As
a chapter leader, you should be prepared to address this question. There are
both clearly tangible, and somewhat less so, reasons to belong to AIAS.
A
good place to begin is with the local and national benefits and opportunities.
Point out that membership dues are subsidized by outside sources to cover the
expenses incurred by the AIAS office to provide many member services. On the
national level, a large portion of the AIAS budget is generated by sponsors. On
the local level, you should describe where your chapter’s funds come from
(program revenues, campus organizations, or local sponsors). It is also very
important to identify where funds go. If your only answer is, “AIAS needs
the money,” then you should rethink why AIAS exists. AIAS responds to its
members. If the members want lecturers, then raise money for a lecture series.
Though
the national benefits are great, the chapter benefits are invariably the most
directly tangible. If potential members can identify with benefits such as
discounts at local art stores or local bookstores, they will be much more willing
to join. Tell potential members that they can probably save the cost of AIAS
membership in two trips to the store to buy presentation materials.
The
second approach to answering the money question is to address the more
intangible benefits. Ask the potential member this: “Do you think the
school will adequately prepare you for entering the profession?” Chances
are the answer is, “No.” What AIAS can offer in this area is
astounding. Depending on the level of interaction between your chapter and the
local AIA and community of professionals, AIAS chapters can offer members
positions on AIA committees, community action projects, or simply allow
students to rub elbows with potential employers.
You
often find the following terms and phrases on resumes: ability to work with
people, active in the community, organizational skills, leadership abilities,
concerned about the environment, commitment to end results, etc. Active
membership in AIAS fosters these ideas and skills. The opportunity is there for
AIAS members to engage in debates, participate in current issues discussions
with professionals, and attend FORUM—where members can tour the
architectural best of the host city, meet fellow students from around the
country, and engage in issues discussions with the National Officers who
regularly work with the agencies forming future architectural policies.
Simply
said, the question isn’t, “What does AIAS do for me?” It is
“What can you do for AIAS?” Membership means exploring issues and
ideas off the drawing board. If a student believes that the future is important
to talk about, that communities need help, that architectural discussions are
exciting and provoking, then he/she is a potential AIAS member.
What should I call
myself?
In
order to not confuse people, on all stationery, business cards, etc. you should
state that you are a “Chapter President.” Simply stating
“President” or “AIAS President” can be misleading or
could cause confusion. Always include the chapter’s title.
Joe Student
Chapter President
AIAS Anywhere College
What and when is
AIAS Grassroots? How do I get more information?
AIAS
Grassroots is the annual AIAS chapter leadership conference. It is a chapter
President’s best opportunity to learn all about the AIAS and the other
architectural organizations, to gain professional insight into being an
effective leader, to learn about fundraising, program development, and
membership opportunities. Grassroots is scheduled each summer in Washington,
D.C., usually in late July. Your participation in this conference will prepare
you to run a successful AIAS chapter.
Should I print
stationery, business cards, etc. for our chapter?
Probably.
In order for you to represent your chapter to your school, professionals, and
businesses and to conduct fund raising, always use official stationery.
Business cards are a great way to leave your chapter’s name, your name,
and address with someone. Letterhead and business cards can be purchased
together and don’t have to cost a lot of money. If your chapter is
struggling with finances, do something simple and inexpensive. You can even
design and print it yourself!
Can our chapter use
the AIAS logo?
Yes,
you may use the AIAS
logo. You may want to consider using the AIAS logo with the words,
“A Member Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students: an
independent, non-profit, student-run organization.” Be careful about
putting the AIAS headquarters address anywhere on the page, or we may get your
mail. The AIAS staff can make a custom logo that includes your chapter’s
name. Send a request to mailbox@aias.org
How accessible is
the AIAS Headquarters?
It
is very accessible. The AIAS office is committed to serving the member chapters
on the local level. In fact, the direction of the office and the Board of
Directors is set by the concerns and interests of the Council of Presidents and
the membership. Therefore, communication is very important. The staff is by
phone Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm EST (often, even beyond
those times), and we are always willing to answer any questions and offer
direction which may be of use to the membership. In addition, you may contact
the headquarters at anytime via email at mailbox@aias.org.
The
AIAS has been around, in some way, shape or form, since 1956. Many former
chapter presidents and national officers before you have chimed in with tips
and hints that may be helpful to you as you take office.
1. Obtain a list of incoming and returning
students from your school. Send an introductory letter out to these students
explaining about the AIAS and offering them the opportunity to join. This is
also a good time to do a pre-semester supply sale offering a discount to AIAS
members. The order form for materials should incorporate an opportunity to join
your chapter. Many suppliers will offer competitive bids to “win”
your school’s business. Shop around for the best deal. With a little
fundraising for your chapter, you still should be able to offer members a
substantial discount. It is probably the easiest to go through one vendor.
2. Find out opportunities for AIAS members to
represent your student body on various committees within your program. Such
representation may include positions on the following: curriculum evaluations,
student affairs, public relations, faculty evaluations, faculty searches,
student government, lecture series, and any other committees where student
concerns should be represented.
3. Establish special committee chairs as
necessary. Your chapter may offer some special programs that need to be
organized by strong individuals. Target those students who have shown you they
would like to be involved, even if they do not hold an elected office. Your
Executive Committee should approve all of these appointments. Such positions
may include lecture/reception chair, supply store coordinator, newsletter
editor, social chair, student government representative, etc.
4. Utilize your National Director to encourage
activity among schools in your region. This is a great way to become aware of
other architectural/design programs. National Directors also serve as your
direct link to the headquarters.
5. Utilize all of the resources you can think of
within your school. Draw on the advice of your most-respected professors.
Develop a great relationship with various assistants in the departmental
office. These individuals usually understand the pulse of the program. They
know the most about what is going on and can usually give you any kind of
advice you need. Ask if you may use the department’s copy machines,
computers, phones, supplies, etc. Always remember to be polite and thank
everyone for their contributions of time and resources.
6. Utilize your faculty advisor. This person is
key in representing the AIAS to the faculty in your school. Your advisor may
also request that you act on behalf of the student body at various times. A
good working relationship with your faculty advisor is important. Many chapters
select their ACSA Faculty Councilor, while others prefer an active
professional.
7.
Designate display space for the chapter. It can be divided
into different segments to post information. Topics may include AIAS national
opportunities, local opportunities, publications, local AIA activity,
competition posters, newsletters, etc. People wander around and look at this
stuff—really!
8.
It is also a good idea to prepare an informational packet for
students entering your program. It might have some basic orientation stuff as
well as coupons for various restaurants in the area or supply dealers;
important and emergency phone numbers, information application for AIAS
membership, studio survival tips, faculty rosters, a list of campus services,
and anything else unique to your program.
9. Executive
Committee meetings are helpful if they are scheduled regularly and are always
at the SAME time. That way everyone knows what is happening and they can plan
ahead. Encourage all chapter members to attend if they would like. The more the
merrier, especially during “brainstorming” meetings.
10. Communicate.
Be sure your members know what’s happening, when, and why. Communicate
with your National Director, to see what issues are being discussed at the
Board level. Communicate with the AIAS office to find out about new membership
programs, competitions, FORUM, etc. Read AIASinfo, sent twice a month, and
check the links to articles of interest.
Overview
What is Parliamentary Law?
Parliamentary Law is the code of rules and
ethics for working together in groups. It has evolved through centuries out of
the experience of individuals working together for a common purpose. It
provides the means for translating beliefs and ideas into effective group
action.
The most important principles of
parliamentary procedure are the following:
1. The
purpose of parliamentary procedure is to facilitate the transaction of business
to promote cooperation and harmony.
2. All
members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations.
3. The
majority vote decides.
4. The
rights of the minority must be protected.
5. Full
and free discussion of every proposition presented for decision is an
established right of members.
6. Every
member has the right to know the meaning of the question before the assembly
and what its effect will be.
7. All
meetings must be characterized by fairness and good faith.
The chairman calls the meeting to order
simply by requesting, “Will the meeting please come to order?”
A. Call to order
B. Roll call
C. Secretary’s minutes - read, corrected,
approved
D. Treasurer’s report - read, corrected,
approved
E. Announcements of reports by President
F. Reports of committees
G. Old business
H. New business
I. Miscellaneous: Announcements, requests, and
items of interest from members
J. Adjournment
Correcting and Approving the Minutes
At the conclusion of the reading of the
minutes the chairman will ask: “Are there any additions or
corrections?” After addressing the chair and being recognized, any member
can bring up a correction.
After the minutes have been read and the
objections, if any, are corrected, the chairman says: “If there are no
objections, the minutes stand approved as read (or corrected).”
A. Address the chair as “Mr.
President” or “Madam President”
B. Present well organized statements
C. Keep presentation short and to the point
A Introducing Motions
1. Address the chair
2. A motion is made by saying, “I
move that...”
a. Motion must be stated positively;
there are no negative motions
b. Motion should be precise, clear,
well articulated and short
B. Seconding Motion
After a motion is
made it must be seconded by another person. If no second is heard, “The
motion is lost for want of a second.” If there is a second, “The
motion has been seconded.” Ask the question, “Is there any
discussion?”
C. Discussion on Motions
1. Observe all speakers
2. It is best to alternate positive and
negative feelings
3. Aim for complete, but not long,
discussion
If the resolution
is presented in a written format:
Resolution
-------------- is before you.
Are there any
opening remarks from the SPONSOR?
Is there a motion
to move this resolution?
Second?
or
It has been moved
and seconded that we...
The mover of the
resolution is entitled to speak first. Movers are not allowed to speak again
until all other delegates have spoken, unless a point of information is requested.
Is there any
discussion?
D. Amendment to the motion or secondary motion
1. One which restates or adds to the previous
motion
2. Must also be seconded
3. Discussion is held on the amendment
4. Amendment must be voted on before voting is
made on the motion
Friendly
Amendments:
Accepted by the SPONSOR
Not a friendly amendment...
Must be voted on.
E. Voting on the motion may take place in two
ways
1. If a member
“moves the previous question,” discussion must immediately stop.
The council then votes on whether or not they want to vote on the main motion.
It takes two-thirds majority to pass.
2. After discussing
a motion, the chair will ask: “Are you ready for the question?” If
this query evokes a general chorus of “Question!” or if no one else
arises to speak, the chair will conclude consideration of the motion by
“putting the question.” The chair then says: “The question is
whether this body wishes to adopt the motion that...” After stating the
question, the chairman then says: “You have heard the motion. All those
in favor say aye (pause); those opposed will say no (pause). The motion is
carried (or lost). If any member is in doubt as to the correctness of the
chair’s decision after a vote has been taken, however, he/she may call
for a division of the assembly to give a more accurate count. (“Mr./Madam
President, I call for a show of hands on the motion/roll call vote.”) The
chair is obliged to grant his/her request.
Move the previous
question/
Call the question/
End discussion
(all mean the same
thing)
Is there a Second?
All those in
favor...
All those
opposed...
All those
abstaining...
The motion
passes/fails.
or
Seeing no more
discussion. Are you ready for the question?
The motion on the
floor is to move . . . (state the resolution)
All those in
favor...
All those
opposed...
All those
abstaining...
The motion
passes/fails.
The purpose of this motion is to correct an error in
procedure or in following the order of business. It may be raised whenever a
member feels that debate on a given question is out of order, that another
member’s remarks are not pertinent to the subject at hand, and so on.
This motion needs no second, and it may interrupt a speaker. It is neither
amendable nor debatable. Ordinarily it will be put as: “Mr./Madam
President, I rise to a point of order.” The chair will request the member
to state his/her point of order, and the chair will then give a ruling on the
point, or he/she may submit the question to a vote.
Items that do not particularly fall within
the subject matter of the preceding items are considered at this point. The
chair may ask if there are any “announcements, requests, or items,”
none of which would require definite attention.
Adjournment
Ordinarily, the Chair may call for a vote
on a pending motion before adjourning the meeting if it is apparent that the
members are willing. A motion is then given for adjournment.
The following is a list of common names and
terms used in the architectural community and specifically in this Handbook.
AAF: American
Architectural Foundation
ACSA:
Association
of Collegiate Schools of Architecture
ADA: Americans with
Disabilities Act
AIA: American
Institute of Architects
AIAS:
American Institute
of Architecture Students
AIASinfo: The bimonthly
electronic newsletter of the AIAS devoted to architectural student news
including: announcements of conferences, opportunities, competitions, upcoming
events, scholarships, and AIAS issues.
APA: American
Planning Association
ARE: Architect
Registration Exam
ASID:
American
Society of Interior Designers
ASLA:
American
Society of Landscape Architects
B.Arch:
Bachelor of
Architecture
BOCA:
Building
Officials and Code Administrators International
BOD: AIAS National
Board of Directors
CACE:
Council of
Architectural Component Executives of the AIA
CCAC:
Committee
of Canadian Architectural Councils
CEDSL:
Council of
Environmental Design Student Leaders
Collateral
Organizations: This term is used to
describe the five major US and/or North American architectural organizations
(AIA, AIAS, ACSA, NAAB, NCARB)
COP: The AIAS
Council of Presidents, made up of the AIAS chapter presidents from across North America
Crit: The Journal
of the American Institute of Architecture Students
ExCom:
A local
chapter Executive Committee
Ex
officio: Ex
officio committee members are committee members by virtue of their
title/office. Often, but not always, ex officio members are non-voting
participants.
FAIA:
Member of
the AIA College of Fellows
FORUM:
FORUM is the
annual AIAS membership convention held in December.
Grassroots:
The same name is
used by both AIAS and AIA to describe their annual leadership training
conferences. AIAS Grassroots is held each summer in Washington, DC.
IDP: Intern
Development Program
IDPCC: Intern
Development Program Coordinating Committee
M.Arch:
Master of
Architecture
NAAB:
National
Architectural Accrediting Board
NIAE:
National
Institute for Architectural Education
NAWIC: National Association
of Women in Construction
NCARB:
National
Council of Architectural Registration Boards
NOMA:
National
Organization of Minority Architects
NOMAS:
National
Organization of Minority Architecture Students
OBD: Organization
of Black Designers
OLGAD: Organization of
Lesbian and Gay Designers
OSHA:
Occupational
Safety and Hazard Administration
RIBA:
Royal
Institute of British Architects (the British equivalent of the AIA)
SDA: Society of
Design Administrators
SARA:
Society of
American Registered Architects
WIA: Women in
Architecture