Constitution
June, 2011
CONSTITUTION of the Fermilab Users Organization This is an organization of
scientists and engineers
currently engaged in advancing our understanding of the nature of matter and energy. These
Users anticipate needing significant resources from the Laboratory to conduct basic research
in particle physics, astrophysics, the development of accelerators and their inter-relationship.
Its purpose is to provide a forum for discussion of scientific and administrative matters
relevant to the organization and functions of the Laboratory. In particular, it should play
an important advisory role in determining the relationship of outside Users to the Laboratory
and the support they will have in implementing their experimental programs.
A. Membership: Membership shall be open to individuals with a professional
interest in the scientific program at Fermilab.
B. Executive Committee: Between meetings of the general membership, the
affairs of the Organization shall be handled by an Executive Committee. This Committee shall
be composed of members elected by membership.
The Executive Committee shall
consist of 12 members elected for two-year terms. Six terms shall become vacant
each year. Nominations for new members shall be made by the Executive Committee; additional
nominations may be made by a written petition signed by
or email from any 10 members. The Chair of the Executive
Committee will be asked to continue to serve as a committee member for one year after the term
as Chair expires, if necessary as the 13th member. It is expected that the Executive Committee
will appoint additional committees to study technical and administrative matters of concern to
the Organization.
C. Chair and Secretary: The Executive Committee shall select a Chair from
among its members. That Chair will preside at all meetings and be the spokesperson for the
Organization. A Secretary shall be appointed by the Chair. The Secretary shall prepare a
summary of the results of all meetings. The summaries of the general meetings shall be emailed
to all members.
D. Meetings: Meetings shall be called by the Chair. At least one meeting of
the general membership shall be held each year. The location and program for each meeting shall
be decided by the Chair with the advice of the Executive Committee.
E. Procedures: The Executive Committee may, on its own initiative, and
shall, upon instruction of a majority of the members attending a general meeting, submit
questions for consideration to the full membership. Results of the deliberations of this
Organization shall be communicated to the Director of Fermilab.
F. Amendment: This constitution may be amended by a vote of the
members. Any proposed amendment shall be introduced at a general membership meeting. The mail
vote shall be taken no sooner than one week after such introduction. A two-thirds majority of
the members voting is required for passage.
G. Adoption: This constitution shall be adopted if approved by two-thirds
of the prospective members attending the initial meetings. The Organizing Committee shall
conduct the election for the first Executive Committee.
This Constitution was unanimously adopted at the meeting of December 9, 1967, and amended
by the membership in April 1970, May 1971, May 1972, October 1974, May 1975, June 1981, June 2005 and
June 2011.
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