The name of the organization shall be Postgraduate Forum, herein referred to as PGF.
Mission Statement: The purpose of Postgraduate Forum is to provide a means for postgraduates in the School of Historical Studies at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to publish their research and work. Work submitted for publication is published in an electronic journal that is issued annually in September. Postgraduate Forum also holds an annual conference to afford students the opportunity to promote their work. The aim of the conference is to provide the chance for postgraduates to gain experience giving papers at a conference, while doing so in a supportive and sympathetic audience.
Membership consists of Executive Board members and Representatives. All members must be currently enrolled University of Newcastle students and attend all PGF meetings. Representatives (members of PGF) shall be appointed according to procedures established by PGF. Meetings are open to PGF members and postgraduate students within the School of Historical Studies.
Any vacancy in general membership that may occur shall be filled according to the respective policy to which the vacancy pertains. Any vacancy on the executive board shall be appointed by a general vote, unless the vacancy is the Chair and Editor, in which case the Editor-in-Chief will assume the role of Chair and Editor and appoint a new Editor-in-Chief, pending ratification at the next group meeting. The appointment shall be considered ratified by a majority vote. The new Chair and Editor will remain Chair and Editor for the remainder of the academic year.
The PGF shall have a Chair and Editor, Editor-in-Chief, and Secretary/Treasurer. These officers comprise the Executive Board.
Section B:
The term of office shall be for one academic year.
Section C:
Election of officers shall be held each year. At least one month notice shall be given before the election meeting. Nominations shall be initiated from the floor and elections done by a ballot. The person receiving majority vote will be elected. Elections shall be held in May. See section VIII for details on voting.
Section A:
PGF Chair and Editor
Prepare or direct preparation for each PGF meeting including e-mailing the agenda for the meeting to PGF members
Lead and direct meetings
Coordinate the dates, materials, and serve as main contact for the PGF annual conference
Provide the incoming Chair and Editor with appropriate information to ensure a smooth transition for the next academic year
Preside over the election process
Edit the annual PGF journal
Section B:
Editor-in-Chief
Assist in preparation of meetings
Coordinate and assist the Chair and Editor in planning the annual PGF conference
Edit the annual PGF journal
Section C:
Secretary/Treasurer
Take minutes at each meeting and then e-mail minutes to PGF Chair and Editor
Record attendance at each meeting
Keep track of income and expenses each semester and provide updates to PGF regarding finances
Section D:
All PGF Positions
All executive board members and representatives must be current students
Attend PGF meetings
Communicate with the advisor, executive board, other members and postgraduate students within the School of Historical Studies
Participate in discussions at meetings
Advise the Chair and Editor on emerging issues
Section E:
PGF Representatives
Communicate the needs of postgraduate students to the executive board
Share with postgraduate students decisions made by PGF
Get feedback from postgraduate students on their concerns/opinions
Section F:
Web Editor
Non-voting member of PGF
Responsible for maintaining the PGF website, including but not limited to keeping the website updated and ensuring the website maintains the standards put forth by the PGF membership
Communicate needs/problems relating to the PGF website to PGF members at meetings
1. The advisor will be a member of staff from the School of Historical Studies.
2. The advisor shall assist the group in their execution of roles and responsibilities.
3. The advisor shall provide feedback to the organization regarding its operation and functioning.
4. The advisor shall serve as a resource.
5. The advisor should provide advice upon request, and also should share knowledge, expertise, and experience with the group.
6. The advisor will be a non-voting member of the organization.
1. Meetings will be held at least once a month during the academic calendar year.
2. The dates shall be determined at the start of the Chair and Editor’s term by the Chair and Editor of PGF.
Section A:
A vote is called when two-thirds of PGF members are present. A majority vote is required for an issue to pass.
Section A:
Meetings shall follow the agenda. The agenda will be comprised of issues brought forth by the Executive Committee or any member.
Section A:
Amendments may be proposed by any member. The amendments will be posted (via email) at least a week in advance.
Section B:
Amendments will be considered ratified by the voting process explained in Article VIII.