This Statute was approved by members of the Istituto Veneto at the private meeting of 24 February 2007 and, having received the approval of the Ministry of Cultural Assets and Activities, as communicated by the Venice Prefecture by registered letter of 19 June 2007, came into force in the 2007-8 academic year.
STATUTE
Art. 1
The object of the Istituto Veneto, Accademia di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti is the advancement, dissemination and protection of the sciences, literature and arts. It provides for achieving its aims with an annual endowment from the State, with contributions from public and private bodies and with other income. The Institute is an incorporated organisation based in Venice, in Palazzo Loredan, which it has been granted use of by the State.
Art. 2
The Institute is made up of two classes, one for the mathematical, physical and natural sciences, the other for the moral sciences, literature and arts. Each class is composed of 40 ordinary members, 80 correspondent members and 25 foreign members. Correspondent members are divided into two sub-categories of those resident in the Veneto, numbering 55 members, and those not resident in the Veneto, numbering 25 members.
The Institute's Assembly is composed of all ordinary members, including supernumeraries.
Art. 3
Ordinary members, correspondent members and foreign members are considered supernumerary at the start of the academic year following that marking their eightieth birthday.
Resident ordinary and correspondent members who are unable to regularly take part in the Institute's meetings because of health, age or any other reason, may request to be declared supernumeraries on the decision of the Assembly. The same provision may also be adopted on the initiative of the Governing Board regarding ordinary and correspondent members who have not participated in the Institute's activities for more than three years. Supernumerary members retain all the rights and prerogatives of their category of membership.
When reference is made in this statute and the Institute’s other normative acts to members in general or with reference to the category of membership, without further clarifications, this is intended as including supernumerary members.
Positions previously occupied by supernumerary member are considered vacant.
Art. 4
Italians or foreigners of high cultural distinction may be nominated honorary members of the Institute, according to the procedure as at Art. 15. They are considered ordinary supernumerary members with the same rights and prerogatives; they can choose which class they wish to belong to.
If proposed by at least one third of ordinary members, ex-presidents may be nominated president emeritus. Nominations must follow the procedure as at Art. 15, paragraphs 2 and 3, excluding the justification.
Art. 5
The Institute has a president, vice-president, administrator and two secretaries, who make up the Governing Board and are elected by the Assembly of ordinary members. The president and vice-president must belong to different classes; the same applies to the two secretaries. All members of the Board are appointed for three academic years. The president and vice-president may be re-elected to the same office for a subsequent term only once. The election of the Governing Board takes place in the April-June trimester. If the ministerial provision relating to the nomination of the president is not received by the end of the current academic year, the Governing Board takes office the day after that of the provision itself.
If the office of president becomes vacant during the academic year, the vice-president takes over until the end of the current year, in the course of which the entire Governing Board must be renewed.
If one of the seats on the Board other than that of the president should become vacant prior to the expiry of the three-year term, it is filled by a supplementary election; the new member remains in office until the end of the term.
If such a vacancy should occur within the last nine months of the three-year term, the Governing Board may decide not to hold a supplementary election, taking the appropriate measures to regulate the activity of the Board.
Art. 6
The president is the legal representative and director of the Institute; he or she supervises publications and the conservation of assets, ensures observance of the statute and regulations, and calls and chairs general and private meetings. The vice-president assists the president and stands in for him or her in the case of absence or impediment.
Art. 7
The Governing Board assists the president in carrying out his or her functions. It formulates the budget and relative variations, and the final balance according to the proposals of the administrator. The budget, accompanied by the Governing Board's report, and the final balance, accompanied by the Governing Board's and Auditors' reports, must be subject to the approval of the Assembly.
Art. 8
The board of auditors is made up of three ordinary members and two deputies, nominated each three years by the Assembly and chosen from among the ordinary members. The auditors ensure observance of the law and of the statutory regulations in administrative management; they examine the final balance and report on this in writing to the Assembly.
Art. 9
In assuming office, the administrator receives the inventories of the Institute's assets, signs them and assumes the relative guarantees for them. He or she manages the Institute's property assets in accordance with the resolutions of the Governing Board and manages the receipt of income, the payment of expenses and the keeping of the accounts books. He or she may sign payment orders by proxy of the president.
Art. 10
The secretaries ensure the scientific and cultural coordination of the activities of the respective classes, and arrange for the Institute's publications. They also take the minutes of the meetings.
Art. 11
Apart from what is provided for in articles 13, 14 and 22, meetings are valid whatever the number of members present. Resolutions are regarded as approved when supported by a majority of votes from those present, provided that the number of affirmative votes is greater than one quarter of all ordinary members, not counting supernumeraries. Voting is conducted by secret ballot whenever the issue concerns people, or when requested by at least five members of the Assembly.
Art. 12
The Governing Board decides each year on the number of new ordinary, correspondent resident, correspondent non-resident and foreign members that may be elected, within the limit of vacant places. The election is held only once a year, at the Assembly, from candidates who have been previously proposed for each class by the ordinary members of that class.
Art. 13
When the number of members present at the Assembly does not reach half plus one of all ordinary members, not counting supernumeraries, the elections are deferred to a new meeting called subsequently. When such number is not reached at the second meeting, the elections are postponed to the next academic year. Candidates who win the votes of half plus one of the voters, not counting abstentions, are elected.
Art. 14
The Assembly called for the nomination of the president and the other members of the Governing Board is valid when the number of those present, including supernumerary members, is equal to half plus one of all ordinary members, not counting supernumerary members. Ordinary members who receive at least two thirds of the votes, not counting abstentions, are elected. When the number of votes required is not reached in this election, the Assembly will be called on another day for a new election in the manner described in the previous article. If the required number is again not reached, a run-off election will be held immediately between the two candidates who have received the greatest number of votes. The candidate who wins the greatest number of votes is then elected. The Assembly may also postpone the run-off election to a subsequent meeting.
Art. 15
Proposals for the nomination of honorary members are considered when they are advanced by at least half the ordinary members of a class. The suitably justified proposals are sent by the Board to all ordinary members so they can express their secret vote. Those who win two thirds of the votes cast, which must in any case exceed half of all ordinary members, not counting supernumerary members, are considered elected.
Art. 16
The calendar for the academic year is decided by the Governing Board. All members take part in the general meetings, which are open to all those interested. At such meetings, presentations and discussions on subjects of a scientific nature or of general interest take place; papers by members are read or summarised, as are those by scholars not belonging to the Institute, provided they are presented by a member, prior to publication in the Proceedings, or, when they are in the nature of a monograph, in the Memoirs. The Governing Board may ask the opinion of one or more members before accepting these. The opinion of a commission made up of three members, normally chosen from the class concerned, is required in any case for papers to be inserted in the Memoirs. Foreign and correspondent members, along with external consultants, may be called on by the president to participate in private meetings, though without a decisive vote, where matters concerning the direction and administrative management of the Institute and of funds received for specific ends are discussed
Art. 17
The Institute can organise public conferences and meetings on matters indicated by the Governing Board and decided by the Assembly.
Art. 18
The Institute can award prizes or other recognitions to scholars and bodies distinguished in literature, the sciences and their applications. Particular attention will be paid to activities and studies concerning Venice, the Veneto provinces and the history of the Venetian Republic. Prizes may not be awarded to members of the Institute.
Art. 19
The use of sums deriving from the sale of assets, from bequests, donations or in any case intended to increase the Institute’s wealth must be decided by the Assembly.
Art. 20
The nominations of members, the president and vice-president are confirmed according to what is provided by law. The Governing Board shall communicate the decisions adopted to the competent Ministry in accordance with article 3.
Art. 21
The Governing Board is responsible for sending a summary report on the activities conducted during the previous year to the competent Ministry. The budget, with relative variations, and the final balance must also be sent to the Ministry, after being approved by the Assembly.
Art. 22
Proposals to alter this statute are taken into consideration when these are advanced by the Governing Board or at least ten ordinary members. They shall be sent to ordinary members with the agenda for a first meeting called for their presentation and discussion. They will then be written into the agenda of the subsequent meeting for any continuation of the discussion and voting. In order for such meetings to be valid, at least half plus one of all ordinary members must be present, not counting supernumerary members. The votes of half plus one of those present is required for approval of the proposed alterations. In cases where the number present for the validity of the meeting is not reached, a new meeting shall be called which will be valid regardless of the number of members present.
Art. 23
The Institute has internal regulations and staff regulations, both approved by the Assembly. These regulations, approved by the members of the Institute at a private meeting on 24 February 2007 and by the Ministry for Cultural Assets and Activities, as communicated by the Venice Prefecture by registered letter of 19 June 2007, came into force in the 2007-8 academic year.
These regulations were approved by the members of the Istituto Veneto at a private meeting on 24 February 2007 and, being also approved by the Ministry for Cultural Assets and Activities, as communicated by the Venice Prefecture by registered letter of 19 June 2007, came into force in the 2007-8 academic year.
ELECTIONS
Art. 1
The private meeting for the election of members takes place in the April-June trimester.
Art. 2
For the election of ordinary members, the Governing Board must first determine the number of places to be filled in each class and in the various areas of each class, previously decided by the Assembly at the president’s suggestion. In deciding the assignment of places, the Governing Board will take into account the sectors already existing in the Institute and the suitability of sectors of knowledge that are not yet or not sufficiently represented.
A separate meeting is then called, preferably in February or March, for each class, under the chairmanship of the president or vice-president according to the respective class of these or, otherwise, the respective secretary, for a general discussion on the candidacies proposed by the members. These must be forwarded to the Governing Board at least 15 days prior to the day of the meeting so that members of the class concerned can be informed prior to the meeting itself. At the end of the meeting, the proposed candidacies will be subject to a secret vote by the members present. Except in the case where there is only one candidate for a place, the election must lead to the identification of two candidates who have received the greatest consent for every place to be filled and between whom a run-off election must be held.
Voting for the election of ordinary members takes place by secret ballot and with two voting cards, one for each class. On these cards, each voter must indicate no more names than the number of places to be filled for each class and each area.
Art. 3
For the election of correspondent members resident in the Veneto, the Governing Board shall determine the number of places to be filled in each of the two classes and in the various sectors of each class, previously established by the Assembly at the suggestion of the president. In deciding the assignment of places, the Governing Board will take into account the sectors already existing in the Institute and the suitability of sectors of knowledge that are not yet or not sufficiently represented. A separate meeting is then called, preferably in February or March, for each class, under the chairmanship of the president or vice-president according to the respective class of these or, otherwise, the respective secretary for a general discussion on the candidacies proposed by the members. These must be forwarded to the Governing Board at least 15 days prior to the day of the meeting so that members of the class concerned can be informed prior to the meeting itself. Discussions are held on the candidates proposed by the members, allowing a comparative evaluation to be made. If further investigations are required the meeting may be adjourned to another date. At the end of the meeting the candidacies resulting from the comparative evaluations will be subject to secret voting by the members present. Except in the case where there is only one candidate for a place, the election must lead to the identification of two candidates who have received the greatest consent for every place to be filled and between whom a run-off election must be held.
Candidates who have not obtained at least a quarter of the votes of those present in the class meetings will not be considered for election as members. In the course of the meeting held for the election of members, and prior to the start of voting, a profile of the candidates must be distributed to those present. Prior to the voting the president may allow a brief discussion to complete the profiles of the candidates for the places to be filled on the basis of a run-off election. Each candidate is allowed to make no more than two speeches of no more than five minutes each.
Voting takes place by secret ballot and with two voting cards, one for each class. On these cards, each voter must indicate no more names than the number of places to be filled for each class and each area.
The same procedure as that used for the election of resident members is to be followed for the election of correspondent members not resident in the Veneto, and of foreign members.
Art. 4
Seniority in the categories as at Art. 2 of the statute is determined by the date of nomination in the category; age is given the same consideration. The list of members, distinguished by category, follows order of seniority.
Art. 5
The academic year begins on 1 September and ends on 31 August. The financial year begins on 1 January and ends on 31 December. Meetings are normally held according to the programme decided by the Governing Board; however, the latter may also call meetings on days other than those decided, giving immediate notice to members. An official meeting takes place every year, usually in June, at which the president reports on the year's activities and a member nominated by the Governing Board makes a presentation on a topic agreed with the Board.
Art. 6
The meetings are chaired by the president or, in his/her absence, by the vice-president; in the absence of both, by the most academically senior member of the Governing Body. The invitation to attend, with the titles of papers and the names of authors and presenters, is sent to members at least five days prior to all general meetings. The agenda for private meetings, with notice of the matters under consideration, is also sent to ordinary members at least five days prior to the day set by for the meeting. With the exception of brief notices permitted by the president, readings and presentations of papers other than those shown in the invitation are not allowed at the meetings. If Italian or foreign scholars of noted merit are present at a meeting, they may be invited by the president to speak.
Art. 7
Minutes must be made of every meeting, to be presented for acceptance at the subsequent meeting. In the case of urgency, the minutes may be read and accepted at the end of the meeting. After acceptance, the minutes are written into the minutes book and signed by the president, or the person taking his/her place, and by one of the secretaries. Nominations and deliberations requiring confirmation or acceptance as provided for by law are noted in the relative minutes.
Art. 8
Brief notice of publications received is given at all meetings, and the most relevant of these is noted. Notice of any new donations and of particularly important purchases is also given.
Art. 9
The Proceedings (‘Atti’) of an academic year make up a volume divided into three sections. The first section, entitled Official Proceedings and General Section, contains the list of members, commemorations, reports of commissions and anything else decided by the Governing Body. The second and third sections contain the papers (notes, announcements, dissertations) read, or presented for printing, in the ordinary meetings over the year, respectively in the mathematical, physical and natural sciences class and that of moral sciences, literature and the arts. The speech made at the official meeting is inserted in one or other section according to its topic. The Memoirs are issued in volumes, distinguished by class, without any set regularity.
Art. 10
A copy of the Institute's publications is distributed to all major libraries and to those academies from which the Institute receives publications in exchange. A complimentary copy of the General Section and of the section with the Proceedings of the relevant class is sent to all members. The Proceedings of the other class and the Memoirs are sent to ordinary members on request.
Art. 11
The author of every work printed in the Proceedings and in the Memoirs receives a number of copies as decided by the Governing Board.
Art. 12
Authors may make no more alterations to the first proofs than what has been agreed in the contract with the printer; in the second proofs, with lay-out, they must limit themselves to typographic corrections. Increased correction costs are charged to the authors. Approved proofs of works for insertion into the Proceedings must be returned quickly. In the case of delay, the works are published in a subsequent volume.
21 REGULATIONS
Art. 13
The number of printed pages available without charge for each work is decided each year by the Governing Body, according to budget limits, and is communicated to members at the beginning of the academic year. Illustrations, plates and charts are allowed free of charge within the limits set by the Board. The Governing Board also sets the maximum number of works by foreigners that can be presented by each member in an academic year.
Art. 14
The Governing Board has the power to not proceed with the publication of papers containing controversial material of a personal nature, and to nominate a commission to express an opinion on the publication of individual notes. A commission must also be nominated when requested by at least five ordinary members. In the Proceedings, papers by foreigners must carry both the name of the author and that of the member presenter.
Art. 15
Works that are not original and, generally, already published, are not accepted for publication.
Art. 16
The Governing Board may have recourse to committees of ordinary members charged with giving non-binding opinions on the proposals for scientific initiatives formulated by the Governing Board or presented to the Board by members. The Governing Board may nominate temporary or permanent special councils and commissions for determined aims.
Art. 17
The rules for forming the Council for administering the Minich patrimony are set by the regulations of the 'Angelo Minich' Foundation.
LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE COLLECTION |
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Art. 18
The books, pamphlets, periodicals, newspapers, archive documents, papers, drawings, photographs and photocopies owned by the Institute are held in its library.
Art. 19
The Governing Board is responsible for supervising the conservation of the Institute’s library and archive collection on the basis of the functional needs of the Institute, deciding which publications are bought or subscribed to and ensuring the upkeep of the catalogues and registers.
Art. 20
Members may present written requests to the Board for new subscriptions to magazines and purchases of publications. Members may borrow works from the library according to the dispositions of the Board. Lending is normally permitted according to the decision of the Governing Board.
Art. 21
The award competitions are advertised in accordance with the dispositions of the statute and the regulations governing each of these. Such dispositions are announced to the public in the respective advertisements. Members of the Institute cannot compete for the advertised prizes, in accordance with Art. 18 of the statute.
Art. 24
The topics of the competitions are proposed by members and subject to the approval of the Assembly. When the term for presentation of the work has expired, the Governing Board nominates a judging commission of three or more people, though always an odd number. People who do not belong to the Institute may also be called on to participate in this. The commission's report and relative proposals are subject to the approval of the Assembly. The judging commission's reports are printed in the Official Proceedings and General Section.
Art. 23
The Governing Board supervises the Institute's assets and provides for the conservation and administration of its property and chattels, which in any case are part of or become part of the said assets.
Art. 24
The estimated receipts and payments for each financial year must be written into the budget. This is drafted by the Governing Board and subject to the approval of the Assembly, if possible before the beginning of, but in any case not later than, the month of February in the year to which it refers. The budget is accompanied by a report in which criteria for deciding on the receipts and payments are explained, also with reference to the previous year's balance.
Art. 25
The final balance, made up of the profit and loss statement for the financial year and by the asset and liability statement, is drafted by the Governing Body. After the necessary checks by the auditors, the final balance must be subject to the approval of the Assembly by the month of April in the year following that to which it refers. It is accompanied by a summarising report of the year’s receipts and payments as compared to the budget, and the asset and liability statement and accounting balance. The auditors present a written report on the examination made and on the regularity of the final balance at the same Assembly meeting.
Art. 26
The budget and final balance, with the Governing Board and Auditors’ reports, accompanied by the minutes of the meetings in which they were approved, are sent to the competent Ministry as provided for in Art. 21 of the statute.
Art. 27
The Governing Body may make variations to the receipts and payments in the second semester of every year on the basis of the effective results, provided these are within the overall limits of the budget. The modified budget must also be sent to the competent Ministry, in accordance with the provisions of Art. 26.
Art. 28
In the case of urgency, the president may order the execution of works and the making of payments, without these being ratified by the Governing Board.
Art. 29
Banking services and custody of the Institute’s stocks and other securities are entrusted to a leading bank designated by the Governing Board. The Board may also employ other banks for particular operations on the basis of the best conditions offered.
Art. 30
Funds received by the Institute as a result of bequests and donations, for the distribution of prizes and study grants or for other specific purposes, are administered separately from the Institute's accounts. Surplus income from such Funds, where not otherwise provided for, may be used to increase the endowment or for purposes determined by the Institute.
Art. 31
The bequest received as property of the Istituto Veneto by disposition of the will of Angelo Minich is administered separately, according to the rules of the relative regulation.
Art. 32
The Governing Board supervises the regular collection, and consequent custody, of income deriving from the work of the Institute and of the various Funds administered by it, and the regular distribution of payments, within the budget limits.
Art. 33
All Institute offices are unpaid.
Art. 34
The staff organisation chart, the rules for appointments and the branch of law for that not covered by collective bargaining, to which determination of payment is also reserved, are established by special regulation approved by the Assembly on the proposal of the Governing Board.
Art. 35
Notice of the death of any member is made in the General section of the Institute's Official Proceedings. Public notice in at least one of the most widely circulated local newspapers is also made of the death of an ordinary member and a public commemoration made by another member. An account of the life and works of the deceased is also published in the Proceedings.
Art. 39
Proposals to alter these regulations are taken into consideration when they are made by the Governing Board or by at least ten ordinary members. They are sent to ordinary members with the agenda for the first meeting called for their presentation and discussion. They shall then be written into the agenda of the subsequent meeting for any continuation of discussion and voting. The validity of the meeting and approval of the proposed alterations require the majority required for statutory alterations. In the case of the number of those present at the aforesaid meeting not being sufficient for voting to be valid, a new meeting is called which will be valid regardless of the number of members present.
