Board of Visitors

Article 1 – Purpose

Section 1. The Board of Visitors (“Board”) of Georgia State University College of Law (“College of Law”) exists to advise and assist the Dean in maintaining a first-class program of legal education. The Board’s functions include leveraging its members’ professional networks for the benefit of College of Law students, faculty and staff; providing guidance on the profession so as to help the College of Law develop strategy and curriculum; and serving as ambassadors for the College of Law and Georgia State University.

Article II – Officers

Section 1. The Board shall have a Chair, whom the Dean shall appoint. The Chair shall serve for a one-year term, renewable upon the mutual agreement of the Chair and the Dean. The Dean may also appoint additional officers. All officers shall serve one-year terms, renewable upon the mutual agreement of those officers and the Dean.

Section 2. A vacancy in office shall be filled by the Dean at the earliest practical time, and the Board shall be advised of the appointment.

Article III – Members

Section 1. There shall be no fewer than 15 Board members and no more than 40.

Section 2. Board members shall be alumni and other friends of the College of Law and shall reflect the diversity of the College of Law community. Board members need not be attorneys to serve.

Section 3. Board members shall be appointed by the Dean, who will receive recommendations from the Board Committee on Governance and may also originate prospects.

Section 4. Board members shall be appointed to serve for a three-year term . In the Dean’s discretion, a Board member may be appointed for up to two additional three-year terms. Following the expiration of all service, members shall be non-voting emeritus members and shall be invited to at least one meeting annually.

Section 5. Board members shall have the power only to advise, suggest, recommend and assist the Dean and the Dean’s designees. Board members may initiate ideas and take action approved by the Dean to accomplish the purposes of the Board. No member should appear to be a spokesperson for the College of Law or Georgia State University or claim or imply such authority except with express permission of the Dean.

Section 6. Board members are expected to make annual financial contributions to support the mission of the College of Law.

Section 7. Board members are expected to attend and participate in Board meetings. Board members are also expected to assist the Dean, the Board Chair, committee chairs and other officers when called upon and able to do so.

Article IV – Meetings

Section 1. The Board shall meet at least three times every year on dates selected by the Dean and the Chair.

Article V – Committees

Section 1. The Board shall have standing committees on:

• Governance (new members, onboarding, attendance, etc.)
• Strategic Planning
• Curriculum Reform/Student Success

Section 2. The Chair may establish such ad hoc committees, task forces, and working groups as the Chair and the Dean deem necessary and appropriate.

Section 3. The Chair shall appoint the committee chairs and members, in consultation with the Dean.

Article VI – Changes to Bylaws

Section 1. With the approval of the Dean, any bylaw may be amended, repealed, or suspended by majority vote of the Board at any meeting, with at least 10 days of advance written notice.

[1] beginning July 1 or to fill an unexpired term