Executive Board
Each year the Tufts-ASA shall have an Executive Board consisting of a President, a Vice-President, and leaders for each of the following committees: Communication, Event Planning, and Outreach. Descriptions of the roles and responsibilities for each of these Board members are described in further detail below.
- The President shall preside over all meetings of the Tufts-ASA.
- The President shall act as the coordinator of the Committee Leaders.
- The President shall work with the Executive Board, Faculty Advisory Board, and School Representatives to fill all Executive Board vacancies.
- The President shall perform additional duties to support the goals of the Tufts-ASA as laid out at the start of each term.
- The President shall interact with members of the Faculty Advisory Board to request support and advice as needed.
- The President will work with the Committee to lay out the goals for Tufts-ASA each semester.
- The elected President will ideally have been involved in Tufts-ASA for at least one semester
- The Vice-President (VP) shall act as the coordinator of the School Representatives.
- The VP shall act in the capacity of the President in any meeting or event where the President is unable to attend or participate.
- The VP shall serve as an aid to the transition of Executive Board members.
- The VP shall work with the Executive Board and Faculty Advisory Board to fill all vacancies of School Representatives.
- The VP shall perform additional duties to support the goals of the Tufts-ASA as laid out at the start of each term.
- The Communication Leader (CL) shall maintain active communication with members via email lists.
- The CL shall send a monthly newsletter to student members and interested faculty.
- The CL shall update the Tufts-ASA website at least once per semester.
- The CL shall keep minutes of Tufts-ASA meetings
- The CL shall maintain the Tufts-ASA slack channel and moderate its content
- The Outreach Leader (OL) shall ensure the Tufts-ASA is officially recognized as a Tufts Student Chapter.
- The OL shall serve as the Tufts-ASA Representative to the Graduate Student Council, and shall attend monthly GSC meetings.
- The OL shall strive to recruit members to the Tufts-ASA.
- The OL shall have a plan each semester to increase Tufts-ASA membership, increase group activity, and obtain more resources.
- The OL shall conduct outreach to faculty, and will inquire and circulate available research opportunities for students in Tufts-ASA.
- The OL shall strive to involve Friedman faculty in Tufts-ASA, whether through mentorship, presentations, workshops, or other means.
- The Event Planning Leader (EPL) shall promote social community across schools.
- The EPL shall plan at a minimum one event per semester.
- The EPL shall be responsible for planning and logistics of the Annual Chapter Assembly.
- The EPL shall discuss budget for events with other members of the Executive Board at least two weeks prior to the event.
- After discussion with the Executive Board, the EPL shall request funds from ASA, the Graduate Student Council, or any other resources available for Tufts Student Chapters
- The EPL is encouraged to organize more regular, smaller events, such as faculty lectures, workshops, social events, collaboration sessions, office hours, etc.
- Committee Chairs (CCs) are required to be enrolled as first year students in any graduate or doctoral degree program at Tufts
- The CCs work to support each divisional leader of the Executive Board with respect to communications, outreach, and event planning
- The CCs are expected to participate as Committee Leaders after completing one semester under this position
- The CCs ensure continuity, longevity, and sustainability of the Executive Board for Tufts ASA over time
Elections
Only active members can hold positions on the Executive Board or as Committee Chairs. All currently serving Executive Board members are also eligible to run for re-election in a different position. Nominations for Executive Board positions shall take place at least a month prior to elections. If there are no nominations to fill a position, the Executive Board shall work with the Faculty Advisory Board and School Representatives to identify a candidate for the open position.
Elections will be held twice per academic year.
Fall elections will take place during the first week of November of this semester. These elections will work to fill Committee Chair positions. These elections will aim to recruit incoming students to participate in advisory roles as support staff for the Executive Board as they become acclimated to graduate school.
Spring elections will take place during the first week of March of this semester. These elections will work to fill the Executive Board positions. These elections will aim to recruit existing Tufts ASA members who have experience working on or participating in events, programs, and operations of the student group.
At the election meeting, if candidates wish, they will be given time to speak and answer questions. After all candidates have spoken, ballots shall be distributed. Ballot collection and tabulation shall be performed by the Executive Board minus those Executive Board members seeking election. Should fewer than two Executive Board members be eligible to count votes, representatives shall be appointed by the President to make up the difference subject to Tufts-ASA approval.
Officers shall be elected by a majority of votes. In the event of a tie for a position, a runoff election shall be held immediately by secret ballot. The elected and current Executive Board members shall work together after elections to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities. The newly elected Executive Board shall take office the day following May Commencement.