Constitutional Bylaws of The Eagle s Eye of Mt San Jacinto College

Transcription

1 Constitutional Bylaws of The Eagle s Eye of Mt San Jacinto College Mission Statement: The Eagle s Eye, a student run organization focused on journalism, is a platform for MSJC and the community established to promote a diverse student voice, involvement, and creative collaboration through our newspaper, THE TALON. The Constitution The Eagle s Eye Constitution: Shall not interfere, prevent, or become a detriment to the duties of any officer of the Eagle s Eye. Shall constantly mediate a balance of power between the President, Officers and Committees. Shall only be amended through the constitutional amendment process: 1. For maintaining accuracy, clarity of speech, and/or, if needed, establishing checks and balances. 2. For legislating new bylaws. 3. To prevent: Corruption Manipulation (by any member) of the wording. Loyalty amongst friends that interfere with fairness, ethics and/or achieving quorum. Shall be available to: 1. The public. 2. Every Eagle s Eye member. 3. Eagle s Eye advisors. 4. Associate Student Body (ASB) of Mount San Jacinto College. Shall be the ultimate authority to all members of the Eagle s Eye and its proceedings. May implement disciplinary action against unethical behavior by any member through the disciplinary action process and in compliance with Ethics Committee rules and procedures. Shall properly represent the opinions and rights of all Eagle s Eye Members and maintain a non-contradictive policy wherever possible. Shall be a document that is treated with reverence and respect. Shall contain all bylaws and procedures of the Eagle s Eye. Amendments The Constitution Amendment Process must be completed in the following steps: 1. A motion to amend by any of the following: Any (non-officer) member of the Eagle s Eye,

2 Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or Speaker of any committee Then any officer shall second the motion. 2. A two thirds (2/3) vote must be passed by the officers of the Eagle s Eye in order to move the motion to the Constitutional Committee to revise or write a new amendment. In the event of a tie, The President (or Vice President if the President is unable to attend) has the authority to appoint any member at large to vote as a tiebreaker (including advisors). If all officers are not present, The President, within three days, may implement the following executive orders or else no action shall be taken: Order an executive mandate to the Constitutional Committee to discuss the item then write an appropriate amendment, hence bypassing the vote. Order a special meeting (date, time and location will be determined by the President) that includes a mandatory presence of all officers to vote on the motion via the method of his or her choosing. Failure, by any officer, to comply with this order shall be subject to the Ethics Committee s methods of discipline. In the event that all officers do not comply, The President may immediately issue an alternative executive order. Order a vote (during the meeting of the motion) of the officers present. Two thirds (2/3) of the officers must be present to be able to comply with this executive order. The President may appoint one (1) member at large to complete the two thirds (2/3), including an advisor. Order of direct action that allows the member (who motioned for the amendment) to thoroughly write the amendment for The President's approval, hence bypassing steps 2 & The Constitutional Committee must complete a comprehensive and clear amendment for a vote. The Eagle s Eye member who motioned for the amendment must guide all amendments. The Constitutional Committee Chair shall run up to three meetings within 15 days to complete the amendment deliberations and writing. 4. The Constitutional Committee Chair, or appointed member, through an executive order, must present the amendment, within three days of completion of the writing, to The President for approval signature, executive order to rewrite, or veto. The President s signature is needed to approve the amendment and shall be recorded by the Secretary in all archives within three days. An executive order to rewrite could only be given, within three days, with a written explanation, to the Constitutional Committee, of the issues, grammar, or suggestions for rewriting. A veto could only be given with a written explanation to the person(s) or committee(s) who motioned for the amendment, on the next agenda for public view and shall be recorded by the Secretary in all archives within three days. 5. The President, after approval, has seven days to order the Secretary to put it on the next agenda for final discussion of the amendment. During the following meeting a two thirds (2/3) vote by all officers is needed for ratification. If all officers are not present, The President, within three days, may exercise the following executive orders:

3 Order a special meeting that includes a mandatory presence of all officers to vote on the amendment via the method of his or her choosing. Failure, by any officer, to comply with this order shall be subject to the Ethics Committee s methods of discipline. If all officers do not attend, The President may issue an alternate executive order. Order a vote (during the meeting of the motion) of the officers present. Two thirds (2/3) of the officers must be present to be able to comply with this executive order. The President may appoint one (1) member at large to complete the two thirds (2/3), including an advisor. Order a postponement of the vote to be held at the next meeting. This option may only be used twice where then after the President may use an alternative executive order. Order a direct vote from every member present. A two thirds (2/3) vote is needed to pass the amendment. The President may ask one advisor to vote to complete the 2/3 needed. 6. The President, after ratification, must then order the Secretary, within three days, to add such amendment to the Constitution. If there is an executive order of direct action for the person who motioned to write the amendment and it is ratified, his or her name shall be put on the amendment as recognition for his or her efforts; otherwise, the year of the Constitutional Committee shall be the heading. Main Committees The Main Committees consist of: The Ethics Committee, the Constitutional Committee, the Budget Committee and the Events Committee. Each Committee is obligated to be the venue in which the non-officer members may have a balance of power. If any member wishes to join a committee he or she may do so at will (no more than two at a time). To join, all members shall notify the perspective Committee Chair and Secretary for records. All committees must comply with and/or have the following: A Presidential appointed Chair except for the Events Committee, which shall be the Public Relations and the Budget Committee Chair, shall be the Treasurer of the Eagle s Eye. The Committee chair shall Recruit members and hold an election during, a general meeting, to complete their perspective Committees minimum member requirement. The Committee chair shall be responsible for all meetings time, place and venue. An elected Vice Chair, by all officers of the Eagle s Eye, of any member (a 50% or more vote is required). The President shall be the tiebreaker. In the event that 50% of the officer s vote cannot be reached, all members at large shall vote (majority rule). An elected Speaker who represents the non-officer members (50% majority vote of non-officer members of the Eagle s Eye is needed). Comply with all specific committee rules. Must follow the Ethics Committee s code of conduct.

4 Must have at least one Ethics Committee member. Vice-Chairperson must submit a report of every meeting to the Secretary of its contents, discussions and/or achievements. Shall have a minimum of four members. All members of each committee are subject to removal by the President or by the Ethics Committee via their removal process. Is subject, as a whole, to disciplinary action by the Ethics Committee. Must complete every executive mandate. The Ethics Committee: Shall be responsible for overseeing and implementing disciplinary action against any Committee or member of the Eagle s Eye. Shall submit a new code of conduct policy no later than October 1 of every school year or else the previous will stand. Members must demonstrate honest virtues and morality while showing the ability and diligence to fight against peer-pressure and corruption. Shall submit a complete officer removal process to the Constitutional Committee for ratification. Shall be the ultimate check and balance between all officers, branches, and committees. All positions are subject to removal by the President of the Eagle s Eye. Shall submit all grievances against any member or committee of the Eagle s Eye to the President for approval/signature of disciplinary action. Shall submit a disciplinary action policy to the Constitutional Committee for ratification. Shall submit an officer s removal policy to the Constitutional Committee for ratification. Chairperson of the Ethics Committee shall maintain a 75% attendance of all general meetings and officer s meeting. The Constitutional Committee: Has the obligation to accurately represent the people and the original writers intent while writing any new constitutional amendments. Shall be responsible for maintaining, correcting the Constitution and writing any and all amendments, with the exception of an Executive Order. Members must demonstrate articulation in public speech and debate qualities. Chair has the authority to demand any document pertaining to the amendment process. Chair has the authority to reject or order a rewrite of any proposed amendment up to two times. The Budget Committee: Is ultimately responsible for the finances of the club. Must be chaired by the Treasurer of the Eagle s Eye. Shall be responsible for submitting the Eagle s Eye proposed budget for the following year to the President for approval signature before the last meeting of the spring semester.

5 Has the authority to demand any and all receipts, purchase orders and documentation related to the finances of the Eagle s Eye. Members must demonstrate business and accounting sense and should have passed a minimum comprehension level of beginning algebra (Math 90). Shall be responsible for the administration of all funds. Shall track and review all purchase orders and receipts regarding the Eagle s Eye and its activities. Shall have the authority to approve or reject any funding. Must hold meetings to discuss all expenditures and report the outcome to the President for approval/signature. The Events Committee: Shall be responsible for all events held by the Eagle s Eye. Must be chaired by Public Relations. Members must demonstrate ability to deal with large crowds, foster creativity, and visualize and coordinate events with enhanced social skills while maintaining positive relationships with other clubs and organizations. Must work together with the Budget Committee for funding. Must hold a meeting to discuss each event. All members, unless excused by the Chairperson, must be present at each event. Must submit a written log of all processes, contacts, purchases, written requests and all details regarding any event. The Publishing Committee: Shall assisst in the publishing of THE TALON. Collect stories, photos, and other submissions. Assisst in editing stories and photos to prepare for publishing. Must communicate with advisor, faculty editor, and director of marketing to finalize THE TALON before publication. Officer Removal Process All Officers The Removal Process may only be used when any officer has: Consistently demonstrated unethical behavior during any events and/or on campus. Unethical behavior shall be defined by the Ethics Committee and must be articulated in writing then ratified through the Constitution Amendment Process before impeachment. Consistently demonstrated incompetence during the first semester. Neglected to attend at least 35% of the meetings. Only in this circumstance may the three strikes rule may be circumvented. Been proven to have little to no impact to the organization. Violated The Constitution three times. Received at least two disciplinary Constitution actions by the Ethics Committee resulting in the third and final removal process. Violated two or more of the above conditions.

6 Non-achievement of duties as described in the Constitution. No Officer may be removed for the following reasons: Without a trial by the Ethics Committees in order to defend him or herself. Unethical behavior outside of campus and/or any event. Unproven incompetence during the first semester of his/her term of office. Health issues, tardiness, work or other obligations preventing him or her to attend meetings. Unproven impact to the organization. Unproven intentional violation of the Constitution. Rumors, gossip, unpopularity, rudeness, conflicts of interest or impolite behavior. Unproven non-achievement of duties as described in the Constitution. The Officers Removal Process must be completed in the following steps: 1. There must be an official complaint written by any sole member of the Eagle s Eye. 2. The complaint must be delivered to the Chairperson of the Ethics Committee. 3. The Ethics Committee Chair has seven days to call in a meeting and order the Ethics Committee to interview the person or persons complaining during the meeting. 4. The Ethics Committee then has three days to decide whether the complaints are valid and do not violate the Constitution. 5. A two-thirds vote by the Ethics Committee must pass during the meeting in order to announce (as a discussion item) that an official complaint has been filed, processed and voted as valid. 6. The Ethics Committee shall conclude an official trial, according to their written trial process, which has been ratified into the Constitution. 7. The complaint must be put on the following agenda for a vote. A two-thirds vote of all members present must pass in order to solidify the complaint. 8. The Ethics Committee Chair has three days to obtain an approval signature from the Vice President of Student Services of Mt. San Jacinto College. 9. The Secretary has three days to record the complaint, making it official. 10. A Three strikes rule will apply. On the third strike, the officer will have no less than 30 days and no more than 40 days to be relieved of his or her duties. During such time, the officer shall maintain the full authority of their position. 11. The President shall appoint an alternate member to occupy the position until another election is held. In the event of the President being removed, the Vice President shall assume the Presidency until another election is held. Officers The Officer s removal process must be conducted in the following steps: (Please Note: No position is solidified until the officer elect has been present at three consecutive meetings during the Summer or Fall, depending on when they were elected or appointed, and at this time he or she may be removed by a vote of no confidence by all the members present at the fourth meeting or later if the President has motioned for such a vote.)

7 Agendas and Meetings Agendas must be prepared in the following steps: 1. Ideas, complaints, issues, and events to be discussed must be given in writing to the Secretary. 2. The Secretary must act together with The President for approval of final items on the agenda to be discussed during the following meeting. 3. The President must give an approval signature. 4. The Secretary must post the agenda. All agendas must be made available to all members, within 72 hours, on campus at a specified location, blackboard or via e- mail. 5. The Secretary shall bring at least 10 copies to each general meeting. Meetings: Shall be held on Fridays by default (may be voted on to change for convenience). Shall be held every week starting the first Friday of the fall semester until the last Friday of the spring semester (except during finals week or holidays). In the case of finals week or a holiday, the meeting may only be reassigned by The President for a day before or after that Friday and is not to interrupt the next meeting after. Shall have a written agenda. The Ethics Committee Chair has the authority to eject any non-officer for disrupting or delaying the meeting with the Presidents approval or motion (e.g. profanity or rudeness). Shall be chaired by The President (or the Vice President when The President is absent). Shall observe a fifteen-minute waiting period before starting any meeting to ensure that as many essential members possible may attend. The person who is chairing the meeting shall determine who the essential members are. Advisor needs to be present. Shall not be Chaired by an Advisor unless there are less than 10 members present and both the Vice President and President are not available, during which time, no voting shall be permitted. Shall have two thirds (2/3) of the officers present in order to meet quorum. Shall not be restricted to one hour. Shall not exceed two (2) hours unless the chair determines it is necessary. Shall follow Robert's Rules of Order when 10 or more members are present. Shall finish all issues to be discussed or voted on. Some discussion items may be postponed until the following meeting for further discussion only, according to Robert's Rules of Order. Meeting Procedure Agendas must be accomplished during the meeting in the following order (please note that in the case of an officer absence, the role of the officer may be substituted): 1. In observance of the essential members grace period a fifteen-minute (15 min.) preliminary briefing shall be held. 2. The Chair must call to order.

8 3. The Secretary announces the time of which the meeting has begun. 4. The Historian shall lead the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance. 5. The Secretary shall take role of all officers present and then announce aloud if quorum has been met to proceed with the meeting. 6. The President shall motion a vote to approve the minutes of the previous agenda. 1. Discussion 2. Vote 7. Action items are all addressed. These action items are issues that were discussed in the previous meeting and need to be voted on for approval. All items for a vote must be voted on individually, not as a block vote. 1. Open debate for officers and members at large to discuss the items and issues. 2. The chair must keep order and call for order if needed. 3. The chair will determine if further discussion is needed, add the item to the next meeting or call for a vote. 4. Vote (by show of hands and verbal). 8. The Secretary must record the out-come of each action item. 9. Discussion items are addressed. These items are issues that need to be discussed before they are held as an action item. 10. Reports are addressed in the following order: 1. Officers reports are given so that all members may hear the recent progress or achievements made. 2. Committee reports are given by the speaker of the committee in order to report to all members of the recent progress and achievements that are made. 3. Advisor s reports are given in order to report to all members of the recent progress and achievements made. 11. Open form shall be held so that any member may address, discuss or complain about issues or items of discussion that were not mentioned during the meeting. There shall be a 15-minute period held for open forum. 12. The Chair shall announce the adjournment of the meeting 13. The Secretary shall announce the adjournment time. Duties and Responsibilities Officers Are required to answer any questions from any member. Shall not (according to The Brown Act) gather or congregate outside of the general meetings to discuss the potential outcome of any vote. Shall not negotiate votes with one another (vote mongering) Shall contact the Secretary, President or Advisor before an absence via . Shall not conspire to vote together for or against any issue. No officer may ask how another officer will vote on any issue at any time. No officer may ask an Advisor how he or she should vote. No officer shall allow himself or herself to be influenced by an Advisor to vote for or against any issue. The President

9 Cannot vote on action items. Shall be knowledgeable of the Eagle s Eye Constitution. Must preside and Chair at least 70% of all general meetings. Has the authority to delegate additional tasks to any member. Has overall responsibility of the operation and oversees all aspects of the Eagle s Eye. May require any member or committee to give a report of any specific issue. Must give approval signature on all contracts involving the Eagle s Eye. Shall train the successor to perform all duties of the President. Appoints all committee Chairs where necessary. Must be responsible for setting criteria, being a judge and awarding all the Eagle s Eye awards, including all scholarship awards. Name and appoint all special committees. May issue executive orders to all committees, officers or members. May issue a Presidential Mandate to all committees, officers or members. May reserve the right to change the time and date of scheduled meetings so long as not to violate Robert s Rules of Order. (72 hour notice). Must perform all other duties related to this office. May ask for the resignation of any officer due to health issues, work or other obligations preventing him or her from fulfilling their duties as officer, or attending meetings. The Vice President (Internal and External) Shall assume all duties of The President in his or her absence. Shall train the successor to perform all duties of Vice President. Shall preside and Chair all officers meetings (may appoint a substitute). Is responsible for assuring that the Secretary posts all announcements (or s), making them available to every member. Must be responsible for scheduling and programming each meeting s time and place and make schedules available to each member. May delegate duties as long as it does not interfere, prevent or become a detriment of the duties of the committee chair Must perform all other duties related to this office. Public Relations Must Chair the Events Committee. Shall train the successor to perform all duties of Public Relations. Must preside and Chair each meeting of the Events Committee (may appoint a substitute). Must be responsible for all aspects and implementation of any Eagle s Eye event. Shall be responsible for attending all events. Shall be responsible of assuring that all members of the events committee attend every event. Shall attend 70% of all officers meetings. Must be responsible for all Eagle s Eye publicity, which may include (but is not limited to) posters, flyers, Eagle s Eye logos and statements to the public.

10 Must serve as a resource for members to publicize their own activities. Must be responsible for all Eagle s Eye relations with the media, which may include (but is not limited to) print and broadcast media, press releases for Eagle s Eye events and media coverage. Shall provide (not perform) a presentation (in coordination with the Historian) of all events, field trips and publicity to the public or media that were completed during the course of the school year. Shall keep a record of all events. May appoint an assistant. Must conduct an ongoing evaluation of the Eagle s Eye public image. Must perform all other duties related to this office. The Secretary May appoint up to two (2) assistants and one (1) substitute. Must work closely with the President and Vice President as an assistant to all their duties. Shall train the successor to perform all duties of the Secretary. Must be responsible for scheduling and reminding the President and Vice President of all extra meetings, events or speeches. Shall attend 75% of all general meetings. Shall attend 65% of all officers meetings. Shall call roll and record the minutes of each general meeting. Has the authority to acquire all documentation from any member or committee for the purpose of keeping accurate records. Is responsible for developing and maintaining a current file of all members information. Is responsible for all correspondence of the Eagle s Eye. Is responsible for coordinating with the President of any business pertaining to the Eagle s Eye. Must receive and respond to all official correspondence. Maintain any changes, as needed, to the Eagle s Eye Constitution and bylaws. Must perform all other duties related to this office. The Treasurer Shall chair the Budget Committee (may appoint a substitute). Shall train the successor to perform all duties of Treasurer. Shall attend 65% of all officers meetings. Shall collect and distribute funds as directed and approved by the Eagle s Eye. Oversee monthly financial reports made by the Budget Committee to the Eagle s Eye membership. Has the authority to collect and or require any and all receipts, purchase orders and documentation related to the finances of the Eagle s Eye. Shall track and monitor expenditures approved by the Budget Committee. Shall give a report of any expenditure proposed and discussed during the General meeting as to the feasibility and capability of the proposed expenditure. Must perform all other duties related to this office.

11 The Historian Must work closely with all committees and officers as to accurately report the history of the Eagle s Eye. Shall train the successor to perform all duties of Historian. Shall attend 80% of all general meetings (may appoint a substitute). Shall attend 65% of all officers meetings. Must actively require any pictures, posters, logos or minutes of any event or meeting that may help him or her to record the history of the Eagle s Eye. Has the authority to collect and require any information, files or data of any kind from any member or committee of the Eagle s Eye. Shall give a quarterly (twice per semester) report of the history of the Eagle s Eye to the officers. Must perform a presentation (provided and in coordination with the Vice President of Public Relations) of all the events, field trips, achievements and publicity to the public or media that were completed during the course of the school year. The end of the year presentation may include the Historian s personal point of view and opinions, so long as it is not a detriment to the image of the Eagle s Eye. May appoint no more than two assistants. Must perform all other duties related to this office. The ICC Representative Shall attend at least 75% of the ICC meetings. Must report the outcome of the ICC meetings at every officers meeting. Shall train the successor to perform all duties of the ICC Representative. Must report all accurate information to the MSJCASB of any activity involving the Eagle s Eye. Must perform all other duties related to this office. Talon Officers Shall manage the submission of stories and photos. Shall help edit articles and prepare them for publsuhing. Shall manage the layout (section and design) to prepare it for publishing. Must communicate with advisor, faculty editor, and director of marketing to finalize THE TALON before publication. Shall encourage writers and photographers to produce work for THE TALON. Shall be in charge of the publishing committee. Advisors Shall be respected by every member. Shall act as Chief Justice, together with the President, to interpret the Constitution. Shall hold no position of authority unless though executive order or as a substitute. Must also follow Ethics Committee s code of conduct.

12 May be voted by the officer s to serve as a judge over any trial unless the President appoints one. Shall have the authority to stop any procedure that will violate the Constitution of the Eagle s Eye, ASB or the United States. Shall be responsible for correcting and maintaining any correspondence, web sites, Blackboard and announcements. Must work closely with the Secretary to post agenda on Blackboard, websites or correspondence within 72 hours of the meeting (per Brown Act). Shall post on Blackboard meeting announcements 1 week ahead of time. Shall advise against any conspiracy. Must work closely with all officers for any adjustments of the above possibilities. Shall advise students to follow Robert s Rules of Order wherever possible and as not to conflict with the Constitution of the Eagle s Eye. Shall be the mediator and liaison to all four-year institutions for field trips. Shall not interfere, undermine or be detrimental to the duties, responsibilities or orders to any officer. Shall not promote, create or advocate any agenda or advise a club member to do the same. Shall give advice at the general meetings, not in private so that other members are not aware of its contents. Shall not advise, conspire or gossip to any member against, about or to any other member. All Members Shall show respect for the Advisor of the Eagle s Eye. Shall maintain a 2.0 GPA. Shall not sow discord amongst members. Are responsible for informing themselves of agendas, announcements and meetings. Shall be responsible for viewing all correspondents regarding the Eagle s Eye, including but not limited to: o Eagle s Eye Discussion Board o s o Websites o Eagle s Eye announcements on blackboard Shall respect other members. Must be hospitable to opposing arguments. Appointed Positions In the event that some positions are still available by Sept. 1, the President may appoint any member that position. This position is a temporary position until an official election can be held at a convenient time. All duties, responsibilities and voting power are effective immediately, lasting until the election is finalized and the position is solidified. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the officers present is needed to officiate the member(s) new position and may not attain voting power until the position is solidified, whereas they are active for voting immediately that same day. In the event of any

13 resignation or removal of any position of office during the academic school year, the same will apply. A special committee may be formed to hold the election, and it will be the duty of the Advisors to announce the winners. General Tree of Hierarchy President: Emily McKellar Vice President: Julia Morales Secretary: Christina Flores Internal Vice President: Rita Bidi Treasurer: Regina Young Talon Officers: Shawnees Peacock and Cedric Saliba Historian: Alex Osbourne ICC Representative: Christina Flores Conclusion We, the members of the Eagle s Eye, recognize that this constitution may require changes and/or additions during the life of the club. We are also extremely adamant that changes and/or additions shall NOT be made easily or to appease any group or individual. We also understand that all positions are identified as necessary to reflect the attitude of the member s loyalty towards this Constitution. Our joint effort to preserve the original intentions of the writers shall be our first concern with diligent determination. Checks and balances are within for the integrity of the club and should be the goal of each member and Advisor. No individual shall rule over us or exclusively benefit him or herself in any manner. This is OUR club, and for the future members, we will make certain that NO ONE jeopardizes the Constitution s intention, integrity and/or balance of power. We, the members as a whole, are ultimately in charge and we will venture to become the epitome of what all clubs strive for Unity in mind, unity in beliefs, and unity in loyalty. Therefore - We, the Eagle s Eye of Mt. San Jacinto College, hereby ratify into effect this Constitution as our club laws and pledge to defend its entirety without wavering.

14 Written by: Eagle s Eye Officers AY Officer s signatures President Internal Vice President External Vice President Public Relations Secretary Treasurer ICC Representative Historian Advisors Talon Officers ASB President VP of Student Services