STATUTES OF THE RESEARCH COMMITTEE ON SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION, RC04
Adopted by E-mail Ballot, 13 February, 2007

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

1. Research Committee 04 on Sociology of Education (hereafter RC04) has been established in accordance with article 4 of the statutes of the International Sociological Association (hereafter ISA). Its general objectives are to promote high quality research on Sociology of Education and the international exchange of scientific information in this field.

ACTIVITIES

2. To bring these objectives to realization, RC04 will carry out the following activities:

a. organize sessions at the ISA's World Congress of Sociology
b. publish a Newsletter, mailed to all members in good standing, to keep them informed of ongoing and planned activities
c. organize and sponsor additional international meetings, where education researchers come together to exchange information and collaborate
d. any other activities that promote the objectives of the RC04

MEMBERSHIP

3. Any social scientist can be a member of the RC04 provided:

a. s/he has paid the applicable membership fee, or received an exemption
b. s/he has been accepted as a member by the RC Board, which acceptance will not be unreasonably withheld

4. RC04 members have the right:

a. to vote in board elections
b. to propose themselves or others for board membership
c. to participate and vote in business meetings of the RC04
d. to participate in all other activities of the RC04
e. to receive the RC04 Newsletter

BOARD

5. The Board shall consist of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 9 members, who will designate a President, a Secretary-Treasurer, vice presidents and a past president among themselves. The board shall contain no more than three members from the same country, and an effort shall be made to ensure a fair regional, national, and gender representation.

6. The duties of the Board are:

a. to organize the activities of the RC04
b. to represent the RC04 in the ISA and elsewhere
c. to manage the funds of the RC04

7. Board meetings must be called by at least two members of the Board, at least one month before the meeting. A Board meeting can only take valid decisions if two-thirds of the Board members are present, or if an immediately preceding Board meeting has been called without reaching this quorum. Board decisions can also be taken by mail ballot or e-mail ballot among the Board members. The Board takes its decisions by simple majority.

8. Board Elections:

a. Elections to the board will be held every four years, by mail ballot within the six months preceding the ISA World Congresses or at the business meeting during the World Congress. No member of the board can serve more than two contiguous terms, unless s/he serves extra terms as President or Secretary-Treasurer.
b. Before the elections, the outgoing Board designates an Election Committee consisting of at least two members in good standing, who are not candidates in the election. The Election Committee oversees the correct application of the procedures of election.
c. Candidates for board membership can be any RC04 member in good standing, provided that the candidacy is supported in writing by at least five members in good standing.
d. Only RC04 members in good standing have the right to vote.

BUSINESS MEETING ASSEMBLY

9. A Business Meeting Assembly is held at least every four years, preferably at the ISA World Congress. The meeting is chaired by the President of the RC04. Votes can only be cast by RC04 members in good standing who are present at the meeting. The duties of the Assembly are:

a. to evaluate and approve the four year report
b. to discharge the outgoing Board of its responsibilities, including the financial statement
c. to inaugurate the incoming Board
d. to discuss and carry motions on any other point that may arise
e. decisions in a Business Meeting Assembly are taken by simple majority.

FUNDS

10. Financial Matters:

a. The RC will administer its own funds. Decisions regarding expenditures are made by the Board, or by the Secretary-Treasurer on its behalf, with the approval of the Board.
b. A statement of financial affairs will be published in the Newsletter every four years. The outgoing Board must be discharged of its financial responsibilities by the Business Meeting Assembly.

11. The funds of the RC04 consists of:

a. membership fees from individual members
b. revenues from conferences and other activities
c. ISA subventions
d. donations, grants and other means

12. Fees:

a. The membership fees are US $ 30 regular four-year membership; US $ 10 reduced four-year membership, for members from low-income countries, students and members in special needs.
b. The conference fees are set by decision of the Board or conference coordinator in consultation with the president.

FINAL REGULATION

13. Changes in and amendments to these statutes must be proposed in writing by at least five RC04 members in good standing, and must be approved by two-thirds of the votes in mail ballot, e-mail ballot, or during the Business Meeting Assembly.