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Institute Bylaws

Institute for Spatial History Innovation

University of Pittsburgh

Bylaws

Approved October 2025

I. Definition and Mission 

The Institute for Spatial History Innovation is an academic center in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. The Institute for Spatial History Innovation (ISHI) advances historical spatial knowledge through four core pillars of activity: Publish structured data and scholarship about global historical geography; Develop and sustain infrastructure to link and integrate information about historical geography; Advocate for digital justice in the spatial history domain; Build a scholarly network to advance education and critical engagement with spatial history methods. 

II. Officers and Affiliates 

  1. Director
    1. The Director is a faculty member in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences who shows evidence of accomplishments in the field of digital spatial history. The Director is nominated by the Institute’s Internal Advisory Board and is appointed by the Dean of the Dietrich Schools of Arts and Sciences to serve for a term of five years, renewable.
    2. If the Director is unable to serve because of leave or illness, an Interim Director will be proposed by the Internal Advisory Board and appointed by the Dean to serve for up to two years.   
    3. The Director serves as chair of both the Internal and External Advisory Boards.
    4. The Director, in consultation with the Associate Director: determines and guides the Center vision and mission, establishes its annual program of activity, manages its finances and financial decisions, appoints ad hoc committees, manages space and equipment, supervises personnel, communicates with fellows and affiliates, completes an annual report on Institute activities for the Dean’s Office and other interested stakeholders, and oversees websites and communication.
  2. Associate Director
    1. An Associate Director, appointed by the Director, will contribute to the long-term vision of ISHI and ensure alignment between administrative and research activities and the project mission.
    2. The Associate Director will hold this position as an appointment outside their home unit. Their primary appointment can be that of a Research Associate or a member of the faculty (Tenure-steam, appointment-stream, or part time instructor).
  3. Affiliates
    1. ISHI may host unpaid visiting affiliates from outside the University of Pittsburgh who are engaged in activities relevant to the ISHI mission. 

III. Governing Bodies

  1. The Institute will have two advisory bodies, an internal advisory committee consisting of members of the Pitt community, and an external advisory committee that consists of scholars from outside the University of Pittsburgh with global expertise in spatial history. Minutes from each board meeting will be shared with the other board, and a joint meeting may be convened at the discretion of the Director.
    1. The Internal Advisory Committee
      1. The Internal Advisory Committee will consist of a minimum of four individuals who reflect the breadth and diversity of ISHI collaborators on campus, appointed by the Director to serve staggered two-year terms.
      2. The Internal Advisory Committee will meet once per semester. The Director may call additional meetings as needed.
      3. The Director will report on Institute activities and future plans and seek guidance about these activities. The Internal Advisory Committee is expected to offer strategic advice to Institute leadership, particularly regarding its governance and its role at Pitt and in Pittsburgh.
    2. The External Advisory Committee
      1. The External Advisory Committee will consist of a minimum of four individuals from outside the University of Pittsburgh who have expertise in spatial history and who collaborate with ISHI on publication and infrastructure for spatial history. Members of the committee appointed by the Director to serve staggered two-year terms.
      2. The External Advisory Committee will meet once per semester. The Director may call additional meetings per year.
      3. The Director will provide an update on current Institute activities and outline future plans, seeking input and guidance. The External Advisory Committee is expected to offer strategic advice to Institute leadership.

IV. Amendments

These Bylaws may be amended by 2/3 vote of the Internal Advisory Committee.