Multiscale Genome Organization Subgroup Bylaws
Article 1
Purpose: The focus of the Multiscale Genome Organization(MGO) Subgroup is the study of genome organization, dynamics and function on multiple temporal and spatial scales ranging from individial nucleic acids to whole chromosomes using a broad range of integrative experimental, theoretical and computational techniques with the goal of deciphering how genomic and epigenomic information drives basic life processes.
Article 2
Membership: Members of the Biophysical Society may join the Multiscale Genome Organization Subgroup; non-members of the Biophysical Society are welcome to attend MGO Subgroup symposia but are unable to join the Subgroup, serve as Officers of the Subgroup, or vote.
Article 3
Dissolution: The Multiscale Genome Organization Subgroup must be in accordance with the Biophysical Society’s constitution and bylaws, mission, values, goals, and operational guidelines. If the MGO Subgroup is found in violation of their bylaws or Society’s guidelines, the Subgroup will be placed on probation and may be dissolved at the discretion of the Council of the Biophysical Society.
Article 4
Meetings: Business meetings shall be held in connection with the annual scientific meeting of the Biophysical Society. Five percent of the members of the Multiscale Genome Organization Subgroup or 10 members, whichever is smaller, shall constitute a quorum. Scientific meetings shall be held in association with the annual Biophysical Society meetings, and must follow the guidelines established by the BPS Council.
Article 5
Officers: The Officers of the Multiscale Genome Organization Subgroup will be the Chair, Chair-elect, Secretary-Treasurer, and Program Chairs.
The Chair-elect shall serve one year as such followed by one year as Chair. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be elected for a term of two years and the Program Co-Chairs shall be elected for a period of one year. The Officers will be responsible for assembling the scientific program for the annual Subgroup Meeting, which will involve selecting talks from submitted abstracts, actively inviting speakers, and any social events held during the meeting. The Subgroup Chair and Chair-elect will run the business meeting and make sure bylaws are being followed. The Secretary-Treasurer will ensure that the accounts are balanced, that money is spent according to the spirit of the Subgroup and that proper records of Subgroup activities are maintained.
Article 6
Executive Committee: The Executive Committee will be responsible for fulfilling the scientific and business obligations of the Subgroup. The Executive Committee will consist of at least three, but no more than four officers with at least one officer holding a position with a term longer than one year. Members of the Executive Committee may include the chair, chair-elect(2 years), secretary-treasurer( 2 years), one or more of the program Co-Chairs. Two additional members of the Executive Committee can be elected at the annual Subgroup Meeting or appointed by the Chair or Chair-elect. Appointed members to the Executive Committee must be unanimously approved by all Officers. The Executive Committee shall have the power to conduct other business by means of electronic vote. The affairs of the Subgroup shall be handled by the Officers in accordance with the policies determined by the Executive Committee and the Biophysical Society Council.
Article 7
Nominating Committee: The members of the Executive Committee shall constitute the nominating committee. The Nominating Committee is responsible for soliciting nominations from Subgroup membership and for preparing the final slate of candidates. Nominations will be received electronically up to one month prior to the Subgroup’s business meeting. Nominees must accept their nomination prior to being placed on a ballot.
Article 8
Eligibility for Office: Only members of the Multiscale Genome Organization Subgroup can be candidates for offices. Members may not be elected to a specific office more than once every five years.
Article 9
An Awards Committee consisting of Executive Committee Members and the Awards Committee Chair will solicit nominations through a call to all Subgroup members, evaluate nominations, and select awardees for all Subgroup Awards. The committee’s selection criteria will be based on scientific excellence first but must also consider diversity.
Article 10
Elections: Election of Officers, Executive Committee and Awards Committee Chair, will be held during the Subgroup’s business meeting. Electronically submitted votes will be accepted up to two weeks prior to the Subgroup’s business meeting and only from members that can not attend the business meeting. The candidate for each office receiving the highest number of votes will be elected. The results will be announced to all Subgroup members during the Subgroup’s Business meeting. Officers will take office at the end of the annual business meeting held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Biophysical Society. Interim vacancies in officers or councilors will be filled in accordance with By-Law Article VII of the Biophysical Society.
Article 11
Amendments to the Bylaws: Amendments should arise from the members of the Multiscale Genome Organization Subgroup, be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Subgroup’s Executive Committee, and be ratified in an electronic ballot by a majority of the voting members of the Subgroup.