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ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN STUDENTS
Constitution
Article I
By this constitution we, the students from Africa, would like to establish an organization to be known as the ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN STUDENTS.
The organization shall and will include students from all African countries and surrounding islands.
1.1 Mission:
The mission of this organization is to promote African culture and values, and appreciate its diversity by creating a mutual understanding and a positive view to Marshall University and the community at large.
1.2 Objectives:
The objectives of the organization shall include:
- to promote African culture and languages in the community
- to increase the awareness of diversities in African continent and the Marshall university community
- to encourage and create enthusiasm among students to study African related courses being taught at Marshall
- to provide a healthy forum of discussion on the future of Africa and its people in the areas of economy, social and politics.
1.3 Parliamentary procedure:
All matters or issues of parliamentary procedure at any meeting of the Organization, or at any committee, shall be settled according to the last edition of Robert’s Rules of Order except where otherwise ordered by two-thirds majority of those members present at any such meeting.
Article II
2.1 Qualification:
All African students, faculty or staff members of Marshall University are eligible to become members of the organization, without regard to sex, color, religious affiliation, ethnic origin, and age.
2.2 Rights and Obligations:
All members shall be entitled
- to attend all functions
- to vote in all general and special meetings
- to promote the interest of the group
- to adhere to the constitution of the organization
2.3 Resignation:
A member may resign from office or from the organization at any regular or special meeting verbally or at any time in writing.
2.4 Suspension:
A member may be suspended upon the decision of the elected officers, if such is engaged in any act found to be dubious and injurious to the organization and the community at large.
2.5 Meetings:
A. REGULAR MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
A regular membership meeting will be held once a week. The actual days may vary due to room availability and individual schedule. Members shall be duly informed in advance of any changes in meeting schedule.
B. SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special meetings can be called if an acceptable number or two-third of the members deemed it necessary.
C. COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Committee meetings shall be held as deemed necessary by the elected officers.
D. CONDUCT
Any person or persons found disturbing the peace of fellow members during a meeting may be disciplined.
E. QUORUM
All active members in attendance at any regular meeting or special meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Article III
3.1 Dues
Elected officers of the organization shall establish membership dues and any other dues deemed fit thereafter.
Article IV
4.1 Officers
The Officers of this organization shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary General, Treasurer and a Coordinating/Publicity Secretary.
4.2 Qualifications:
a. Candidate for an elected office must be an African student of Marshall University in good standing and with a minimum GPA of 2.80
b. The candidate must be an active member of the organization for a least a semester prior to his/her election.
4.3 Terms of Office and Vacancy
All officers shall be elected to serve for the term of one year, at the beginning of the academic year, starting August of that year to May of the following year. Upon the occurrence in any vacancy, the officers shall appoint a member to fill the vacant position. If accepted by the member, he or she shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
4.4 Elections:
Elections would be held during the first week of the academic session. Members who wish to be elected must be present at the meeting and a simple majority vote from attending members would decide the winners.
4.5 Duties
A. PRESIDENT
The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the organization. He or She shall preside over all meetings and shall assign duties to officers or members as required.
B. VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in his or her absence or inability to act. He or she shall be responsible for expediting and coordinating committee assignments and activities and shall liaise between the president and the committee.
C. SECRETARY GENERAL
The Secretary General shall direct the affairs of the organization and shall be the link between the organization and outside parties. He or she shall take minutes at all meetings and shall keep record of all funds and valuable items belonging to the organization.
D. TREASURER
The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds and other items of values, and shall keep complete records of funds. He or she shall report and give account on all cash inflows and out flow at regular meetings and also provide basic budget information for the organization.
E. COORDINATING/PUBLICITY SECRETARY
This Coordinating/publicity secretary shall inform all members of the events. He or she shall remind members of any upcoming activities and report back to the President. He or she shall be in charge of recruiting new members to the organization.
Article V
5.1 Committees and Non-elected positions
A. the President assisted by other elected officers shall determine the committees of the organization.
B. the following non-elected positions may be considered by the President to assist in the management of the organization.
1. Public Relations Officer
2. Historian
3. Hospitality
4. Newsletter Editor
5. Others as needed
Article VI
6.1 Amendments to Bylaws
Bylaws may only be amended by a majority of voting members. A majority shall constitute two-thirds of the regular attending members. This constitution may be amended or revised if any member makes a written request to the organization, and all members are duly notified within a time frame of six month. Such amendment shall not be effective unless approved by at least two-thirds of all members.
Article VII
7.1 Hazing Policy
In accordance with the policy of Marshall University and all national organizations represented on our campus, hazing would not be accepted or permitted. These constitute any action taken or situation created intentionally whether on or off campus to produce mental, emotional, physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities may include padding, creation of excessive fatigue, sleep deprivation, shocks, and inappropriate quest. Engaging in public stunts and morally degrading the dignity of an individual, including the false use of alcohol and drugs will not be tolerated.
Approved
Date:
Signature(s):