Article I

Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of this organization is to become more acquainted with the writing form of poetry.  We will do this through the studies of the different forms of poetry, learn how to read and write poetry, and also learn about the history of poetry including the well-known poets of today and yesterday.  This will all be accomplished through weekly meetings, workshops and poetry meetings both on campus and off.

Section 2. Parliamentary Procedure
All questions of parliamentary procedure at any meeting of the membership, or at any committee meeting shall be settled according to the last edition of “Robert’s Rules of Orders” except where otherwise ordered by the two-thirds majority of those members at any such meeting.
 

Article II

Section 1. Qualification
All students, faculty, or staff members of Marshall University are eligible to become a member of MUSOP.  Membership is open to all without regards to race, sex, color, ethnic origin, religious affiliation, age, physical or psychological handicap, or sexual orientation.

Section 2. Rights and Obligations
 All members shall:
A. Be entitled to attend all functions
B. Be entitled to vote at all general and special meetings
C. Be required to adhere to the constitution of the organization.
D. Be required to attend at least 2/3rds of meetings to participate in any major event.

Section 3. Resignation
A member may resign from office or from the organization at any regular or special meeting verbally or at any time in writing.

Section 4. Suspension
Any member, who for any act or conduct which by the decision of the club officer is injurious to the best interest of this organization, may be suspended from the club upon two-thirds affirmative vote of the club’s attending members.

Section 5. Meetings
A. REGULAR MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS. One meeting will be held per week, and as a member you are required to attend these meetings.  The meetings will be held on Fridays at 6:00 p.m.  The actual days and meeting times will sometime vary depending on room availability and activity schedules.
B. SPECIAL MEETINGS.  The President may call special meetings.
C. COMMITTEE MEETINGS.  Committee meetings will be held as deemed necessary by their directors.
D. CONDUCT.  Any person that disturbs the peace during any meeting may be suspended or asked to pay a fine depending on the severity.  This will be determined by the officers.
E. QUORUM.  All active members in attendance at any regular meeting or special meeting shall constitute a quorum.
 

Article III

Section 1. Dues
Each member is required to pay a membership fee of $5.00 a year, or $3.00 a semester.

Section 2. Trip Fees
Before each trip the organization decides to attend, there will be a fund-raising activity that each member can participate in.  It is important to remember that you will only receive money from the fund-raising if you participate in it.  The only other fees that occur would be for the remaining balance of the trip, food, souvenirs, and for any guest you would like to bring on the trip.
 

Article IV

Section 1. Officers
The officers of this organization shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sgt.-At-Arms.

Section 2. Qualifications
A. A candidate for an elected office must be a student of Marshall University with a minimum GPA of 2.2.
B. Although not a mandatory requirement it is hoped that the candidate will have at least one semester of club experience and knowledge of the club’s activities and purpose.

Section 3. Term of Office and Vacancy
All officers shall be elected to serve for the term of one year from February 1 to January 31.  An officer can hold officer for more than one year, though he or she must run again in the next election for office.  Upon occurrence of any vacancy, the President will appoint a temporary successor to serve until the club and its members select a permanent successor.

Section 4. Elections
Elections will be held the first week of February during the regular club meeting.  This meeting will be a mandatory event for all the members of the club.  Candidate for office must be present at the meeting to be elected.  A simple majority vote from the attending members will decide the winners.

Section 5. Duties
A. PRESIDENT    The President shall be the chief executive officer of this organization.  He or she shall provide over all of its meetings and shall assign duties to officers/members as required.
B. VICE PRESIDENT    The Vice President shall perform the duties of President in his or her absence or inability to act.  He or she may be responsible for expediting and coordinating committee assignments and activities, and shall be the liaison between the President and the committees.
C. SECRETARY    The duties for the Secretary are as follows:  He or she must take minutes at all regular or special meetings and keep a record of the topics that are discussed during the meeting.  Also the secretary will be responsible for making members aware of cancelled and special meetings, trip dates, etc.
D. TREASURER    The duties of Treasurer are as follows:  He or she will have custody of all funds and all items of value that may come into the club’s possession and keep a complete record of the funds.  Report status of same at all regular membership meetings, and provide basic budget information for functions.
E. SGT.-AT-ARMS    The Sgt.-At-Arms is expected to keep the peace at each of the meetings.  This includes keeping the group under control and removing anyone who disturbs the meeting.
 

Article V

Section 1. Committees and Non-elected Positions
A. The President, with the aide of the other officers, shall determine the committees of this organization.
B. The following non-elected positions may be considered by the President to assist in the Club management:
1. Historian
2. Hospitality
3. Membership
4. Newsletter Editor
5. Publicity
6. Others as needed
 

Article VI

Section 1. Amendments to Bylaws
These bylaws may only be amended by a majority of the voting membership.  The club’s officers shall determine the time and method of voting.
 

Article VII

Section 1. Hazing
In accordance with the policies of Marshall University and all national organizations represented on campus, hazing will not be permitted.  All acts of hazing by any organization member are forbidden, they are:

“Any action taken or situation created that intentionally whether on or off campus, to produce mental, emotional, or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule.  Such activities and situations may include paddling, creation of excessive fatigue, sleep deprivation, shocks, inappropriate quests, engaging in public stunts, morally degrading the dignity of the individual including forced use and abuse of alcohol and drugs.”