THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

WOMEN IN TECHNOLOGY (WIT) AFFINITY GROUP

OFFICIAL CHARTER


ARTICLE I - PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT


PURPOSE

This document establishes the Bylaws of The University of New Mexico Women in Technology (UNM-WIT). UNM WIT’s purpose is to promote a supportive, inclusive environment to advance the professional goals and aspirations of UNM women in technology and is open to all UNM Faculty and Staff.


ARTICLE II – CHARTER MISSION


To empower the creative, innovative and hardworking women in technology fields. To enable success by providing Information Technology educational and networking opportunities, peer support, and outreach at the University of New Mexico and within the surrounding community.

GOALS

To accomplish the aforementioned mission, the affinity group will:

Goal 1: Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration among UNM faculty and staff, WIT partners and members of the community, including developing a strong partnership with Lobo Women in Computing student group at UNM.

Goal 2: Community Building: Create a supportive and inclusive community for all professional women working in or interested in information technology at the University of New Mexico and create a culture of inclusion and diversity.

Goal 3: Professional Development: Focus university-wide resources on educating women in technology and present opportunities for professional development. Facilitate professional growth by offering leadership, career development, and networking opportunities.

Goal 4: Mentorship: Provide mentorship opportunities within the University, WIT partners and outside of the campus community to achieve professional success.

Goal 5: Dialogue: Create an open dialogue about the unique opportunities and challenges of being a woman in technology and how we can continue to inspire and empower women in technology.


ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING


MEMBERSHIP (VOTING)

Eligibility for membership is hereby established as follows:

Membership in the affinity group shall be comprised of UNM female faculty and staff.

AFFILIATE MEMBER (NON-VOTING)

Eligibility for membership is hereby established as follows:

Affiliate members include students, WIT partners, Lobo Women in Computing student group at UNM, and community members. Affiliate members will not be considered for Officer positions. Men who are interested in supporting women in technology can request to participate the affiliate member's process. Affiliate members will not be considered for Officer position and will be non-voting members.

SIGN UP FOR MEMBERSHIP

HOW TO SIGN-UP

If you are interested in being part of this innovative and passionate team, please submit the following information to wit@unm.edu:

  • First Name, Last Name
  • Organization
  • Contact information, including e-mail for WIT communications
  • Whether you are requesting full membership or affiliate membership (see above)
  • Share what you hope to get out of your membership
  • If you have resources you can contribute to women in technology at UNM, please describe in detail those resources and the contribution

Membership shall be conferred by a majority vote of the WIT Officers who are participating at any regular or special meeting at which there is a quorum present.

CONDUCT

WIT Members and Affiliates shall conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner in accordance with University Administrative Policy (UAP) 2240: Respectful Campus http://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/2000/2240.html. Any member or affiliate in violation of this policy, may have their membership revoked.

WITHDRAWAL

Any member may voluntarily withdraw from WIT membership and WIT communications by notifying the WIT group at wit@unm.edu at any time.


ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS

OFFICERS. THE OFFICERS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE DUTIES SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS: 


CO-CHAIRS SHALL

The WIT Officer Structure shall consist of two co-chairs.

    1. Preside over all Women in Technology (WIT) group meetings.
    2. Represent and speak for the WIT group to the public and other organizations.
    3. Be responsible for the maintenance of the WIT group’s charter and/or bylaws.
    4. Be responsible for the events and fundraising plan recommendations.

THE SECRETARY SHALL

    1. Take responsibility for communications of the WIT group and coordinate with the Office of the CIO when appropriate.
    2. Maintain a list of all members and their contact information.
    3. Record and distribute minutes of all WIT meetings.
    4. Maintain shared site containing all documents of the WIT group.
    5. The Secretary may delegate any or all of these duties to another member of the WIT group as needed.
    6. Work with Chair and Co-Chair to coordinate and assist in planning of formal WIT events and meetings.

THE TREASURER SHALL

    1. Coordinate in the preparation of the annual budget for the WIT group.
    2. Provide guidance and support to the Chair and other members of the WIT group. Assist Chair in developing fundraising plans.
    3. Accept and deposit donations and other funds as necessary.
    4. Maintain financial records and make financial information available to WIT members and the public.
    5. The Treasurer may delegate any or all of these duties to another member of the WIT group as needed.

TERMS AND ELECTIONS

    1. The term of office shall be one year for all WIT officers. A one-year term of office shall commence at the beginning of the calendar year and shall expire at the end of the calendar year. Officers will be elected in alternate years as follows:
      1. One Co-chair and Secretary will be elected in even years
      2. One Co-chair and Treasurer will be elected in odd years
    2. The officers shall be selected among WIT group members and may be nominated by any member of the WIT group.
    3. Election shall be made by a majority vote of the WIT members during a defined election via electronic survey during election period.
    4. If the Chairs, Secretary, or Treasurer are unable to serve their term, an election will be held to fill the position for the remainder of the term.
    5. The Founders of UNM WIT will remain as Ex-Officio members of the board if not currently filling an Officer Position.

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS AND EVENTS

  1. Meetings shall be held quarterly at a minimum, with a goal of meeting monthly. Meetings will be posted in advance on an annual schedule. Any notifications or changes will be communicated via WIT list serv. Formal agendas and minutes from the prior WIT group meeting will be distributed prior to the next meeting.
  2. Events. At a minimum, two events will be held, with a focus on community, technology promotion and communication, and ongoing technology education. One fundraising event shall be held each year to raise money for a WIT scholarship. Attendance at events can be via electronic means, e.g., Zoom, Teams.

ARTICLE VI – COMMUNICATIONS

  1. The channel for distributing official information to the members of the UNM WIT shall be through the Secretary who will maintain a list of WIT Members and Affiliates.
  2. Any material submitted for distribution is assumed to be non-proprietary and non-classified in nature. The recipients, therefore, are under no obligation to refrain from reproducing or re-distributing any information to anyone they choose. Each distribution shall carry an appropriate disclaimer clause.
  3. The UNM WIT is not responsible for the content of any presentation, materials, or handouts presented or given to meeting attendees by non-WIT members or affiliates.
  4. The UNM WIT is not responsible for the application of any information, idea or procedure obtained at a meeting of the WIT group.

ARTICLE VII - OTHER ACTIVITIES

  1. No member, officer, employee or representative of the UNM WIT shall take any action or carry on any activity by or on behalf of the UNM WIT not specifically authorized. When participating in an event that has not been formally sanctioned by WIT, please get approval by submitting a request to wit@unm.edu.