1. Ciu Constitution Council of Independent Universities
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1. CIU CONSTITUTION COUNCIL OF INDEPENDENT UNIVERSITIES CONSTITUTION PREAMBLE We, the Heads of private universities and university colleges representing private universities in Ghana, having recognized the need to form an association to promote the interest of member institutions, IN A SPIRIT of friendship and in the EXERCISE of our right to establish a framework of rules and regulations for the Association DO HEREBY give ourselves this CONSTITUTION. ARTICLE 1 NAME The Association shall be known and called Council of Independent Universities (CIU). ARTICLE 2 COMPOSITION The CIU shall comprise the Heads of member institutions of the Council or their duly authorized representatives. ARTICLE 3 VISION To be a world class provider of higher education which meets the demands of Ghana’s development. ARTICLE 4 MISSION To build unity and cooperation among private universities and university colleges in Ghana and beyond. ARTICLE 5 OBJECTIVES The objectives of the Council shall be to: 1. Protect and represent the legitimate interests of members in matters of legislation, policies and procedures. 2. Seek representation on Committees, Councils and Boards set up by government or non-governmental organizations concerning higher education. 3. Affiliate itself with international Associations and bodies involved in higher education. 4. Identify and study problems arising within the higher education sector and implement solutions in cooperation with relevant government agencies and professional bodies. 5. Encourage and promote good practices, professionalism, quality and ethics among its members. 6. Encourage increased contacts and sharing of resources among its members and the international academic community and create a strong educational system that would have a global recognition. 7. Put in place modalities for the transfer of course credits by students from one member institution to another. 8. Create a platform for debating and taking concerted action in implementing measures that foster co-operation among members in the exchange of lecturers, researchers, administrators, students and the use of facilities. ARTICLE 6 CODE OF ETHICS In upholding the principles of National University Education philosophy and in its effort to promote professionalism, integrity and quality in private universities, members shall: 1. Disclose full, fair and accurate information regarding programmes offered through responsible advertising. 2. Maintain admission standards within a framework of well-defined policies and procedures as provided by regulatory bodies. 3. Engage qualified and competent staff to provide the academic and administrative support required for the programmes offered. 4. Employ high academic standards through the implementation of quality assurance mechanisms. 5. Provide appropriate physical resources, materials and facilities in the delivery of programmes. 6. Provide support services, premises and other facilities that will safeguard the safety, security and well-being of the university community. 7. Ensure that all academic programmes have requisite approval from the approved regulatory body. 8. Not conduct or operate their institutions solely for profit. 9. Avoid participating or intervening in any active political campaign in the name of the Council. ARTICLE 7 MEMBERSHIP Section 1: Requirement for Membership For the head of an institution to be eligible for membership of the Council, the institution must have received accreditation by the appropriate regulatory body to run degree/diploma/certificate programmes either as a University or University College. Section 2: Admission to Membership Application for membership shall be made on a prescribed form and shall be submitted to the Executive Committee through the Executive Secretary for vetting and approval. Section 3: Rights and Privileges of Members All members of the Council shall enjoy the same rights and privileges and have the same obligations as stated on the application form. The rights conferred on the members of the Council by this Constitution shall be suspended when the member’s institution loses its accreditation. Section 4: Cessation of Membership Any member of the Council shall cease to be a member if: a. His/Her institution decides to withdraw its membership from the Council. b. His/Her institution’s accreditation is revoked. However, if the institution regains its accreditation status, he/she may re-apply for membership. c. The institution fails to pay annual subscription for three consecutive years. However, if the institution settles all arrears, his/her membership will be restored. ARTICLE 8 MEETINGS There shall be three types of meetings: Section 1: General Meetings a. The General Meetings shall be held once in each of the first three quarters of the year. b. The Executive Secretary shall send invitation to members at least two weeks in advance. c. The quorum for the General Meetings shall be one-third of its members. d. The substantive Head of the institution shall attend the General Meeting. In his/her absence, the duly authorized representative may represent him/her. Section 2: Emergency Meetings a. Emergency Meetings which shall be called for stated purpose(s) shall be summoned by the Chairperson at his/her discretion or upon the request of at least one-third of the members. b. One week’s notice shall be required for Emergency Meetings. c. The quorum for the Emergency Meetings shall be one-third of members. d. The substantive Head of the institution shall attend the Emergency Meetings. In his/her absence, the duly authorized representative may represent him/her. Section 3: Annual General Meetings a. Annual General Meetings shall be held in the last quarter of the year. b. The Executive Secretary shall send invitation to members at least two weeks in advance. c. The quorum for the Annual General Meetings shall be one-third of members. d. The substantive Head of the institution shall attend the Annual General Meeting. In his/her absence, the duly authorized representative may represent him/her. e. The Business to be conducted at the Annual General Meetings shall include: i. Annual Report ii. Audited Financial Statement iii. Conduct of Elections iv. Amendment to Constitution (if any) ARTICLE 9 OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL The Officers of the Council are: 1. Chairperson 2. Vice Chairperson ARTICLE 10 CHAIRPERSON Section 1: Eligibility To qualify for the position of a Chairperson, the candidate shall be the Head of an institution which has been a member of the Council for at least two years. The institution shall be in good standing in respect of payment of annual subscription and regular attendance at meetings. Section 2: Duties of the Chairperson a. The Chairperson shall preside over all meetings at which he/she is present. b. The Chairperson shall be responsible in the management of the affairs of the Council and shall perform all duties as may from time to time be assigned to him/her by the Council. c. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson shall act. ARTICLE 11 VICE CHAIRPERSON Section 1:Eligibility: To qualify for the position of a Vice Chairperson, the candidate shall be the Head of an institution which has been a member of the Council for at least two years. The institution shall be in good standing in respect of payment of annual subscription and regular attendance at meetings. Section 2: Duties of the Vice Chairperson a. The Vice Chairperson shall preside over all meetings at which he/she is present in the absence of the Chairperson. b. The Vice Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson in the management of the affairs of the Council and shall perform all duties as may from time to time be assigned to him/her by the Council. c. For the avoidance of doubt, the Vice Chairperson shall act for the Chairperson in his/her absence. ARTICLE 12 ELECTION OF OFFICERS Process of Election a. The Officers of the Council shall be elected at the Annual General Meetings. b. An interested qualified person shall fill a prescribed nomination form expressing his/her interest and shall obtain signatures of two other Heads of institution supporting his/her candidature. c. Voting shall be by secret ballot. d. The Executive Secretary shall be the Returning Officer who shall supervise the conduct of the elections. e. The newly elected officers shall assume office on 1st January following the elections. f. The period for the tenure of officers shall be two calendar years. The Officers shall not be eligible for re-election. ARTICLE 13 COMMITTEES A. Executive Committee The Executive Committee shall comprise the following: a. Chairperson b. Vice Chairperson c. Two other members elected by the Council. d. Chairperson of the Committee of Registrars and Finance Officers (CRFO)- In Attendance The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the general management of the Council. B. Committee of Registrars and Finance Officers The CRFO shall consist of Registrars and Finance Officers of private universities and university colleges of member institutions. Its function shall be to advise the Council on administrative and financial matters. ARTICLE 14 SECRETARIAT There shall be a permanent Secretariat of the Council, headed by an Executive Secretary of a rank not below Senior Assistant Registrar. Duties of the Executive Secretary The Executive Secretary shall direct and oversee the general administrative operations of the Secretariat. He/She shall be ultimately responsible to the Council through the Chairperson. The Executive Secretary shall: a. Be the Secretary to the Council, the Executive Committee and the CRFO. b. Direct and oversee the general administrative and financial operations of the Secretariat. c. Keep and preserve the minutes of the Council. d. Make available to the Chairperson all documents or reports relating to matters to be discussed and, should the need arise take steps to invite experts whose advice could be useful to the Council. e. Keep a record of the post office and e-mail addresses of all members; and in general perform all duties incidental to the office of the Executive Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the Council.