Annual Meeting Information

Background

In 1857, concerned graduates united to assist the University’s new Principal, William Dawson, with the transformation of one building and a handful of students into an institution of higher learning. In 1880, the Graduates’ Society of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ was duly incorporated, changing its name in 2014 to the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Alumni Association (MAA). 

Full and Associate membership is defined by the MAA’s by-laws and generally includes holders of degrees and diplomas, and holders of certificates respectively. Active members of the MAA are generally full members of the Association who have donated to Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ in the 12-month period preceding the annual general meeting. 

The MAA has been instrumental in continuing its support of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾, evolving into a global network of more than 325,000 alumni. Thousands of alumni around the world remain engaged with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ as donors, event participants and as volunteers. Alumni hold a variety of governance roles within the Association and the University. 

The MAA consists of a 15-member volunteer Board of Directors with headquarters in Montreal. Directors work closely in an advisory capacity with staff from Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ Advancement. The MAA welcomes the active participation of alumni in the life of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾ and invites alumni to benefit from the range of programs and services on offer. 

Agenda
Process

The MAA subscribes to the meeting governance practices of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ÍøÕ¾â€™s Board of Governors, the University’s highest governing body, where common rules and procedures for deliberation and debate are established to increase meeting efficiency and effectiveness.

Discussion can only take place on a debatable motion or amendment. Discussion is carried under the direction of the Chair and must be relevant to the subject. Discussion must be impersonal and directed to the Chair.

The Chair at all times controls the meeting, and his/her final decision has to be respected and must prevail to avoid confusion and maintain order at the meeting.

Only the mover of a motion (or amendment) may speak to the motion (or amendment) before it has been seconded. Members have the right to speak once on each motion and once on each amendment. With the consent of the meeting, the Chair may grant members another opportunity to speak.

The time allowed for discussion and length of speeches will be subject to reasonable limitation, at the discernment of the Chair. When discussion has ended, the Chair may ask for a motion to terminate the discussion and call for a vote on the motion.

Voting at the meeting will be conducted by show of hands and online polls, passed by a simple majority of the eligible votes cast.