Bylaws of the Transcultural Network

The name of this organization shall be the Transcultural Network (TCN).

This organization aims to study transcultural phenomena that cross boundaries in a digitized world; provide a forum for academic, cultural, and policy exchange among countries; and contribute to international academic cooperation through research and policy recommendations concerning the creation of future cultures.

The principal office (Secretariat) of this organization shall be located in the Republic of Korea. Where necessary, divisions and branches may be established in Korea or abroad by resolution of the Board of Directors.

To achieve the purpose set out in Article 2, this organization shall undertake the following activities:

1. Holding academic conferences, seminars, and symposia
2. Supporting international joint research and policy development
3. Promoting academic and information exchange among members and publishing activities
4. Providing education, training, and talent development in related fields
5. Cooperating with research institutes, universities, public institutions, and other bodies in Korea and abroad
6. Undertaking other activities necessary to achieve the purpose of the Network

Members of this organization shall be persons or entities that support the purpose set out in Article 2, agree to comply with these Bylaws, complete the prescribed application procedure, including submission by email or application form, and receive approval from the Board of Directors. Membership shall consist of regular members, associate members, and institutional members.

1. Regular members shall hold a master’s degree or higher, or possess equivalent qualifications.
2. Associate members shall be enrolled in a master’s degree programme, or possess equivalent qualifications.
3. Institutional members shall be companies, organizations, and research institutes in Korea or abroad.

1. Regular members and institutional members have the right to participate in the activities of this organization and the right to vote on resolutions and in elections at the General Assembly.
2. Members shall pay membership fees when determined by the Board of Directors and shall comply with these Bylaws and other regulations.
3. A member who damages the reputation of this organization or violates these Bylaws may be expelled by resolution of the Board of Directors.

The finances of this organization shall be funded by membership fees, contributions from members or non-members, subsidies, programme income, and other sources. The fiscal year shall run from 1 January through 31 December each year.

This organization shall have the following officers. The officers shall constitute the Board of Directors and be responsible for operating this organization.

1. President: one person, who represents this organization and chairs the General Assembly and the Board of Directors.
2. Vice Presidents: one person from each country, who assists the President and acts on the President’s behalf in the President’s absence.
3. Directors: participate in decisions concerning the principal activities and operation of this organization.
4. Auditor: one person may be appointed when necessary to audit the finances and operation of this organization.
5. The President and Auditor shall be elected by the General Assembly.
6. The President may appoint a Senior Vice President from among the Vice Presidents to oversee executive, research, planning, or other duties.
7. The Honorary President, Vice Presidents, Directors, and Advisors shall be nominated by the President from among regular members and elected by the General Assembly.
8. The term of office shall be two years, and officers may serve consecutive terms.

This organization may establish country-based divisional committees under the Board of Directors for particular research fields or activities. Each committee shall consist of members in the relevant field. The President shall appoint its chair and members following a resolution of the Board of Directors. Each committee shall plan and carry out activities in its field and may meet as needed. The Board of Directors shall separately determine matters concerning the establishment and operation of the committees.

The Secretariat shall handle the day-to-day administration of this organization, membership management, meeting preparation, external cooperation, and other operational matters. It may have one Secretary-General and additional staff as necessary. The President shall appoint the Secretary-General following a resolution of the Board of Directors, and shall appoint Secretariat staff upon the recommendation of the Secretary-General. The Board of Directors shall determine detailed matters concerning the organization and operation of the Secretariat.

This organization may have an Honorary President and Advisors by resolution of the Board of Directors.

1. The General Assembly shall consist of the members.
2. The General Assembly shall decide amendments to these Bylaws, election of officers, approval of activity plans and budgets and accounts, and other major matters concerning the operation of this organization.
3. The General Assembly shall hold regular and extraordinary meetings. The President shall convene a regular meeting each year. An extraordinary meeting may be convened at the request of the President or the Board of Directors. Decisions may be made in writing or through online meetings.
4. The President shall give all members written or electronic notice stating the agenda, date, time, and place at least seven days before a General Assembly meeting. Decisions shall be made by a majority of the members present. A member unable to attend may authorize another member, in writing or electronically, to exercise the member’s voting right by proxy.
5. The President shall chair the General Assembly. If the President is unable to serve, the Senior Vice President, followed by a Vice President, shall act as chair.

1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice Presidents, and Directors, and the President shall chair the Board.
2. The chair shall convene the Board when deemed necessary or when requested by at least one-third of its members or by the Auditor.
3. The Board shall decide the following matters by a majority vote of the members present. In the event of a tie, the chair shall have the deciding vote. Decisions may be made in writing or through online meetings.

1. Approval of admission or expulsion of members
2. Determination of membership fees
3. The budget and accounts of this organization, acquisition and disposal of property, and other major activities

The chair of each divisional committee shall convene meetings as needed. A committee may discuss its own agenda and carry out activities, but important matters require approval from the Board of Directors. The results of committee activities shall be reported to the regular General Assembly or the Board of Directors.

An amendment to these Bylaws requires approval by at least two-thirds of the members present at a General Assembly meeting.

Dissolution of this organization requires a resolution of the General Assembly approved by at least two-thirds of the total number of regular and institutional members.

Matters not provided for in these Bylaws shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The customary practices of nonprofit organizations and applicable laws and regulations shall apply mutatis mutandis. Detailed rules necessary for the operation of this organization may be established separately by resolution of the Board of Directors.