Organization Constitution

Academic Year 2014-2015

Article I:	Organization Title and Purpose

Section 1:	The name of this organization is: Student Veterans Association

at Lone Star College-Montgomery.

Section 2:	The purpose of this organization shall be as follows:

Goal #1: Working diligently to support the transition from military life to civilian life.

Goal #2: Provide veteran students and family members support through common experiences and exchanges of advice about resilience and successes of military life experiences.

Goal #3: Provide a group to support student veterans in succeeding in post-secondary programs and contribute to civilian society in meaningful ways.

Goal #4: Assist with networking opportunities that facilitate the development of successful students.

Article II:	Membership

Section 1:	Any registered student (full or part time) at LSC-Montgomery who is in good standing with the college and fulfills the membership requirements which coincide with the purpose of the organization is eligible for membership. Alumni, faculty and staff of LSC-Montgomery may participate as members, but may not have voting privileges or serve as officers of the organization.

Section 2:	Privileges of active student members include community and campus activities, voting, nominations, serving as an officer, meeting attendance, and fundraising efforts.

Section 4:	In order to guarantee equal rights to all members of the LSC-Montgomery student body, equal opportunities shall be afforded to all students without regard to race, color, national/and or ethnic origin, religion, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, veteran status, or physical ability.

Article III:	Officers

Section 1:	The elected officers of SVA shall be as follows: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. These officers will serve as the Executive Committee of the organization.

Section 2:	All officers shall meet the following requirements:

A registered student at LSC-Montgomery

Commitment to serve in the appointed position throughout the academic year

Ability to conduct themselves in a fashion that their actions will not reflect negatively on the image of the organization, its members or LSC-Montgomery

Section 3:	Length of term for appointed offices will be one academic year. Upon completion of the term, officers who wish to maintain the same position must be re-elected. Elections will be held each spring semester for the following year.

Section 4:	The selection of the faculty sponsor(s) for the organization shall be voted on by the Executive Committee.

Section 5:	Duties of Officers

The presence of all members of the Executive Committee is mandatory for all regular meetings.

The President shall oversee all the meetings and activities, and who shall make sure that, at all times, the organization is abiding by the rules and regulations set forth by LSCS policies. In the case that a representative is needed, the president will represent the organization on its behalf except in the case where another member has been assigned.

The Vice-President, who shall assist and support the President in all duties and responsibilities of the organization; oversee the needs of the organization including supplies and additional resources needed; and assist in budgeting decisions in reference to the organization.

The Secretary, who shall work closely with the President and Vice-President to keep abreast of organizational goals, needs, policies, and procedures; document and communicate meeting dates and minutes; and manage and maintain all SVA documents and files.

The Treasurer, who shall keep a comprehensive record of and balance of SVA finances and expenses; research and report current financial needs; maintain a positive working relationship with the Office of Student Life and Business Office personnel; and consult fellow officers in advising on budget needs and limitations before proceeding with decisions.

Section 6:	Quorum

When the chair has called a meeting to order after finding that a quorum is present, the continued presence of a quorum is presumed unless the chair or a member notices that a quorum is no longer present.

The chair has a duty to declare the absence of a quorum if he notices a quorum is no longer present, at least before taking any vote or stating the question of any new motion—which he can no longer do except in connection with the permissible proceedings related to the absence of a quorum.

Quorum for The Aperture will be 50% of active members.

Article IV:	Sponsors/Advisors

Section 1:	The sponsor of SVA shall work with the Executive Committee in coordinating campus activities, meetings, community service projects and other functions to ensure that SVA achieves its objectives.

Section 2:	The sponsor shall be responsible for providing guidance and support to The Aperture members, approval of appropriate activities, and having ultimate responsibility for the finances of SVA.

Article V:	Elections

Section 1:	All student members may nominate and vote in an election. The timeline for election of Executive Committee officers will be: each spring semester for the following academic year.

Article VI:	Election Procedures

Section 1:	Any and all open positions shall be announced at a general meeting of the organization, and advertised throughout campus. At the same meeting, the date, time and location of elections shall be announced, and subsequently advertised throughout campus. An open application period of not less than 2 weeks shall be given for interested candidates to submit applications for officer positions. At the end of the application period, all candidates’ eligibility will be determined prior to being presented at the election meeting.

Section 2:	Method of Nomination: Any active member of SVA can nominate a student to candidacy, or may nominate himself/herself. All nominated individuals must formally accept their nomination either verbally (at a general meeting of the organization) or in writing. Each position within the Executive Committee shall be voted upon separately.

Section 3:	All active members of SVA shall be allowed to vote anonymously by casting their individual votes.

Article VII:	Meetings

Section 1:	SVA shall meet on the following schedule: Throughout the semester, as announced by the club officers.

Meeting dates and times will be confirmed and announced during the previous meeting.

Section 2:	Emergency, special interest or additional meetings shall be confirmed by the President and/or Vice-President. Attendees will be given at least 3 days prior notice of meeting time, date and objective.

Article VIII:	Finances

Section 1:	Fiscal Operating Year is from September 1, 2014 thru August 31, 2015.

Section 2:	No money shall be spent or guaranteed without the approval of the President, Treasurer, and faculty/staff sponsor.

Article IX:	Amendments

Section 1:	Amendments to the organization’s constitution can only be made by a vote. All amendments shall be proposed and discussed during a regular meeting, and voted on at a separate and later regular meeting.

Section 2:	If approved, copies of the amended constitution must be provided to the faculty/staff sponsor and the Office of Student Life.

Article X:	Ratification and Enactment

Section 1:	This Constitution shall become effective immediately upon its approval by a two-thirds vote of a quorum of members and the Office of Student Life.

Section 2:	This Constitution shall become the official governing document of SVA at Lone Star College - Montgomery.