1.   Name

 (1)   The name of this body shall be: "Ontario Interdisciplinary Council for Aging and Health", hereafter referred to as OICAH.

 2.   Objects

 (1)  The object of OICAH is the enhancement of the well-being of older persons living in Ontario through education, research and service by:

(a) developing and exchanging innovative education, research and service initiatives with the intention of improving the quality of care to older persons;

(b) developing collaborative interdisciplinary educational approaches and models concerning aging and health;

 (c) increasing the knowledge, competencies, and skills of those who are committed to promoting health for older persons;

 (d) engaging in public advocacy where it is demonstrated that education, research and service play a role in the well-being of older persons living in Ontario.

 (2)   It is understood that OICAH is an affiliate of the Council of Ontario Universities (COU). It is further understood that the reporting relationship between OICAH and COU Council will be facilitated as required through the Office of Health Sciences of COU.

3.   Membership

 (1)   Membership may include two representatives from any Ontario university with an interest in aging and health.  Representatives might come from any academic discipline or profession with an interest in gerontology and geriatrics.

 (2)   Members of OICAH shall serve for terms of three years but may be reappointed

4.   Officers

 (1)   OICAH shall have a Chair, elected from and by its members for a term of two years who shall serve without remuneration.

 (2)   OICAH shall have a Vice-Chair, elected from and by its members for a term of two years who shall serve without remuneration. The Vice-Chair who is also Chair-designate shall act for the Chair in the absence of the latter.

5.   Committees

 (1a)   There shall be a committee called "OICAH: Executive" composed of the Chair and Vice-Chair of OICAH and representatives from any academic discipline or profession with an interest in gerontology or geriatrics.

The Chair and Vice-Chair of OICAH shall be the Chair and Vice-Chair of OICAH: Executive.  The Executive shall have the power to co-opt additional members as required and agreed by its members.  The purpose of OICAH: Executive is to guide OICAH and, on occasion, to act for it between meetings of OICAH.

 (1b)   There shall be a Nominating Committee of OICAH comprised of the Chair and two other members (one of whom shall serve as Chair of the Nominating Committee) elected by OICAH at large.  In consultation with the member universities it shall propose candidates for the elective offices and for membership of OICAH standing committees.  The Nominating Committee shall prepare a slate of candidates for election to the Offices of OICAH including Chair, Vice-Chair and Chairs of standing committees.  Normally the slate will include one nominee for each position, such persons having agreed in advance to serve.  Normally the slate of candidates will be presented to OICAH for election at the annual general meeting.  The Nominating Committee shall take care to prepare candidate slates from any academic discipline or profession with an interest in gerontology or geriatrics and b) universities of different sizes.

 (2)   OICAH shall establish committees (standing and ad hoc) as deemed necessary.

 (3)   Quorum for all committees shall be fifty percent of the total membership plus one member.

6.   Meetings

 (1)   OICAH shall meet at least twice a year one of which will be an annual general meeting.  Additional meetings or teleconferences may be scheduled as required.

 (2)   Meetings of OICAH may be called by the Chair, Vice-Chair or any three other members.

 (3)   A member who is unable to attend a meeting of OICAH may be represented at the meeting by an alternate of his or her choosing.

 (4)   OICAH Committees will meet as required.

7.   Corporate Support

 (1)    Support to OICAH, in the form of agenda preparation, minute recording and related administrative/committee duties will be provided through the Office of Health Sciences, COU.

 (2)    Corporate support will be funded through OICAH-generated funds.

8.   Dissolution

 (1)   It is understood that OICAH will cease to exist as an affiliate of COU if funding is unavailable.