Peace Studies Constitution
Article I. Name and Purpose
Section 1: Peace Studies Club
Section 2: Purpose/Mission
Peace Studies Club is an academic club that wishes to exist as an extension of the Peace Studies Major and Department with a purpose of; engaging students in academic activities surrounding the Peace Studies major, creating a liaison between the Peace Studies Faculty and students, to provide opportunities to explore after graduation programs and graduate schools, as well as create a connection between Peace Studies alumni and current students.
Article II. Membership
Section 1: Eligibility for Membership
All students of CSB/SJU are eligible for membership but our target audience will be CSB/SJU Peace Studies majors and minors and all students enrolled in a Peace Studies course.
Section 2: Voting Member Criteria
Voting Members: Any student who attends 2 meetings in a given academic school year can be a voting member (voting members include members of the executive board).
Non-voting members: Professors will not be allowed to vote.
Section 3: Removal of Members
If it becomes necessary for a member to be removed the process is thus; the executive board will vote and a 2/3 majority will be necessary in order for a removal to occur. All members of the executive board must be present for voting. Upon completion of the vote the concerned member will be notified of the decision and given a two week time period in which they may submit a written appeal, stating why they believe they should not be removed. The concerned member must also have a meeting with the entire executive board, at which a non-concerned party should be present in order to mediate.
After the appeal is reviewed the executive board will again vote, and a 2/3 majority will be necessary to confirm the removal of the member. Sentence Removed
Article III. Officers
Section 1: Officer Qualifications
Any member of the Peace Studies Club and is a Peace Studies Major or Minor, is eligible to become an officer.
Section 2: Elected Officers
There will be four elected officers with in the Peace Studies Club.
- Co-Presidents- two positions
- Treasurer
- Faculty/Club Liaison
Section 3: Duties of Officers
Co-Presidents
This position has the most responsibility within the group. The Co-Presidents are responsible for the following things: overseeing and mentoring all other officers; participating in the leadership of all meetings; calling meetings; canceling meetings; overseeing and organizing all events; voting in the removal of other officers; mentoring other officers in their duties; making sure all the events and activities are in accordance with the Peace Studies Department mission; delineating tasks to other officers and members of the group, and working with other clubs and organizations.
This person should be organized, fair, and have a deep understanding of the goals and mission of the Peace Studies Department and feel comfortable in working with faculty in various situations. The Co-Presidents are the contact for Student Activities, the Co-funding Board, and the Joint Club Board.
Treasurer
This person is responsible for monitoring the club allocation, generated funds, fundraising efforts, and speaker contracts. This person have a general understanding of money management and be willing to meet with the club auditor to understand approval of spending, reimbursements, contracts, and the funding process. The treasurer will be responsible for writing the funding request proposal as well as present the proposal to the CFB.
Club/Faculty Liaison
This person will be the main contact between the Peace Studies Faculty and Peace Studies Club members. It will be their responsibility to attend all Peace Studies Department meetings they are invited to and relay information shared at the meeting to the rest of the club. They are also expected to make sure that all Peace Studies Faculty members get a copy of meeting minutes. They will also be the primary contact person for all speakers brought to campus. Finally they will strengthen the connection between CSB/SJU Peace Studies Alumni and current students.
Section 4: Vacancy in Office
If there is a vacancy in any office the person holding the office directly below the vacancy will take over the spot of the vacant position, while maintaining their own position. No other positions will be changed. After a 2 week vacancy a vote will be taken by all voting members to elect a member for the vacant position if more than one person runs for the position.
Section 5: Removal of Officers
If any officer is going to miss a meeting they must contact the co-presidents immediately. The co-presidents must be present at all meetings, and if neither can make the meeting it must be cancelled.
If more than 2 meetings are missed within one month's time by any officer, this officer will be removed and the position will be open for a vote by voting members. An exception can be made if an officer misses 2 meetings in one month's time due to a special circumstance. All elected officials must agree that the circumstances present are reasonable to permit the position to be retained by the current officer.
If any officer is repeatedly not following through with duties or causing disruptions within the context of the group - the remaining elected officials may vote to remove the officer. A 2/3 majority by the elected officials is necessary to remove an officer for this reason.
Section 6: Appeal of Removal of Officers
An officer may be granted one appeal, one week after removal. They must submit, in writing, why they feel they deserve an appeal - to all of the current officers. At the next meeting the officers will evaluate the appeal. A 2/3 vote by the remaining elected officials is necessary to reinstate an officer. If the officer is not reinstated - the position will be opened at the next meeting, and a new officer will be voted in at the following meeting. An officer that has been removed my reapply for any position after one month. Sentence Removed
Article 4: Elections
Section 1: Nomination Process
Any member may nominate their self for a position or be nominated by another club member.
Section 2: Election
All interested parties must announce their candidacy for any of the previously mentioned positions. During the spring semester elections for the following year's leadership will be held, all voting members present will vote, in a secret ballot for each position for the following academic school year. There are no regulations concerning the number of terms that any person can serve. A 2/3 quorum must be present. Each member present for voting will be allowed one vote per position.
Section 3: Special Elections
Within 2 weeks of an office vacancy, whether for a removal or otherwise, a special vote will take place in order to fill the vacant office. All members present will be given one vote per vacancy, and the vote will be conducted by secret ballot. A 2/3 quorum must be present. Any interested member may run for the vacant position, and must announce their intention to run at the meeting prior to voting.
Article V: Advisor
Section 1: Selection
Any member of the executive board may nominate any Peace Studies faculty member as an advisor. After nomination, a vote of the elected officials will take place. A 3/4 majority vote by all elected officials is necessary in order to confirm a vote for advisor.
Section 2: Duties
The advisor must be available to give advice to the organization upon the organizations request. This can be in the capacity of; event ideas, fundraiser ideas, speaker requests, and any other capacity the group deems necessary.
Article VI: Meetings
Section 1: Regular Meeting/Club Activities
Bimonthly meetings will be held for the entire club. Officers may need to hold additional meetings as they see fit. All members will be notified of a meeting the day before by e-mail.
Section 2: Special Meetings
Special meetings will be called when the elected officials deem it necessary. Group members will be notified by email in such circumstances.
Section 3: Parliamentary Authority
Meetings will be run by the executive board. Introductions will be made first at each meeting, upon completion of introductions all pertinent club information will be presented by a member of the executive board.
Section 4: Quorum
2/3 of the voting members must be present in order for quorum to exist.
Article VII. Committees
Section 1: Committee Structure
We will have no committees.
Section 2: Special/Ad Hoc Committees
Special/Ad Hoc Committees may be formed if necessary.
Article VIII. Finances
Section 1: Co-Funding Board
Peace Studies Club will apply for Co-Funding Board Monies and will follow all CFB and institutional regulations.
Section 2: Honorariums
No honorariums will be given
Section 3: Dues
No dues will be taken.
Article IX: Amendments
Section 1: Ratification
In order for a constitutional amendment to occur a 2/3 majority vote of the voting members is needed. Any voting member may propose a constitutional amendment. At the following meeting a vote by the voting members will be taken. 2/3 majority vote is necessary for the ratification to occur. Upon completion of 2/3 majority vote the constitution will be ratified at the following meeting.
Section 2: Submittal to Department of Student Activities and JCB
Any changes made to the constitution must be submitted to the department of student activities and the JCB.
Article X:
The Peace Studies 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 Peace Studies Club considers hazing to be a degrading and destructive activity, which is inconsistent with the standards of this student organization. The Peace Studies Club recognizes the dignity of every person and opposes all forms of hazing.
Date of Creation:
February 13, 2010