Criminology Club Constitution

College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University

CSB/SJU Criminology Club

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1: CSB/SJU Criminology Club (CC) 

Section 2: Purpose/Mission

The Criminology Club (CC) at CSB/SJU provides the opportunity for students to learn more about the study of criminology, the professions related to criminology and those affected by the criminal justice system, while also helping to create a future path for those pursuing interests in this field of study. The club offers students the opportunity to interact and learn from those in related fields of criminology through tours, guest speakers, lunch-ins, workshops, conferences, and community service projects throughout the year. Finally, the club offers all CSB/SJU students the opportunity to meet at least once a month on a day, or evening, to discuss and obtain further knowledge in the field of criminology. 

Section 3: Affiliation

Not affiliated with any other regional/national organizations 

Article II: Membership

Section 1: Membership Criteria

All CSB/SJU students are eligible for club membership 

Section 2: Voting Member Criteria

Voting members must attend at least 50% of meetings or events throughout the year. Attendance will be taken at each meeting and event. Regular attendance will be necessary in order to be eligible to vote. 

Section 3: Removal of Members

No one will be asked to leave the club at any time. An officer position, such as president or vice president, can be replaced if the 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 of officer-ship at a special election called by the co-presidents. The club members that do not attend the required 50% of meetings can remain in the club, but simply will not be allowed to vote. The voting and election will be completed within a month if an officer is removed from their current position. 

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 an officer position. The positions will later be elected by all voting members. See Article IV for Election procedures. 

Officers must be a voting member of the CC club for at least one year. They need to demonstrate dedication to the club, knowledge of the area's, and good leadership skills. The current officers may nominate members who demonstrate these characteristics. A simple majority of the current officers, 51% or more, must approve the nomination. If no members have been in the club for more than one year, than all members are eligible to be an officer. 

Section 2: Elected Officers

-Co-Presidents

-Vice President

-Treasurer

-Recruiting Officer

 

Section 3: Duties of Officers 

President(s)

Preside at meetings, run election process, primary point of contact, appoint committee chairs, other 

Vice President

Assume President’s duties in his/her absence, schedule meeting/practice rooms/facilities, primary contact with the JCB, plans member/officer training programs, other

Treasurer

Keeps all financial records, submits monthly audit statements to CFB contact, notifies organization of financial issues, prepares budget/allocation requests 

Recruiting Officer

Recruits new Johnnies and Bennies, advertises club events, and communicates with other campus clubs, departments, etc. 

Section 4: Vacancy in Office

In the event a vacancy should occur (resignation or removal), officers will follow the chain of command and assume the position above them (e.g., in the event that the President leaves office, the Vice President will assume those duties). A special election will be held and a new officer will be elected within one month. Refer to Article IV for the election process. 

Section 5: Removal of Officers

No one will be asked to leave the club at any time. An officer position, such as president or vice president, can be replaced if the 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 of officer-ship at a special election called by the co-presidents. The club members that do not attend the required 50% of meetings can remain in the club, but simply will not be allowed to vote. The voting and election will be completed within a month if an officer is removed from their current position. See Article II, Section III 

Section 6: Appeal of Removal of Officers

There will be no appeals. Removed officers may stay in the club as members and be elected back into the position the following academic year.

Article IV: Elections

Section 1: Nomination Process

Any qualified member may run for any officer position. A qualified member is someone who is considered a voting member by attending the required amount of meetings and activities, shows positive leadership and an interest in the club's well-being and development. All candidates must submit the "Officer Candidate Form" for approval by current officers. The Officer candidate for 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 president prior to the election meeting. There will be a two-week window to submit applications, and approval following within one week. 

Section 2: Election

The election will take place in the second to last meeting of the year in the spring semester. Newly elected officers will start their term in the next fall semester. Elections will be conducted with a ballot of all possible candidates and placed into an ice cream bucket. All current officers will tally votes together to ensure correct counting. An officer can serve for 3 years or 6 academic semesters. 

Section 3: Special Elections

Special elections will occur if an officer leaves or is removed. The same procedures as outlined in section 2 will occur within one month of vacancy. The newly elected officer will start his/her term immediately.  

Article V: Advisor

Section 1: Selection

The club will choose and advisor through the sociology department. The advisor must have previous experience and knowledge in the criminal justice field, a desire to mentor members, further members understanding of criminal justice, and forward the organization's goals. 

Section 2: Duties

Approve, assist, and advise the officers plans. This can be in the form of meetings, networking with guest speakers, setting up off/on campus events, and other organizational concerns.

Article VI: Meetings

Section 1: Regular Meeting/Club Activities

Meetings will occur once a month on a day, or evening. Members will be notified via email before the meeting. Meetings will consist of officers facilitating discussions towards new events, speakers, and knowledge of criminal justice practices. After discussions, there will be time for voting, questions, or any other concerns related to the topics discussed. 

Section 2: Special Meetings

Special meetings will be called in the case of the vacancy of an officer, or in the case to plan and rehearse club events, meetings, guest speakers, etc. They will be called via email. 

Article VII: Committees

Section 1: Committee Structure

Committees will be appointed by the presidents of the club as needed. There will need to be at least one officer in each committee to serve as a leader and report to the presidents and others.

Article  III: Finances

Section 1: Co-Funding Board

The club will apply for CFB monies and if allocated resources, the CSB/SJU Criminal Justice Club will follow all CFB and institutional regulations, and keep all club funds in on-campus accounts.

Section 2: Dues (optional)

Membership in the club will be free. Personal funds may be required for off campus events. 

Article IX: Amendments

Section 1: Ratification

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 must be present at the vote in order for any changes to occur. 

Section 2: Submittal to Department of Student Activities and Joint Club Board

Any changes made to this constitution must be submitted to the Department of Student Activities and the JCB.

Article X:

The CSB/SJU Criminology 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 XI

The CSB/SJU Criminology Club considers hazing to be a degrading and destructive activity which is inconsistent with the standards of this student organization. The (name of club/organization) recognizes the dignity of every person and opposes all forms of hazing. 

Article XII

The CSB/SJU Criminology Club agrees that its activities, mission statement and goals are consistent with the Benedictine Values. 

Date of recognition/revision: 1/19/18