Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of The National Broadcasting Society Constitution

Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of The National Broadcasting Society Constitution THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE GAINESVILLE FLORIDA COLLEGIATE CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING SOCIETY- ALPHA EPSILON RHO ARTICLE I NAME OF ORGANIZATION The name of this organization shall be the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society. The chapter may be informally identified as the Gator Chapter or GatorNBS. ARTICLE II PURPOSE STATEMENT The purpose and objectives of the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society shall be to enhance the development of University of Florida students, faculty, and staff involved in electronic media (including web/internet technologies and new media), broadcasting, mass communication, radio, television, cable, film and/or electronic media by: 1. Promoting excellence. 2. Providing opportunities for ethical and responsible leadership. 3. Providing exposure to the electronic media industries. 4. Assisting in career preparation. 5. Providing opportunities for and encouraging the development of members through advanced media education programs. 6. Providing opportunities for and encouraging the participation of members in community service projects and activities. As indicated through the purpose, the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society shall be of a not-for profit and non-commercial nature. ARTICLE III COMPLIANCE STATEMENT Upon approval by the Department of Student Activities and Involvement, the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society shall be a registered student organization at the University of Florida. The Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society shall comply with all local, state and federal laws, as well as all University of Florida regulations, policies, and procedures. Such compliance includes but is not limited to the University s regulations related to Non-Discrimination, Sexual Harassment (including sexual misconduct, dating violence,

domestic violence, and stalking), Hazing, Commercial Activity, and Student Leader Eligibility. ARTICLE IV UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS SECTION A. NON-DISCRIMINATION The Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society agrees that it will not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act. SECTION B. SEXUAL HARRASSMENT The Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society agrees that it will not engage in any activity that is unwelcome conduct of sexual nature that creates a hostile environment. SECTION C. HAZING The Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society agrees that it will not initiate, support, or encourage any events or situations that recklessly, by design, or intentionally endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student for any purpose including but not limited to initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student group or organization. SECTION D. RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT If this organization becomes aware of any such conduct described in this article, The Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society will report it immediately to Student Activities and Involvement, the Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, or the University s Title IX Coordinator. ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP Membership in this organization is open to all enrolled students at the University of Florida. Non-enrolled students, spouses, faculty, and staff may be associate members; however, they may not vote or hold office. All members and associate members are free to leave and disassociate without fear of retribution, retaliation, or harassment ARTICLE VI OFFICERS SECTION 1 (DEFINITION OF GOVERNING BODY): The Chapter shall be governed by an Executive Committee comprised of the Student Organization Advisor and the elected officers. Elected officers shall include the following positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Alumni and Professional Coordinator, Director of Communications, and Student Organization Advisor.

SECTION 2 (QUALIFICATIONS): In order to become an officer, the individual must be a member in good standing at the time of election. The member must also maintain a 2.5 grade point average per University of Florida Regulations. SECTION 3 (IMPEACHMENT): The Chapter may impeach any officer not fulfilling his/her duties by majority vote. The party involved must be informed of this action and the reason(s) for it in writing. SECTION 4 (DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS): The duties of the officers of the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society include: A. PRESIDENT: The President shall be presiding officer at all meetings. He/She shall have the power to appoint committees deemed advisable for carrying on the work of the Chapter. It shall be his/her responsibility to see that the officers and committees of the Chapter discharge their duties faithfully, impartially, promptly, and completely. He/She shall serve at the official representative of the Chapter whenever necessary. B. VICE PRESIDENT: The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in the latter s absence or in the event the President becomes unable to discharge his/her duties. This officer is responsible for arranging speakers at NBS meetings according to the agreed schedule. C. SECRETARY: The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping all records of the Chapter. This officer must keep minutes of all general business and executive meetings, carry out correspondence and send monthly reports to the National offices. This officer is responsible for turning in required reports the National organization, including the annual report. D. TREASURER: The Treasurer shall be responsible for all financial affairs of the Chapter. He/She is responsible for keeping a log of all purchases and expenditures, and shall present a yearly audit in connection with the Chapter Annual Report. The Treasurer shall serve as chief financial officer for all activities of the Chapter. The office of Treasurer may be combined with the office of Secretary. E. ALUMNI AND PROFESSIONAL COORDINATOR: This officer shall compile and maintain the mailing list of graduated members and maintain needed correspondence with these members. This officer must attempt to recruit all potential candidates for membership as alumni/professional members including alumni, former NBS members, media professionals, and educators. He/She is the liaison to the National Vice President for Alumni and Professional Services. F. DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: This officer is responsible for coordinating all public relations for the Chapter. He/She will produce all announcements concerning NBS activities and provide them to the university and campus community as well as to the Editor of Signals.

G. HISTORIAN: This officer is responsible for photographically documenting all meetings and events held by the Chapter. He/She will maintain the management of such photographic content and prepare digital galleries for presentation at general body meetings and events. H. SOCIALS CHAIR: This officer shall plan and arrange social events for the Chapter to promote networking and a sense of community among members. I. COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIR: This officer is responsible for getting the Chapter involved in charitable activities and philanthropic organizations. He/She shall coordinate fundraising for charity and community service. J. FUNDRAISING CHAIR: This officer is responsible for coordinating fundraising activities for the Chapter. He/She shall manage all of the Chapter s external fundraising events and maintain communications with co-sponsoring organizations. K. EDUCATION CHAIR: This officer is responsible for coordinating pre-professional workshops and promoting student involvement within the Chapter. He/She shall create and obtain workshop material and maintain such records. L. STUDENT ORGANIZATION ADVISOR: The Student Organization Advisor shall attend all meetings of the organization and shall serve as the official liaison to the Telecommunication Department, the Journalism and Communications College, the University, the State, and the National Office. When possible, the Chapter will pay any membership dues associated with the Student Organization Advisor. ARTICLE VII ELECTIONS SECTION 1 (QUALIFICATIONS): In order to become an officer, the individual must be a member in good standing at the time of election. The member must also maintain a 2.5 grade point average per University of Florida Regulations. SECTION 2 (VOTING/NOMINATION PROCESS): Each year at the last general meeting in March, the Chapter shall open the floor for nominations. Any member may nominate any other voting member, including himself or herself. At this meeting, the Chapter will elect the officers by secret ballot. Each member in good standing shall have one (1) vote. Officers will be elected by a simple majority vote. In the event of a tie, a run-off election will be held immediately. Term of office shall be for one (1) year (April March). The term of office for the Student Organization Advisor is set at (1) year to be reappointed by the new executive board at the beginning of each academic year. SECTION 3 (SPECIAL ELECTIONS): If any office is vacated during the year, a special election will be held. The Chapter President, or if no President, the Student Organization Advisor, shall have the power to appoint a member in good standing to fill the vacated office until the special election can be held.

SECTION 4 (STUDENT ORGANIZATION ADVISOR): The Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society s Student Organization Advisor shall serve a 1 year term and will be appointed or re-appointed by the new executive board at the beginning of each academic year. ARTICLE VIII STUDENT ORGANIZATION ADVISOR SECTION 1 (DEFINITION OF ADVISOR): The Student Organization Advisor shall serve as a resource person and provide advisory support for the officers and members of the organization. The Student Organization Advisor should attend executive and general meetings; however, the Student Organization Advisor may not vote in any Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society matters. The Student Organization Advisor shall be nominated by the officers and confirmed by a majority vote of the members. SECTION 2 (ELECTION OF ADVISOR): The Student Organization Advisor will be appointed by the elected officers following the March elections meeting. The Student Organization Advisor shall serve a 1 year term and will be appointed or re-appointed by the new executive board at the beginning of each academic year. SECTION 3 (REPLACEMENT PROCESS): Should the Student Organization Advisor retire or leave the position at any point, the President shall call an emergency officer meeting and the elected officers will appoint a new Student Organization Advisor at that time. Should the Student Organization Advisor be remiss in his/her duties, the officers can impeach the Student Organization Advisor by a 2/3 vote at an officer meeting. ARTICLE IX FINANCE The Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society will not require membership dues; however, it will raise funds through carwashes and similar activities, for t-shirts, travel to leadership conferences and the purchase of books on leadership. Members are expected to participate in these fundraising activities. The Chapter will also apply for Student Government funding. For purposes of Internal Revenue Service definition, the local chapter will not be included as part of the national organization's Form 990 tax return and the local chapter is not eligible to use the organization's tax ID number for local activities or operations. The Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society will not charge dues for local chapter membership. However, the National Chapter sets forth dues not to exceed $50 per year; members of the local chapter are not required to pay dues to the National chapter. ARTICLE X - DISSOLUTION OF ORGANIZATION

In the event that the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society dissolves, all money left in the treasury, after outstanding debts and claims have been paid, shall be donated to the National chapter of the National Broadcasting Society Alpha Epsilon Rho. ARTICLE XI COMMITTEES SECTION 1 (DEFINITION AND CREATION): In order to carry on the work and activities of the Chapter, the President may create committees and appoint a committee head and committee members. Each committee shall contain a committee head. Where appropriate, committees will automatically disband once the goal of the committee has been accomplished. Members of standing committees shall be appointed immediately after the election of officers in March. SECTION 2 (FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE): The Chapter requires operating funds. A committee shall be appointed to develop and coordinate fundraising projects. SECTION 3 (GUEST SPEAKERS COMMITTEE) The Chapter requires guest speakers to come to meetings and events. A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to coordinate professional presentations. The Vice President shall oversee this committee. SECTION 4 (SOCIAL AND TRIPS COMMITTEE) The Chapter requires an initiation ceremony, end of year banquet, and attending National Convention. A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to plan these events. SECTION 5 (INTERNSHIPS/AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE) The Chapter requires a constant flow of information regarding internships and scholarships. A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to keep the chapter up-to-date with this information. SECTION 6 (COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE) A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to organize and plan events to serve the community. SECTION 7 (STUDY RECORDS COMMITTEE) A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to help members stay on top of classes and exams. This committee will organize study groups and provide resources for finding student tutors.

SECTION 8 (MEMBER RECRUITMENT/EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE) The Chapter requires steady flow of incoming members. A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to help get the word out about the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of National Broadcasting Society and recruit new members. The Director of Communications will oversee this committee. SECTION 9 (NATIONAL/ALUMNI COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE) The Chapter needs to remain in contact with all alumni and its respective national boards. A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to work as a liaison between the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter and the National directors of the National Broadcasting Society. ARTICLE XII MEMBERSHIP TYPES AND PRIVILEGES SECTION A. (INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP TYPES) There shall be four types of membership in the chapter. Membership is open to any qualified person regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, or handicap. Qualifications are outlined as follows. 1. Student Membership shall be limited to currently enrolled University of Florida undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty, staff, and student spouses may be associate members but may not vote or hold office. An exception to this is the Student Organization Advisor position whose voting process and duties are outlined in Article VIII. Privileges of membership shall include the ability to purchase and display official insignia, vote for and hold National and Local office, and shall include a subscription to NBS publications, National membership certificate and membership card, in addition to other privileges as may be established by the National Board. 2. Alumni/Professional Membership shall be granted to those individuals who demonstrated through their industry achievements or expressed interest, a clear willingness to participate in and actively promote the Society s aims and projects. Privileges of membership shall be identical to those for National Student membership. 3. Alpha Epsilon Rho Membership, the honor society within the National Broadcasting Society, is open to members of NBS who are pursuing degrees in radio, television, mass communication, film, cable or other programs in electronic media and are nominated into membership based on scholastic excellence, merit and/or recognized creative achievement. Precise requirements and the nomination process will be established by the National Council. 4. Honorary Membership shall be granted on a local basis, by a majority vote of the chapter for service to the Chapter by an individual or organization. This membership carries no dues or other obligations on the part of the recipient.

SECTION B. (PRIVILEGES AND OBLIGATIONS) Members of the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society have the following privileges and obligations. A. The privileges of membership shall include the ability to purchase and display official insignia, participate in conventions, vote for and hold office, and such other privileges as may be established by the chapter. B. All members are expected to remain in good standing by satisfying the obligations required of them including: submitting National dues on time and attending at least onehalf (1/2) of scheduled meetings each term. C. Failure to accomplish the above obligations will result in expulsion from the Chapter. SECTION C. (SUSPENSION OF MEMBERSHIP): The Chapter may suspend the membership of any member by majority vote of the Executive Committee and with just cause. The party involved must be informed of this action and the reason(s) for it in writing. SECTION D. (DISASSOCIATION): All members and associate members shall be free to leave and disassociate without fear of retribution or harassment. ARTICLE XIII UNIVERSITY GUIDELINES SECTION 1 (MEMBERSHIP): There shall be no active members of this organization who are not currently enrolled University of Florida students, members of the faculty or staff, or their spouses. Non-voting members of the chapter will be NBS members who are graduates of the program and/or area professionals with national memberships. SECTION 2 (FINANCES): All money received, for whatever purpose, will be deposited in the Chapter s bank account. All disbursements will be made by the Chapter Treasurer, President and/or Advisor. SECTION 3 (OFFICER ELIGIBILITY): Officers of the organization shall hold and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 for undergraduate students or 3.0 for graduate students, not be on disciplinary or academic probation, and shall be fulltime students of the University of Florida. SECTION 4 (AUTHORITY OF THE UNIVERSITY): The Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society will adhere to the Student Guide as set forth by the University of Florida. No rules may be enacted that are in conflict with the rules of the University. Nothing in these by-laws shall in any way limit the final authority of the University. ARTICLE XIV PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

SECTION 1 (QUORUM): One-half (1/2) of the members in good standing in the Chapter shall constitute a quorum for a business meeting. No official business may be conducted without a quorum present. The Executive Committee may hold a session only if more than three-quarters (3/4) of the Committee is present. SECTION 2 (AMENDING THE BY-LAWS): The by-laws are the basic framework of the Chapter and can only be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of voting members present, provided a quorum is present. Proposed amendments must be published or otherwise made known to the membership at least thirty (30) days prior to voting. No rules may be enacted that are in conflict with the rules of the National organization. SECTION 3 (PARLIAMENTARY RULE): All meetings and business of the Chapter shall be conducted according to Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised or most current edition. The President may appoint an individual to act as parliamentarian for this purpose. ARTICLE XV AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society by a two thirds vote of the members present and voting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment was given at the previous meeting and that the proposed amendment shall be subject to approval of the Center for Student Activities and Involvement. Chapter President Date Chapter Advisor Date Bylaws ARTICLE FIVE, SECTION 3: (GUEST SPEAKERS COMMITTEE) The Chapter requires guest speakers to come to meetings and events. A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to coordinate professional presentations. This committee shall be overseen by the Vice President. ARTICLE FIVE, SECTION 4: (SOCIALS AND TRIPS COMMITTEE) The Chapter requires an Initiation ceremony, end of year banquet, and attending National Convention. A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to plan these events.

ARTICLE FIVE, SECTION 5: (INTERNSHIPS/AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIPS COMMITTEE) The Chapter requires a constant flow of information regarding internships and scholarships. A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to keep the chapter up-to-date with this information. ARTICLE FIVE, SECTION 6: (COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE) A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to organize and plan events to serve the community. ARTICLE FIVE, SECTION 7: (STUDY RECORDS COMMITTEE) A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to help members stay on top of classes and exams. This committee will organize study groups and provide resources for finding students tutors. ARTICLE FIVE, SECTION 8: (MEMBER RECRUITMENT/EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE) The Chapter requires steady flow of incoming members. A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to help get the work out about the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter of National Broadcasting Society and recruit new members. This committee will be overseen by the Director of Communications. ARTICLE FIVE, SECTION 9: (NATIONAL/ /ALUMNI COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE) The Chapter needs to remain in contact with all alumni and its respective national boards. A committee shall be appointed by the executive board to work as a liaison between the Gainesville Florida Collegiate Chapter and the National directors of the National Broadcasting Society. Chapter President Date Chapter Advisor Date