BYLAWS
OF THE CONSTITUTIONOF
SOUTH PACIFIC NAZARENE THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE (SPNTC)
Explanation of nomenclature:
BL = Bylaws
(C#.#.#) = Location in the Constitution which demands a response in the Bylaws
Article BL 1
Section 1: PHYSICAL ADDRESS OF SPNTC CAMPUSES
BL 1.1.1(C 1.2.1) Physical address location(s):
Fiji Campus:
73 Edinburgh Dr.
Suva; Fiji
Samoa Campus:
Ululoloa
Apia; Samoa
Solomon Islands Campus:
Zion Road
Honiara; Solomon Islands
Vanuatu Campus:
Port Villa; Vanuatu
BL 1.1.2For the purpose of service of any formal documents to any of the Local Campuses refer to addresses in BL 1.1.1. The addresses referred to in BL 1.1.1 may be changed from time to time.
Section 2: DISTRICTS SERVED BY THE COLLEGE
BL 1.2.1(C 2.2.1)Nazarene Districts served by SouthPacificNazareneTheologicalCollege are as follows:
A. Fiji District
B. Samoa District
C. Solomon Islands District
D. Vanuatu District
BL 1.2.2The College Board may approve the inclusion of additional Districts.
Article BL 2
Section 1: TERM OF OFFICE
BL 2.1.1(C 2.3.1) Lay members of the College Board shall have a term of Office specified by their local Districts, reported as follows:
A. Fiji: 2 year term, voted every odd-numbered year.
B. Samoa: 2 year term, voted every odd-numbered year.
C. Solomon Islands:2 year term, voted every even-numbered year.
D. Vanuatu: 2 year term, voted every even-numbered year.
BL 2.1.2Other than the lay members of the College Board, every other member of the College Board is a member by virtue of the position they hold in the Church of the Nazarene at the material time.
BL 2.1.3In the event that an elected member cannot serve, the elected alternate member shall serve the remaining term. In the event that both cannot serve, the Local Board shall approve a substitute to fill the position until the District Assembly can vote for someone to complete the term.
Section 2: FUNDING OF THE MEETINGSFORCOLLEGE BOARD MEMBERS
BL 2.2.1Each Local Campus is expected to budget funds for travel for the Principal, District Superintendent, and Lay Delegate to the College Board annually.
BL 2.2.2Funding for all meetingsof the College Board, including travel, meals, and accommodation, shall be determined by the College Board in consultation with the Chancellor.
Section 3: SELECTION OF THE COLLEGE AND LOCAL BOARD LAY MEMBERS
BL 2.3.1(C 2.3.1)The College Board and the Local Boardis encouraged to consult with the Local District Advisory Board to develop a list of potential lay delegates to serve the Local and/or College Board.Due consideration should be given to the lay delegates who are committed to the Lord, have professional backgrounds, a commitment to availability, and an interest in the affairs of the College.
BL 2.3.2The College Board and/or the Local Board, in determining the lay delegate representation at the respective Boards, should consider a rotation formula in order to maximize continuity, lay delegate rotation should be staggered amongst the campuses as specified in BL 2.1.1.
Section 4: CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE MEMBERS OF THE COLLEGE AND LOCAL BOARD
BL 2.4.1All Lay members should have a duly-approved alternate in the event of unexpected circumstances where the primary delegate is unable to attend.
BL 2.4.2The College and Local Campuses should work diligently to get passports and other travel-related documents for each delegate and alternate as soon as they are approved in order to avoid absenteeism and jeopardize quorum for the College Board (C 2.4.3).
Section 5: SELECTION OF THE COLLEGE CHAIRPERSON
BL 2.5.1(C 2.5.1) Voting members in consultation with non-voting members shall elect the College Chairperson for a two-year renewable term.
BL 2.5.2In the election of the College Chairperson the following (not exhaustive) criteria should be considered:
A. Christian Character and Holiness lifestyle
B. Consideration for balanced country representation is desired but not mandatory
C. Experience leading educational or similar organizations
D. Commitment to the success and well-being of the College
E. Commitment to communication and good working relationship with the Local Board, the Chancellor and Principals of the College.
BL 2.5.3The Chairperson shall be the Chair of the College Executive Committee unless otherwise directed by the College Board.
Section 6: SELECTION OF THE COLLEGE VICE-CHAIRPERSON
BL 2.6.1(C 2.5.1) Voting members in consultation with non-voting members shall elect the College Vice-Chairperson for a two-year renewable term.
BL 2.6.2In the election of the College Vice-Chairperson the following (not exhaustive) criteria should be considered:
A. Christian Character and Holiness lifestyle
B. Consideration for balanced country representation is desired by not mandatory
C. Experience leading educational or similar organizations
D. Commitment to the success and well-being of the College
E. Commitment to communication and good working relationship with the Local Board the Chancellor and Principals of the College.
BL 2.6.3The Vice-Chairperson shall be the Chairperson of the College Academic Affairs Committee unless otherwise directed by the College Board.
BL 2.6.4The Vice-Chairperson should not be from the same District as the Chairperson unless otherwise directed by the College Board.
Section 7: SELECTION OF THE COLLEGE SECRETARY
BL 2.7.1(C 2.5.1)The College Secretary shall be elected by the College Board.
BL 2.7.2The term of office for the College Secretary shall be two years, or as determined by the College Board.
BL 2.7.3The College Secretary shall also be the Secretary of the Executive Committee.
BL 2.7.4The duties and responsibilities of the College Secretary are to record the minutes of all College Board meetings, Executive Board meetings, circulate the minutes of such meetings to all members of the respective Boards within or not later than two weeks from the meeting, and all other duties and responsibilities assigned to them by the Chairperson.
Section 8: SELECTION OF THE COLLEGE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
BL 2.8.1(C 2.6.1)Unless the College Board determines otherwise, the College Executive Committee shall consist of:
Asia-Pacific Regional Director or Regional Education Coordinator
South Pacific Field Strategy Coordinator or Field Education Coordinator
College Chairperson
College Chancellor
College Secretary
An elected District Superintendent chosen as specified below
An elected Lay Representative chosen as specified below
BL 2.8.2The term of office for the elected members of the Executive Committee shall be determined by the College Board.
Section 9: SELECTION OF THE CHANCELLOR
BL 2.9.1(C 2.7.1 and C 3.2.1)The Chancellor shall be elected to a two-year term or such other term as determined by the College Board.
BL 2.9.2The Chancellor shall be selected following the process outlined below:
A. The College Executive Committee,as the Nominating Committee, will submit a recommended short-list (after conducting interviews if necessary) to the College Board. The full list of candidates considered shall also be submitted to the College Board.
B. The College Board shall approve one candidate by a minimum 2/3 majority secret ballot vote of those present in quorum subject to ratification by the Board of General Superintendents.
C. The Chairperson shall recommend the approved candidate to the Board of General Superintendents for endorsement.
D. Upon endorsement by the General Board of Superintendents the Chancellor shall be issued a Contract for the term of service by the College Board.
E. The Chancellor is eligible for re-election on the recommendation of the College Board.
BL 2.9.3The Chancellor shall institute administrative policies that provide for the effective and efficient administration of the College.
BL 2.9.4The Chancellor shall appoint in consultation with the College Board and the College Treasurer secretarial, maintenance and domestic staff on terms and conditions mutually agreed.
BL 2.9.5The Chancellor or designate shall represent the College at all appropriate official meetings within the educational framework of the InternationalChurch of the Nazarene, both regionally and internationally.
BL 2.9.6The Chancellor shall provide for the safekeeping of all College records including, but not limited to, deeds, charters, Constitutions, Bylaws, Minutes of boards and committees, financial reports, audits, registrar records, and academic records.
BL 2.9.7The Chancellor shall provide an annual written report of the programmes and activities of the College to the College Board. A copy of the Chancellor's report shall be sent to the Asia-Pacific Regional Office and to the office of the International Board of Education of the Church of the Nazarene.
Section 10: SELECTION OF THE COLLEGE TREASURER
BL 2.10.1(C 2.7.1)The College Treasurer shall be recommended by the Chancellor for approval by the College Board and reviewed annually.
Section 11: SELECTION OF OTHER COLLEGE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
BL 2.11.1(C 2.7.1 and C 3.1.1)The College Administrative Officers listed below shall be nominated annually by the Chancellor and approved by the College Board.
A. College Academic Dean
B. College Registrar
C. College Dean of Students
D. College Dean of Alumni and Donor Affairs
Section 12: POLICY BODIES RELEVANT TO THE COLLEGE
BL 2.12.1(C 2.7.4) Pursuant to the Manual of the Church of the Nazarene, the following are Relevant Bodies that determine administrative alignment of the College are:
A. Nazarene International Course of Study Advisory Committee (ICOSAC)
B. Nazarene International Board of Education (IBOE)
C. Nazarene Asia-Pacific Regional Education Office
D. Nazarene South Pacific Field Education Office
E. Education Laws of each country in which the College operates
Section 13: COLLEGE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
BL 2.13.1(C 2.7.7) The College Academic Affairs Committee (CAAC) shall consist of the following voting members: Vice-Chairperson, Chancellor, College Academic Dean, and four individuals from the College Board or the College administrative staff.
BL 2.13.2The College Vice-Chairperson shall Chair the CAAC.
BL 2.13.3The Chancellor shall nominate to the College Board for approval, four individuals.
BL 2.13.4The term of office for CAAC members shall be 2 years or as determined by the College Board.
BL 2.13.5All official policies of the CAAC will be found in the College Academic Handbook and/or the College Catalog.
BL 2.13.6The function of the CAAC is to recommend to the College Board balanced policies and effective educational service by providing academic counsel through researching and recommending qualified teaching faculty, academic policies, graduates, programmes, curriculum guidelines and changes, and all other academic matters.
BL 2.13.7The CAAC will convene at least twice per year, either electronically or in person and must provide minutes to the Office of the Chancellor and to the College Secretary who will report to the College Board on an informational basis.
BL 2.13.8Official recommendations from the CAAC will be brought to the College Board by the Chancellor for College Board approval.
Section 14: OTHER COLLEGE COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES
BL 2.14.1(C 2.7.8) All other College Committees shall be approved by the College Board upon recommendation by the Chancellor.
BL 2.14.2AllCollege committees will exist and operate as per the terms approved by the College Board.
BL 2.14.3AllCollege committees shall perform their duties in such a way as to fulfill the stated purpose of their charter and with the policies of the College in harmony with the Local Campuses and Districts.
BL 2.14.4All committees must provide minutes to the Office of the Chancellor and to the College Secretary who will report to the College Board on an informational basis.
BL 2.14.5Official recommendations from the committees will be brought to the College Board by the Chancellor or his/her designee for College Board approval.
Section 15: SPNTC ASSET REGISTER
BL 2.15.1(C 2.9.1) The College and the Local Campus must maintain their own independent but overlapping Asset Registers.
BL 2.15.2The respective asset registers must contain the following information:
A. Title or Lease Number/Reference and/or Deed,
B. Any legal instrument that defines the ownership of the property
C. The date acquired
D. The acquisition price
E. Registered name of old and new owner
F. Any other information deemed relevant
Article BL 3
Section 1: COLLEGE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER DISCIPLINE
BL 3.1.1(C 3.1.2) Complaints of misconduct or dereliction of duty against a College Administrative Officer must be in writing and lodged with the Office of the Chancellor or the College Chairperson.
BL 3.1.2Complaints of misconduct or dereliction of duty against a College Administrative Officer must be made in writing and signed by TWO members of the Church of the Nazarene in good standing from any of the bodies listed below:
A. SPNTCCollege Board
B. SPNTC Local Board
C. SPNTCCollege Administrative Officers
D. District Advisory Board in Districts where SPNTC operates
BL 3.1.3The Chancellor or the College Chairperson shall immediately notify all other members of the College Executive Committee.
BL 3.1.4The College Executive Committee shall promptly elect an Investigating Committee of four or more members, two of whom must be ordained.
BL 3.1.5The College Executive Committee shall notify the accused, and shall give a copy of the accusation to the accused, except in cases where all members of the College Executive Committee vote unanimously to withhold this notification until further investigation warrants this action, or fear of retribution is too high to reveal the signatories to the accusation.
BL 3.1.6After the investigation, the Investigating Committee shall report to the College Executive Committee. The report shall be signed by a majority of the Investigating Committee, and include recommendations as to whether or not disciplinary action should proceed, and what type of action would be most appropriate.
BL 3.1.7If the College Executive Committee decides to proceed with disciplinary action, the full College Board shall be notified and a specific charge shall be prepared that must include:
A. The person charged must be an Administrative Officer of the College
B. The conduct that is the basis for the charge(s) must be sufficiently described to give fair notice of the time, place, people involved, and nature of the conduct upon which the charge(s) is based.
C. The specific provisions of the Nazarene Manual upon which disciplinary charges are based must be identified (see Nazarene Manual entry 505.1).
D. The charge must be in writing and signed by two Nazarene ministers on the College Board.
BL 3.1.8Upon the decision of the College Executive Committee to proceed with disciplinary action, a College Board of Discipline shall be established with five ordained ministers and at least two lay persons, and the following positions:
A. Board of Discipline Chairperson
B. Board of Discipline Clerk
C. Board of Discipline Secretary
BL 3.1.9The College Board of Discipline shall make sure that the accused is notified of the proceedings and receives:
A. A copy of the charges
B. A list of names of the Board of Discipline
C. A notification of the time and place set for the hearing
Notification may be by any method that provides actual notice to the accused. The hearing shall not proceed until the Chairperson of the Board of Discipline verifies the accused has been actually notified.
BL 3.1.10The procedures for the hearing shall follow the guidelines set forth in the Judicial Manual J418 - J424, with the following substitutions:
A. "District Advisory Board" shall be replaced by "College Executive Committee"
BL 3.1.11The appeals process outlined in the Judicial Manual will be followed, with the same substitutions as noted in BL 3.1.10.
BL 3.1.12At any time during this process the accused may request a reconciliation and restoration process and subject to the complainant's receptivity the College Executive Board shall facilitate that process in the most appropriate manner.
Section 2: COLLEGE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER VACANCIES
BL 3.2.1(C 3.12.7) Should a vacancy occur in one of the College Administrative Officer positions other than Principal, the Chancellor in consultation with the College Chairperson shall nominate a replacement to the Executive Committee for approval until the next College Board meeting at which a full College Board approval will be conducted as stated in BL 2.10.1 and BL 2.11.1.
BL 3.2.2If the vacancy occurs in the position of Principal procedures as outlined in Article Three Section Three of the Constitution shall be followed.
Section 3: SELECTION, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE PRINCIPAL
BL 3.3.1(C 3.3.5) Principals shall be selected based upon the criteria set forth in Article Three Section Three of the Constitution (C 3.3.1) and shall provide general supervision of all academic programmes and activities of the College under the leadership of the Chancellor and in co-operation with the College Academic Affairs Committee
BL 3.3.2The Principal shall work with the Chancellor, the College Board, and Local Board to ensure that the College meets all regulations of the regional accrediting association, the local government and the International Board of Education to operate as SouthPacificNazareneTheologicalCollege and to make appropriate recommendations to the College Board for consideration
BL 3.3.3The Principal shall be the Chairperson of all Local Campus committees. The Chair may be delegated.
BL 3.3.4The Principal shall serve as a non-voting ex officio member of the College Board
BL 3.3.5Upon approval by the Local Board, the Principal shall recommend to the College Board, in consultation with the Chancellor and College Academic Affairs Committee, the curriculum, programmes of study, and graduation requirements to be adopted by the Local Campus and/or College
BL 3.3.6The Principal shall submit an annual written report to the Chancellor and present the report to the annual meeting of the College Board
BL 3.3.7The Principal shall provide orientation to the policies and procedures of the College to new faculty and annual reminders to existing faculty
BL 3.3.8The Principal shall supervise the implementation of the approved curriculum of the College
BL 3.3.9The Principal shall interpret and apply the Academic Regulations of the College as defined in the Constitution, these Bylaws, and all handbooks associated with the College
BL 3.3.10The Principal shall oversee the administration of academic matters including registration, academic records and duplicates, student files and duplicates, technology and the library
BL 3.3.11The Principal shall recommend to the Chancellor candidates for graduation from all programmes of study and to sign along with the Chancellor and Chairman of the Board, all certificates, diplomas, and degrees issued by the College
BL 3.3.12The Principal shall organise and direct graduation exercises of the College
BL 3.3.13The Principal shall represent the Chancellor at his/her request or as stipulated by the Board when the Chancellor is not able to make such a request
BL 3.3.14The Principal shall represent the College on appropriate boards, committees, and consultations for academic affairs within the educational framework of the InternationalChurch of the Nazarene, both regionally and internationally
Section 4: OTHER FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE COLLEGE TREASURER
BL 3.4.1(C 3.4.4) The College Treasurer has the overall responsibility and supervision for the receipt and disbursement of all funds for the College according to acceptable banking and accounting procedures