Governance

The Council on Research and Evaluation (hereafter referred to as the Council), is established as an integral part of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (hereafter referred to as AUCD).

Section 1: Purpose
Research and evaluation activities contribute evidence and support for systemic change, advocacy, and capacity building which can benefit individuals with disabilities, their families and their communities. The AUCD network is a partner for bringing data to inform program- and policy-related decisions made at the national, state, and local levels.

The purpose of the Council on Research and Evaluation is to encourage sound research and evaluation in the field of disabilities. The Council achieves this by: (a) promoting collaborative research and evaluation endeavors among AUCD network members and across funding agencies and organizations, (b) advocating for broad acceptance of the many valid research and evaluation methodologies utilized, (c) supporting the training of tomorrow's professionals to provide quality research and evaluation activities, (d) advancing the involvement of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of research and Council activities, and (e) recognizing qualityresearch and evaluation accomplishments.

The Council fulfills its purpose to AUCD and its constituent membership by acting as a coordinating body to strategically leverage the research and evaluation capacity of the AUCD network, shape evidence-based policy and practice, and provide technical assistance to its members.

The Council shall: (a) serve as a focus for the identification and discussion of issues regarding research and evaluation; (b) serve as a representative voice of the research and evaluation community within our Centers' host institutions, universities and the AUCD network; and (c) promote the integration of quality research and evaluation into program planning and decision making, both within the AUCD governance and as the basis for influencing the development of national policies.

Section 2: Membership
The Council membership shall consist of one representative from each network Center, designated by the Director of that Center. The identified representative shall serve and represent the overall research and evaluation interests of that Center.

Section 3: Organization
There shall be officers of the Council which include the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Past Chair. A Steering Committee will consist of the four Officers, standing and ad hoc Committee Directors and other individuals designated by the Chair. Requests for ad hoc committees to conduct specific business may be directed to the Chair and formed with the approval of the Steering Committee.

The Past Chair and two other Council members will be appointed by the Officers, and comprise the nominating committee.

Council liaisons to AUCD committees / councils will be appointed at the request of the Chair with the approval of the Officers. Liaisons are responsible for reporting information and concerns to the assigned Councils and committees and for reporting back to the Council.

Section 4: Election of Officers
All Council members shall be eligible for nomination to serve as officers, and shall serve for three years, a term that is consistent with the term of office of the AUCD Board of Directors. Nominations will be conducted at least two months prior to the election. Elections will be held one month in advance of the annual meeting using an electronic voting format (email or web-based). Each officer will be selected by a majority of those voting.

If a vacancy occurs in the Chair, the Vice Chair shall become the Chair for the remainder of the term. Replacement for other Officer vacancies will be nominated by the Chair and approved by the Steering Committee, and serve the remainder of the term.

Section 5: Duties of Officers
The Council Chair shall conduct all meetings of the Council, as well as those of the Steering Committee. The Vice Chair will pursue those duties as designated by the Chairperson and the Steering Committee. The Secretary will maintain minutes of all general and Steering Committee meetings and will make distribution to the membership at large.

The Council Chair shall: 1) develop an agenda prior to meetings of the Council, 2) conduct all meetings of the Council, 3) promote the mission and purpose of the Council set forth in these Governing Rules, 4) represent the Council on the AUCD Board of Directors, 5) report to the Council the business of the AUCD Board of Directors, 6) report to the AUCD Board the activities and recommendations of the Council, and 7) delegate duties necessary to ensure that all functions of the Council are met.

The Vice Chair shall: 1) assist in planning the Council's program for meetings, 2) promote the mission and purpose of the Council in collaboration with the Chair, and 3) perform other duties as designated by the Chair.

Past chair shall: 1) promote the mission and purpose of the Council and 2) provide counsel to the Chair and other officers.

The Secretary shall: 1) maintain minutes of all meetings, 2) disseminate all materials developed by the Council, 3) maintain an up-to-date membership list, and 4) coordinate with AUCD to maintain and update the Council website.

Section 6: Vote
Each Council member will have one vote on any Council business. If a Council member is unable to participate, he/she may designate another person from the Center.

Section 7: Quorum
A quorum to conduct business shall consist of those members present. An announcement of each meeting and proposed agenda will be distributed to the entire Council membership at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

Section 8: Meetings
There shall be conducted no less than one Council meeting per year. This requirement shall usually be fulfilled in tandem with the AUCD Annual Meeting but may be accomplished through other means. Announcement of the general business meeting and agenda shall be made at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date.

The Steering Committee shall meet as needed to further the business of the Council.

Section 9: Amendments
Questions of procedure not adequately covered in these Rules will be subject to Robert's Rules of Order.

Amendments to these Governing Rules will be adopted if approved by a majority of the Council's membership who vote within the designated time frame given for responses. Notice of the proposed change(s) will be distributed no less than a month in advance to the Council's vote.