Knitting Club Constitution

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1: Name

Knitting Club

Section 2: Purpose/Mission

The purpose of knitting club is to provide a fun social environment where students can learn and practice knitting skills while having opportunities for new projects and inspiration

Article II: Membership

Section 1: Eligibility for Membership

Knitting Club is open to any and all currently enrolled CSB/SJU students. 

Section 2: Voting Member Criteria

A student becomes an official member of the club after attending a majority of the weekly meetings. Members have the power to vote if issues arise in the club.

Section 3: Removal of Members

Members will be asked to withdraw from the club if determined by board which will be determined on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the leadership board. 

Article III: Officers

Section 1: Officer Qualifications

In order to be eligible to be an officer members must participate for one semester in the club, and have some previous experience with knitting. All officers must be current CSB/SJU students.

Section 2: Elected Officers

Elected officers will be chosen by taking a voting majority. The term will start on the first day of April during the spring semester. 

Section 3: Duties of Officers

Officer roles will be distributed based on strengths of individuals who want to contribute. There will be two co-presidents as well as a member taking on the role of the treasurer.

 The role of each elected member will be determined among members with one member who will preside at meetings, call special meetings, primary contact with the institutions, appoint committee chairs, runs the election process, other

One member will be responsible for scheduling meetings/practice rooms/facilities, be the primary contact with the JCB, plans member/officer training programs, other

Another member will take and distribute minutes of all club meetings, recorder keeper (current and past members, files minutes, etc), club historian, notify members of meetings, handles the official correspondence of the club, other

Another will keep all financial records, submits monthly audit statements to CFB contact (this is a mandatory requirement if you receive CFB funds), notifies organization of financial issues, prepares budget/allocation requests.

Section 4: Vacancy in Office

In the event a vacancy should occur (resignation or removal), provisions must be made to fill the vacancy. Officer succession/"chain of command" should be addressed (e.g., in the event that the President leaves office, the Vice President will assume those duties until a special election is held. 

Section 5: Removal of Officers

A petition to remove the officer in question must be submitted to another officer. This petition must contain the signatures of 50% of voting members. When such petition is received, the officer shall call a meeting of the club to determine whether or not the officer should be removed.

Grounds for removal are then presented by the officer in charge at a regular or special club meeting. The officer in question shall be provided an opportunity to present a defense either in person or in writing. A quorum shall be present, and a ⅔ majority vote of the voting members shall decide upon removal.

Section 6: Appeal of Removal of Officers

Any official removed from the office has the opportunity to discuss their concerns with the Knitting Club Officers who may reinstate any removed official if decided upon as a majority. 

Article IV: Elections

Section 1: Nomination Process

Candidates will be nominated by current members or through self-nomination. 

Section 2: Election 

A position can be held for a maximum of two years unless the majority of the committee chooses otherwise. Elections will be held before the semester spring of each year for the following academic year. The Department of Student Activities should be notified of the new officers. Selection of club leaders should be democratic in nature;all official club members should have a voice in the club election process.

Section 3: Special Elections

Special meetings shall be called when necessary. In the case of a member or an executive official giving a defense, a special meeting will occur. Unless dealing with a removal, a special meeting shall be conducted like a regular meeting. 

 

Article V: Advisor

Section 1: Selection

The advisor will be chosen based on their interest and passion in knitting.

Section 2: Duties

The advisor will be present at monthly meetings and will also be the point of contact regarding assistance with fundraising, and other club activities.

Article VI: Meetings

Section 1: Regular Meeting/Club Activities

Meetings will occur once every week. Members will be notified of weekly meetings via email.

Section 2: Special Meetings

A special meeting would be called if we needed more focus on an objective or project.

Section 3: Parliamentary Authority

Meetings will be run when necessary and will address any concerns brought up.

Section 4: Quorum*

What There must be ⅔  of members present for official club business to occur

 

Article VII: Committees

Section 1: Committee Structure

Should it become necessary, the co leaders have the authority to create committees to oversee certain activities within the club. 

Article VIII: Finances

Section 1: Co-Funding Board

"If allocated resources, the Knitting club will follow all CFB and institutional regulations, and keep all club funds in on-campus accounts." Funds may be allocated towards knitting supplies such as needles and yarn as well as resources such as books or kits.

Article IX: Amendments

Section 1: Ratification

Voting procedures will be ran at the end of the given semester.

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 Knitting club agrees that its activities, mission statement and goals are consistent with the Benedictine Values.  

Article XI 

The Knitting 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 XII 

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

Updated 3/12/20