BLACK STUDENT ALLIANCE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

Transcription

1 BLACK STUDENT ALLIANCE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS Date of Adoption: September 28, 2017 Date of Revision: September 28, 2017 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott, Arizona

2 Table of Contents Constitution 3 PREAMBLE 3 ARTICLE I. Name 3 ARTICLE II. Purpose 3 ARTICLE III. Membership 4 Section 1 - Membership Eligibility 4 Section 2 - Active Members 4 Section 3 - All Members Rights and Duties 4 ARTICLE IV. Meetings 5 Section 1 - Announcement of Club Meetings and Activities 5 Section 2 - Executive Council Meetings 5 ARTICLE V. Executive Council 5 Section 1 - President 5 Section 2 - Vice-President 6 Section 3 - Legacy Director 6 Section 4 - Secretary 6 Section 5 - Social Consultant 7 Section 6 - Treasurer 7 Section 7 - (BSA) Representative 7 ARTICLE VI. Officer Operations 8 Section 1 - Nomination Criteria 8 Section 2 - Elections Process 8 Section 4 - Terms of Council 9 Section 5 - Executive Council Vacancies 9 Section 6 - Removal of an Officer 9 ARTICLE VII. Advisor(s) 10 Section 1 - Purpose 10 Section 2 - Advisor(s) Eligibility 10 Section 3 - Recommendation 10 ARTICLE VIII. Finances 10 Section 1 - SGA Stipends 10 ARTICLE VII. Amendments 11 Section 1 - Amendments 11 By-Laws Election Procedures 12 1

3 3. Officer Vacancies Dues and Assessment Amendments of the By-Laws Time, Place, Frequency of Meetings Club Advisor Vacancy 13 Appendix A - Revision History 14 2

4 PREAMBLE Constitution This document is the official Constitution of Black Student Alliance (BSA). It shall be a reference point for any and all rules and/or policies involving. ARTICLE I. Name The official name of this student organization shall be called. ARTICLE II. Purpose The purpose of the Black Student Alliance (BSA) is to provide a supportive community filled with understanding, lasting friendships, and culture to the students at Embry-Riddle. As members of the BSA we will be unified through education and celebration of the contributions to the STEM field made by both historically black figures and ourselves. Members will also have the opportunity to meet new people on campus through various fun-filled activities, contribute to honest conversations on current events, and have a vast group of students on campus who will advocate for them. This organization is a recognized student organization at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott and adheres to all campus policies as set forth by Student Activities & Campus Events. 3

5 ARTICLE III. Membership Section 1 - Membership Eligibility a. Anyone currently registered as an Embry-Riddle student, is an Embry-Riddle alumni, or is an Embry-Riddle faculty or staff member and is interested in the purpose of Black Student Alliance is eligible for membership. b. In order to become an official member, one must have attended at least one meeting, and register as a member on The Control Tower. c. Eligibility for membership or appointed or elected student officer positions may not be limited on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. The organization shall have no rules or policies that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. d. Students who no longer wish to be a member of Black Student Alliance may voluntarily withdraw by revoking their registration through Control Tower and informing an officer verbally or in writing. The officer will then remove that student from the Black Student Alliance Mailing List. e. Exception shall be allowed to Section 5a in the election or assignment of an individual to a position which is directly responsible, and who may have within the scope of their position the opportunity to control organization funds. Such exception may only be applied on the basis of criminal history and actual convictions thereof. Section 2 - Active Members a. Shall respect, and obey this constitution in addition to each member of this organization. b. Shall uphold the good name of this organization and assist with improving this organization. c. Are responsible for paying their own dues, if necessary. Section 3 - All Members Rights and Duties a. Active members have the right to vote on all subjects concerning the organization and any day-to-day businesses associated with. b. Active members have the right to propose changes and, if approved by the president or vice-president, the vote will be taken on introduction of the change. 4

6 ARTICLE IV. Meetings Section 1 - Announcement of Club Meetings and Activities a. Announcements will be made through means of and/or social network (i.e. ERNIE, GroupMe) to each member in adequate time (one to two weeks) prior to the meeting. b. University school system and/or messages from social network will be sent to currently enrolled students, faculty and staff members. Section 2 - Executive Council Meetings a. Only elected executive council members attend executive council meetings. b. Meetings will cover any, and all issues deemed important by the council. c. Any member of the executive council can call this type of meeting. Section 3 - Frequency of All Meetings a. Meetings will be held at least once per month, or more, as deemed appropriate by the existing executive council and active members. ARTICLE V. Executive Council The business of Black Student Alliance shall be governed and administered by the elected executive council, which shall consist of any combination of but not necessarily all: a president, vice-president, legacy director, treasurer, secretary, Black Student Alliance (BSA) representative, or social consultant. An officer must be a full time undergraduate or graduate student, and must comply with all university policies and procedures. The members of Black Student Alliance will elect the executive council at the end of each academic year. These members will manage, support, and represent the club in any club activities. Contained in this article are the duties of the executive council. Section 1 - President The president of shall: a. Be responsible for actions of the organization. b. Preside at all meetings and activities and represent the organization at all events deemed necessary. c. Handle communication with all members of. d. Actively participate in planning, and running of activities and fundraisers. e. Co-sign all of the organization s documents, records, and announcements in conjunction with the secretary. f. Co-sign all financial transactions in conjunction with the treasurer. 5

7 g. Be the deciding vote, if a tie occurs, during the executive council elections. h. Maintain order at meetings. i. Be included in all executive council decisions. j. Fulfill all other duties associated with the executive council, if necessary, or any duties in conjunction with the Alliance not specified in this constitution. Section 2 - Vice-President The Vice-President of Black Student alliance shall: a. In the absence or disability of the president, assume the function and duties of the president. b. Oversee s activities under the direction of the president. c. Shall be responsible for the formation, and advising of events relating to Black Student Alliance s committees. d. Shall be responsible for recruiting and maintaining of new members. e. Shall be the mediator in any and all Black Student Alliance sanctioned discussion sections. f. Shall be included in all executive council decisions. Section 3 - Legacy Director Any member of Black Student Alliance who has accomplished a significant achievement during their time at Embry-Riddle shall submit a brief description of the accomplishment to the Legacy Director. The Legacy Director shall: a. Approve the submitted accomplishment. b. Conduct an interview with the member who has an approved accomplishment in order to receive more information. c. Recognize the accomplished member in front of all members of Black Student Alliance, highlighting any important details.. d. Distribute a gift (approved by the Vice President and Treasurer) to the member who made the accomplishment. e. Conduct research of any previous or current contributions of black leaders in the STEM field. f. Present to Black Student Alliance members the contributions of black leaders in the STEM field. g. Work with the President regarding speakers for any event. h. Connect the with Embry-Riddle alumni. i. Be included in all executive council decisions. Section 4 - Secretary The Secretary shall: 6

8 a. Keep a current and up-to-date roster of Black Student Alliance s membership for the current year. b. Keep a calendar of all club events. c. Co-sign all announcements, documents, and records in conjunction with the president. d. Take attendance at each meeting. e. Take accurate minutes of each Black Student Alliance meetings and executive council meetings. f. Distribute meeting minutes to each member of Black Student Alliance in a timely manner. g. Be included in all executive council decisions. Section 5 - Social Consultant The Social Consultant shall: a. Create/maintain any social media accounts representing the Embry-Riddle Prescott. b. Coordinate academic and social activities of the organization with those between this and other organizations. c. Shall compile a record of Black Student Alliance s activities, and achievements during the academic school year. d. Shall take visual documentations (i.e. pictures, videos) at projects, social events, and activities. e. Be included in all executive council decisions. Section 6 - Treasurer The Treasurer shall: a. Be responsible for keeping accurate records for all monetary financial transactions. b. Keep account of all receipts, and expenditures. c. Keep an organized financial book on file and available for review by the executive council. d. Provide a financial report at each executive council meetings and any meeting, if applicable. e. Be responsible in handling the matching funds, which includes: submitting the letter of request, roster, receipts, and deposit slip. f. Be included in all executive council decisions. Section 7 - (BSA) Representative The Representative shall: 7

9 a. Represent in any SGA officer meetings. b. Represent Black Student Alliance on the Embry-Riddle Diversity and Advisory Board. c. Represent Black Student Alliance at any club fairs, or other events the BSA is invited to attend. d. May be accompanied by any active members to any event BSA is invited to. e. Be included in all executive council decisions. ARTICLE VI. Officer Operations Section 1 - Nomination Criteria The Black Student alliance accepts nominations from all members at elections meetings. All eligible candidates must meet the following criteria: a. Must be a registered student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott campus. b. Shall be in respectable academic standing with the university. c. Shall be an active member of the Black Student for a minimum of one semester (except in the case of being a member during the founding semester). d. Members may nominate themselves, but nominations must be seconded by at least two members. Section 2 - Elections Process Executive council positions will vote in order of level of responsibility. The order is as follows: President Vice-President Legacy Director Social Consultant Treasurer Secretary BSA Representative a. After the nomination, the nominees shall present a small speech to the members describing why they would like to be an officer. b. Members (excluding the nominees for their respective position) will participate in a blind vote for each position either on an electronic ballot, or a written ballot if needed. 8

10 c. Written votes will be submitted and counted by two different members, chosen at random. d. After the votes are tallied, the winners will be announced. e. In the case of a tie, the current executive council members will conduct a majority vote. The President is the deciding vote. f. If a nominee runs unopposed: i. The nominee must still present a speech to the members describing why they should be elected. ii. The nominee will become an officer by default, unless any objections are made by an executive council member, or any two active members, including the reasoning behind the objection. In which case, a vote by all active members will be conducted on whether the member shall be an officer or not. If more than two-thirds is opposed, members will be asked to nominate another candidate. If no other candidates are nominated, or no other nominees are willing to accept the position, the original nominee will be given the position. Section 4 - Terms of Council a. The executive council will maintain their position for at least one academic year. b. All executive council members have the option to run for office every year. c. All executive council members duties will resume at the beginning of the academic semester. d. The newly elected executive council will then take on the duties as described in Article V. Section 5 - Executive Council Vacancies a. The current executive council will call to order an emergency elections meeting to fill the vacant position until the next regular elections meeting takes place. Section 6 - Removal of an Officer An officer will be removed from office if: a. That officer voluntarily steps down from their position. b. An executive council member moves for a removal of an officer. In which case: i. The council member shall describe the reasoning behind why they want to remove the officer to all members of the Black Student alliance. ii. A vote will be conducted thereafter. A majority vote from the active members excluding the executive council in favor of removing the officer is required. In the case of a tie, a majority vote by the executive council will be ruled as final. 9

11 ARTICLE VII. Advisor(s) The executive council of Black Student Alliance, in order to forward its mission, and to facilitate a cooperative relationship with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, shall appoint at least one advisor. Section 1 - Purpose a. The purpose of the advisor(s) is to help give members guidance in policies and procedures concerning this organization. b. The advisor(s) shall work closely with the organization in coordinating activities to ensure they are conducted in compliance with ERAU s policies, and the laws of the United States, the commonwealth of Arizona, and the city of Prescott. Section 2 - Advisor(s) Eligibility a. A current full time or adjunct faculty or staff member of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott Campus, will be eligible to be the organization s advisor(s). Section 3 - Recommendation a. The advisor(s) shall be recommended by the executive councils and elected by a majority vote of the active members. b. The advisor(s) shall be removed for just cause at the recommendation of the executive council, and removed by a majority vote of all active members. ARTICLE VIII. Finances Section 1 - SGA Stipends a. The organization will finance its activities with fundraisers and events, and the allotted club stipend from the school. The organization will submit a budget whenever required or requested to the SGA Finance Committee. 10

12 ARTICLE VII. Amendments Section 1 - Amendments Amendments can be proposed by any club member. The club member will define their amendment and why it is necessary in a form of a presentation in front of the entire club. The members and council will have until the next meeting to make their decision, and then the amendment will be voted upon. Each member s vote will weigh the same. This vote will take place at the next meeting, and if two-thirds of the members vote for the amendment, the amendment will be made. At least fifty percent of the active members must vote. No amendment that is inconsistent with the university policies and procedures shall be submitted to a vote. 11

13 By-Laws Where questions of by-laws arise, the Student Government Association (SGA) constitution supersedes the by-law in question. 1. Election Procedures The members of the executive council for Black Student Alliance must be Black Student Alliance members. The executive council consists of, or combination of but not necessarily all : a president, vice-president, legacy director, social consultant, treasurer, secretary, or BSA representative. New board members shall be elected by the end of the tenth week of the spring semester for a term of one academic year (fall/spring). Executive council members shall be electing in the following manner: a. The student members nominate a minimum of one candidate for each office. b. Candidates must be present at the elections meeting. 3. Officer Vacancies If the president fails to perform his or her duties to the best of his or her abilities, and has been removed from office, he or she will be relieved of duty by the vice-president. The vice-president shall succeed as president, and the new president will then appoint a new vice-president. This procedure can only be put into effect by a two-thirds majority vote of active members present at a special meeting. If an officer, other than the president, fails to perform his or her duties, a meeting will be called to arrange for a vote among club members. 4. Dues and Assessment Dues, if necessary, will be set by a consensus of the elected officers. These funds and additional funds may be used only in a manner that will benefit all members of the organization. The BSA representative will be an elected officer. The elected officers will determine whether to comply with this rule upon changing of offices. 12

14 6. Amendments of the By-Laws Amendments to the by-laws must be proposed by an officer or by a member with at least ten percent of the membership represented by a petition. 7. Time, Place, Frequency of Meetings The members at the first meeting of each semester shall decide the time, place, and frequency of meetings. The meetings shall be held at least once a month. Additional meetings may be held at the call of the president, or upon request of twenty percent of the membership. 8. Club Advisor Vacancy In the event that the current advisor decides to step down as advisor for any reason, the club members must nominate a club advisor, which includes a two-thirds affirmative vote by members present at a meeting for this purpose. All executive board members must be present during selection process, and voting. 13

15 Appendix A - Revision History Section Title Date of Addition Date of Last Revision 14