About
The By-laws of the BFSA provides detailed information on the governance structure of the organization, membership & due, meetings, structure, and procedures, resignations and vacancies, parliamentary authority, conflict of interest policies, and more. A copy of the current By-laws are available for download at the bottom of the page.
Mission
The mission of the BFSA is to increase the support of Black faculty, students, and staff at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The organization will accomplish this mission by serving as an advocate and support group for the concerns of Black faculty, staff, and students at local, state, national, and university levels. Additionally, the BFSA seeks to enhance the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Black faculty, staff and students as we seek to pursue the vision and mission of UTSA. As such, the BFSA will:
- Provide a forum for addressing important academic issues that affect the black community both at UTSA and beyond.
- Improve the academic and work environment for Black faculty, administrators, staff, and students at UTSA.
- Provide a resource for the development and retention of Black faculty, administrators, staff and students at UTSA.
- Advise UTSA leaders and the UTSA community regarding the needs and concerns of Black faculty, staff, and student members at UTSA.
- Promote equity and diversity as important components regarding employment and academic pursuits within the University.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with various University units, alumni, community groups, and Black faculty, administrators and staff at other local, regional and national institutions.
- Monitor and encourage diversity as an integral part of the mission of UTSA.
- Provide a networking and support system for Black faculty, administrators, staff, and students.
Membership
Membership shall be open to all full-time and part time faculty and staff members at UTSA who support the mission and goals of the organization. Any member who leaves the employment of UTSA will immediately lose their status as members in the BFSA. Any member who leaves UTSA should notify the secretary of the BFSA in writing as soon as possible. Membership shall not be restricted on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability.
Membership status shall consist of “regular” and “associate” members, each of whom is defined by two separate membership categories:
- Regular membership shall be open to all full-time UTSA employees who are interested in and supportive of the mission stated above. Membership status is granted upon payment of dues. Members who do not pay their dues shall not be eligible to vote, to serve as officers or as committee chairpersons, but shall be able to participate as committee members or in other activities of the Association. Any member meeting these requirements may continue to be a member regardless of change of status within UTSA. An individual shall continue to meet membership requirements for the duration of their affiliation with UTSA.
- Associate membership shall be open to all part-time UTSA employees who share in the goals and mission of the BFSA. Associate members may not vote on BFSA matters or serve as BFSA officers; however, they may participate on committees as chairpersons and committee members. Memberships (regular and associate) are for one year, September 1 – August 31 and are renewed annually upon the payment of membership dues.
Membership Dues
The amount of annual dues for both regular and associate members shall be determined each year by the Executive Committee of the Association. Dues for associate members shall be no more than 50% of the dues for regular members. Dues shall be payable on or before September 1 of each year. All members are required to pay dues. Donations in any amount greater than the dues required for membership shall be accepted at any time, but never required.