1.1 NAME

The name of this council is the Global Engineering Deans Council, hereinafter referred to as

(GEDC). The GEDC is a subsidiary of the International Federation of Engineering

Education Societies Inc. (IFEES Inc.).

1.2 MISSION

The mission of the GEDC is to serve as a global network of engineering Deans and

supporting organizations, and to leverage collective strengths of its members for the

advancement of engineering education, research and service to the global community.

1.3 VALUES

As tenets of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility to STEM Education

(IDEA) continue to be a foundation for the progression of engineering education

worldwide, the GEDC is committed in developing innovative and sustainable strategies to

create programs that are more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible to all.

2.1 There shall be seven categories of GEDC members:

2.1.1 Regular Member: Individuals meeting one or more of the following criteria:

● A Rector/President/Provost/Chief Academic Officer of a Technical

University, Dean of a college/School of Engineering, or a similarly titled

person in charge of an engineering college, school or faculty at a university.

● In an institution without a dean or equivalent engineering leader or in an

institution with multiple engineering leaders, the institution will be asked to

designate a single representative for the institution.

● A person in charge of an education institution of higher learning that is

primarily focused on engineering education and research.

● A person in charge of an engineering dean’s organization in a respective

country and/or region.

● A person from the field of engineering education who has been invited by

GEDC leadership to join the organization as a GEDC Ambassador.

2.1.2 Corporate Member: Organizations providing technical services who support

GEDC and its mission and that foster, encourage and cultivate industry & engineering education.

2.1.3 Former Dean: Educational leaders who held a deanship or equivalent for a

minimum of three years.

2.1.4 Quality Partner: open for accreditation and other organizations whose missions are

dedicated to the quality of engineering education and research.

2.1.5 Organization Affiliate: Membership is offered to individuals who represent

government or nonprofit organizations engaged in engineering education activities

across the world. This does not include engineering colleges.

2.2 Ambassador: Membership is invitation-only and individuals cannot apply for this type of

membership.

2.3 Application Process: Individuals or organizations seeking membership in the GEDC shall

submit their application to the GEDC Executive Director and include information that

indicates how they meet one or more of the categories of membership. In unclear

circumstances, the Executive Director will consult with the GEDC Chair and other leaders

on applicant’s eligibility.

2.4 Any member may withdraw from the GEDC by informing the Executive Director or the

Chair in writing. Withdrawal will take effect upon acknowledgement of the request to

withdraw. No refund of membership dues will be provided.

2.5 Only members in good standing may participate in GEDC activities as determined by the

GEDC Chair in consultation with the Executive Director. (Any member who does not

attend at least one annual meeting over a three-year period or does not pay any required

fees will be removed from the GEDC.)

2.6 The GEDC uses a gross domestic product formula to determine fee structures.

3.1.1 Executive Committee
The Executive Committee consists of the Chair, Chair-Elect, Immediate Past-Chair,

Secretary/Treasurer, 18 Members-at-Large, and the Executive Director as an ex-officio non-
voting member.

The Executive Committee:
• Oversees the affairs of the GEDC, ensures good governance practices, and transacts
all business in accordance with these Bylaws.
• Develops policies and strategic priorities for consideration by the members and
ensures implementation of resolutions adopted by the members.

• Appoints the Executive Director for overall strategic management, administration,
financial services and cultivating relationships/partnerships with the global
community.
3.1.2 Chair
The Chair presides over all Executive Committee meetings and General Assembly meetings.
Under the direction and support of the Executive Committee, the Chair prepares and
disseminates the agenda for General Assembly and Executive Committee meetings. The
Chair provides direction and oversight to the Secretariat*.
3.1.3 Chair-Elect
The Chair-Elect represents the Chair in any activity or role as assigned by the Chair. If the
Chair is absent or unable to act, the Chair-Elect assumes the duties of the Chair.
3.1.4 Secretary/Treasurer
The Secretary/Treasurer, under the direction and support of the Executive Director working
with the financial consultant, manages the finances, including financial controls; prepares the
annual budget; monitors income and expenses; and assists the Executive Director to present
these finances to the members at the General Assembly.
3.1.5 Members-at-large
The members-at-large may be tasked with short-term responsibilities at the discretion of the
Chair.
3.1.6 Immediate Past-Chair
The Immediate Past-Chair may be tasked with short-term responsibilities at the discretion of
the Chair.
3.2 ELECTIONS
3.2.1 The Chair of the GEDC and the Executive Director will identify and appoint a
member which shall oversee the election process. They will work in close collaboration with
the Executive Director and the Secretariat* to solicit names annually from the GEDC
members and shortlist them for election to the Executive Committee. Ballots for Chair Elect
and Secretary/Treasurer will have at least two candidates for each position, if possible.
Ballots for members-at-large will include at least 50% more candidates than positions
available, if possible.

4 As of December 1, 2023
3.2.2 Regular members of the GEDC will elect a Chair Elect and a Secretary/Treasurer, and
Executive Committee members-at-large.
• The Chair Elect will serve a one-year term, succeed to Chair for a two-year term,
and then to Immediate Past Chair for a one-year term.
• The Immediate Past Chair is not eligible for immediate nomination for Chair
Elect.
• The Secretary/Treasurer will serve a one-year term and may be reelected for up to
two successive terms.
3.2.3 Executive Committee members will serve for three-years with an option to be
reelected for an additional three-year term.
3.2.4 All members, in order to be eligible to be nominated as an Executive Committee
member and be eligible to vote, must to be current with all annual dues.
3.2.5 If an Executive Committee position becomes vacant prior to the end of the normal
term of office, and the position is unable to be filled as described otherwise in these
Bylaws, the Executive Committee may, by ordinary resolution, appoint a member to
fill the position, at the recommendation of the Executive Director with the approval
of the Chair, until an election may be held to fill the vacancy.
3.2.6 Termination of Executive Committee Members
In case of established non-performance, inability to perform, or malfeasance on the
part of an Executive Committee member, the Executive Committee may by Special
Resolution** resolve to remove that member at a meeting struck for that purpose
and then proceed to fill the vacancy as specified in 3.2.4.
3.3 CONDUCT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
3.3.3 Quorum
For all meetings of the Executive Committee, two thirds of the members need to be
present and shall constitute a quorum.
3.3.4 Voting
Voting at Executive Committee meetings is by Ordinary Resolution***. It is incumbent
on members to declare any conflict of interest, real or perceived, on any matter brought
to vote. Members deemed to be in a conflict of interest are excluded from voting. All
members need to be current in their membership annual dues for their vote to be
counted.

General Assembly meetings of the membership shall be held at least once per year, generally at
the annual World Engineering Education Forum. A special General Assembly meeting may be
convened at the request, in writing of the Chair, or of two thirds or more Members.
Any Member may bring before the meeting any subject or proposal relating to the affairs of the
organization and within the objectives of the organization. Notice should be provided to the
Chair in writing not less than three weeks before the meeting.
4.1 Notice and Format of General Assembly Meetings
Notice of the place and time of General Assembly meetings shall be provided to the members
at least two weeks in advance of the designated meeting date. Meetings may be held in person
or by electronic means, or by hybrid mode, provided that all participants can adequately
communicate with each other during the meeting.
General Assembly meetings may be held in open or closed formats. Observers or special
participants may be invited to the open session at the discretion of the Executive Committee
and may be granted voice but no vote.
4.2 Quorum at General Assembly Meetings
For all General Assembly meetings of the membership, the presence of two thirds of members
shall constitute a quorum.
4.3 Chair of General Meetings
The Chair, or in their absence the Chair-Elect, is responsible to preside over all general
meetings of the organization. If both the Chair and Chair-Elect are absent, a member-at-large
may serve in this capacity.
4.4 Voting at General Assembly Meetings
Members may vote on any resolution at a general meeting. The Chair of the General Assembly
meeting votes only in the event of a tie, having the deciding vote.
Unless otherwise required under these Bylaws, voting at General Assembly meetings is by
Ordinary Resolution.
It is incumbent on members to declare any conflict of interest, real or perceived, on any matter
brought to a vote. Members deemed to be in conflict of interest are excluded from voting.

5.1 Fees will be charged to all members and may be modified as needed. All fees must be
approved by the Executive Director.
5.2 Fees will be allocated based on member classification.
5.3 Members who are late on their fees can be suspended.

6.1 Financial Year End
The financial year end shall be December 31 in each year.
6.2 Annual Financial Statements
The annual financial statements and approved budget will be presented by the Executive
Director and the Secretary/Treasurer during the General Assembly annual meetings.
6.3 Banking Arrangements
The banking business of the organization shall be transacted at a US bank or trust company and
authorized signatories will be the Executive Director and the Financial Consultant.
6.4 Borrowing Powers
Neither the Executive Committee nor any of the members may borrow money on the credit of the organization.

7.1 The revenue of GEDC will be derived from:
• membership fees;
• support from the authorities of the host country;
• public and private grants and contributions;
• gifts and donations;
• registration and other fees chargeable at conferences and fora as agreed upon by the host
institution through a separate memorandum of understanding, seminars, workshops, and
other events or initiatives organized by GEDC;
7.2 The fiscal year of GEDC will be concurrent with IFEES Inc. and run according to the
legal constraints of the country in which IFEES Inc. is registered with.

The adoption of a Special Resolution** of the membership at a general assembly meeting is required
to make, amend, or repeal any Bylaws that regulate the activities or affairs of the organization.
Notice of the Special Resolution** shall be given to the Executive Committee Members at least
thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting and shall set out the import but need not contain the exact
wording of the resolution to be proposed. The resolution will be presented to the general members
upon approval during the annual General Assembly Meeting.

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Bylaws shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of the remaining provisions.

Upon dissolution, all assets after payments of creditors or legal debts will be turned over to the
members of the organization. Alternatively, subject to the adoption of a Special Resolution** of the
full membership of GEDC, such assets may be transferred to a not-for-profit organization with
similar purpose to GEDC, as described in these Bylaws.