Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference
Constitution and Bylaws
Revised November 2013
Table of Contents
Constitution and Bylaws
Article I – Name……………………………………………………………………………..3
Article II – Mission Statement…………………………………………………………........3
Article III – Goals and Objectives…………………………………………………………..3
Article IV – Code of Conduct…………………………………………………………........4
Article V – Governance…………………………………………………………………….6
Article VI – Membership and Representation…………………………………………….10
Article VII – New Membership……………………………………………………….......12
Article VIII – Committees………………………………………………………………...13
Article IX – Sports Committees………………………………………………………......14
Article X – Amendments to Constitution and Bylaws……………………………………14
Article XI – Conditions of Competition…………………………………………………..14
Article XII – Annual Dues……………………………………………………………......16
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Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference
CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS
Article I
Name
This organization shall be known as the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference
[hereinafter referred to as the “Conference”], and only member
colleges/universities are permitted to use the conference title and/or conference
logo.
Article II
Mission Statement
The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference will foster outstanding academic
achievement and meaningful engagement within the community while maintaining
a highly-competitive athletics atmosphere. The conference will continue to place a
primary emphasis on the welfare of student-athletes, their preparation to thrive in
their lives beyond the collegiate experience and the development of leadership
skills through ongoing assessment. The CACC strives to be the best Division II
athletic conference nationally.
Article III
Goals and Objectives
I. The purpose of the conference is to accomplish the following:
A. Promote athletics as an integral part of the mission of each member
institution.
B. Balance and enhance the athletic and educational opportunities (through
athletics) of the student athletes to enable a better quality of life and
successful, well-rounded individuals.
C. Promote the participation by male and female students in intercollegiate
athletics among the member institutions as an integral part of each
institution’s total educational program.
D. Provide competitive intercollegiate athletic opportunites for member
institutions.
E. Establish conference regulations governing the conference’s intercollegiate
sports to supplement and support those established by the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and other governing bodies.
F. Promote compliance with the rules established by the Conference and the
NCAA.
G. Promote the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, amateurism and integrity
amongst the CACC members.
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H. Uphold the principle of institutional control of, and responsibility for, all
intercollegiate sports in conjuncture with the Constitution and Bylaws of the
CACC.
Article IV
Code of Conduct
In accordance with its Mission Statement and the NCAA Principle of
Sportsmanship, the CACC is committed to promoting and developing the
principles of fair play, accountability, amateurism, and integrity amongst the
member institutions. Athletics is an integral part of the student-athlete’s overall
educational experience and strives to educate all participants in athletic contests to
conduct themselves with civility, dignity and respect for opponents. The CACC
shall neither condone nor ignore unsportsmanlike and/or unethical conduct by
student-athletes, coaches, spectators, administrators, staff, or officials.
Unsportsmanlike/unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to, physical and
verbal acts that would incite spectators or student-athletes; threatening gestures or
words; obscenities, and race, religious, nationality, or sex-based statements
whether spoken, signed, gestured, written, or printed; public criticism of officials,
conference officers, the conference in general, or other member institutions or their
employees; confrontations between officials and student-athletes or their coaches;
confrontations between student-athletes or coaches from opposing teams that
exceed socially acceptable behavior; and any other act that would negatively affect
the image and reputation of the institution, sport, Conference, or NCAA.
It is the responsibility of each member institution through the president to ensure
that sportsmanship and ethical conduct are displayed by student-athletes, athletic
administrators, coaches, and spectators at all athletic events.
It is the responsibility of the commissioner to monitor and enforce the Conference
policy on sportsmanship and ethical conduct. The commissioner, in conjunction
with the Ethics and Infractions Committee, has full authority to investigate the
incident and assess sanctions. Institutions and their personnel are expected to fully
cooperate with the Commissioner’s effort to investigate alleged unsportsmanlike or
unethical behavior.
The Commissioner, working with the institutions and their personnel as
appropriate, is responsible for the following:
1. Monitor the assignment, education and conduct of game officials, as they
relate to this policy on sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
2. Work collaboratively with the supervisor of officials to implement this policy
of sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
3. Recommend to the supervisor of officials the sanctions of officials who do not
adhere to the requirements of this policy.
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4. Report all sportsmanship and ethical conduct issues involving coaches and/or
administrators to the Ethics and Infractions Committee.
5. Recommend sanctions of coaches and/or administrators to the Ethics and
Infractions Committee.
6. Assess sanctions, when appropriate, for improper behavior not detected or
properly addressed by the institutions involved.
It is incumbent upon athletic directors to create a positive environment for the total
athletic program and a hospitable setting for visiting teams. Each host institution is
required to designate a game manager for each home contest. The host athletics
administrator has the authority to suspend immediately any contest that develops
into an unsafe environment for either participants or spectators.
Coaches have the highest degree of influence over the student-athletes in their
programs. Student-athletes should be taught and follow high standards of
sportsmanship and ethical conduct. It is imperative that the coach demonstrate a
good example of sportsmanship and ethical conduct. At no time should a coach
engage in any type of communication, verbal or otherwise, with fans and
spectators. All coaches should display appropriate sportsmanship and ethical
behavior; teach and reinforce players’ proper sportsmanship and ethical conduct;
and make every attempt to control the behavior of the coaching staff and players
before, during and after the contest. If a fight or unsportsmanlike behavior occurs,
coaches must do everything possible to keep uninvolved players out of the fight.
Coaches are required to report all incidents of unsportsmanlike behavior by their
coaching staff or players to their AD immediately after the contest.
Officials are charged with the duty of ensuring a fair athletic contest and are also
responsible for facilitating competition. Accordingly, officials must enforce this
policy regarding sportsmanship and ethical conduct. Officials (or officials’
assignor) will be required to notify the Conference Office of all unsportsmanlike
acts and misconduct sanctions assessed within 24 hours of a contest. Officials may
be subject to sanctions should they fail to adhere to these policies or conduct
themselves properly.
CACC student-athletes must understand that they are perhaps the most visible
representatives of their institutions, the conference, the NCAA, and themselves.
Student-athletes at CACC institutions are expected to treat opponents and game
officials with civility, dignity and respect. At no time should a student-athlete
engage in any type of communication, verbal or otherwise, with fans and
spectators. There will be no tolerance for taunting, fighting or other acts of
aggression that demonstrate unsportsmanlike conduct or unethical behavior.
The Conference hopes and believes that the establishment of the principles
outlined in this policy will create an atmosphere that will attract more fans to our
events and ensure a positive intercollegiate experience. The CACC Conduct
Statement (see below) shall be read prior to each contest where there is an
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announcer. It is expected that all spectators will behave in an appropriate manner.
It is the responsibility of the host athletics administrator to monitor the behavior of
spectators and, when necessary, take necessary action to promote a positive and
competitive environment.
The CACC Conduct Statement
"The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference and (this institution) encourage and
promote sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, spectators, and officials.
Profanity, racial or ethnic comments, or other intimidating actions directed at
student-athletes, coaches, officials, or team representatives will not be tolerated
and are grounds for removal from this event."
Promotion of Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct
Prior to each CACC season, the athletic director shall ensure that every studentathlete has read, understood, and signed the following statement:
"The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference requires officials to enforce all rules
regarding sportsmanship and ethical conduct by players and coaches. Specifically,
taunting, baiting, demeaning celebrations, and vulgar or profane language will not
be tolerated. Fighting or other malicious conduct shall result in disciplinary action.
It is strongly suggested that you remind your teammates of this policy."
Article V
Governance
I.
Presidents’ Council
A. The Presidents’ Council (PC) consists of the president of each
member institution. Each president has one vote on action items of
the PC.
B. In the absence of the president, each institution may have a predetermined, consistent representative (appointed by the president)
who may attend the meeting. The designee will not be allowed a
vote on action items at the meeting.
C. The PC shall have ultimate authority and responsibility for the
conference.
D. The PC shall have a chair, chair-elect, and treasurer.
1. Chair
a. The chair of the PC shall be a president of a member
institution elected on even-numbered years at the spring
meeting of the PC and assume responsibility at the
conclusion of the spring meeting.
b. The chair shall serve a two-year term and is eligible for
one additional term.
c. The chair shall conduct the meetings of the PC.
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2. Chair-elect
a. The chair-elect shall be a president of a member
institution elected on even-numbered years at the spring
meeting of the PC and assume responsibility at the
conclusion of the spring meeting.
b. The chair-elect shall serve a two-year term and is eligible
for re-election to one additional term.
c. The chair-clect shall serve in the capacity of chair in the
absence of the chair.
d. If the chair ceases to be president of a member
institution, the chair-elect shall become the designed chair
for the remainder of the term.
e. The chair-elect shall become chair at the conclusion of
the term of the chair.
3. Treasurer
a. The treasurer will serve as the chair of the Finance
Committee and oversee the budget and investments of the
Conference.
b. The treasurer shall serve a two-year term and is eligible
for re-election to one additional term.
4. The Executive Committee of the PC shall include the chair,
chair-elect, treasurer and immediate past chair.
E. The PC shall meet twice annually, in the fall and spring. A
summer planning session will be decided upon annually by the PC
at its spring meeting.
F. The PC shall take formal action of the budget for the next fiscal
year at the spring meeting of the PC.
G. The PC Executive Committee shall make recommendations on the
Commissioner’s reappointment (or appointment) and evaluation.
Formal action on the commissioner’s appointment and salary shall
occur at the spring meeting of the PC.
H. The conference strategic plan shall be reviewed on an annual basis.
I. The PC’s vote on all action items will require a simple majority of
a quorum present unless otherwise specified in these bylaws.
J. A majority of the member institutions, represented in person (no
proxy accepted), shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at a meeting of the members unless otherwise specified in
these bylaws.
II.
Directors’ Council
A. The Directors’ Council (DC) shall consist of the athletic director of
each member institution.
B. The DC shall be the managing body of the conference with the PC
having ultimate authority.
C. The DC may make recommendations to the PC and the
Commissioner for budget, commissioner, constitution and bylaws
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D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
and membership issues. The DC does not have authority to
approve the budget, commissioner, constitution and bylaws and
membership. Only the PC can approve changes to these specific
areas.
All actions by the DC shall become effective immediately upon
acceptance unless otherwise noted.
All CACC post-season planning and implementation shall be at the
sole discretion of the DC. All CACC post-season plans shall be
finalized at the spring DC meeting.
The DC will be empowered to call special meetings either at their
own discretion or on approval of a request of any member.
The president of the DC will attend all meetings of the PC and give
a report.
Officers
1. The officers shall be elected for two- year terms on even
years at the spring meeting of the DC.
2. The officers of the DC shall be comprised of the president,
first vice-president, second vice-president and immediate past
president.
3. A nominating committee comprised of the DC, less the
president, will solicit names of candidates for officers and will
present a slate of nominees for officer positions to the DC 30
days prior to the designated meeting for election to take place.
4. The officers shall be empowered to conduct emergency
business of the conference between regularly scheduled DC
meetings.
a.
The president shall have the following
responsibilities:
(1) Conduct and lead meetings when the
Commissioner is not present at the DC
meetings.
(2) Serve as the liaison to the Conference office.
b.
Vice Presidents of the DC shall have the following
responsibilities:
(1) Conduct and lead meetings when president is
not present at the DC meetings.
(2) Serve as president in the absence of the
president, and if the president cannot return to
office, the first vice president shall remain as
president for the remaining original term.
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CACC Conference Office Positions
Commissioner
The Commissioner shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the CACC and
represent the conference regionally and nationally. S/he shall supervise the
conference office and budget. S/he shall work with all conference committees as
needed and serve in a supervisory role at conference championships. The
Commissioner shall report to and be evaluated by the Executive Committee of the
PC. Renewal of the Commissioner is contingent upon a three-fourths vote of the
PC.
Associate Commissioner
The Associate Commissioner will assist with the overall organization and
management of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference in accordance with
NCAA and CACC policies, rules and regulations to include, but not limited to,
serving as primary Compliance officer, Student-Athlete Advisory Council liaison,
conference life skills coordinator, and with budget supervision, administrative
responsibilities, and interaction with conference members. This individual reports
to the Commissioner.
Assistant Commissioner
The Assistant Commissioner/Director of Strategic Communications is primarily
responsible for providing vision and strategic thought for the Conference
communications that are tied to the Conference’s overall mission and strategy and
the NCAA’s DII Strategic Platform. The Assistant Commissioner oversees all
conference championships and the awards program as well as serving as a member
of the CACC Communications Committee and as liaison to the conference Sports
Information Directors. This individual reports to the Commissioner.
Article VI
Membership and Representation
I.
Eligibility for membership, its conditions and obligations, and the termination and
reinstatement of membership shall be governed by the provisions of the
constitution and bylaws. Acceptance of membership shall bind such college or
university to abide by the constitution and bylaws of the CACC and accept all
decisions of the conference.
II.
Current members are Bloomfield College, Caldwell College, Chestnut Hill
College, Concordia College, Dominican College, Felician College, Georgian Court
University, Goldey-Beacom College, Holy Family University, Nyack College,
Post University, Philadelphia University, University of Sciences in Philadelphia
and Wilmington University.
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III.
A member of the Conference shall be an NCAA Division II member that accepts
and agrees to subscribe to the principles set forth in the constitution and adheres to
all requirements in the constitution and bylaws.
IV.
Members must be geographically compatible. Members must share a common
philosophy in which student-athlete academic achievement and community service
are primary.
V.
Each member college or university shall have one vote on all procedural matters.
Each athletic director receives one vote or must designate their proxy for each
business meeting. Absentee balloting is permissible only through the
Commissioner’s office.
VI.
To withdraw from the Conference a member institution, through its president or
designee, must file an official notice of withdrawal with the Commissioner and
with each member institution. Such notice of withdrawal must be filed on or
before June 1 of any year with an effective date of June 30 of the next calendar
year. Athletics competition between the withdrawing institution and other
conference member institutions shall continue on an uninterrupted basis
throughout the year following filing of the withdrawal notice. Agreements on
conference competition between member institutions and the withdrawing
institution shall be null and void on the effective date of termination of the
withdrawing institution. Agreements on scheduled athletics competition involving
the withdrawing institution and other conference member institutions shall be null
and void on the effective date of termination, but may be continued by mutual
agreement of the individual institutions. A withdrawing member institution forfeits
all rights to proceeds the conference would receive from the NCAA or any other
revenue normally distributed through the conference for the 12-month period
immediately preceding the effective date of withdrawal. A withdrawing member
waives all rights to any share of conference assets or proceeds. A withdrawing
member that fails to provide the required one year notification will pay the
conference one year’s membership dues.
If a member institution fails to meet the established timeline for withdrawal from
the conference, the Commissioner will inform the PC which shall have the right to
impose the following sanctions:
A. A monetary fine equal to the current one-year’s dues.
B. No enhancement monies or assets will be allocated to the institution during
their final year as a member.
C. No post-season competition.
D. The departing institute will automatically be stripped of all voting rights and be
automatically removed from all offices and committees.
VII. Expulsion and or Probation Status
A. A member shall not be expelled or placed on probationary status except by a
3/4 votes of the PC.
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B. Reinstatement may only be attained by a 3/4 votes of the PC.
VIII. Membership Criteria
A. Each member institution must sponsor at least 4 men's (if coeducational
institution) and 4 women's conference championship sports that meet NCAA
sports sponsorship requirements (NCAA bylaw 20.10.3).
B. Each member institution must sponsor at least one conference championship
sport in each sport season (i.e. fall, winter, spring) for each gender.
1. Fall - Men's X-C, Women's X-C, Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Women’s
Volleyball and Women’s Tennis
2. Winter - Men’s Basketball, Women's Basketball
3. Spring - Baseball, Men's Golf, Women’s Lacrosse, Softball, Men’s Tennis
C. Each member institution must have the following designated staff: Director of
Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, Compliance Coordinator, Faculty
Athletic Representative, Athletic Trainer, Sports Information Director.
D. Each institution's Director of Athletics shall attend all scheduled DC meetings
unless notice is provided to the Commissioner and a designated alternative may
be appointed by written proxy.
Article VII
New Membership
New Member Procedures:
A prospective member’s CEO must submit a letter of interest in the CACC to the
Commissioner. Upon receipt of the letter, the conference office will respond with a
request for a non-refundable application fee. The letter will be forwarded to all
CACC athletic directors and presidents.
Note: The CACC will not accept block applications.
After receiving the fee:
1. The Conference Commissioner will provide the institution with the
membership procedures and a copy of the Conference constitution and bylaws.
2. Required documentation (when complete packet has been received) will be
forwarded to the CACC Membership Committee.
Required Documentation
A. A letter from the CEO of the institution indicating the reason for desiring
membership in the CACC
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B. A letter from the Director of Athletics indicating the reason for desiring
membership in the CACC and summary of attributes of the athletics program
C. Summary of the institution’s compatibility (e.g. institutional mission, academic
programs, geographical location, athletic program, student population) with
current CACC members.
D. Most recent institutional regional accreditation report
E. Verification of NCAA Division II membership
F. Verification of good standing with the NCAA
G. Location and description of home athletic facilities
H. Latest NCAA self-study with attachments
I. Short-term and long-term goals of the athletic department
J. Copy of current catalog
K. Most recent Equity in Athletics Data Analysis report
1. Athletic department operations manual and compliance manual
2. Athletic program’s strategic plan
3. Athletic program’s most recent two years’ budgets, including
athletically-related financial aid by sport
4. Any other information the institution may deem applicable
3.
The conference office will then request a visitation fee from the applicant
to fund the site visit by the CACC Membership Committee and conference
office representatives.
4.
After reviewing the documents and completing the site visit, the Membership
Committee will make a recommendation to the DC. The committee may
recommend acceptance, rejection or that further consideration is necessary.
5.
The DC will make a confidential recommendation and forward it on to the
PC.
6.
The PC reviews the recommendation and acts. The PC can accept, reject or
refer the matter back to the committee. The PC shall act on the
recommendation within 60 days of receipt from the DC. The decision of an
institution’s application shall be by three-fourths (3/4) vote of PC.
7.
If the presidents vote to accept the new member, the institution will be
assessed an entry fee and must provide a six-year bond. The bond will be
returned to the institution after it is an active member of the CACC for five
consecutive years. If the institution fails to maintain membership for five
years, the bond is forfeited. All interest received from the bond during the
five-year period is the property of the CACC.
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Associate Membership
1.
Any schools applying for associate membership must be a member of the
NCAA II, have attained a minimum of exploratory status and play
“countable” contests in the sport to which they apply. There is an application
fee, and the existing membership process must be followed.
2.
Associate members will be accepted for a minimum of two years. Rollover for
subsequent years is automatic (after successful completion of year 1) unless
notified by the Conference Commissioner by June 30 that membership will be
terminated. If termination is decided, the school will receive one final year of
competition.
3.
Exploratory or provisional members will not be eligible for Conference
playoffs, championships or NCAA consideration; however, active associate
members will be eligible.
4.
Annual costs will be payable to the CACC by September 1 of each year. A
4% increase will be applicable each subsequent year. The Conference
reserves the right to request an additional assessment, based on cost changes
within the Conference. If such an assessment is made, it will be applied to all
Conference members.
5.
Regardless of status within the Conference, all players and head coaches are
eligible for weekly and season-ending awards.
6.
Associate membership allows coaches to attend and vote on all sport specific
recommendations. No other voting privileges are granted with associate
membership and there is no institutional representation at the DC meetings.
Article VIII
Committees
I.
The PC and DC may establish such standing and/or ad hoc committees as it deems
necessary and appointments to such committees shall be made by the
Commissioner.
II.
The Commissioner shall be responsible for the administrative functions associated
with committees.
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Article IX
Sport Committees
Each championship sport sponsored by the CACC will have a Sport Committee.
A. For each sport sponsored by the CACC, the DC will appoint an athletic director
from a member institution to act as a liaison between the DC and each sport
committee.
B. Each sport committee shall have a coach from that sport appointed as sports
chairperson to work cooperatively with the DC liaison to conduct annual meetings
C. The membership of each of these committees shall be determined and appointed
by the DC.
D. The term of each appointed member within a committee shall be three years with a
single renewable option.
Article X
Amendments to Constitution and Bylaws
I.
Proposed amendments may be initiated by a conference member and must be
submitted in writing to the Commissioner at least 21 calendar days prior to the
meeting at which they are to be considered and acted upon. They are to be
circulated to the membership at least 14 calendar days prior to the meeting or may
be voted on with less notice with a unanimous written consent by all members.
II.
Proposed amendments to the constitution, by-laws, rules and regulations of the
conference become effective when adopted by a 3/4 votes of the PC.
Article XI
Conditions of Competition
1.
Each member institution shall abide by the rules set forth in the NCAA playing
rules, CACC guidelines, official rulebooks and other affiliated athletic
associations and follow the eligibility standards of those associations.
2.
Each member institution shall participate in a minimum of sports per NCAA
Division II Constitution and Bylaws.
3.
The CACC non-championship season, in sports other than men’s golf and
women’s tennis, shall consist of a 30-day window with 20 playing/practice
opportunities included. The dates may be determined by each member.
4.
A protested game shall be completed, and the Commissioner in compliance with
the NCAA regulations dealing with the incident shall handle any protest.
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5.
Schedules shall be distributed in the fall and will be approved at the subsequent
DC meeting for competition in upcoming year. All CACC institutions are
required to meet CACC scheduling requirements in all sports. Any changes in the
conference schedule must follow policies for schedule change.
6.
Schedules in the sports of Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s
Soccer, Softball, Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Women’s Lacrosse and
Women’s Volleyball shall be considered conference schedules. These schedules
will be developed and approved by the DC.
a) Conference schedules shall have priority over non-conference
competition.
b) Conference schedules cannot be changed unless
1. Both Directors of Athletics agree.
2. The information is submitted to the conference office for monitoring
purposes.
c) Contests postponed due to weather do not have to go through the
conference office for rescheduling.
7.
All postponed conference games are to be played and should be rescheduled by
mutual agreement of the colleges involved; if they cannot agree on a date, they
must play on the first open date that both colleges have. Failure to follow these
guidelines could result in forfeiture. To qualify for the championship, all
scheduled Conference games must be played.
8.
Conference Championships
a. The sport must have 6 declared member teams to sponsor a conference
sport.
b. The Won/Loss record determines regular season conference champion for
team sports.
c. Each member college must declare its intent to participate (Yes/No) in
each conference sport at the Spring Business meeting. Club teams are not
to be included.
If a member declares conference participation in the spring and decides at a later
date not to play a conference schedule (unless it is due to a team folding from lack
of a proper playing roster or status changed to club), the member college will be
placed on a one-year probation in that sport upon its return to participation.
If a member does not honor its Spring Declaration for reasons other than those
listed above and sponsors the intercollegiate program in question, all programs at
that institution will be placed on one-year probation upon re-declaration of
participation in the conference.
9.
The CACC shall pay for all officials’ fees during a conference tournament;
however, the host school shall absorb any other costs to run the tournament. All
proceeds from the tournament shall be forwarded to the CACC.
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Article XII
Annual Dues
All members of the CACC shall pay annual dues sufficient to cover all costs of
operating the CACC. The fee will be based upon the annual expenses projected
(e.g., trophies, salaries, office operations). The fee will be recommended to the PC
in the annual budget request. A July 1 billing will be sent to each member
institution and will be payable by September 1 of the academic year.
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