From: schuldy@progress.COM (Mark Schuldenfrei)
Subject: Re: Feet Voting
Organization: Progress Software Corp.
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1992 15:40:51 GMT

Cavalmar asked about whether a group can pick it's own
status as shire or college., and if you need a University
to be a college, according to Corpora?

The final authority to approve a group's status rests with the
Board, in practice it bows to the recommendation of the Kingdom
Seneschal.  In actual practice, if you qualify for either, you
get to pick, in most cases.  And, I believe you do need a University
or other educational institution to become a "College".

Corpora, 1992 edition, editted heavily
V.  BRANCHES

   A. DEFINITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS.  This section defines the standard categories of
branches within the Society.  The minimum requirements, including population levels,
are just that:  minimums.  The Society encourages groups to develop well beyond the
required levels before petitioning for a change in status, to assure the stability
and permanence of the branch if the petition is granted.  

     [ Kingdoms, Principalities, and Baronies sections deleted. ]

      4. Other Local Branches.  Below baronial/provincial level, branch
establishment proceeds according to kingdom law and custom, subject to the Steward's
procedures.  (See V.B.) These branches may adopt titles as provided for by the laws
and customs of their kingdoms, according to the provisions of V.C.  Minimum
requirements include:  

         a. At least 5 subscribing members.  

         b. At least 3 officers, including a Seneschal, a Herald and either a 
     Marshal or a Minister of Arts and Sciences.  Local branches are encouraged to
     fill both the latter positions.  

         c. A name registered with the College of Arms.  

         d. Consensus among members in the area, favoring establishment of the 
     proposed branch.  

      5. Institutional Branches.  A special type of local branch is available for
use at schools or military bases, or in other situations where membership is likely
to fluctuate for reasons beyond the members' control.  The "territory" of such
branches is defined in terms of affiliation with the institution where they are
based, not in terms of physical boundaries.  Institutional branches may report
directly to a kingdom, but if their institution is located within the borders of a
branch of any other class, they report through that branch.  They differ from other
local branches in that they go dormant if membership falls below 5, rather than
being disbanded by the Board, so that the structure of a branch remains in place. 
(See Branch Designations, V.C.)

   B. ESTABLISHMENT AND ADVANCEMENT OF BRANCHES
   
      1. Overview.  Subject to the following guidelines, the Steward will develop
detailed procedures for branch establishment and advancement, working with the
Kingdom Seneschals to allow for regional variation.
   
         [ Section a. let's the local group pick the kind of branch
           they are applying for ]
    
         d. The petition shall be sent to the Seneschal of the branch with 
     jurisdiction over the area (as defined by kingdom law and custom), who shall
     review it and forward it to the Kingdom Seneschal with a recommendation.  If
     no kingdom has jurisdiction, the petition shall be sent to the Steward.  

         e. The Kingdom Seneschal shall review the petition to determine whether the
     proposed branch elevation conforms to Corpora and kingdom law and custom,
     consulting royalty and other kingdom or principality officers as appropriate
     for the level of branch under consideration.  

         f. If the Kingdom Seneschal decides to recommend that the petition should 
     be granted, the action to be taken depends on the level of branch, as follows:

            (1) Institutional branches, and local branches other than baronies and 
       provinces.  If there is no effect on the borders of existing branches, the
       Seneschal shall advise the Crown that the petition is acceptable.  However,
       the Seneschal must refer any proposed border changes to the Steward before
       advising the Crown, since such changes may be made only with the Steward's
       approval.  After the Crown acknowledges the creation of the branch as
       provided in II.B, the Seneschal shall inform the Steward of the name,
       location and date of elevation, and the Steward shall then notify the
       Board.

             [Baronies, Principalities and Kingdoms deleted. ]

         g. If the Kingdom Seneschal decides to recommend that the petition should 
     be denied, copies of the petition (together with the accumulated
     recommendations, comments, and reasons for denial) shall be sent to the
     person(s) originating the petition, to the Steward, and to the seneschals of
     any intervening branches.  The person(s) originating the petition may appeal
     to the Steward, and then to the Board if the petitioner(s) are not satisfied.

    [ Various areas of consideration. ]

         c. Lateral Transfers.  Lateral changes in branch designation (such as 
     between barony and province or between shire and college) must be submitted to
     the Steward for review and approval, to provide an outside confirmation that
     the needs of the membership will be served by the change.  

   D. RESERVATIONS BY THE BOARD.  The Board specifically reserves unto itself the
following functions with respect to branches of the Society:

      2. To deny recognition to any group, regardless of other criteria met, for
just and stated cause.  

      3. To change the status of any branch to reflect its current qualifications as
reflected in Section V.A, or to place it at a level which in the Board's opinion
will better serve the needs of the Society and of the members in the area.  

	Tibor
--
Mark Schuldenfrei (schuldy@progress.com)
[I'm just showin' you my opinions: this ain't a gift]
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca