SPIRIT Constitution (Revised April 2011)

SPIRIT Constitution (Revised April 2011) PREAMBLE SPIRIT's main objective is to create unity among students of diverse ethnic backgrounds by fostering positive interactions, social growth, and community among its members at Carnegie Mellon University. The original name of SPIRIT was the Black Student Organization, but it was changed in the 1970 s so that it reflected its constituents and did not limit membership to a specific race. SPIRIT House was established as a haven for Black students some years after its founding. It served as a physical manifestation of what SPIRIT stood for on campus. The president at the time, Richard M. Cyert, noticed that SPIRIT continued to grow in membership, but not in the area of campus involvement. He then required that SPIRIT increase campus involvement or else it would lose, not only the SPIRIT House, but it's recognition as an organization. Since then, SPIRIT has increased its involvement in the campus community and the organization has grown into one of Carnegie Mellon's well known cultural organizations. SPIRIT continues to uphold its values through positive interactions, social growth, and community among its members. These objectives are met through engagement in various committees and subsections of SPIRIT. Article I: General Provisions Section 1: The name of this organization will be SPIRIT Section 2: This organization will abide by the rules, regulations, and policies established by Carnegie Mellon University and the Student Senate of Carnegie Mellon University. Article II: Mission The mission statement of SPIRIT shall be as follows: To promote a sense of fellowship within the Carnegie Mellon community by acting as a liaison between its members and the university via the presentation of cultural programs and the championing of black awareness. Article III: Membership Section 1. Membership and participation in SPIRIT will not be denied based on sex, race, religious affiliation, ethnicity, or national origin. Section 2. An active member will be defined as any person who pays his or her membership dues and actively participates in at least one committee. Section 3. All those considered active members are granted the following rights: A. Voting B. Running for elected offices C. Serving on SPIRIT committees

Section 4. Responsibilities of all active members include: A. Attending SPIRIT general body meetings at least twice a semester. B. Being involved in at least one SPIRIT committee Section 5. Other privileges granted to active members include: D. Attending priced SPIRIT events at reduced cost Article IV Administration Section 1: All positions in SPIRIT will be held by active SPIRIT members Section 2: The primary executive board of SPIRIT will consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Freshman Advisor in the fall, Freshman Representative in spring, and Parliamentarian. Section 3: The secondary executive board of SPIRIT will consist of the chairs for Buggy, Fashion Show, Black Awareness, SPIRIT House, Community Service, Activities, Booth and the Campus Liaison. Section 4: It is expected of the SPIRIT executive board to hold weekly executive board meetings, to ensure members abide by the constitution and uphold the goals of SPIRIT, and to advise members on any issues of conflicts that may arise. Article V Duties of the Executive Board Section 1: President Preside over all general body meetings Serve as the head of campus relations by sharing SPIRIT s objectives with the wider campus community Section 2: Secretary Section 3: Treasurer Preserve the funds and assets of the organization. Verify that all expenses shown on the monthly financial reports have been properly authorized. Maintain financial records Prepare and regularly update a budget system outlining how our funds are divided amongst our committees. Oversee and help organize fundraising efforts for the organization Submit yearly budget request to JFC so that we receive funding for the following year Suggestion: To prompt members to pay their dues hold events that only paid members can attend Section _: Campus Liaison Members need an incentive to pay dues

Connect with the representatives of the local universities in the Pittsburgh area Create events where the students from all the universities can interact Support the events of the surrounding universities Publicize SPIRIT events to the other universities OLD CONSTITUTION: SPIRIT: ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTION PREAMBLE Actively promoting involvement in University activities. Stimulating cultural awareness through cultural programming. This Constitution will take effect as of August 25, 1992. ARTICLE I - GENERAL PROVISIONS Section 1. The name of this organization shall be- SPIRIT~ Section 2. This organization shall abide by the rules, regulations, and policies established by Carnegie Mellon University and the Student Senate of Carnegie Mellon University. ARTICLE II - OBJECTIVES Section 1. The objectives of this organization are as follows: 1. To provide activities so that SPIRIT members are integrated into the campus community. 2. To act as a liaison between black students and the University..,.,'..." -. 3. To present cultural programs that are of interest to the University community. 4. To provide support for black students at the University. ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Membership and participation and all SPIRIT activities shall be open to all persons without regard to sex, race, religion, ethic group, or national origin. Section 2. An active member shall be defined as any person who pays. his/her membership dues, is a member of at least one committee, and participates in at least two SPIRIT activities per year.. NOTE: Special consideration will be given to those members involved in activities which require additional time and dedication and to those with extenuating circumstance. "~. - NOTE: One is defined as being a member if said member helps to plan events. ARTICLE IV - ADMINISTRATION Section 1. This organization shalt have an Executive Board consisting of the following officers:

President Executive Vice-President Associative Vice-President Recording Secretary Correspondence Secretary Treasurer Freshman Advisor Parliamentarian Section 2. The Executive Board shall: 1. Have meetings once per week. 2. Organize the committees in order to aid the progression of the d~ii ed goals of the organization. 3. Serve as a representative of SPIRIT. 4. Define what is meant by regular as stated in this constitution. ARTICLE V - COMMITTEES Section 1. SPIRIT committee system will be established by the Executive Board on a yearly basis. 1. Activities- in charge of speakers, and social events Le. Talent Show. 2. Buggy- in charge of Sweepstakes. 3. Booth- in charge of Midway and Carnival. - Attend bi-weekly booth Carnival meetings - Come up with an idea for SPIRIT s booth theme - Complete building plans. - Stay informed of your budget and in good contact with the Treasure. - Attend training sessions in building safety held by Carnival committee - Hold regular committee meetings; utilize your committee to help you complete the above. 4. Black History- in charge of programs that promote culture awareness throughout the entire year. "- 5. Community Services- plan activities that benefit the community i.e. tutoring, clothes drive, volunteering at Soup kitchens. 6. Fashion Show- in charge of annual show. 7. Fundraising- Le. Bake sales, raffles, donations. 8. Membership- to promote awareness and inspire active participation. 9. Publicity- to publicize meetings and upcoming events sponsored by committees. 10. Freshman Advisor To plan events focused on recruiting and retaining freshmen in SPIRIT organization To guide freshmen as they become acclimated to campus life, academics and the organization To find a Freshman Representative(s), who will act as a liaison between their class and SPIRIT To transition the Freshman Representative 10. Formal- in charge of annual dance. ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS Section 1. All offices shall be. held by active SPIRIT members. Section 2. The elected positions of SPIRIT shall be the same as those established in Article IV Section 1. ARTICLE VII - DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

Section 1. The duties of the President are as follows: a. Presiding over all general body meetings. b. To delegate the duties and responsibilities concerning all SPIRIT activities. c. To uphold the rules and regulations of SPIRIT organization evidenced through personal behavior and dedication... d. To promote the philosophy and the purpose of the organization throughout the university and among the members. e. To oversee all organizational activities on an advisory level. Section 2. The duties of the Executive Vice-President are as follows: a. Organize and distribute publication of newsletter. b. Assist the President in duties. Section 3. The duties of the Associate Vice-President are as follows: a. To formulate all committee's for each SPIRIT activity. b. To deliver formal reports on the progress of each committee. c. To serve as an advisor to all committees. Section 4. The duties of the Recording Secretary are as follows: a. To be responsible for minutes of all meetings, i.e. general body, executive board, and committees. b. To report the minutes of previous general body meetings and to deliver copies of the minutes to the general body for their personal records upon request. c. To keep records of all committee reports. d. To assist the President in the issuing and making of special handouts and reports for the general body and committees. e. To record and file all minutes. Section 5. The duties of the Corresponding Secretary are as follows: a. To be responsible for all incoming and outgoing correspondence. b. To be responsible for all incoming and outgoing phone cads c. To oversee the filing system and record keeping in the SPIRIT office. d. To serve as a member of the Publicity Committee. e. To take the place of the Recording Secretary in her absence. Section 6. The duties of the Treasurer are as follows: a. To keep an account of all SPIRIT funds. b. To deliver a budget report on a regular basis. c. To be responsible for the collection of dues. d. To collect budgets from all committees. Section 7. The duties of the Freshman Advisor are as follows: a. To represent the point of views of the freshman class. b. To sit on the SPIRIT Executive Board.

Section 8. The duties of the Parliamentarian are as follows: 3. To maintain order in the SPIRIT general body meetings. b. To sit on the SPIRIT Executive Board. c. To know the Robert's Rule of Order. ARTICLE VIII - ELECTION PROCEDURES Section 1. General elections shall be held in the spring of each school year. 3. Nominations of officers. 1. The initial nominations period shall be defined as the period two (2) weeks after the official nominations. 2. During the initial nominations period, motions to nominate can be made. 3. Acceptance and declinations shall be submitted during the initial nominations period. 4. No person shall be elected to more than one office. 5. The official nomination meeting shall be defined as the meeting where the nominations are presented to the active members of SPIRIT. THE MEETING SHALL PROCEED AS FOLLOWS: i The nominator shall present their nominee. '. ii There must be approval by a proper seconding of the nomination. i i i After having been property seconded, the nominee shad either accept the nomination or decline from the nomination- orally or by letter. b. Elections 1. Elections shall be held two (2) weeks after the official nominations. 2. For voting procedures refer to ARTICLE X. 3. Each nominee shall give a speech regarding their qualifications for the office for which they are nominated... Section 2. Establishment of committee heads. a. Committee selections shall be held in the Spring of each year. The heads shall be chosen by the preceding years Executive Board. '. b. In the event of resignation a new committee head shad be appointed by the Executive Board. ARTICLE X - VOTING PROCEDURES Section 1. Only active members of SPIRIT shall have a vote at general elections. Section 2. All voting shall be conducted by secret ballot. Section 3. A two-thirds (66%) majority shall constitute the winner of an election and the impeachment of an officer. Section 4. In the event of a tie, there shall be a re-vote consisting of those involved in the tie. ARTICLE XI - TERM OF OFFICE Officers shall assume their duties on Graduation Day of the year they are elected. T errns shall expire Graduation Day of the next year. " ARTICLE XII - REMOVAL FROM OFFICE Section 1. Grounds for rel1yjval shall be violations of duties as specified by this constitution arid of goals that have been designated at the beginning of the year.

Section 2. The power to remove shall reside with the Executive Board. Section 3. First offense will be followed by the issuance of a warning, followed by removal proceedings. Section 4. Active members have the right to veto the removal proceedings of the Executive Board by a two-thirds (66%) majority vote. ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION Suggested amendments to the Constitution shau be knowledgeable to the general body one week prior to the implementation and discussion of the amendment. That's all she wrote folks.. :)