Oracle Life Sciences Users Group - Charter and Organization

Charter

The Oracle Life Sciences User Group (OLSUG) is chartered in accordance with the objectives described in the OLSUG Mission Statement. Comprised of Oracle Life Sciences users, Oracle Corporation and its alliance partners, the OLSUG provides the following value propositions:

1. A forum that fosters networking among Life Science users with similar interests, objectives, concerns and issues, where members are encouraged to share implementation strategies and product experiences. Outcomes of such activities include sharing and documentation of best practices, formalization of initiatives for problem solving, and documentation of common concerns.
2. A process by which the OLSUG can speak on matters of common interest with the intent of enhancing the performance of the Life Sciences industry through innovative IT based process solutions.
3. Organized presentations from Oracle management, developers, alliance partners, and others to keep the OLSUG informed of changes in direction, product plans, and other areas of concern.

Membership

1. All Oracle Life Sciences users and partners are invited to become members of the OLSUG. Members are encouraged to, and should, actively participate in OLSUG activities by: attending meetings, participating in meeting presentations, sharing experiences, responding to internal OLSUG communications, providing updated membership information, and ensuring appropriate functional and technical representation for each Oracle product line.
2. As participation by Oracle Corporation is vital to a productive and successful OLSUG, the OLSUG provides for Oracle representation and participation in the OLSUG organization and its meetings, and welcomes Oracle’s strategic support in matters of official communications, meeting facilitation, speakers, and in other areas of common interest.
3. Active participation in the OLSUG is voluntary and is in no way limited or affected by a member’s individual relationship with Oracle, except as described in the OLSUG charter and bylaws.

Leadership

A. Purpose

The OLSUG will be managed by a Board of Advisors. Board members must be members in good standing of the OLSUG.

B. Composition and Term of Advisory Board

1. The Board will consist of 11 members: six from member companies (“User members”), two from Oracle Alliance Partners (“Partner members”) and three from Oracle Corporation (“Oracle members”). Members are elected annually by the OLSUG at large.
2. The Board will consist of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, a Secretary and sub-committee leaders, as appropriate.
   1. Each Board officer shall be elected to serve a one-year term and shall be provided unlimited opportunities for re-election.
   2. Board officers are elected by a majority vote of Board members.

C. Advisory Board General Duties

1. Involvement: Board members are expected to take an active role in leading and supporting all OLSUG initiatives and should be primarily concerned with furthering the objectives of the OLSUG.
2. Board Member Removal: Any Board member elected by voting members of the OLSUG or appointed by the Board may be removed by a vote of at least 7 members the Board whenever, in the Board’s judgment, it is in the best interest of the OLSUG.
3. Filling Vacancies: In the event that a Board member resigns or is unable to fulfill his or her duties, the Board may appoint a new member to serve in that capacity for the remainder of that term.
4. Quorum: Six members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board, except removal of a Board member as described in Section C, Item 2 of the Charter
5. Meeting Responsibilities: The Board will meet, in person on a quarterly basis, and by teleconference in the off months to accomplish matters of interest, including but not limited to the following:
   1. Ensure that OLSUG activities effectively serve the objectives of the OLSUG Mission Statements.
   2. Review, create or enhance elements of the OLSUG hierarchy, such as committees and sub-committees, as necessary.
   3. Nominate new members to provide Advisory Board leadership.
   4. Plan for OLSUG meetings and conferences.

D. Board Officers – Specific Duties

In addition to participating in the Board duties, additional duties and responsibilities of Board officers are described below.

1. The Chairperson shall:
   1. Provide vision and leadership to the Board and OLSUG members.
   2. Act as the principal officer of the Board and will generally supervise all meetings and committee responsibilities.
   3. Assist with the planning of the OLSUG meeting and conference(s).
   4. Coordinate activities of all other officers.
2. The Vice-Chairperson shall:
   1. Assist the Chairperson, as requested.
   2. Assume the duties of the Chairperson should the Chairperson be absent, resign or otherwise be unable to perform their duties.
3. The Secretary shall:
   1. Plan for and coordinate the OLSUG conference(s)
   2. Coordinate presentations by users, vendors or panel discussions targeted at functional issues/topics.
   3. Coordinate special programs/sessions for other products being implemented by member companies.
      

Election Process

1. Annually, the Secretary will solicit nominations for new Board members.
2. Candidates will submit a profile and agree to fulfill the responsibilities of Board membership.
3. Elections will be held annually by the members at large.

Finances

The member companies providing leadership to the OLSUG will pay the travel and other expenses of the individuals assigned to participate in the Board and other sub-committee activities. The member companies will also pay for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses of individuals attending OLSUG meetings and other similar events. In no case will the OLSUG hire any permanent employee.

As appropriate, the Board or authorized sub-committees may assess meeting fees to individuals attending OLSUG meetings in order to cover the costs of meeting room rentals, speakers' expenses, meals, refreshments, etc. Such fees should not exceed actual costs plus a small contingency reserve.