Bylaw Changes and Special Election for WRC Board

I hope the school year is off to a good start for each of you. I am writing to inform you of two changes to the WRC bylaws initiated by the University Caucus and to solicit nominations for a special election to fill a new Class A/B seat on the WRC Governing Board. The nomination period for this election will start today, and the voting period will begin on October 8; further details regarding the nomination and election procedure can be found in this memo.

New Definitions of Class A, B, and C
At the most recent WRC University Caucus Annual meeting, university representatives proposed, and the University Caucus approved, two amendments to the University Caucus’ bylaws concerning the representation of affiliate universities and colleges in the WRC’s governance structure. First, the University Caucus adjusted the definitions of Class A, B, and C schools to reflect inflation and the growth of university licensing revenues. This adjustment does not impact university dues for WRC affiliation; it simply redefines these categories for governance purposes. This measure took effect immediately, so the three classes are now defined as follows:

The University Caucus shall consist of three classes:

• Class A: Annual gross licensing revenues of $1,500,000 or greater;
• Class B: Annual gross licensing revenues between $350,000 and $1,499,999; and
• Class C: Annual gross licensing revenues of less than $350,000—including schools with no licensing program.

These Classes correspond to dues assessments of $15,000-$50,000 (Class A), $3,500-$14,999 (Class B), and $1,500-$3,499 (Class C).

Addition of New Board Seat
At the May meeting, the University Caucus approved a measure proposing to the WRC Governing Board that an additional seat be added for Class A and B schools on the WRC Governing Board. At its June 20 meeting, the Board adopted this proposal, amending the WRC’s own bylaws to add an additional seat for a University Caucus member employed by a school in the Class A or B categories. To preserve balance on the WRC Board among the organization’s three constituencies, the Board also established an additional seat for each of the other two Board constituencies (students and labor rights experts). A review of the allocation of the six University Caucus board seats among the three classes of universities can be found in this memo regarding the upcoming election.

Nominations and Election
Representatives of Class A and B universities may nominate candidates, including themselves, at this link at any time from now through Friday, October 4, at 5 p.m. EDT. This memo outlines the schedule for nominations and voting and reviews the election procedures. Voting will begin on Tuesday, October 8.

Please feel free to contact me or Jessica Champagne, our Deputy Director for Strategy and Field Operations, with any questions.