Allied Health Club Constitution

College of St. Benedict / St. John's University

Allied Health Club Constitution

Article I: Name & Purpose

Section 1: Name

Allied Health Club (AHC)

Section 2: Purpose & Mission

·       To provide a fun atmosphere to explore the related, but distinct career paths of physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and chiropractic by exploring and discussing issues and topics associated with each career field.  To provide a supportive environment where senior club members mentor younger members in preparing for graduate school and the application process.  To develop relationships with professional organizations, graduate programs in pre-professional health areas, and local health care facilities in order to promote service and learning opportunities for club members.

Section 3: Affiliation

There are no affiliations with this club.

Article II: Membership

Section 1: Eligibility for Membership

Club membership is open to any CSB/SJU student. No previous knowledge of physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, or chiropractic is required. New ideas and challenging thoughts are welcomed.

Section 2: Voting Member Criteria

Voting members must sign up to receive emails and updates about future events and elections. It is encouraged that they attend events.

Section 3: Removal of Members

No one will be asked to leave the club at any time. Any member of the executive board can be replaced if a current member holding the position fails to complete their duties such as missing regular meetings or failing to complete tasks as assigned. They will not be forced to leave the club but will be demoted. If the situation arises, the voting club members will vote for the removal and replacement at a special election called by the executive board. 

Article III: Officers

Section 1: Officer Qualifications

Any member that shows dedication to the club, knowledge of the areas, and possesses good leadership skills is eligible to run for a position on the executive board. The positions will later be elected by all voting members.

Section 2: Elected Officers

The elected positions of the executive board will be voted on by all voting members. The elected positions are as follows:

·       Executive Function Officer

·       Assistant of Executive Function Officer

·       Communications Officer

·       Financial Responsibility Officer 

Section 3: Duties of Officers

One officer will be assigned

Executive function

The duties of the executive function officer are to oversee and run the meetings and activities of the club by providing direction and ideas. This officer will form the agendas, delegate assignments, work with the other officers, set-up meeting sights, and make sure the club runs smoothly. The executive function officer will conduct all voting procedures and follow through with all decisions made.

Assistant of executive function

The duties of the assistant of executive function officer are to aid the executive function officer in any way possible such as helping with the agendas, voting, and organization of events. The assistant of executive function will help conduct the meetings and activities and see that all duties are completed.

Communications

The duties of the communications officer are to promote upcoming club events, record the events of each meeting, what is completed and what is not, events that are planned during each meeting, and making sure the meetings run according to schedule by keeping track of time. The communications officer will also maintain an accurate account of membership and attendance.

Financial Responsibility

The duties of the financial responsibility officer include keeping record of the club's budget, what is spent on certain activities or items, how much money the club currently has available, and the amounts the club has delegated out to specific events. The financial responsibility officer will also prepare budget requests whenever necessary.

Article IV: Meetings

Section 1: Establishment of Meetings

Before or after events meetings are held. All meetings are set up by the executive board and all members must be notified at least one week prior to the meeting date. The executive board must establish a clear agenda and send it out to all members. There will be four executive committee meetings each year to plan events.

Section 2: Attendance

Complete attendance is not mandatory but is encouraged. If a member or executive board officer knows they will be absent from a meeting, they must notify either the executive function officer or assistant executive function officer. Attendance will be recorded by the communications officer for each meeting and activity. If a member decides to run for an officer position, attendance will be considered as part of the final decision.

Section 3: Meeting Agenda

The agenda will be set up by the executive function officer and assistant of executive function officer with any suggestions for items to be discussed welcomed from any member of the club.

Section 4: Voting

All issues involving the club's funds must be voted on by the executive board. Any club member can request a vote on any issue at any time. All voting will take place at club or executive board meetings. At least two-thirds of the voting members must be present at the meeting for issues to be voted on.

Article V: Elections

Section 1: Candidates

Any qualified member may run for any executive board position. A qualified member is someone who is considered a voting member by attending the meetings and activities, shows positive leadership and an interest in the club's well-being and development. All candidates must submit the "Executive Board Candidate Form" which will declare candidacy and the candidate's qualifications and reasons for running. This form will be released prior to elections and need to be returned to the executive board prior to the election meeting.

Section 2: Election Process

All elections are administered by the executive board. All club members are eligible to vote. All ballets are to be secret, but all results will be made known to the club members. The election dates will be determined by the executive board but must be completed prior to end of the academic year so that all club members may vote.

Section 3: Terms

Once a board member is elected, they will keep their position until graduation. A special election will occur if an officer forfeits their position. The special election will be called by the other executive board members.

Section 4: Removal

An officer may be removed from their position for reasons such as missed meetings, incomplete duties, attitude, etc.  The executive function officer will call a special election where the majority of the vote will be needed in order for removal to occur, and at least two-thirds of the club's voting members must be present. Upon removal, another special election will be called to replace that officer.

Article VI: Advisor

Section 1: Selection

Executive board club officers will select CSB/SJU faculty advisor(s) they feel will provide appropriate guidance and that have a strong background and interest in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and chiropractic.

Section 2: Duties

Attend club meetings regularly, meet with officers before and after meetings, attend most club events, provide relevant information during meetings, and challenge members to think creatively.

Article VII

The Allied Health Club admits students without regard to their race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and other activities, generally accorded or made available to members of the organization. 

Article VIII

The Allied Health Club considers hazing to be a degrading and destructive activity which is inconsistent with the standards of this student organization. This club recognizes the dignity of every person and opposes all forms of hazing.

Article IX

The Allied Health Club agrees that its activities, mission statement and goals are consistent with the Benedictine Values.

Amendment Process

Section 1: Constitutional Changes

Any member may request changes to the constitution at any time. Voting will need to occur in order for any changes to be made. A majority vote will need to take place and at least 2/3 of the club's voting members or executive board must be present at the vote in order for any changes to occur.