Constitution

Here you will find our governing document that outlines our purpose, mission, membership criteria, and organizational structure. We encourage you to review the full text to understand how the PPA operates and supports our postdoctoral community at Penn and its affiliated institutions.

View the Constitution

Key Highlights

  • Purpose & Mission:
    Clearly defines the role and objectives of the PPA in serving and advocating for postdocs.

  • Organizational Structure:
    Outlines the structure with distinct sections for the General Body and Executive Leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability.

  • Membership:
    Details membership criteria and voting processes, ensuring active participation in decision-making.

  • Committees & Working Groups:
    Provides an updated framework for committees, replacing previous “ad hoc” structures with dynamic working groups.

  • External Relations:
    Describes our collaborations with OVPR/OPA, the National Postdoc Association, Ivy League Postdoc Councils, and other key partners.

Historical Context

The current Constitution was refined through a community-driven process that spanned two feedback and update voting periods. Beginning in November 2023, we engaged the postdoctoral community through multiple rounds of feedback and voting, culminating in a finalization vote in June 2024. This process ensured that our updated document reflects the collective voice and evolving needs of our community.

Summary of Key Changes

  • Transition from BPC to PPA:
    The previous Biomedical Postdoc Council Charter (updated 04/2019) has been transformed into the new PPA Constitution, reflecting our renaming in October 2022.

  • Enhanced Purpose and Mission:
    A new purpose has been added, and our mission expanded to offer a more comprehensive vision for the postdoctoral community.

  • Organizational Restructuring:
    The organization section has been split into two articles—General Body and Executive Leadership—to streamline governance.

  • Updated Membership & Voting Provisions:
    Membership now requires attendance to at least half of the monthly General Body meetings over any six-month period. Routine decisions are made by a majority vote, with constitutional changes requiring a ¾ majority.

  • Modernized Terminology:
    “Ad hoc committees” have been replaced with “Working Groups,” reflecting current practices and operational needs.

  • Broader External Engagement:
    Added provisions detail our relationships with key external organizations, further expanding our reach and impact.

Moving Forward

With the updated Constitution now in place, the Penn Postdoctoral Association is better positioned to represent and support our community. We remain committed to transparency, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.

If you have any questions or require further details, please contact us at pennpostdocs@gmail.com.