NIU Operating Staff Council Constitution

Article 1: The Operating Staff Council

1.1 Name

The name of the organization shall be the Operating Staff Council (OSC) of Northern Illinois University (NIU).

1.2 Purpose

The members of the operating staff of NIU have the right to organize a council to represent their constituency. The OSC is an integral part of the university governance system through its participation, communication, advisement, and assistance on the resolution of issues and the formulation of policies relevant to the general welfare of operating staff employees. The operating staff, through its OSC, may communicate its concerns to the relevant administrative bodies, to the appropriate vice president(s), to the president of the university and shall then have the right of ultimate appeal to the Board of Trustees.

Article 2: Membership on the Operating Staff Council

2.1 Qualifications

Operating staff employees in status positions are eligible to become elected members of the OSC. The manner and process for determining eligibility are contained in the bylaws.

2.2 Representation

The OSC shall consist of 17 elected representatives and three alternate members. Open seats shall be filled by election from members of the operating staff at large. The election process is described in the bylaws.

2.3 Term of Membership

Each representative shall serve a term of three years. Each alternate shall serve a term of one year, or fulfill the term of a representative's vacancy if applicable. 

2.4 Revocation of Membership

It shall be the responsibility of the OSC Executive Committee to bring forward to the OSC any formal recommendations to revoke OSC membership. Membership shall be revoked by a vote of no less than two-thirds of the members present at a regular or special meeting.

Article 3: Meetings of the Operating Staff Council

3.1 Regular Meetings

Regular meetings of the OSC shall be held once per month throughout the calendar year.

3.2 Special Meetings

Special meetings may be called by the President of the OSC as needed. If the President is incapacitated or the special meeting pertains to the removal of the President, then the Vice President may call a special meeting of the council. Notification of such meetings shall be provided to all OSC members as far in advance as possible.

3.3 Attendance at Regular and Special Meetings

Attendance at regular and special meetings shall be considered mandatory for all OSC members. The secretary of the OSC shall be notified in advance of any absence from scheduled meetings.

3.4 Agenda for Meetings

Items for the proposed agenda should be received by the OSC President no later than seven business days prior to each OSC meeting. Other agenda items may be presented at any regular meeting before the approval of the agenda.

Article 4: Committees

4.1 Standing Committees of Operating Staff Council

Standing committees of the OSC shall be: Executive, Elections/Appointments, Public Relations/Activities, Workplace Guidance, Legislative and others as determined by regular OSC action. Each OSC member is required to serve on at least one standing committee of the OSC.

4.2 University Committees and Commissions

Certain university committees and commissions require representation from operating staff. (See bylaws for constituency and election procedures.)

Article 5: Officers of the Operating Staff Council

5.1 Positions

Officers of the OSC shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian.

5.2 Election of Officers

The President shall be elected for a two-year term and all other officers shall be elected for a one-year term by the members of the OSC. Absentee ballots will be permitted. Retiring officers shall continue to hold office until the new officers are elected. All officers must be currently elected (non-alternate) members of the OSC. The President of the OSC shall have served at least one year on the OSC prior to being elected to office. If a member of the OSC is elected to the office of President in the third year of their term, that member’s term shall be extended an additional year so they may fulfill their duties as President.

Article 6: Amendments to the Operating Staff Council Constitution and Bylaws

6.1 Proposal for Amendments

Any member of the OSC may propose an amendment to the constitution or the bylaws by presenting it, in writing, to the President of the OSC and the Legislative Committee. The amendment shall be presented for consideration within the next two regularly scheduled meetings.

6.2 Adoption of Amendments

An amendment to the constitution or the bylaws shall require a simple majority of the voting members present at any regularly scheduled meeting.

Amendments approved: Apr. 7, 2022