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Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

Constitution of the University Distinguished Professor Group of Kansas State University

Section A: The University Distinguished Professor Group of Kansas State University

The University Distinguished Professor Group (known as the UDP group) shall consist of Kansas State University faculty with the title of University Distinguished Professor or Regents Distinguished Professor. New members of the UDP Group are selected under the auspices of the Provost.

Section B: Officers of the UDP Group and their Responsibilities

The officers of the UDP Group shall be President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer. The President shall distribute an agenda at least three days before each meeting, preside at all meetings, conduct business according to Robert's Rules of Order, and appoint any committees of the UDP Group with the approval of the UDP Group.

The Vice President shall assist the President in conducting the business of the UDP Group and shall act in the capacity of the President in the absence of the President at any UDP Group function.

The Secretary/Treasurer shall record the minutes of each meeting and shall present the minutes for approval at the following meeting, and provide a financial report to the UDPG at least once a year. Expenditure of UDPG funds must be approved by the President and the Secretary/Treasurer.

Section C: Election of Officers and Terms of Office

The President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer shall hold offices for terms of one year. The Vice President shall become President one year after he/she begins his/her office as Vice President. The President shall, each year, call for nominations for Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer one month prior to the last meeting of the academic spring semester. A vote will be held for Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer at the last meeting of the academic spring semester. The Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer will be elected by vote conducted by the Presiding Officer at the last meeting of the academic spring semester. A candidate with a majority of the votes cast will be elected. If no candidate has a majority, a second vote will be held with the top two candidates (more than two in the case of tie votes). The process shall be repeated until one candidate receives a majority. The officers shall assume their duties at the first meeting of the following fall semester.

Section D: Meetings of the UDP Group

The UDP Group will hold meetings once a month during the academic year. The President may reschedule the monthly meeting on giving three weeks notice to the UDP Group members. Special meetings can be called by the President on notice of seven calendar days. No regular meetings will be held during the summer months. A quorum shall be considered to be a majority of the active UDP Group members, and a quorum is required for any action when a member present at the meeting calls for a quorum. Active members of the UDPG shall consist of all UDPs appointed by the Provost, excluding emeritus and honorary UDPs, and UDPs on leave of absence and/or sabbatical leave.

Section E: Selection of New University Distinguished Professors

The UDP Group shall encourage the recognition of excellence among the faculty, including the selection of new University Distinguished Professors, on a regular basis. UDP Group welcomes the opportunity to serve in the selection process for new University Distinguished Professors.

Section F: Policy on UDP Group Members on Sabbatical Leave

Faculty members on sabbatical leave or leave without pay shall not be considered as part of the active membership of the UDP Group for the purpose of voting, unless the faculty member is present at the meeting of any said vote. Faculty members on leave shall have the right to present nominations for new officers.

Section G: Amendments to the Constitution

Any Amendment to the Constitution must be submitted to a regular meeting of the UDP Group at least thirty days before the Amendment is considered for vote. The vote must be at a regular meeting, with a quorum present. The Constitution is amended with the approval of 2/3 of the voting members present.

Adopted on the 16th day of February, 2000.