisory Council will consider such matters as may be requested by the Executive Committee and/or the Dean consistent with the Purpose and Mission (Article II) of the Council. These matters may include, but are not limited to, the following:

    • Advocating for the CFWE and increasing public awareness of its accomplishments and needs;
    • Offering input, guidance, suggestions, counsel and feedback to the Dean and CFWE administration regarding issues and circumstances affecting the CFWE and/or its students, including, but not limited to, long-range planning, managing budgetary constraints, the fiscally responsible allocation of resources, and assessing the effectiveness of curriculums to prepare students for the evolving requirements of their chosen professions and disciplines;
    • Promoting philanthropic support for the CFWE;
    • Assisting in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
    • Assisting in the recruitment, mentoring, and employment of students.
    • Identifying new Council Members who would be committed to assisting the CFWE.
    • Providing leadership for the CFWE, and guidance and input to facilitate the CFWE realizing its goals and aspirations.

V.     MEETINGS

    • The Advisory Council shall conduct regular meetings as required to efficiently accomplish its goals and responsibilities.
    • At the very least, the Advisory Council will have an Annual Meeting, typically in the first quarter of the calendar year, and held on the campus of the University.
    • The Dean and/or the Executive Committee may call such other and additional meetings and/or conference calls as deemed necessary or appropriate.

VI.     COUNCIL MEMBER PARTICIPATION

    • The effectiveness of the Advisory Council is dependent upon the participation of its Accordingly, it is anticipated and expected that Council Members shall be available to attend meetings and devote the time necessary to effectively serve the Council and the CFWE.
    • In the event that a Council Member is unable to attend the Annual Meeting, that Member must provide advanced notification to the Dean and/or Chair as soon as practical.
    • If a Council Member fails to attend the Annual Council Meeting without providing advanced notice to the Dean and/or Chair, that Member will be deemed to have resigned from the Council, and a Replacement Member will be appointed to serve the remainder of the Resigning Member’s term.

VII.     CONDUCTING OF BUSINESS

    • The Council may conduct business through meetings, conference calls, internet conferences, online or email communications, or as otherwise deemed reasonable and appropriate by the Dean and/or Executive Committee under the relevant circumstance.
    • The Council will conduct its meetings and other business pursuant to Robert’s Rules of Order, unless suspended or amendment by a majority vote of the present or participating Council Members.
    • A quorum exists when there is participation by a majority of the then appointed Council Members, or their designees. When the Council conducts business through means or mediums other than an in-person meeting or conference call, any quorum requirements will be deemed satisfied if all then appointed Council Members are provided with the opportunity to vote by electronic means or otherwise.
    • Ordinary business of the Council may be passed and/or approved by an affirmative vote of a simple majority of the Council Members.
    • Any decision or action of the Council requiring ratification or approval of a specific percentage of Council Members will be calculated as a percentage of the Council Members present or participating in the vote or decision.

VIII.     CHARTER RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENT

This Charter was approved on the 28th day of February, 2019, with a two- thirds majority vote of the Council.

The Charter can be amended at any regular or special meeting providing that previous notice of the meeting was given to the full Council. Notice to the Council can be provided via: U.S. Mail and / or Electronic mail. A two-thirds majority vote is necessary to amend the Charter.