Creation of The Lebanese Academy
The Lebanese Academy was established by Decree No. 268 on March 30, 2022. Its governance structure comprises the Presidium, the Senate, and the General Assembly. Additionally, the Academy features a Young Council of promising academics dedicated to upholding the Academy’s values and fostering its future growth.
The Presidium
The Presidium runs the everyday affairs of the Academy.
Members of the Presidium:
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- President
- Vice President for Legal and Internal Affairs
- Vice President for Strategy and External Affairs
- Treasurer
- Secretary
The General Assembly
All members of the Academy are part of the General Assembly, which constitutes members of the four classes in the Academy.
The General Assembly hold one general meeting of the membership annually at a place and time previously set by the Presidium. Attendees of the assembly shall constitute a quorum takes decisions on issues of fundamental importance, such as the election of the Presidium and the Senate.
The Young Council
Young Lebanese academics, under 35 years, in the sciences and arts who have contributed to the advancement of knowledge in Lebanon and worldwide are selected as members of the Young Council. Members of the Young Council are non-voting members and are elected for a period of 5 years. Young Council members can attend the General Assembly and participate in discussions that relate to the future of the sciences and arts in Lebanon.
Election of Officers
- The Presidium is elected by the General Assembly for a term of five years. Nominees must have maintained active membership in The Lebanese Academy for at least five years before their election.
- The Senate is elected by the General Assembly for a term of five years.
- Class representatives are elected by members of each class for a term of five years.
- Officers are required to maintain active membership throughout their tenure. Membership of officers failing to uphold moral standing in their profession and society will be rescinded upon judgment by the Senate.
Duties and Limitations of Officers
The Presidium is responsible for overseeing the affairs of the Academy and evaluating all membership nominations as stipulated in Article VI.
Resignation of Officers
In case of vacancy, the President, with the majority assent of The Presidium, appoints a replacement for a term not exceeding the remainder of The Presidium’s term. Vacancies with terms of less than one year are not filled, and duties are assumed by other members of The Presidium, as deemed appropriate by the President, until the end of the term.
Removal of Officers
The Presidium, upon recommendation by at least two of its members, may request the removal of an Officer for cause. The individual shall be provided written notice and afforded due process, including a hearing before the Senate, held no sooner than 30 days after the notice and no later than the next scheduled Senate meeting. Removal from office requires a two-thirds majority vote of the remaining Officers.
General Assembly
The Academy convenes one general meeting of the membership annually, at a time and place designated by The Presidium. A quorum for conducting business at an annual meeting is constituted by members in attendance, except for the amendment of the Bylaws, which requires the presence of a majority (half+one) of members.
Councils and Committees
Committees may be established by these Bylaws, resolution of the Senate or the General Assembly, or appointment by the President, to operate on behalf of the Senate. Committees formed by any other means are not recognized as representing the Academy. The President appoints the membership of each committee, unless specified otherwise. Committee actions are subject to review and approval by The Presidium.
Membership Council
The Presidium commissions the class representative to form a membership council comprising three active members to evaluate nomination files and credentials of nominees. Council members are approved by the President, and the class representative chairs the council.
Ballot Review Committee
The Secretary, Treasurer, and two Active members appointed at the Secretary’s discretion oversee the receipt, review, and verification of all ballots.
Penalties
Failure to pay annual dues for one year results in the cessation of active membership, unless excused by The Presidium. Membership may also be rescinded by a majority vote of the Senate for failure to uphold moral standing. A proposal for expulsion is initiated upon presentation of a petition signed by the President or three active members and approved by the Senate. Voting on expulsion is conducted by secret ballot.
Amendments to the Bylaws
Proposals for amendments to the Bylaws must be submitted in writing to the Presidium by five members. The Presidium may approve proposals for ballot by the General Assembly. Amendments require an affirmative vote by the majority of respondents, with a response from at least forty percent of Active members.
Dissolution of the Academy
In the event of dissolution, after settling all liabilities, the assets of the Academy are disposed of exclusively for its purposes or contributed to organizations operating for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes.