This initiative proposes an amendment to the SEAMUS bylaws to extend the term for newly elected board officers from 2 years to 3 years. This new term length will apply to all elected positions beginning in the election of Spring 2026. All current positions not up for reelection in 2026 will remain on a two-year term.
This change is being proposed to maintain continuity and stability on the board, as board members feel that it takes additional time to fully inhabit their positions and to effectively contribute to the SEAMUS organization. The new terms will also allow for a year with no elections, providing more stability and enabling more resources to be dedicated to other areas of SEAMUS.
If the Proposal passes a general membership vote, the new election schedule will be as follows:
Spring 2026
- President,
- Vice President for Membership
- Member at Large (adjudication)
- Diversity Officer*
* Diversity Officer has been made a newly elected position in Spring 2026 by majority vote of the SEAMUS Board.
Spring 2027
- Vice President for Programs and Projects
- Member at Large (outreach)
- Treasurer
- Secretary
2028:
- No elections
This proposal may be voted on by all current SEAMUS members. The voting period will be from January 25 – February 7. Please contact Andrew Wright Smith at [email protected] or SEAMUS Secretary Patrick Reed at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
If the vote passes our bylaws will be changed to read as follows:
3.4 TERMS
Each elected officer serves for a term of three (3) years. There is no limit on the number of terms an individual may hold a particular office. Serving at the discretion of the Board, there are no specified terms for Appointed Members or Technical and Advisory Positions.
3.5 ELECTIONS
The elected offices of SEAMUS are voted on by the entire membership by a method determined by an election committee appointed by the President.
Elections for the offices Elections for the offices of President, Vice President for Membership, Member-at-Large (for Adjudication) and Diversity Officer will be conducted every three years.
Elections for the offices of Vice President for Programs and Projects, Member at Large (outreach), Treasurer, and Secretary will be conducted every three years.
Timing of Elections–The elections of: 1. President, Vice President for Membership, Member-at-Large (for Adjudication) and Diversity Officer, and 2. Vice President for Programs and Projects, Member at Large (for Outreach), Treasurer, and Secretary shall be held in sequential years.
Please log in with your current SEAMUS membership to vote on this initiative.