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IARSA

Governance of the Federation

Charter of the Global Advisory Council

The purpose, mandate, legal boundaries, membership and officers of the Global Advisory Council.

1. Preamble & Purpose

The Global Advisory Council (GAC) is the premier strategic, consultative, and unifying non-fiduciary body of the International Association of Research Scholars & Administrators (IARSA). Established to harmonize strategic vision across IARSA’s independently incorporated national entities—IARSA Nigeria (CAC No. 90173), IARSA United States (Delaware 501(c)(3) No. 202105269), and IARSA Ghana (No. 11570225-IARSA-GH-LBG)—the GAC ensures unified academic standards, cross-border research synergy, and global policy relevance.

2. Mandate & Core Responsibilities

While respecting the separate legal incorporation, independent liability, and domestic fiduciary boards of each national chapter, the GAC shall:

  • Strategic Alignment: Advise the Global President and national Governing Councils/Boards on long-term federation priorities, emerging global research trends, and cross-continental initiatives.
  • Standardization & Quality Assurance: Recommend unified benchmarks for the Certified Research Scholar & Administrator (CRSA) frameworks, academic journals, and ethics policies across all territories.
  • Global Partnerships & Resource Mobilization: Facilitate high-level alliances with international universities, multilateral development agencies, philanthropic foundations, and corporate sponsors.
  • Cross-Border Research & Policy Advocacy: Champion multi-country research consortia and translate empirical data across IARSA’s five core divisions (Education, Economy, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, and Public Health) into actionable global policy.
  • Intellectual Property & Brand Stewardship: Provide consultative oversight to ensure national chapters uphold the licensing terms and global brand integrity held by IARSA Nigeria.

3. Authority & Legal Boundaries

  • Consultative Nature: The GAC operates strictly in an advisory capacity. It holds no executive, fiduciary, or legal authority over the assets, statutory compliance, or domestic operations of any incorporated national entity.
  • Non-Interference: GAC recommendations become binding only upon formal ratification by the respective national Governing Council or Board of Directors in accordance with their local bylaws and licensing agreements.

4. Composition & Membership

The GAC shall comprise between 12 and 21 distinguished members, reflecting geographic, disciplinary, and sectoral diversity:

  • Ex-Officio Members:
  • The Global President of IARSA (Chair or Co-Chair).
  • The Presidents/Chairs of the national bodies (Nigeria, United States, Ghana).
  • Chairs of key federation standing committees (e.g., Publications & Research, Fellowship Committee, Researchers' Worldwide Networks).
  • Appointed Global Advisors:
  • Eminent scholars, university administrators, public policy leaders, and industry executives from North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and other regions.
  • Distinguished Fellows (DFCRSA) and Honorary Fellows (HonFCRSA) recognized for exceptional contributions to global scholarship.

5. Leadership & Term of Office

  • Officers: The Council shall be led by a Chairperson (elected by the Council) and two Vice-Chairpersons representing distinct geographic regions.
  • Secretariat: Administrative support, agenda circulation, and communiqué drafting shall be managed by the IARSA Federation Secretariat.
  • Tenure: Appointed GAC members shall serve a three-year (3-year) term, renewable once based on active participation and strategic contribution.

6. Meetings & Operations

  • Frequency: The GAC shall convene virtually at least twice annually (bi-annually) and hold one Annual Strategic Summit coinciding with the IARSA Annual International Conference.
  • Working Groups: The GAC may establish ad-hoc task forces to address specific thematic priorities (e.g., AI in Research Administration, Sub-Saharan Data Infrastructure, International Grant Pipelines).
  • Consensus & Reporting: Decisions and recommendations shall be reached primarily by consensus. Following each plenary session, the GAC shall issue a formal Advisory Communiqué submitted to the Global President and all national boards.

7. Ethics, Confidentiality & Conflict of Interest

  • Fiduciary & Ethical Conduct: All members shall adhere to the IARSA Code of Ethics and maintain strict confidentiality regarding proprietary curricula, unpublished research, and internal governance deliberations.
  • Conflict of Interest: Members must disclose any financial, institutional, or personal conflicts of interest prior to deliberating on partnerships, grant allocations, or institutional endorsements.

8. Amendments & Adoption

This Charter shall take effect upon joint endorsement by the Governing Council of IARSA Nigeria and the Boards of Directors of IARSA United States and IARSA Ghana. Amendments require a two-thirds majority recommendation from the GAC and subsequent ratification by the signatory national bodies.