Constitution

Section A: The University Distinguished Professor Group of Kansas State University

The University Distinguished Professor Group (known as the UDP Group) shall consist of Kansas State University faculty and emeritus faculty with the title of University Distinguished Professor or Regents Distinguished Professor. New members of the UDP Group are selected under the auspices of the Provost.

Section B: Officers of the UDP Group and their Responsibilities

The officers of the UDP Group shall be President, Vice President, and Secretary. The President shall distribute an agenda at least three days before each meeting, preside at all meetings, conduct business according to Robert's Rules of Order, and appoint any committees of the UDP Group.

The Vice President shall assist the President in conducting the business of the UDP Group and shall act in the capacity of the President in the absence of the President at any UDP Group function.

The Secretary shall record the minutes of each meeting and shall present the minutes for approval at the following meeting.

Leadership in the UDP Group progresses through the offices of President, Vice President, and Secretary, each of whom shall hold office for terms of one year and then advance to the subsequent office as outlined in Section C.

Section C: Election of Officers and Terms of Office

Approximately one month before the final meeting of the spring semester, the President shall invite nominations for the position of Secretary. Nominations shall be presented to and voted on by the UDP Group during the meeting. The candidate with a majority of the votes cast will be elected. If no candidate has a majority, a second vote will be held with the top two candidates (or more than two in the case of tie votes). The process shall be repeated until one candidate receives a majority. Following the election, the outgoing Secretary shall assume the office of Vice President and the outgoing Vice President shall assume the office of President. The normal leadership progression (Secretary to Vice President to President) may be altered by a majority vote by the UDP Group. Any leadership change for the following year should be approved by a majority vote by the end of the academic year.

Section D: Meetings of the UDP Group

The UDP Group will hold meetings once a month during the academic year. The President may reschedule the monthly meeting on giving three weeks’ notice to the UDP Group members; the Vice President shall preside when the President cannot attend. Special meetings can be called by the President on notice of seven calendar days. Meetings may be held during the summer months, if approved by the UDP Group. All UDP Group members present at the meeting in person or via video- or tele-conference are eligible to vote. Absentee ballots and/or proxy voting are not allowed. There is no defined quorum necessary to conduct business. In most cases, decisions are determined with a simple majority of those present; however, see Section G for votes on constitutional amendments.

Section E: Selection of New University Distinguished Professors

The UDP Group shall encourage the recognition of excellence among the faculty, including the selection of new University Distinguished Professors, on a regular basis.

Section F: Policy on UDP Group Members on Sabbatical Leave

Faculty members on sabbatical leave or leave without pay may participate in any vote and shall have the right to present nominations for new officers.

Section G: Amendments to the Constitution

Any Amendment to the Constitution must be submitted to a regular meeting of the UDP Group at least 14 days before the Amendment is considered for vote. The Constitution is amended with the approval of 2/3 of the voting members present (in person or via video- or tele-conference). Absentee ballots and/or proxy voting are not allowed.

Adopted on the 16th day of February, 2000.

Revised on the 8th day of October, 2024.