University System of New Hampshire

ARTICLE IV. Meetings of the Board

Section 1.   Subject to the Right-to-Know Law. The Board is a "public body" within the meaning of RSA Chapter 91-A (the "Right-to-Know Law") and all actions and procedures of the Board shall be subject to the requirements of the Right-to-Know Law at all times.

Section 2.   Annual, Regular and Special Meetings.

  1. Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting of the Board shall be in June.
  2. Regular Meetings. The Board shall hold regular meetings in addition to the Annual Meeting at least three times per year.
  3. Special Meetings. The Board may hold additional special meetings called by either the Chairperson or by the Secretary upon written request of any seven Trustees.
  4. Time and Location. The time and place of all meetings of the Board shall be designated by the Chairperson unless otherwise specified by these By-Laws. Meetings shall be held at the campuses of the University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, Keene State College, and Granite State College.

Section 3.   Notice and Agenda.

  1. Annual and Regular Meetings. Written notice of the regular meetings of the Board shall be sent to each Trustee by appropriate means at least eight days prior to the date fixed for the meeting. The notice shall state the time and place of the meeting. A written agenda of matters to be considered at each regular meeting shall be sent to each Trustee by mail at least eight days prior to the date fixed for the meeting. The Chairperson shall be responsible for preparing the agenda for each regular meeting.
  2. Special Meetings. Written notice of a special meeting shall be sent to each Trustee by mail at least three days prior to the date fixed for the meeting. The notice shall state the time, place and purpose of the meeting. The purpose for a special meeting shall be established by the person or persons responsible for calling the meeting.
  3. Consent Agenda. A Committee of the Board may designate, by an affirmative vote of a majority of Committee members present and eligible to vote, any item or items for placement on a consent agenda at any regular meeting of the Board. Any item so designated as a consent agenda item by the Committee shall be so designated in the agenda of a regular Board meeting transmitted by appropriate means to each Trustee. Unless any Trustee objects to the inclusion of an item on the consent agenda by notifying the Chairperson, all items designated as a consent agenda item in the agenda shall be included in the consent agenda for approval by a single vote by the Board without discussion of the individual items.

Section 4.   Action at Meetings.

  1. Participation in Meetings by Means of Communications Technology. Subject to the provisions of the Right-to-Know Law, Trustees may participate in a Board meeting by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment as long as all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other; such participation shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
  2. Quorum. At any meeting of the Board, the presence of fourteen Trustees shall constitute a quorum for all purposes, but only if a majority of the Board is physically present at the place of the meeting. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the Chairperson or a majority of the Trustees who are present, may adjourn the meeting to another place, date or time.
  3. Procedure. The business of the Board shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of applicable New Hampshire law and in an open and collegial manner to the end that the deliberations shall be cordial and the actions and decisions taken shall represent the will of the Board and further the best interests of USNH. To the extent the application of Robert's Rules of Order is consistent with the foregoing principles, it shall be used as a procedural guide for the conduct of the Board's meetings.
  4. Order of Business. Unless otherwise determined by the Chairperson, the following shall be the order of business at regular meetings of the Board:
    1. call to order;
    2. consideration of the minutes of prior meetings;
    3. Chairperson's report;
    4. Chancellor's report;
    5. consent agenda;
    6. reports of the standing committees;
    7. other business; and
    8. adjournment.
  5. Voting. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in these By-Laws or required by law, any matter submitted to the Board for a vote shall be considered for all purposes as adopted if approved by a majority of the Trustees present and voting, provided that a quorum is present.