Article 1
1.1. The name of the new non-profit association (VZW), which is effectively the continuation of the informal association established in 1967 with the same name, is: Speleoklub van de Universiteit te Leuven, abbreviated as “Spekul.”
1.2. The registered office is located in the Flemish region. It can be changed by a simple decision of the board.
Article 2
2.1. The association aims to practice speleology, including its sportive, cultural, and scientific aspects. By practicing speleology, the founder means promoting, organizing, and coordinating speleological activities of KU Leuven and all related activities deemed necessary by the general assembly or the board for achieving its objectives.
2.2. The association is founded for an indefinite duration.
Article 3
3.1. The association is composed of affiliated members and full members. Only when an affiliated member becomes a full member will they be listed in the membership register and have voting rights at the general assembly.
3.2. To become an affiliated member of Spekul, one must be in compliance with the annual membership fee, required caving insurance, be mentally and physically capable of practicing speleology, and be accepted by the board.
3.3. Any affiliated member over 18 years old who is personally present at the general assembly can choose to become a full member. At least 14 days before the general assembly, the board will make a general call for affiliated members to become full members. This call will be made electronically.
3.4. The maximum membership fee (excluding insurance and membership in the VVS) is €50.
3.5. An affiliated or full member can have their membership revoked if they no longer meet the association’s objectives. This must be decided by a two-thirds majority of the members present during the general assembly or during a special general assembly called by at least half of the full members or two-thirds of the board. The member in question must be invited to this general assembly.
3.6. An affiliated or full membership will expire if the member resigns, if the membership fee has not been paid by the time of a general assembly, or if the membership is revoked as described in Article 3.5.
3.7. With the approval of the board, a full membership will be revoked if a full member has not been represented (either personally or by proxy) at any general assembly for more than three consecutive years, unless the full member explicitly informs the board that they wish to retain their full membership. The board must notify the full member in question at least 30 days before their full membership is revoked. After the revocation of full membership, the former full member remains an affiliated member and can become a full member again as described in Article 3.3.
Article 4
4.1. At least one general assembly is held annually. It is convened by the board and takes place in Leuven or can be organized via a digital platform. An invitation specifying the location, modalities, date, and time must be sent to all members at least 14 days in advance. This call can be made electronically or otherwise. A report of the meeting will be sent to all members within one month.
4.2. The general assembly has the authority to oversee the association’s objectives:
- It establishes the guidelines to follow for the upcoming year and evaluates the achievements of the current year.
- The accounts are presented, and the membership fee is set.
- It addresses the agenda items submitted by the members. Any member may propose items for the agenda.
- The general assembly can amend the statutes or dissolve the association, provided two-thirds of the full members are present. A two-thirds majority is required for this.
- All other decisions are made by a simple majority.
4.3. When exercising voting rights, each full member is entitled to one equal vote. They may be represented by another full member, provided the latter presents a signed declaration from the represented member. Each member can represent only one other member.
4.4. Special issues can be addressed through an extraordinary general assembly, which can be convened by at least half of the full members or by two-thirds of the board.
Article 5
5.1. The general assembly elects a board from its members, consisting of:
- A president
- A secretary
- A treasurer
- One or more equipment managers
- Any other roles deemed necessary for the proper functioning of the association.
5.2. The members of the board are elected and removed by a simple majority.
5.3. All board members are annually retiring and can be re-elected.
5.4. With a signed declaration, a member of the association can represent only one other board member.
Article 6
6.1. In the event of dissolution of the association, which can be decided by a general assembly or occurs if the association has fewer than five affiliated members, the general assembly will appoint two liquidators. These liquidators will make an inventory of the association’s assets and settle the accounts. The remaining materials and funds, after settling any outstanding debts, will be transferred to another association or organization chosen by the general assembly. This association or organization must pursue a similar societal goal.
Article 7
7.1. The fiscal year starts on January 1 and ends on December 31. The financial year of the association runs from December 1 to November 30.
Article 8
8.1. All matters not covered by these statutes and not addressed by the law of December 31 may be added to the internal regulations, based on a proposal from the board and approved by the general assembly by a simple majority. The latest version was approved by the general assembly on December 8, 2021.
8.2. Every affiliated or full member, by joining the association, agrees to the internal regulations, including the discharge, and is expected to be familiar with and adhere to them.