Constitution and Bylaws of the ASECS Graduate Student Caucus

I. NAME
The group shall be known as the ASECS Graduate Student Caucus (hereafter referred to as the GSC).

II. PURPOSE
The purpose of the GSC shall be to further the exchange of ideas and information among graduate student scholars of various disciplines who study the literature and culture of the eighteenth-century as conceived by ASECS. The GSC shall promote the exchange of ideas and information among its members during the ASECS annual meeting, via online forums, and through any other means the group might deem appropriate. The GSC shall also, as deemed appropriate by the elected officers, seek to include junior faculty and new Ph.D. members of ASECS in their programs.

III. MEMBERSHIP
All graduate student members of ASECS shall automatically be considered members of the graduate student caucus.

IV. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Executive Officers are elected officers; they serve the GSC in an executive capacity.

Purpose. To act on behalf of GSC members in voicing their concerns about eighteenth-century studies and promoting their participation within both the organization and the broader academic community. In addition to fostering national and interdisciplinary exchange, the committee is especially dedicated to providing guidance on research, teaching, publishing, professionalization, funding, and employment.

Composition. Two elected members. Both Chair and Co-Chair must be graduate students and members of ASECS throughout their terms.

Term. Two years, rotating. The administrative year runs from annual meeting to annual meeting.

Chair. The GSC Chair shall present a report to the Executive Committee at the annual business meeting. The Chair shall organize the GSC Professionalization panel at the annual meeting. The Chair shall conduct recurring and one time organized online activity. The Chair shall find annual meeting faculty mentors for interested GSC members. The Chair shall set the agenda for the GSC luncheon at the annual meeting. The Chair shall organize any other activities he/she deems appropriate. If the Co-Chair cannot complete his/her term, the Chair shall select a new Co-Chair to complete the term.

Co-Chair. The Co-Chair shall substitute for any functions of the Chair in the absence of the Chair. The Co-Chair shall organize the GSC Scholarship panel at the annual meeting. The Co-Chair shall direct the Jay Fliegelman Excellence in Mentorship Award selection process and present the award at the annual meeting banquet. The Co-Chair shall conclude the GSC luncheon at the annual meeting and set the GSC agenda for the following academic year. The Co-Chair shall propose any other activities he/she deems appropriate to the Chair and shall assist the Chair as needed. If the Chair cannot complete his/her term, the Co-Chair shall become the Chair and shall select a Co-Chair to replace him or her. The replacement Chair should notify the GSC whether he/she will remain as Chair for the following administrative term or step down at the next annual meeting. If he/she would like to remain as Chair, his/her decision is subject to approval by simple majority at the next election.

Election. The GSC shall conduct an election for a new Co-Chair every year. The Chair shall solicit applications. The applicants shall be invited to speak at the GSC luncheon/business meeting at the annual meeting. The Chair shall also compile brief materials about each applicant. GSC members attending the luncheon shall select a new Co-Chair by simple majority. Individuals nominate themselves for election and must follow the guidelines set by the Chair. The elected Co-Chair shall automatically become the Chair the next term year.

V. JAY FLIEGELMAN EXCELLENCE IN MENTORSHIP AWARD
Purpose. To recognize a Faculty member for their service to ASECS graduate students in terms of their scholarship, professionalization, teaching, and employment. Schedule. Nominations should be solicited from the ASECS organization at large. A selection committee (see below), organized by the Co-Chair, shall select the recipient. The award shall be presented at the annual meeting banquet. Excellence in Mentorship Award Advisors (EMAA). The Co-Chair shall solicit and select two to three volunteers to assist in reviewing nominations and choosing a recipient. The Co-Chair will ask the student nominator of the past year’s award recipient to volunteer. The Co-Chair shall attempt to find an interdisciplinary group of advisors.

VI. COMMITTEES AND ADDITIONAL APPOINTIVE POSITIONS
The Executive Officers may, at their discretion and for such terms as they deem appropriate but not to exceed their own terms, appoint any individual members who are in good standing to hold particular service posts for the organization. The Executive Officers may also appoint standing or ad hoc committees to serve at the will of the GSC.

VII. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Proposed amendments to the Constitution may be submitted by GSC members to GSC leadership at least one month prior to the annual meeting or may be proposed by one or both GSC leaders. All proposed amendments should be presented at the annual luncheon/business meeting. Amendments must pass by a two-thirds vote of those attending the meeting.

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