Statute
the World Buddhist University (WBU)
(As amended by the 29th General Conference of the WFB and the 11th Meeting of the WBU Council)
Statute
STATUTE NO. 1: ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURES OF THE COUNCIL
In pursuance of Article 4 of the University Charter, the Council at its first meeting on 9 December 2543 (2000) established guidelines on the organization and procedures for the Council to perform its functions effectively and this Statute gives effect to such guidelines.
1. The University Centre, with the Rector as the Chief Executive Officer of the University, shall be the Council Secretariat.
2. The Rector shall be responsible for
1. convening and organization of Council meetings,
2. maintenance of minutes and records of such meetings,
3. preparation of the Agenda and supporting documents, in consultation with the Chairman of the Council,
4. execution of the decisions of the council, and
5. establishing and maintaining regular contact with Council members.
1. The Council shall meet annually in the month of December.
2. The Rector shall convene regular meetings of the Council.
3. A special meeting of the Council may be requested by not less than five Council Members in a written petition or petitions to the Chairman of the Council on any matter.
4. The Chairman of the Council shall decide the date and agenda of any meeting.
5. Notice of a meeting shall reach Council Members at least thirty days, but normally five to six months, before the date of the meeting by post, fax or e-mail and shall be accompanied by a provisional agenda. Supporting documents shall be forwarded as soon as they are available.
6. The quorum for a meeting shall be set at one third of the total membership of the Council in office at the time of the meeting.
7. If a quorum is not present within thirty minutes of the starting time set for the meeting, then
1. A regular meeting shall proceed to conduct the business as announced in the agenda, provided that before any action is taken the decisions shall be subject to ratification by mail according to procedures specified in Section 3 of this Statute.
2. A special meeting shall be adjourned and the matter or matters to be dealt with shall be taken up by mail.
8. A Council Member may propose any other business to be taken up at a meeting, provided the Rector receives notice at least fourteen days before the date set for the meeting. Such notice must accompanied by a memorandum furnishing adequate information on the matter or matters to be decided.
9. The Chairman or, in his or her absence, the First Vice Chairman shall preside over a Council meeting. In their absence, the First Vice Chairman or a member elected by the Council, as chairperson pro tem shall preside.
10. At the commencement of each meeting of the Council, the minutes of the previous meeting and a report on action concluded by mail shall be submitted for approval. Any amendments affecting action already taken shall be implemented without prejudice to action taken by the Rector.
1. Between regular meetings of the Council, the Rector in consultation with the Chairman of the Council may refer any matter which calls for a Council decision to Council Members by Registered Mail or fax or e-mail. The Rector shall request an immediate acknowledgment of receipt when fax and e-mail are used and ensure that all members receive the communication in time for voting.
2. For each such matter, so referred to Council Members, the Rector shall provide clear and adequate information to facilitate a decision.
3. A date shall be set for the Council Members to vote. Voting may be done by e-mail or fax, provided that a signed voting form is returned to the Rector by the date indicated on the form.
4. The voting card shall be in the following form
5. On the next working day after the date appointed for closure of vote, the Rector shall count the votes and submit the results to the Chairman of the Council for approval. A simple majority of the votes received shall determine the fate of the motion.
6. The results of the vote on each matter, along with comments of members, shall be conveyed to the Council Members by report. This report shall be included in the minutes of the Council and shall be submitted to the next meeting of the Council for ratification. Comments of members shall be considered before such ratification.
1. Members are appointed in response to their declared commitment to the cause of Buddhist education and Buddhist training, in general, and the achievement of the objectives of the University in particular, their active participation in the functions of the Council is indispensable.
2. A member may be liable to suspension or dismissal if he or she fails, without just cause, to attend to council business in between formal meetings of the Council and/or to attend two consecutive meetings of the Council.
3. Inability to attend to such matters due to illness and/or financial difficulty will not constitute valid grounds for suspension or dismissal.
A member may also liable to suspension or dismissal if his or her conduct is proved to have brought the Sasana or the University into disrepute. Any such suspension or dismissal must be preceded by two warnings in writing from the Rector by registered airmail. The Rector shall also submit a report to the President of the WFB through the Chairman of the Council. The President of the WFB shall resolve any appeal against such a decision in consultation with its Executive Council.
4. Resulting vacancies in the Council shall be filled according to terms of Article 4.1 of the University Charter.
STATUTE NO. 2 : CRITERIA FOR THE RECOGNITION OF ASSOCIATED CENTRES AND INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARS
As provided for under Articles 3, 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 of its Charter, the World Buddhist University operates through Associated Centres and through a network of Individual Scholars in order to achieve its academic and Buddhist goals. The following Statutes are based on the recommendations of the WBU Council meeting of 9 December B.E. 2543 (2000), which were approved by mail by a majority of Council members in 6 June B.E. 2544 (2001), These statutes provide criteria and guidelines for the recognition of Associated Institutions and Individual Scholars.
1. Associated Centres are recognized by the University to carry out one or more of the following University functions in the promotion of Buddhist Studies and Education in and the observation of Buddhist principles and practices.
(a) Research and Development,
(b) Training and Curriculum Development,
(c) Buddhist Practice, and
(d) Educational Development based on Buddha Dhamma
Any University or Department, Faculty, Institute, Centre thereof, or Institution of research and/or higher learning, or Centre of Buddhist Training or Curriculum Development is eligible to apply for the status of an Associated Centre if all of the following criteria are satisfied:
a. It is either a Buddhist Institution or an institution where the study and/or practice of Buddha Dhamma constitutes a major activity,
b. It has been actively engaged for a minimum of three years in one or more of the University functions listed in section 1,
c. Its objectives are consistent with those of the World Buddhist University,
d. It is in good standing locally and/or internationally as an established institution with :
(I) adequate and suitable premises and facilities,
(II) sources of funding,
(III) qualified personnel with requisite experience and academic/ Buddhist recognition,
(IV) a record of past activities, and
(V) Audited budgets and financial statements.
1. All applications shall be on a form obtainable from the Rector of the University.
2. The application must be made by the chief executive or an administrative officer of the Institution and must be accompanied by a detailed report on three years of activity and documentary evidence to the effect that all criteria of eligibility, as spelled out in Section 2 are fully satisfied. Failure to provide adequate evidence may result in delay or rejection except for those who have submitted their applications to the Council before 9 December, B.E. 2543 (2000).
3. Any application must be channelled through a member of the Council of the University in conformity with the University's Application Form, whose initial recommendation is required for the Rector to pursue further action.
4. The Rector shall distribute this statute to all suitable institutions, encouraging them to seek Associated status. The University form for this purpose should be channelled through a Council member with his or her recommendation.
5. Once the majority of Council members, whether at a meeting or by mail, approves an application, the institution shall is recognized for a period of five years.
6. Associated Centres recognized under Category A or B be requested to Contribute US$ 100 - US$1,000 the maintenance of the University Centre :
7. Category A: Fully self-sufficient in terms of faculty, staff, facilities and financial resources and capable of performing all functions with immediate effect.
8. Category B: Partially self-sufficient and in needs of some assistance from the University to become fully functional.
9. Category C: Capable of fulfilling only a limited range of functions to achieve the objectives of the University.
10. Within thirty days of approval by Council, the Rector under his/her signature shall communicate with the applying Institution the status of its approval in the following form :
is hereby approved as an Associated Centre of the World Buddhist University in term of Article 4.6 of the Charter for the following function(s):
(a) Research and Development
(b) Training and Curriculum Development
(c) Buddhist Practice
(d) Educational Development based on Buddha Dhamma Further, it is recognized to be an Associated Centre in Category _______.
This approval is valid until __________ unless rescinded at the request of the Institution or by decision of the Council of World Buddhist University."
1. An approved Associated Centre is an integral part of the World Buddhist University and shall be entitled to be so described in publications, advertisements and such other publicity material subject to national restrictions if any.
2. It shall be an active member of the network of Associated Centres and will have the opportunity to exchange information and experience through regular correspondence, newsletters, publications and electronic means of communication.
3. It shall receive from the Rector periodic information on University Policies, Programs, and Practices, including instructions on cooperative projects, international conferences, and projected publications.
4. It may initiate and participate in joint projects with other Associated Centres and seek assistance from the Rector to establish necessary contacts.
5. An Associated Centre is required to send to the Rector, by the 31st of July every year, a comprehensive report of its activities with details of human resources, clientele, cooperative projects, publications and financial statements. This report will be published as a part of the Rector's Annual Report.
6. An Associated Centre shall cease to be an approved Centre of the University if :
1. It withdraws its affiliation from the University in writing under the signature of the chief executive or administrative officer.
2. The Council by a majority of votes rescinds the approval on grounds of :
3. Unexplained inactivity as in the instance of not filing annual reports for two consecutive years;
4. Action in violation of the University's objectives as established through a formal inquiry by the Rector, or
5. Failure to apply for reaffirmation of approval before the end of five years.
7. An application of reaffirmation of approval shall be evaluated based on the annual reports for at least three years and, decided by a majority of Council Members voting at a meeting or by mail.
1. The Rector in consultation with the Chairman of the Council shall invite leading scholars of Buddhist Studies, eminent teachers of Buddhist training, authors of books and articles on Buddha Dhamma, and those engaged in educational and cultural development based on Buddha Dhamma to be Associate Members of the University, on the recommendation of:
1. a member of the Council, or
2. an approved Associated Centre, or
3. a Regional Centre of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, or
4. an Associate Member of the University.
2. The recommendation must be in the form of a comprehensive report on the individual's qualifications and record of service and must be accompanied by documentary evidence such as a publications list, published reports and testimonials filed with the University's Application Form, or from leading personalities in the community.
3. No application made by individuals will be considered.
4. An invitation shall specify the category and functions to which the Associated Member is assigned; namely
1. Medhacariya: Most eminent Scholar with international recognition in the scholarly field of Buddhist Studies and activities who will meet the purpose of the University and who will be co-opted to the University's Panel of Advisors on Research, Training, Buddhist Practice or Educational Development based on Buddhism. He/She may also be assigned as a representative of the University to function at the international level.
2. Vuddhacariya: Eminent scholar with regional recognition in the scholarly field of research and development; training and curriculum development; Buddhist practice or educational development based on Buddha Dhamma who will serve on an Advisory Panel of the Associated Centre or Centres in respective regions and/or he/she may be assigned as a representative of the University to function at the regional level.
5. An Associated Member receives from the University a certificate of recognition and an identity card.
6. An Associated Member may cease to be so recognized if:
1. he/she resigns from such position, or
2. the Council by majority vote withdraws the recognition on grounds of conduct detrimental to the reputation of the University.
7. An Associated Member has the right to:
1. make proposals and recommendations to the Council, attend its meetings as observers and speak on any agenda item with the permission of the chair; and
2. make recommendations for recognition of Associate Members; and
3. represent the University, with the consent of the Rector, in scholarly seminars and conferences on Buddhist Studies, Buddhist Education, Buddhist Buddhist training and such other related themes.
1. Provisions in this Statute shall be implemented by the Rector in consultation with the Chairman of the Council and shall for this purpose adopt forms, procedures and internal consultative mechanisms as considered necessary.
2. The Rector shall oversee the Associated Centres and Members and report periodically to the Council on the effectiveness of their contribution to the objectives of the University.
STATUTE NO. 3: INVITATIONS TO BECOME ASSOCIATED CENTRES
In pursuance of the policy decision of the Fourth Meeting the World Buddhist Council to adopt a proactive measure to invite suitable institution to become Approved Associated Centres of the University, the following Statute is adopted by mail voting and comes into effect on 12 May, B.E. 2546 (2003).
1. The President of a Regional Centre, An Office-bearer or Executive Committee Member of the World Fellowship of Buddhists or a Councillor of the World Buddhist University may recommend to the Rector any institution which in his or her opinion is a suitable institution to be invited to become an Approved Associated Centre of the University.
2. The letter of recommendation shall provide the following information:
1. Full name of the institution
2. Its mailing address
3. Its telephone and fax numbers and email addresses
4. When established
5. Governing body (Names of members)
6. Nature of the built facilities, No. of buildings and floor areas
7. No. of books in the library
8. Whether it has access to Internet resources
9. Names and qualifications of Chief Executive Officer, all faculty members and staff
10. The educational and training programs in detail
11. Profile of the Student Body according to age, gender, race and educational programs
12. Financial stability
13. The nature of Government recognition and public reputation
3. The Recommendation shall also indicate the category under which the institution qualifies to be invited in terms of the following conditions:
1. Any University College or a Department of Studies which is nationally or regionally approved or accredited by the appropriate Central or State Government or Accrediting Body and where a substantial program of Buddhist Studies and Research is provided qualifies to be an Associated Centre for Teaching and Research.
2. A traditional institution of Buddhist Education such as a Pirivena, Pali College or Buddhist College catering mainly to monastics with approval by Government or a monastic Order qualifies to be an Approved Associated Centre for Education based on a Buddhist Curriculum.
3. A Research and Publications institute devoted primarily to Buddhist research and publications qualifies to be an Approved Associated Centre for Research, provided its publications program is a non-profit operation.
4. An institution such as a meditation centre which has been in operation for at least ten years and has a regular clientele of trainees or participants qualifies to be an Approved Associated Centre for Buddhist Practice.
5. If in doubt, a note should be added on why the category cannot be decided.
4. The Recommendation shall also specify whether the institution belongs to Category A, B or C as stipulated in Article 6, Section 3 of Statute No. 2.
1. On receipt of a recommendation under Article I, the Rector and the Heads of Departments shall examine the Recommendation and prepare a draft decision for approval of the Council and submit it to the Council Chairman.
2. On receipt of the Chairman’s observations, the draft decision shall be sent to Councillors for vote by mail.
3. On receipt of a majority vote in favour, the recommendation will be implemented as provided in Article III.
1. An official invitation under the signatures of the President of the World Fellowship of Buddhists, the Chairman of the Council and the Rector shall be sent to the head of the Institution approved in terms of Article II.
2. The Invitation Letter will be accompanied by copies of the University Charter, Statutes in force, and all documentation to clarify the role and the functions of the University.
3. On acceptance of the invitation, the institution shall be registered in the list of Approved Associated Centres of the University and a certificate issued specifying the category under which it qualifies.