The Bylaws of Pine Mountain Settlement School have undergone many revisions, the most recently in 2015. Bylaws, according to Merriam-Webster, are those rules adopted by an organization chiefly for the government of its members and for the regulation of its affairs.<\/p>\n
The word “bylaw” may be spelled differently depending on the authority chosen. “Bylaw” is the preferred spelling given in Merriam-Webster and the revised edition of Robert’s Rules of Order. For these reasons, Pine Mountain Settlement School’s recent revisions of the Bylaws in 2015 reflect the use of “bylaws” and not “by-laws,” as may be seen in earlier documents.<\/p>\n
TAGS:\u00a0<\/strong>advisory boards ; boards of trustees ; voting ; nominating committees ; executive committees ; board meetings ; board officers ; minutes ; directors ; bylaws ; by-laws ; amendments ;<\/p>\n PROPOSAL FOR CHANGES TO THE BYLAWS Adopted at April 29, 2017 Board meeting<\/p>\n Language to be removed is stricken out. Language to be substituted or added is in italics and underlined. Language in plain text remains unchanged.<\/p>\n Article II Membership of the Board of<\/strong> Trustees<\/strong> \u00a0Section 2<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Board of Trustees shall be a self-perpetuating body and shall elect members to fill any vacancies which may occur. Trustees may be elected by the Board at any regular meeting of the Board provided all Trustees have been given written notice at least 10 days in advance of the meeting of the name and appropriate information on any new candidate to be proposed for election. Trustees shall be elected for terms of three years, unless elected to fill an unexpired term, such terms to commence immediately upon election. The terms of Trustees formally connected to Berea College shall be overlapping, not concurrent. Any Trustee may be reelected by the Board. ! Section 3. As per the Articles of Incorporation, Trustees shall be elected to classes to be known as the Creech, Pettit, and Zande classes. The minimum of number of Trustees assigned to a given class is five. Should the membership of a given class fall below five, the first additional Trustee(s) elected shall be to fill the unexpired term(s) in that class. Effective January 1, 2018, Trustee terms of membership will expire as follows: Zande Class, the last day of the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2018 and of every third fiscal year subsequently; Creech Class, the last day of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019 and of every third fiscal year subsequently; Pettit Class, the last day of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020 and of every third year subsequently. The re-election of Trustees shall ordinarily occur at the spring Board meeting. !<\/p>\n ARTICLE XII Standing and Ad Hoc Committees<\/strong> \u00a0Section 1<\/strong>. The work of the Board is grounded in the work of its standing and ad hoc committees. Each standing committee will be comprised of not less than six (6) and no more than nine (9) members unless otherwise indicated in these Bylaws at least three members. The Chair of the Board and the Executive Director will be ex-officio members of each standing committee without<\/p>\n The work of the Board is grounded in the work of its standing and ad hoc committees. Each standing committee will be comprised of not less than six (6) and no more than nine (9) members unless otherwise indicated in these Bylaws at least three members. The Chair of the Board and the Executive Director will be ex-officio members of each standing committee without vote. A majority of its membership constitutes a quorum for all committee actions. !<\/p>\n Section 2.<\/strong> The Chair, with the advice of the Committee on Trustees, will appoint members to the standing committees and develop an updated list of committee assignments annually. Upon election to the Board, each trustee shall be appointed to at least one (1) standing committee. Committee membership terms will typically coincide with Trustee terms and will normally be staggered to provide for continuity and trustee development. If circumstances warrant, a Trustee may change a committee membership midterm, but the membership will expire at the end of the Trustee\u2019s term of office. Trustees may serve multiple terms on the same committee.<\/p>\n BYLAWS for <\/strong> TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n ARTICLE I Board Authority and Responsibilities <\/strong> 2015 BYLAWS for ARTICLE I<\/strong> Section 1. The Board of Trustees of Pine Mountain Settlement School (hereafter, \u201cthe School\u201d) shall have and exercise those corporate powers prescribed by law. Its ultimate authority is affirmed through its general, academic, and financial policy-making functions and its responsibilities for the corporation\u2019s financial health and welfare. The Board of Trustees shall exercise ultimate institutional authority as set forth in these bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation, and in such other policy documents, it deems to be appropriate. These bylaws shall take precedence over all other institutional statements, documents, and policies where any disagreements occur.<\/p>\n Section 2. The Board of Trustees shall have the authority to carry out all lawful functions that are permitted by these bylaws or by the articles of incorporation. This authority, in consultation with the Executive Director (hereafter \u201cDirector\u201d) where appropriate, shall include but not be limited to these illustrative functions:<\/p>\n \u2022 Determining and periodically reviewing the School\u2019s mission and purposes;<\/p>\n \u2022 Appointing the Director, who shall be the School\u2019s chief executive officer, and setting appropriate terms of employment, including compensation;<\/p>\n \u2022 Supporting the Director and annually assessing his or her performance based upon mutually agreed-upon goals and procedures;<\/p>\n \u2022 Reviewing and approving proposed changes in the School\u2019s educational programs and other major enterprises consistent with the School\u2019s mission, plans, and financial resources;<\/p>\n \u2022 Approving institutional personnel policies bearing on employment, retention, and development of staff and employee benefits;<\/p>\n \u2022 Approving the annual budget, regularly monitoring the School\u2019s financial condition, and setting policy guidelines affecting all institutional assets, including investments and the physical plant.<\/p>\n \u2022 Participating actively in strategies to secure sources of support for the School and authorizing the Director to accept gifts or bequests subject to board policy guidelines.<\/p>\n \u2022 Authorizing any debt financing and approving the securitization of loans.<\/p>\n \u2022 Authorizing the construction of new buildings, capitalization of deferred maintenance backlogs, and major renovations of existing buildings.<\/p>\n \u2022 Assuring that the School has policies that contribute to the safety and security of all who visit, work, or learn at Pine Mountain.<\/p>\n \u2022 Assuring that the School has policies that contribute to the best possible environment for carrying out the School\u2019s educational, community outreach, and other programs.<\/p>\n \u2022 Periodically undertaking assessments of the board\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n Article II<\/strong> Section 1. The Board of Trustees shall consist of no fewer than 15 and no more than 25 members, at least a majority of whom shall be residents of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. At least 4 members of the Board shall be persons who are Trustees, officers, faculty or staff of Berea College.<\/p>\n Section 2. The Board of Trustees shall be a self-perpetuating body and shall elect members to fill any vacancies which may occur. Trustees may be elected by the Board at any regular meeting of the Board provided all Trustees have been given written notice at least 10 days in advance of the meeting of the name and appropriate information on any new candidate to be proposed for election. Trustees shall be elected for terms of three years, such terms to commence immediately upon election. The terms of Trustees formally connected to Berea College shall be overlapping, not concurrent. Any Trustee may be reelected by the Board.<\/p>\n Article III<\/strong> Section 1. The Board of Trustees shall meet at least twice each year, in the Spring and in the Fall, at a date determined by the Board at the last preceding regular meeting. These two regular meetings shall normally be held at Pine Mountain Settlement School. Additional meetings may be held at any time and place at the call of the Chair, Director or five trustees with a specific agenda for the meeting that includes a statement of the purpose of the meeting.<\/p>\n Section 2. A majority of the board\u2019s membership shall constitute a quorum for transacting all board business at regular, additional or telephonic meetings. And a majority of those in attendance shall be required to pass motions unless otherwise stated in these bylaws (e.g., Article XXII). Board meetings shall be attended by members of the Board of Trustees, the Director and such other persons as the Board of Trustees may from time to time require to assist with its duties. Executive sessions of the Board of Trustees shall be attended by elected Trustees and such other persons as the Board of Trustees may require to assist with its deliberations.<\/p>\n ARTICLE IV<\/strong> Section 1. The Board may elect retiring trustees as Honorary Trustees who are eligible to attend all regular and called meetings, without vote. Honorary Trustees are not included in the size limitation of the Board and are not subject to restrictions of attendance or residence.<\/p>\n ARTICLE V<\/strong> Section 1. The officers of the Board of Trustees shall be the Chair, the Vice-Chair, the Secretary, and the Treasurer.<\/p>\n Section 2. Officers will be elected to a three-year term and will be eligible for re-election to a second consecutive term after which the same Trustee cannot serve in the same office for at interval of at least one year. To assure continuity of experience, the election of officers will be staggered.<\/p>\n ARTICLE VI<\/strong> The Chair of the Board of Trustees shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Trustees and the Executive Committee and have the right to vote on all questions. The Chair shall report to the Board of Trustees from time to time such measures and matters as the Chair deems beneficial and appoint such committees as may be necessary to effectively carry out the work of the institution in accord with related Bylaws requirements. The Chair of the Board shall serve as the spokesperson for the Board. The Chair is expected to provide advice and counsel to the Director of Pine Mountain Settlement School as may be helpful to the Director.<\/p>\n ARTICLE VII<\/strong> The Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees shall perform the duties of the Chair when the latter is absent or unable to act, to carry out assignments as directed by the Chair, or to complete the Chair\u2019s term when there is a vacancy in the office of Chair.<\/p>\n ARTICLE VIII<\/strong> The Secretary shall ensure that the Board is acting in accordance with these bylaws and that bylaw amendments are properly recorded. The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Trustees and of the Executive Committee and promptly distribute them to all trustees and the Director. The Secretary shall attest copies of minutes or any other officially adopted documents or records of the Board of Trustees. The Secretary shall issue all calls for meetings and shall notify all officers and trustees of their election and, shall attend to such correspondence and to such other duties as may be incidental to the office or may properly be assigned by the Board of Trustees or the Executive Committee.<\/p>\n ARTICLE IX<\/strong> The Treasurer shall ordinarily serve as chair of the Finance Committee of the Board and otherwise serve as the Board\u2019s primary consultant on all financial policy matters. He or she shall ensure that all trustees regularly receive appropriate and comprehensive financial statements from the School\u2019s Director and staff that include comparisons of revenues and expenditures with the approved budget as a guideline. The Treasurer shall ensure that other financial reports (e.g., periodic investment reports, annual audits, etc.) are provided to all trustees in a timely manner for review and discussion. He or she consults with the Director, the School\u2019s auditor, investment managers, and others as appropriate and necessary.<\/p>\n ARTICLE X<\/strong> Section 1. The Executive Director shall be appointed and employed by the Board of Trustees. Assuming satisfactory performance, the Executive Director shall be appointed annually during the first three years of their service; thereafter he or she may be appointed for three year periods. The Board of Trustees and the Executive Director each shall have the right to cancel the Executive Director\u2019s appointment upon six months\u2019 notice or at any time for cause.<\/p>\n Section 2. The Executive Director shall be the School\u2019s chief executive officer and the chief adviser to and executive agent of the Board of Trustees. His or her authority is vested through the Board and includes responsibility for all the School\u2019s educational, community outreach, financial, and managerial affairs. The Executive Director is responsible for leading the School, implementing all Board policies, keeping the Board informed on appropriate matters, consulting with the Board in a timely manner on matters appropriate to its policy-making and fiduciary functions, and serving as the School\u2019s chief spokesperson. He or she has the authority to execute all documents on behalf of the School and the Board of Trustees consistent with Board actions and policies and the School\u2019s best interests. The Executive Director serves as an ex-officio member of the Board, the Executive Committee, and all standing committees without vote.<\/p>\n ARTICLE XI<\/strong> Section 1. The Executive Committee shall have seven voting trustee members plus the Director who shall be ex-officio without vote. The Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer of the board shall all be members along with the chairs of the Educational Programs and Community Outreach, Finance, Institutional Advancement, and Facilities and Environment committees. The seven voting membership assumes that the Treasurer also serves as the chair of the Finance Committee.<\/p>\n Section 2. The purpose of the Executive Committee is twofold: (1) It shall serve at the pleasure of the Board as its agent in helping the Director to address nonessential business between regular board meetings, and (2) it shall assist the Board Chair and Director with their joint responsibility to help the Board function effectively and efficiently by suggesting Board meeting agenda items and periodically assessing the quality of committee work. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to act on behalf of the board on all matters except the following: Executive Director selection and termination; trustee and board-officer election; changes in institutional mission and purposes; changes to the charter or articles of incorporation; incurring of corporate indebtedness; sale of School property; and adoption of the annual budget.<\/p>\n In addition to its authority to take action on emergency matters that cannot or should not be deferred to the board\u2019s next scheduled meeting, the Executive Committee shall oversee the work of all board committees, the School\u2019s strategic planning processes and progress on planning goals; the Board\u2019s responsibility to support the Director and assess his or her performance; and annually review the Director\u2019s compensation and terms of appointment.<\/p>\n Section 3. The Executive Committee shall meet as often as it is necessary to conduct its business as the Chair and Director determine and ensure that minutes are taken and promptly distributed to all trustees for subsequent ratification at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting. A majority of the Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum.<\/p>\n ARTICLE XII<\/strong> Section 1. The work of the Board is grounded in the work of its standing and ad hoc committees. Each standing committee will be comprised of not less than six (6) and no more than nine (9) members unless otherwise indicated in these bylaws. The Chair of the Board and the Executive Director will be ex-officio members of each standing committee without vote. A majority of its membership constitutes a quorum for all committee actions.<\/p>\n Section 2. The Chair, with the advice of the Committee on Trustees, will appoint members to the standing committees and develop an updated list of committee assignments annually. Upon election to the Board, each trustee shall be appointed to at least one (1) standing committee. Committee membership terms will typically coincide with Trustee terms and will normally be staggered to provide for continuity and trustee development. If circumstances warrant, a Trustee may change a committee membership midterm, but the membership will expire at the end of the Trustee\u2019s term of office. Trustees may serve multiple terms on the same committee.<\/p>\n ARTICLE XIII <\/strong> Section 1. The purpose of the Committee on Trustees is to determine the most effective and balanced composition of the board and to develop practices and strategies that attract, orient, organize, and assess the performance of trustees. The Committee\u2019s work helps ensure the Board\u2019s ability to assist the School in setting policies that further its mission and future success. ARTICLE XIV<\/strong> Section 1. The Educational Programs and Community Outreach Committee seeks to ensure that Pine Mountain Settlement School provides environmental and other educational programs of the highest quality and that the School continues to serve as a center for community life and leadership development for the local community and the region. The Committee is responsible for ensuring that the programs reflect the best thinking about the environment, education, and the history and culture of the Appalachian Region, that adequate resources are made available and that the community outreach program is developed in partnership with local communities and their leaders.<\/p>\n Section 2. The responsibilities of the Educational Programs and Community Outreach committee include: ARTICLE XV<\/strong> Section 1. The purposes of the Finance Committee are threefold; (a) to ensure that the School is operating in a financially sustainable manner by balancing its long-term and short-term financial resources and obligations; (b) to ensure that the School\u2019s financial assets (especially its endowment) are properly managed and invested; and (c) to provide oversight of the School\u2019s financial practices and standards that are codified in annual audits.<\/p>\n Section 2. The responsibilities of the Finance Committee include: ARTICLE XVI<\/strong> The purpose of the Institutional Advancement Committee is to promote support for the School to carry out its mission through a planned program of development and fundraising, through promotion of positive publicity for the School and its program, and through a systematic effort to cultivate support for the School among its constituents and the community at large. The Committee supports the work of the Executive Director who provides primary leadership for the School\u2019s advancement efforts and activities.<\/p>\n The responsibilities of the Institutional Advancement Committee include:<\/p>\n \u2022 Providing Board oversight in matters pertaining to institutional advancement and development; ARTICLE XVII<\/strong> Section 1. Upon recommendations from the Executive Director and the Buildings and Grounds\u2019 staff and approval by the full board, the Facilities and Environment Committee oversees all planning, construction, maintenance, expansion, and renovation projects that affect\u00a0the School’s consolidated infrastructure, physical facilities, and capital equipment. The Committee works to ensure that the natural environment of the School remains viable as a teaching laboratory. The Committee conducts its work in the context of the School\u2019s historical roots and contemporary environmental education and community outreach emphasis.<\/p>\n Section 2. The Responsibilities of the Facilities and Environment Committee include: ARTICLE XVIII<\/strong> Ad hoc committees may be created by the Board or by the Executive Committee acting for the Board for specific purposes specified by the motion creating them. Members of such committees are appointed by the Chair of the Board who will designate one member to serve as chairperson unless otherwise directed by the Board in creating the committee.<\/p>\n ARTICLE XIX<\/strong> Each trustee and officer of the School\u2019s Board shall be indemnified against all expenses actually and necessarily incurred by such trustee or officer in connection with the defense of any action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she has been made party by reason of being or having been an officer or trustee. The School shall cover such expenses except in relation to matters in which the trustee or officer shall be adjudicated in such actions, suits, or proceedings to be liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of his or her duty. The School shall also maintain appropriate trustee and officer insurance.<\/p>\n ARTICLE XX<\/strong> Section 1. A trustee shall be considered to have a conflict of interest if he or she (1) has existing or potential financial or other interests that impair or appear to impair his or her independent, unbiased judgment in the discharge of his or her responsibilities to the School; of (2) is aware that a member of his or her family has financial or other interests that would impair or appear to impair the trustee\u2019s independent judgment in the discharge of his or her responsibilities to the School. For the purpose of this provision, a family member is defined as a spouse, parent, sibling, child, grandparent, grandchild, or any other relative residing in the same household as the trustee.<\/p>\n Section 2. If a conflict of interest exists by this these definitions, then the Trustee must declare his or her conflict of interest orally or in writing to the Chair of the Executive Committee. The members of the EC will then make appropriate recommendations to ensure that the conflict of interest is mitigated and secure the Board\u2019s approval when needed.<\/p>\n ARTICLE XXI<\/strong> Since 1949 Pine Mountain Settlement and Berea College both have benefited from a close association and cooperation. Pine Mountain provides Berea an outlet and service opportunity in the heart of the mountains for its students and staff and Berea provides guidance and counsel to Pine Mountain through four trustee positions and in other appropriate ways. However, the finances and operations of the two institutions are separate and neither is responsible for the finances, operations or obligations of the other. Thus, the Pine Mountain Board is free to determine its own policies within the guidelines of its own charter as is true for Berea College and its Board.<\/p>\n ARTICLE XXII<\/strong> Section 1. Bylaws may be adopted or amended by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Board of Trustees. Proposed new bylaws or amendments shall be mailed to members of the Board of Trustees not less than four weeks prior to the next meeting of the Board. Substantial revisions or additions may be circulated for discussion at a prior meeting as well.<\/p>\n Section 2. Members of the Board of Trustees who wish to propose additions or revisions other bylaws must have the proposed changes in the hands of the Secretary not fewer than eight weeks before the regular meeting at which the proposed changes are to be considered. The Executive Committee will forward the proposed changes to all members of the Board of Trustees with a recommendation.<\/p>\n
\nBYLAWS 2015 (Amended April 29, 2017)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
BYLAWS 2015<\/h2>\n
\nPINE MOUNTAIN <\/strong>
\nSETTLEMENT SCHOOL<\/strong>
\nBledsoe, Kentucky<\/strong>
\nAdopted by the Board of Trustees<\/strong>
\nJune 13, 2015<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nARTICLE II Membership of the Board of Trustees <\/strong>
\nARTICLE III Meetings of the Board <\/strong>
\nARTICLE IV Honorary Trustees <\/strong>
\nARTICLE V Officers of the Board <\/strong>
\nARTICLE VI Chair of the Board<\/strong>
\nARTICLE VII Vice-Chair of the Board<\/strong>
\nARTICLE VIII Secretary of the Board<\/strong>
\nARTICLE IX Treasurer of the Board<\/strong>
\nARTICLE X Executive Director<\/strong>
\nARTICLE XI Executive Committee<\/strong>
\nARTICLE XII Standing and Ad Hoc Committees<\/strong>
\nARTICLE XIII Committee on Trustees<\/strong>
\nARTICLE XIV Educational Programs and Community Outreach<\/strong>
\nARTICLE XV Finance Committee<\/strong>
\nARTICLE XVI Institutional Advancement Committee<\/strong>
\nARTICLE XVII Facilities and Environment Committee<\/strong>
\nARTICLE XVIII Ad Hoc Committees <\/strong>
\nARTICLE XIX Indemnification<\/strong>
\nARTICLE XX Conflict of Interest<\/strong>
\nARTICLE XXI The School\u2019s Relationship with Berea College<\/strong>
\nARTICLE XXII Amendment of the Bylaws<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nPINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL
\nBledsoe, Kentucky<\/p>\n
\nBoard Authority and Responsibilities<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nMembership of the Board of Trustees<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nMeetings of the Board<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nHonorary Trustees<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nOfficers of the Board<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nChair of the Board<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nVice-Chair of the Board<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nSecretary of the Board<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nTreasurer<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nExecutive Director<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nExecutive Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nStanding and Ad Hoc Committees<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nCommittee on Trustees<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nSection 2. The Responsibilities of the Committee on Trustees include:
\n\u2022 Designing the Board\u2019s composition;
\n\u2022 Developing and managing the selection of new trustees;
\n\u2022 Providing orientation and development of new and continuing trustees;
\n\u2022 Annually advising the Chair on committee memberships;
\n\u2022 Annually bringing forth a slate of board officers;
\n\u2022 Promoting the self-assessment of individual trustees and the full board.<\/p>\n
\nEducational Programs and Community Outreach Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Supporting a regular assessment of local and regional community needs and assets;
\n\u2022 Working with the School staff to develop a strategic plan for education and outreach;
\n\u2022 Reviewing the environmental and community programs\u2019 curricula and outreach goals;
\n\u2022 Providing oversight and support for new program initiatives;
\n\u2022 Encouraging collaboration with regional leaders, agencies, and Schools;
\n\u2022 Supporting the preservation and sharing of regional culture and history;
\n\u2022 Reviewing program evaluation criteria and methodology;
\n\u2022 Identifying resources and new opportunities to enhance educational programs and community outreach<\/p>\n
\nFinance Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Approving Executive Director\u2019s annual budget recommendations for the School;
\n\u2022 Monitoring budget income and expenditures monthly;
\n\u2022 Developing long-term budget projections as needed;
\n\u2022 Overseeing the investment of the School\u2019s fiscal assets;
\n\u2022 Establishing and reviewing both endowment investment and spending policies;
\n\u2022 Providing oversight of the School\u2019s internal and external auditing processes and reviewing the performance of these third-party providers.<\/p>\n
\nInstitutional Advancement Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Overseeing the development of an advancement plan for the School;
\n\u2022 Educating members of the Board to be philanthropic leaders for the School;
\n\u2022 Providing full board participation in the School\u2019s advancement;
\n\u2022 Reviewing and recommending advancement policies to the Board;
\n\u2022 Overseeing the development of a public relations plan for the School;<\/p>\n
\nFacilities and Environment Committee<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Linking the environmental policies of the School to its physical properties;
\n\u2022 Approving the design and renovation of existing buildings;
\n\u2022 Recommending new capital construction projects for land and buildings;
\n\u2022 Assisting with the selection of architects and contractors for all construction projects;
\n\u2022 Reviewing and recommending the acquisition and disposition of property;
\n\u2022 Providing oversight of all policies pertaining to the land and buildings of the School
\n\u2022 Providing oversight for a comprehensive plan for the safety and security of the School\u2019s facilities and grounds for those who work, learn and visit Pine Mountain.<\/p>\n
\nAd Hoc Committees<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nIndemnification<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nConflict of Interest<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nThe School\u2019s Relationship with Berea College<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAmendment of the Bylaws<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nBYLAWS 1970s<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\t\t