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Article I: Name, Mission, Purpose, and Governance Structure
Section 1: Name of organization
The name of this Corporation shall be the International Association of Schools of Social Work, Inc., with IASSW as its acronym.
Definitions:
A. Schools is an inclusive and representative term that refers to universities, colleges, departments, faculties, institutes, and programs that offer education and training for professional practice in social work, leading to the award of a degree or diploma.
B. Social work is an inclusive and representative title.
Section 2: IASSW Vision The vision statement of the IASSW is:
Excellence in social work education, research, and scholarship across the globe, in pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
Section 3: IASSW Mission
The mission of the IASSW is to advance and support quality social work education, foster global cooperation in research and advocate for social justice and human rights.
Section 4: Goals of IASSW
The goals of IASSW are:
1. To promote and represent social work education around the globe in partnership with national, regional, and international associations.
2. To create and maintain a culturally sensitive, responsive, and engaged community of social work educators globally.
3. To support and facilitate participation in mutual exchanges of research, knowledge development and curriculum resources.
4. To promote educational strategies and policies for a more just and equitable world.
Section 5: Governance Structure
The functions of IASSW shall be directed by the Board of Directors, the General Assembly, and such other committees and task forces as may be established and authorized by the General Assembly and the Board in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws and the Board Policies and Procedures.
Article II: Principal Offices
The principal office of the IASSW shall be at the same location as the IASSW President. The Board of Directors may designate one or two additional principal offices for the purpose of financial management, membership administration or any other functions determined by the Board of Directors.
Article III: Membership
Section 1: Categories of Members
The membership of the IASSW shall be composed of educational institutions (program/school members), individuals, and organizations. Membership is classified under the following categories:
A. Members
The following entities that subscribe to the mission and purposes as set forth in these Bylaws, shall be eligible to become members with the right to vote at the General Assembly or by proxy or electronic vote:
1. schools that provide tertiary educational programs that prepare professionals in social work and that have met the standards authorized by the General Assembly.
2. individuals who are social work educators or express interest in social work education and training may become individual members of the IASSW.
B. Affiliate Members
Organizations and agencies with an expressed interest in social work education may, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, join IASSW as affiliate members without voting privileges.
Section 2: Duties of Members
Members of all categories must, to the best of their ability, safeguard the interests of the IASSW, pay the stipulated dues, and act in accordance with these Bylaws and resolutions of the IASSW.
Section 3: Acquisition and Termination of Membership
A. The Board of Directors shall, from time to time, establish the procedures for the study and disposition of applications for all categories of membership.
B. Educational institutions and individuals that seek to become members are required to comply with the Mission Statement of the IASSW as set forth in these Bylaws under Article I.
C. Membership is maintained by payment of dues in such amounts as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
D. All dues must be paid annually, or as stipulated by the Board of Directors and approved by the General Assembly. Membership is automatically terminated upon non-payment of dues. Membership in any category thus terminated may be reinstated upon the payment of dues.
E. A Member may be suspended for a specified period or expelled for cause, including but not limited to violation of the Bylaws or rules of the IASSW or for conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the IASSW. Suspension shall require a twothirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors. Expulsion shall require a twothirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of Directors, unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws. Any Board member who is not present at a duly constituted meeting may be polled electronically and shall be provided with all relevant information and a reasonable deadline to cast their vote. The Member concerned shall be notified of the issues under consideration and the nature of the proceedings and shall be given reasonable notice of the time and place at which they may respond and present a defense.
F. Membership ceases with the cessation of the IASSW as a legal entity.
Article IV: Administrative Bodies, Directors and Officers
Section 1: Administrative Bodies
The functions of the IASSW shall be carried out through the following bodies: General Assembly, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Nominating Committee, and other committees and task forces as established by the Board of Directors.
Section 2: General Assembly
A. The General Assembly of the IASSW is open to all members and shall be held biennially at a time and place to be determined by the Board of Directors. Notice of this meeting and a final agenda shall be sent to all voting members no later than 90 (ninety) days prior to the time appointed for the meeting. A special meeting of the General Assembly may be convened by decision of the Board of Directors if business matters so require. If necessary, a meeting of the General Assembly can be conducted by correspondence, mail, or electronic vote. Notice of this special meeting shall be sent to all voting members no later than 40 (forty) days prior to
the time appointed for the meeting.
B. Affiliate members may speak at the General Assembly with the permission of the presiding officer, but do not have the right to vote. They may serve on IASSW committees.
C. The General Assembly shall receive, review, and vote on the approval, rejection or referral to the membership of reports, resolutions, and policy recommendations from:
1. the President;
2. the Secretary;
3. the Treasurer;
4. the Board of Directors;
5. the Election Committee: actions taken in the period since the preceding General Assembly, policy recommendations concerning the IASSW and social work education, and completed and projected program activities;
6. the Nominating Committee;
7. the Board of Directors’ nomination for Honorary Officers;
8. resolutions on matters not included under Article IV.2.E and circulated in writing to members of the General Assembly at least 24 (twenty-four) hours before the General Assembly convenes.
D. Approval or rejection shall be determined by majority vote (50 % plus 1) of members present.
E. The General Assembly has responsibility for resolutions under the terms of Articles VIII and IX.D which are to be decided by two-thirds (2/3) of the weighted votes cast by members.
Section 3. Board of Directors
A. The Board of Directors is accountable to the General Assembly and shall serve as the body of the IASSW that is responsible for the development and implementation of the policy of the IASSW as approved by the General Assembly, and of the management of the affairs of the IASSW.
B. The Board shall have the responsibility of acting on behalf of the General Assembly in the intervening period between assemblies.
C. Members of the Board shall be elected for a term of four years, with one-half of the Board elected every two years.
Section 4. Composition of the Board of Directors
A. The Board of Directors shall include the following members with voting rights:
1. Three elected officers: President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
2. Five regional Vice-Presidents.
3. Four members elected at-large from the membership.
4. One member elected or appointed by each regional association.
5. One additional member elected or appointed by each regional association.
6. One member nominated by each sub-regional association with schools (IASSW members) from five or more countries.
7. One member nominated by each national association that is, in principle, inclusive of all schools in the country and has at least five school members of IASSW.
8. One representative nominated by each recognized interest group. An interest group brings together members of IASSW, schools and individuals, from a number of different countries, on the basis of gender, language, professional orientation or some other common interest that has been recognized by the Board of Directors.
B. The immediate past-President shall serve as a non-voting ex officio member of the Board of Directors and its Executive Committee. Other past Presidents may be invited to the Board meetings at the discretion of the Board.
C. Honorary Presidents shall serve as non-voting ex officio members of the Board of Directors and its Executive Committee.
D. The Board may, at its discretion, invite to its meetings, without voting rights, persons who are deemed to contribute to the work of the IASSW or have some special expertise relevant to the Board’s deliberations. Furthermore, the Board may invite to its meetings, without voting rights, representatives from national,
sub-regional, or regional associations, or interest groups, who do not fulfill all the Board membership requirements.
E. The Resident Treasurer, elected by the Board, will be invited to all Board meetings without voting rights.
F. No more than two of the members elected by the IASSW membership (officers and members-at-large) may be from the same country during the same period.
G. All members of the Board must be members (school or individual) of the IASSW.
H. No person shall be appointed or elected as officer of the IASSW (President, Secretary, Treasurer) for more than eight consecutive years.
I. The Board of Directors shall have the authority:
1. to appoint staff members for the IASSW upon such terms and for such period as may be determined by the Board;
2. to fill any vacancies in its elected membership which may occur in the interval between General Assembly meetings, and give notification to the members with immediate effect;
3. to make provision for the audit of the books of the IASSW;
4. to mediate disputes among members of the IASSW;
5. to undertake such other action as shall promote the purposes of the IASSW.
Section 5: Officers
A. The officers of the IASSW shall be the President, five Vice-Presidents representing each of the regions, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and Members at Large.
B. The President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be determined by election through electronic ballots sent to all members eligible to vote at the General Assembly. The Secretary shall determine and announce the cut-off point for ballots delivered. The officers each serve a term of four years and no more than eight consecutive years.
The President and Secretary shall be elected at the same General Assembly, and the Treasurer shall be elected at the next biennial General Assembly.
C. The regional presidents will normally serve as Vice-Presidents of the IASSW. However, regions may choose to treat these as separate offices and elect a regional Vice-President of IASSW by a vote of the members of the region.
D. The Board may appoint as necessary and from among its members: 1) an Assistant Treasurer for a fixed period not to exceed four years; 2) an Assistant Secretary for a fixed period not to exceed four years. The Board shall appoint a Resident Treasurer from the country in which the IASSW finances are being managed. The
Resident Treasurer serves on the Board of Directors, without vote, for four years, renewable at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
E. The President is the official representative of the IASSW. She or he shall preside at meetings of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and the General Assembly; shall act as head of the IASSW in the direction of its business and in the enforcement of these Bylaws; shall sign and execute in the name of the IASSW
necessary contracts and other instruments and shall be responsible for their implementation. In the absence or incapacity of the President, the Secretary shall perform the presidential functions until the Board of Directors appoints an officer to complete the President’s term of office.
F. The five Vice-Presidents shall be authorized to perform the functions of the President when delegated. They shall represent the IASSW to their respective region, and when required, to any and all regions.
G. The Treasurer shall have such duties related to the funds of the IASSW as may be specified by the Board of Directors and shall render an annual report to the Board and the General Assembly. The Treasurer shall have official co-signing authority with the President and the Secretary for all official documents.
H. The Secretary shall have duties related to the official record of the IASSW’s Board of Directors, General Assembly, IASSW Bylaws, and Letters of Incorporation. The Secretary shall have official co-signing authority with the President and the Treasurer for all official documents. The Secretary shall be responsible for the
conduct of elections. The Secretary shall be the Registrar responsible for certifying membership in all categories.
I. The Assistant Treasurer shall be authorized to perform the functions of the Treasurer when necessary and other such functions as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
J. The Assistant Secretary shall be authorized to perform the functions of the Secretary when necessary and such other functions as may be determined by the Board of Directors.
K. The Resident Treasurer shall, with the Treasurer and any other officer asked to serve, represent the IASSW in financial arrangements with domestic institutions and serve as adviser to the Treasurer and the Board of Directors on domestic banking, funding, and other fiscal requirements.
Section 6. Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall consist of:
1. the President,
2. five Vice-Presidents,
3. the Secretary,
4. the Treasurer,
5. the Resident Treasurer without voting rights,
6. the four members-at-large of the Board of Directors.
Section 7: Nominating Committee
A. At each General Assembly, the members shall elect a Nominating Committee consisting of seven members, one of whom shall be designated to chair the Committee, to serve until the next meeting of the General Assembly.
B. The Nominating Committee shall consider candidates qualified for officer positions and for members-at-large of the Board of Directors. For each election, in accordance with procedures set forth by the Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee shall make nominations sufficient in number to fill its allocation of
directors and shall make nominations for officer positions and for the next Nominating Committee.
C. Following the announcement of the proposed list of nominations, members shall have the opportunity to petition for inclusion on the list. Petitioners must abide by the conditions and procedures determined by the Nominating Committee.
Article V: Appointment of staff
A. The Board of Directors may appoint staff as needed to manage the day-to-day operations and implement the policies of the IASSW.
B. The staff shall report to the President, Secretary, and Treasurer on matters related to their respective functions affecting policies, purposes, and programs of the IASSW.
C. The appointment, supervision, and evaluation of professional and office staff shall be undertaken by the Board of Directors, in accordance with job specifications, qualifications and terms of employment established by the Executive Committee.
Article VI: Finance
A. The activities of the IASSW are financed through: membership dues, subsidies, projects and consultations, inheritances and gifts, sales of publications, registration fees at seminars, workshops, and congresses.
B. The fiscal year of the IASSW shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
C. Expenditures necessary to conduct the affairs of the IASSW may be made by the President, Secretary, and the Treasurer, as approved in the budget.
D. There shall be, periodically, an external audit of the accounts of the IASSW by an auditor duly appointed by the Board of Directors. The interval between audits should not exceed two years.
E. The Board of Directors shall approve a budget every year consistent with the policies approved by the General Assembly.
F. A reserve fund shall be established and protected. The fund shall accumulate until it equals the amount needed to cover the costs of dissolution if the General Assembly votes to dissolve the IASSW.
Article VII: Meetings
Section 1: Annual Meetings
The Executive Committee and the Board of Directors shall meet at least once a year to receive, discuss, and adopt reports of officers, directors, and committees and for the transaction of other business. Notice of the meeting signed by the President shall be communicated in writing at least 40 (forty) days before the time appointed for the meeting.
Section 2: Special Meetings of the Board of Directors
Special meetings may be called at any time at the request of the President or of any three directors. Notice of the special meeting is to be given in the same manner as for the annual meeting. No business other than that specified in the notice of meeting shall be transacted at any special meeting.
Section 3: Quorums
Quorums shall be as follows:
A. A quorum for the transaction of business by the Board of Directors shall consist of a majority (50% plus 1) of its voting members.
B. A quorum for the transaction of business by the Executive Committee shall be a majority (50% plus 1) of its voting members.
C. A quorum for the transaction of business of the General Assembly or a special meeting shall consist of fifteen percent (15%) of its members. If fewer than fifteen percent (15%) of the membership is present, the membership will be notified of all decisions reached within one week of adjournment of the General Assembly. If any decisions are challenged by five percent (5%) of members, a mail vote (electronic) will be held on the item. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership will be required to overturn the decision.
D. Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, a simple majority is sufficient (50% plus 1 of members present or represented).
Section 4: Voting
A. Only members (school and individual) shall have the right to vote in elections, proposed revisions of the Bylaws, and on such other matters as the Board of Directors may determine. Affiliate members may have voting rights in their participation on any of the IASSW’s Committees and Task Forces of which they are
a duly appointed member.
B. Weighted Voting. In all matters except as otherwise provided herein or by law, votes of the Members shall be weighted:
1. School Members – 100%
2. Individual Members – 10%
C. Quorum. Fifteen percent (15%) of the total IASSW Members, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business on which a Member vote is to be taken at any meeting of the IASSW members. Weighted voting shall not be a factor when determining the presence of a quorum. As such, each Member shall count equally for quorum purposes.
D. Manner of Acting.
Members may vote:
1. in person at a meeting;
2. by proxy exercised by the Member’s designee at a meeting; or
3. by online voting without a meeting, but this only applies for the election of individual Board members and Officers.
E. The vote of a majority of the weighted votes cast by Members shall determine any action of the Members, provided that a quorum participates in the vote.
F. For all other matters, Members must vote either in person at a meeting or by proxy at a meeting.
G. Proxy Voting. Any Member may authorize another Member to cast his or her vote at a member meeting. Such authorization shall be signed by the respective Member and submitted electronically. Appropriate documentation forms will be provided by the Secretary.
Article VIII: Dissolution of the IASSW and Dedication of Assets
A. The dissolution of the IASSW can take place only in a General Assembly convened especially for this purpose and shall require a 2/3 (two-thirds) majority of the voting members present.
B. The assets of the IASSW are permanently dedicated to the purposes set forth in Article I. In the event of voluntary dissolution of the IASSW, the same General Assembly must also decide to which organization with the same or similar purposes the assets of the IASSW shall be assigned.
Article IX: Amendments
A. Proposals to amend or repeal these Bylaws may be initiated by the Board of Directors, may be made to the Board by any full member, or may be initiated by petition of 25 (twenty-five) percent of members. Such petitions must be received at the IASSW office at least 90 (ninety) days prior to the General Assembly
meeting.
B. The Board of Directors shall review all proposals submitted by individual members and determine whether to submit them to the membership for action or not. The Board shall be responsible for wording the proposed amendment. The Board of Directors shall notify the proposer of its determination. If its determination is not acceptable to the individual proposer, the proposer may require that it be submitted to a vote by securing a petition signed by at least twenty-five (25) percent of the members. Proposals initiated by petition of twenty-
five (25) percent of the members shall proceed directly to the membership without Board approval, although the Board may provide comments or technical revisions.
C. The Secretary shall give written notice to the members of any validated proposal for a change in the Bylaws initiated by members or by the Board of Directors at least 60 (sixty) days in advance of the date upon which the proposal is to be voted.
D. An affirmative vote by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the weighted votes cast by members shall be required to amend or repeal these Bylaws. The vote may be electronic.
E. The Board of Directors may make editorial changes, rename groups, and make other non-substantive revisions, provided that such changes do not materially affect the rights or obligations of Members. Any changes that materially affect Members’ rights or obligations shall require approval of the Members.
F. All adopted Amendments to the Bylaws shall be circulated to the membership and formally reported to the General Assembly.
These Bylaws were duly adopted by the IASSW General Assembly on 27th June 2026 at Kenyatta International Convention Center, Nairobi, and supersede all prior versions.
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The International Association Of Schools Of Social Work
Est. 1928