Optical Methods Bylaws

1. Name. This group shall be called the Division on Optical Methods.

2. Purpose. The purpose of the Division on Optical Methods shall be to provide maximum benefits to members of the SEM interested in applications of optical methods in all areas of experimental mechanics. The Division will attempt to:

· Advance optical technology by providing a forum for the timely exchange of information.

· Assist Local Sections with workshops on Optical Methods. Promote the development of new applications of Optical Methods in mechanics by organizing symposia-type technical sessions.

3. Membership. Membership shall be made up of individuals interested in applications of optical methods in experimental mechanics, and in participating in the activities of this Division. Anyone who qualifies may join the Division, subject to the approval of the Executive Board. There shall be two types of memberships:

· Voting - SEM members

· Non-voting - non SEM members.

4. Organization. Organizational responsibilities shall be vested in the Executive Board of the Division. This Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers and the previous Past Chairman. (The previous Past Chairman is the most recent Past Chairman currently active with SEM and willing to serve the Division.) The responsibilities of the Board are:

· To schedule, coordinate and organize activities and meetings of the Division.

· To establish policies and procedures for consideration of the full Division at regular meetings of the Division.

5. Officers and Their Duties. All officers shall be voting members of the full Division (i.e., SEM members) empowered to carry out their duties as described in this Bylaws and specifically as follows:

5.1. Chairman - The Chairman shall also be Chairman of the Executive Board, shall preside over meetings of both the Executive Board and the full Division, shall be a member of the Nominating Committee and shall represent the Division on Optical Methods at meetings of both the SEM Technical Divisions Council and the SEM Executive Board.

5.2. Vice-Chairman - The Vice-Chairman shall act in place of the Chairman during his absence, and shall further assist the Division by carrying out assignments given by the Chairman.

5.3. Secretary - The Secretary shall be responsible for taking minutes during sessions of the Division and following adoption of these minutes by the Executive Board, will prepare and distribute copies of such minutes to all committee members. The Secretary will also be responsible for preparing and distributing meeting notices, ballots and all correspondence of general interest to the Division.

5.4. Previous Past Chairman - The previous Past Chairman will act primarily as an advisor to the incumbent Chairman. He will also act as Chairman of the Nominating Committee, conduct the election of officers, count the votes and make the results known to the full Division.

6. Meetings

6.1. Regular meetings of the full Division shall be held at least once every year at the Spring Meeting of the entire SEM. A second meeting may be held at the Fall Meeting of the SEM if business warrants. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to notify all members of any meetings at least six (6) weeks in advance, by letter.

6.2. The agenda for regular meetings will be formulated by the Executive Board in conjunction with the current Division Chairman.

7. Election of Officers.

7.1. The Chairman and previous Past Chairman shall constitute a Nominating Committee for the elective offices of the Executive Board.

7.2. Nominations for elective offices can also be made by letter by any voting member.

7.3. Voting will be by mail ballot.

7.4. The nominee for each office receiving a simple majority of the votes cast shall be elected.

7.5. In the event of a tie, additional ballots will be cast by mail until one candidate wins a majority.

7.6. The election of officers shall be held every three years prior to Spring Meeting of the SEM.

7.7. The newly elected officers shall take office at the meeting immediately following their election.

7.8. The Division Chairman and Vice-Chairman will stand for election together one year prior to the Secretary of the Division.

7.9. Should a vacancy develop on the Executive Board the Chairman shall appoint another member of the Division to fill the vacancy subject to the approval of the remaining Executive Board members. Except for the previous Past Chairman, if the unexpired term is for 18 months or longer, this will be considered an interim appointment and nominations will be made and a new election held. In the event the Chairman's seat becomes vacant the Vice-Chairman will succeed him and appoint a new Vice-Chairman, again subject to the approval of the remaining Board members. Again, except for the previous Past Chairman, if the unexpired term is for 18 months or longer, this will be considered an interim appointment and nominations will be made and a new election held.

7.10. All officers shall be members of SEM.

8. Subdivisions. The Executive Board may establish and dissolve Subdivisions as needed. These Subdivisions will be concerned with subjects of interest to the Division. So long as the Subdivision is maintained it shall present Subdivision Reports to the full Division at each meeting of the full Division. The Chairman of such Subcommittee shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Executive Board.

9. Finances. There shall be no dues or other financial obligations to any committee member other than personal expenses incurred in attending meetings.

10. Amendments. These Bylaws may be amended at any time as follows:

10.1. Amendments may be proposed by any voting member.

10.2. Proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Board no later than eight (8) weeks before a meeting.

10.3. The proposed amendment will be considered in open discussion during the next regular Division meeting.

10.4. Following discussion, the amendment shall be voted upon using a secret ballot. A two-thirds (2/3) majority of all members present and eligible to vote is required for adoption of a proposed amendment.

10.5. An additional alternative amendment procedure is as follows:

10.5.1. Amendments may be proposed by any voting member at the time of the meeting if submitted in writing to the Chairman prior to the opening of the meeting and presented verbally to the entire Division for discussion during the meeting.

10.5.2. Adoption is the same as for a regular Amendment except that adoption requires a three-quarters (3/4) majority and the new amendment must be reconsidered at the next meeting where it can be rescinded by a 50% majority.

11. Final. All situations not covered by these Bylaws shall be covered by Robert's Rules of Order.