Aviation Industry Advisory Board Bylaws

Introduction

Purpose of the Aviation Studies Industry Advisory Board

The dynamic and evolving field of aviation requires constant collaboration between industry and academia. In response to this need, Bowling Green State University (BGSU) has partnered with aviation industry leaders to establish an Aviation Studies Industry Advisory Board. The board’s primary role is to guide the BGSU Aviation Studies Program in adapting to industry trends, enhancing educational opportunities, and preparing students for professional careers in aviation. The Board will be a forum of aviation professionals and community leaders committed to advancing the Program.

Definitions and Descriptions

The Aviation Studies Industry Advisory Board (the Board) is a group selected to advise and support the Aviation Studies Program (the Program) at BGSU. It operates under the guidance of the Dean of the College of Technology, Architecture, and Applied Engineering and the Director of the School of Aviation. The Board serves in an advisory capacity and carries the following key characteristics:

• Advisory Role: The Board offers recommendations to ensure the Program’s success.
• Voluntary Service: Members serve without pay.

Membership Qualifications

Expertise

The Board will consist of individuals with specialized knowledge in aviation and a strong interest in aviation education. Members should be respected professionals with credibility in the field or related industries.

Commitment

Board members must actively participate in Board activities, maintain close communication with the Program, engage and report on committee work, and attend at least two meetings annually. While virtual attendance is permitted, in-person participation is strongly encouraged.

Member Scope of Duties and Activities

The primary responsibility of the Board is to advise and recommend actions for the continued success of the Program. The Board’s activities will focus on areas directly impacting the Program. Key duties include:

1. Communication and Industry Trends: Serving as a communication link between the aviation industry and the program to stay informed on trends, concerns, and labor market needs.
2. Funding and Resource Development: Supporting funding initiatives, resource development, and the identification of external opportunities, including scholarships, student activities, and equipment.
3. Student Recruitment, Work Experience, and Placement: Assisting with student recruitment, work experiences, graduate placement, and faculty recruitment.
4. Curriculum Feedback and Program Image: Offering feedback on the program's curriculum and public image and suggesting improvements.
5. Long-Term Planning and Program Quality: Aiding in the development of long-term growth plans and enhancing the quality of the program and its graduates.
6. Co-Op Program and Applied Research: Providing guidance on the Co-Op Program and facilitating applied research opportunities.

Bylaws

Article I: Name and Objectives

Section 1. Name The organization shall be known as the Aviation Studies Industry Advisory Board (the Board).

Section 2. Objectives The Board’s objectives are to enhance and initiate educational, service, and research opportunities benefiting the Program and the aviation industry. These goals will be achieved by:

• Promoting a quality Program for aspiring aviation professionals.
• Facilitating communication between the Program, industry, administration, and the public.
• Developing a strong marketing strategy to ensure Program viability.
• Expanding and improving educational facilities and equipment.
• Identifying alternative financial initiatives to ensure the Program’s success.
• Supporting applied research in aviation

Article II: Meetings

Section 1. Meeting Frequency

• The full Board will meet at least twice a year.
  • Members may attend meetings virtually, though they will not have voting rights during virtual attendance.
• Executive and sub-committees may meet as needed.

Section 2. Meeting Notice Board meetings will be scheduled and announced at least a month in advance, with reminders sent closer to the date.

Section 3. Agenda
Typical agenda items include:

• Call to order, introductions, and updates
• Approval of minutes
• New and old business
• Reports from sub-committees
• Student input
• Scheduling the next meeting
• Adjournment

Section 4. Quorum A quorum is established by 50% of the members being present at any meeting, with Executive and sub-committees requiring quorum from their respective members.

Article III: Membership

Section 1. General Membership

• Qualifications: Board members should be knowledgeable in specialized areas of aviation and willing to contribute to the Board’s activities. A diverse representation from various segments of the aviation industry and related industries, as well as BGSU alumni, is encouraged.
• Membership Representation: The Board will ensure balanced representation from various career concentrations within aviation, including one representative from each contracted service provider.
• Student Membership: At least one Aviation Studies student from each major will serve on the Board each semester, selected by the Executive Committee. These positions are non-voting members.
• Ex-Officio Membership: Non-voting ex-officio members, such as instructors and program staff, will provide valuable insights and support.
• Term Length: Board member terms are open-ended and subject to Executive Committee review. Student members serve for one academic year.

Section 2. Changes in Board Membership
Membership may be reviewed and canceled by the Executive Committee if members miss two consecutive meetings without notice. Resigning members must notify the President in advance, and vacancies will be filled according to the guidelines.

Section 3. Joining the Board
A current member of the Board must provide a recommendation for new members wishing to join the Board. The prospective member must submit a current resume and bio to the Executive Committee at least one month prior to the meeting where the review will occur. This advance notice ensures proper time for the Executive Committee to conduct a thorough review of the candidate's qualifications

Article IV: Voting

• Each voting member has one vote.
• A majority vote is needed for decisions i.e. new members, revisions to the bylaws, etc.
• Votes must be cast in person; proxy voting is not allowed.

Article V: Responsibilities of Officers

Section 1. Officers
The Board will have three officer positions: President, Vice-President, and Secretary. These officers are elected by a majority vote of the Board members and serve a two-year term, with a maximum of four years in office. If the position of Secretary is vacant, the Aviation Program Director or Faculty Liaison will temporarily assume this role until the next meeting to vote in another member of the board. The outgoing President will remain part of the Executive Committee for one year to assist the incoming President

Section 2. Duties of the President

• Preside Over Meetings: The President presides over all regularly scheduled, unscheduled, and Executive Board meetings. In the interest of minimizing formality, the President assumes the role of conference leader, conducting meetings in accordance with Robert’s Rules.
• Appoint Sub-Committees: The President is responsible for appointing subcommittees as needed to carry out the Board’s business.
• Represent the Board: The President represents the Board at various functions throughout the year, as needed.
• Annual Report: In collaboration with the Vice-President and Faculty Liaison, the President organizes and oversees the production of the Program’s Annual Report.
• Program Review: The President oversees a review of the Program every five years.
• By-Laws Update: The President is responsible for overseeing the review and update of Board By-Laws every two years.

Section 3. Duties of the Vice-President

• Fill in for President: The Vice-President serves in place of the President in their absence.
• Plan Meeting Agendas: The Vice-President, with the President’s concurrence, schedules regular meetings and plans the associated agendas.
• Annual Report: In collaboration with the President and Faculty Liaison, the Vice- President helps organize the production of the Program’s Annual Report.

Section 4. Duties of the Secretary

• Meeting Coordination: The Secretary prepares and distributes meeting announcements (including dates, times, locations, and agendas) at least two weeks in advance, and arranges parking passes, catering, and sends a reminder prior to the meeting.
• Meeting Minutes: The Secretary records and maintains minutes for all Board meetings, providing a copy to members within 30 days (electronically unless a paper copy is requested).
• Aviation Studies Status Report: The BGSU Aviation Program Director or Faculty Liaison provides a biannual written Status Report on the Program, including vital statistics for Board review to be distributed by the secretary.
• Aviation Industry Advisory Board Annual Report: The Secretary compiles and distributes the Program's Annual Report.
• Board Member List: The Secretary maintains and updates a list of Board members and their contact information.
• Advisory Board Handbook: The Secretary provides new members with a copy of the Advisory Board Handbook and a list of current Board members.

Article VI: Board Committees

Section 1. Executive Committee
The Executive Committee, consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and the BGSU Aviation Program Director, handles administrative matters and decision-making.

Section 2. Sub-Committees
Sub-committees, appointed by the President, will focus on specific tasks and report their progress at regular Board meetings.

Article VII: Reports

Aviation Industry Advisory Board Annual Report
The Executive Committee will prepare and distribute an annual report, including key activities, reports from sub-committees, and meeting minutes.

Aviation Studies Status Report
A biannual written Status Report on the Program distributed in the meeting following the spring meeting.

Article VIII: Limitations and Dissolution

Section 1. Limitations
Funds raised for the Program cannot benefit the Board or its members without prior written approval.

Section 2. Dissolution
Upon dissolution, all supplies and funds shall be transferred to the Program.

Article IX: Amendments

Amendments to the By-Laws must be proposed by the Executive Committee and approved by a majority vote at a scheduled meeting.

(Bylaws approved May 2025)