Bylaws

PREAMBLE

Atlas University, Inc. (“the University”) is constituted as a covenantal order of learning dedicated to the glorification of God through wisdom, worship, and work. These Bylaws establish the legal, organizational, and philosophical framework governing all functions of the University, ensuring the perpetual preservation of its mission and the faithful administration of its trust.

The University holds that education is doxology—that learning, rightly pursued, is the praise of the Creator—and that every discipline finds unity and meaning in the Logos of God. The purpose of these Bylaws is to ensure the University operates with integrity, order, and fidelity to its covenantal foundations while complying fully with the laws of the State of Florida and the standards of sound academic governance.

ARTICLE I — NAME, MISSION, AND IDENTITY

Section 1. Name

The name of the corporation shall be Atlas University, Inc., hereinafter referred to as “Atlas University” or “the University.”

Section 2. Mission

Atlas University exists to recover education as worship, to cultivate scholars formed in the covenantal anthropology of imago Dei, and to equip a generation of servant-leaders capable of uniting faith and intellect for the renewal of civilization.

The University affirms:

  • That God is the fountain of all wisdom.

  • That the human mind, when disciplined under divine order, is capable of perceiving truth.

  • That learning divorced from moral formation leads to bondage, while learning rooted in covenant leads to freedom.

  • That the purpose of all study is fruitfulness, stewardship, and glorification of Yahweh.

Section 3. Institutional Identity

Atlas University is an independent, nonprofit institution of higher learning operating under Christian conviction and covenantal law. It integrates theological, scientific, philosophical, and artistic disciplines into a unified curriculum oriented toward truth and transformation.

The University shall not be subject to denominational control but shall maintain a confessionally Christian character consistent with historic orthodoxy and the revealed Scriptures.

ARTICLE II — LEGAL STATUS AND OFFICES

Section 1. Incorporation

Atlas University is incorporated under the Florida Not for Profit Corporation Act, Chapter 617, Florida Statutes, and shall maintain continuous good standing with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations.

Section 2. Principal Office

The principal office of the University shall be located within the State of Florida at such address as may be designated by resolution of the Board of Trustees. Additional campuses or learning centers may be established nationally or internationally by Board approval.

Section 3. Registered Agent

The University shall maintain a Registered Agent in the State of Florida for the service of process. The Registered Agent and registered office may be changed as required by filing with the Florida Division of Corporations.

ARTICLE III — BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Section 1. Authority

The Board of Trustees (“the Board”) is the supreme governing authority of Atlas University. It holds fiduciary, strategic, and moral oversight over all institutional operations. The Board acts collectively and speaks with one voice in its official capacity.

Section 2. Number and Composition

The Board shall consist of no fewer than seven (7) and no more than fifteen (15) Trustees. The composition shall reflect diversity in professional expertise, theological maturity, and commitment to the mission of the University.

Section 3. Duties and Responsibilities

The Board shall:

  1. Preserve the mission, creed, and covenantal identity of the University.

  2. Approve and amend these Bylaws and the Articles of Incorporation.

  3. Appoint, evaluate, and, if necessary, remove the President.

  4. Approve the annual operating and capital budgets.

  5. Authorize all degrees, academic programs, and major policy initiatives.

  6. Safeguard financial integrity through audit and oversight.

  7. Ensure compliance with Florida law, accreditation standards, and applicable regulations.

  8. Serve as guardians of the Atlas Canon—the body of principles defining the University’s philosophy of education.

Section 4. Terms of Service

Trustees shall serve three-year terms, renewable upon the vote of the Board. Trustees may not serve more than three consecutive terms without a one-year sabbatical from voting service.

Section 5. Officers of the Board

The Board shall elect from among its members:

  • Chair: Presides over meetings and represents the Board in official capacity.

  • Vice-Chair: Assists and acts in the absence of the Chair.

  • Secretary: Maintains minutes, records, and correspondence.

  • Treasurer: Oversees financial policy, audits, and fiscal reporting.

Section 6. Meetings

The Board shall convene at least two regular meetings annually, one of which must occur in Florida. Additional meetings may be called by the Chair, President, or one-third of the Trustees.

Section 7. Quorum and Voting

A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum. Except where otherwise required, motions shall pass by a simple majority of those present and voting. Amendments to these Bylaws or Articles require a two-thirds majority.

Section 8. Committees

Standing committees may include Executive, Academic Affairs, Finance, Development, and Governance. The Board may establish ad hoc committees as necessary.

Section 9. Removal and Vacancies

A Trustee may be removed for cause by two-thirds vote of the Board after due process. Vacancies shall be filled by Board appointment consistent with these Bylaws.

ARTICLE IV — EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATION

Section 1. President

The President is the chief executive officer of the University and serves at the pleasure of the Board. The President is responsible for implementing Board policy, overseeing academic and administrative functions, and representing the University to public, ecclesial, and academic bodies.

Section 2. Executive Council

The President shall be supported by an Executive Council, including but not limited to:

  • Provost / Chief Academic Officer

  • Chief Financial Officer

  • Dean of Students

  • Dean of Academies (colleges or schools)

  • Registrar and Institutional Compliance Officer

The Council shall meet regularly to coordinate policy, review performance, and ensure unity between departments.

Section 3. Provost

The Provost is responsible for all academic matters: curriculum development, faculty appointments, assessment, and academic integrity.

Section 4. Fiscal Officer

The Chief Financial Officer shall oversee all financial operations, audits, and compliance with nonprofit fiscal standards.

Section 5. Removal

Any executive officer may be removed by the President with Board consent for cause or dereliction of duty.

ARTICLE V — FACULTY GOVERNANCE

Section 1. Faculty Order

Faculty of Atlas University are consecrated as Scholar–Practitioner–Elders, whose vocation unites teaching, research, and spiritual mentorship. Faculty shall not be regarded merely as employees but as members of a sacred intellectual fellowship.

Section 2. Appointments

Faculty appointments shall be made by the President upon recommendation of the Provost, subject to Board approval. Appointments may be full-time, part-time, or honorary.

Section 3. Duties

Faculty shall:

  • Teach faithfully within the bounds of the University’s creed and curriculum.

  • Pursue research and creative work that contributes to the unity of knowledge.

  • Participate in faculty meetings, committees, and academic advising.

  • Model Christian character and intellectual integrity.

Section 4. Evaluation and Promotion

Faculty performance shall be reviewed annually based on teaching effectiveness, scholarly output, mentorship, and adherence to covenantal ethos. Promotion requires demonstration of excellence in these areas and recommendation from the Provost.

Section 5. Faculty Senate

A Faculty Senate may be established to advise the administration and Board on academic matters, ensuring shared governance and scholarly participation in institutional decisions.

ARTICLE VI — STUDENTS AND ALUMNI

Section 1. Admissions

Students are admitted based on academic readiness, moral character, and commitment to the covenantal mission of the University. Atlas University may establish admissions committees and criteria consistent with its identity and Florida educational regulations.

Section 2. Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students are members of a learning covenant. They have the right to fair evaluation, freedom of academic inquiry within the bounds of truth, and protection from discrimination. They are obligated to uphold integrity, respect, and obedience to institutional standards.

Section 3. Alumni Fellowship

Graduates of Atlas University are permanent members of the Atlas Fellowship, bound to serve as stewards of its mission and may be appointed as mentors, visiting lecturers, or Trustees.

ARTICLE VII — FINANCES AND ENDOWMENTS

Section 1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the University shall begin on July 1 and end on June 30.

Section 2. Budget

The President shall prepare an annual budget, reviewed by the Finance Committee and approved by the Board.

Section 3. Endowments and Gifts

Endowments shall be held in perpetuity and managed with transparency. Donors may designate funds for specific chairs, scholarships, or projects consistent with University values.

Section 4. Audits

An independent certified public accountant shall conduct annual audits. The audit report shall be presented to the Board and made available to regulators as required.

Section 5. Restrictions

No indebtedness shall be incurred except by Board approval. The University shall operate as a debtless covenant economy, relying on stewardship rather than usury.

ARTICLE VIII — COMPLIANCE AND ACCREDITATION

Section 1. Legal Compliance

Atlas University shall comply with all applicable laws of the State of Florida and the United States regarding higher education, nondiscrimination, and data privacy, provided such laws do not contravene its biblical and covenantal commitments.

Section 2. Accreditation

The University shall pursue and maintain recognition from appropriate accrediting agencies, ensuring academic excellence and legitimacy without compromising theological identity.

Section 3. Institutional Effectiveness

The University shall maintain systems of assessment for programs, faculty, and administration to ensure continuous improvement.

ARTICLE IX — AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Trustees, provided that written notice of the proposed amendment is given at least thirty (30) days in advance of the vote. No amendment shall alter the nonprofit character or covenantal mission of the University.

ARTICLE X — DISSOLUTION

Upon dissolution of the University, the Board shall dispose of all assets in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation and Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Assets shall be distributed to one or more organizations that share the educational and religious purposes of Atlas University.