SAMPLE BYLAWS
Chapters are not required to use these sample bylaws; however, all bylaws must be reviewed
by the Office of Alumni Relations prior to filing.
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization is the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association Chapter of
_____________________________ (city or region).
ARTICLE II: MISSON STATEMENT
The common purpose of Johns Hopkins Alumni Association chapters is to provide opportunities
for alumni, parents, and friends of Johns Hopkins University to foster a lifelong connection to the
university; to encourage intellectual enrichment, social networking and professional growth
through events and ongoing programs; and to elevate the stature of the University in
________________________________ (city or region) through chapter activities.
ARTICLE III: GEOGRAPHIC AREA
The proposed geographic area of the chapter shall be filed with the Johns Hopkins University
Office of Alumni Relations. The geographic area of the chapter is subject to the approval of the
Office of Alumni Relations.
ARTICLE IV: CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
Alumni, parents and friends of Johns Hopkins University shall be eligible for chapter leadership
positions. Friends may include, but are not limited to, spouses, residents, post-docs and former
faculty/staff.
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS OF THE CHAPTER
Section 1- Officers
The officers of the chapter shall include but are not limited to: President, Vice President, and
Secretary/Communications Chair. These primary officers may elect or appoint other officers or
chairs as needed.
Section 2- Duties
The duties of the officers shall be those duties and powers usually associated with their
respective offices and as detailed in the Handbook for Chapter Leaders.
Section 3- Term of Office – Chapter President
The term of office for a Chapter President shall be three years. The role of Chapter President
may be renewed only after the immediate successor has filled his or her term. The Chapter
President shall help identify his/her successor during the final year of the term. The successor
is subject to the approval of the Johns Hopkins Alumni Council and the Office of Alumni
Relations.
Section 4- Term of Office – Additional Officers
The term of office for Vice President, Secretary/Communications Chair, and all other appointed
or elected officers shall be a one-year, renewable term. There is no limit to how often a term
can be renewed, but continuous terms do need to be approved by the chapter. Each officer
shall help identify his/her successor by the end of the term.
Section 5- Election of Officers
The officers shall be elected or appointed at the Annual Meeting by a majority vote of the
members present and voting. Note that some chapters may choose to have an application
process. The Alumni Council’s Chapters Committee has the role of final approval on officer
selection.
ARTICLE VI: CHAPTER COMMITTEE
Section 1- Members and Qualifications
The committee shall consist of the officers of the chapter, the immediate past President,
members-at-large, and contacts from various programs and initiatives.
Section 2- Duties
The duties of the committee shall be to manage the operation and activities of the chapter in
accordance with the mission statement, Handbook for Chapter Leaders, and the Johns Hopkins
Alumni Association’s Bylaws, including but not limited to:
a) Holding a minimum of two meetings per year (varies based on the size of the region).
b) Coordinating a minimum of two events per year (varies based on the size of the region).
c) Electing or appointing officers and members to fill vacancies occurring during the fiscal
year.
ARTICLE VII: DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS
In the event that the chapter shall cease active operation, all assets (e.g. supplies, binders, etc.)
of the chapter shall be given to the Johns Hopkins University Office of Alumni Relations.
ARTICLE VIII: FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the chapter shall begin on July 1 of each year.
ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS
The bylaws may be adopted, repealed, or amended, in part or in whole, at any time, by the
affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the chapter committee.
ARTICLE X: ADHERENCE TO THE JOHNS HOPKINS ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONGUIDELINES
These bylaws shall adhere to all existing JHAA guidelines. In the event that the JHAA guidelines
are amended or revised, these bylaws shall be reviewed for compliance and amended
accordingly.
Adopted this ____________ day of ____________, _______;
Date
Month
Year
By the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association Chapter of _________________________________.
By:
President name
President Signature
______________________
_____________________
Secretary name
Secretary Signature
______________________
_____________________
Office of Alumni Relations
OAR Signature
______________________
_____________________