Bricks Area Council Constitution
Last update: 9/19/2007 We, the resident students of Hoover, Royce and Washburn Halls, in order to form a more united community and promote the educational goals of San Jose State University, through leadership opportunities and innovative programming do ordain and establish this constitution for the Bricks Area Council. ARTICLE I. Identity Section 1. Name of Organization a. The name of this Organization will be Bricks Area Council (the Organization, herein). Section 2. Mission Statement a. Bricks Area Council is an organization comprised of all Hoover, Royce and Washburn halls students focused on creating an inclusive community that fosters leaning and development through the encouragement and recognition of leadership potential in its residents and serving as a voice for the needs of the community. ARTICLE II. Purpose Section 1. Representation a. The purpose of this Bricks Area Council is to represent the student residents of Hoover, Royce and Washburn Halls on all matters concerning the Bricks housing community. Section 2. Programming a. The Organization will act as the central programming body to coordinate events that include Hoover, Royce and Washburn Halls. Section 3. Leadership Opportunities a. The Organization will provide leadership opportunities for personal and professional growth. Section 4. Funding a. The Organization will seek to provide funding for programs in the pursuit for community development. ARTICLE III. Affiliation Section 1. Organization Affiliations a. The Bricks Area Council is not affiliated with any local, state, or national organizations. ARTICLE IV. Executive Branch Section 1. Executive Members a. The Executive Branch (Bricks Executive Board, herein) will consist of the following officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Publicity Officer(s), Programming Officer(s), Historian and Advisor(s).
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Section 2. a. b. Section 3. a.
i. All officers of this organization must be matriculated, currently enrolled students at San Jose State University (the University, herein) and reside within Hoover, Royce or Washburn Hall. The President and Treasurer of this organization must maintain a minimum overall 2.0 grade point average, must be enrolled in at least 6 units, and must be in good standing with San Jose State University during their term of office. ii. Bricks Executive Board members will be required to attend three-fourths (3/4) of all Bricks Area Council Hall Government meetings. iii. Bricks Executive Board members may not hold any other executive position in Hall Councils or CHALC during their term of office in the Organization. iv. Bricks Board members may not hold the following student staff positions while in office: Resident Life Coordinator, Assistant Resident Life Coordinator, or Resident Advisor, v. All elected and appointed officials shall remain in good judicial standing with the University and UHS with no more than three (3) documented violations in one (1) academic year. vi. Elected and appointed officials found not complying with the qualifications noted above or if found responsible for sever violations of Housing Facility Regulations and Standards or the University Code of Conduct will not be allowed to continue in office. vii. All Bricks Executive Board members cannot take more than eighteen (18) units per academic semester for the entirety of their term. Terms of Office Elected members of the Bricks Board will service a term of one academic year. All officers and advisors of this organization are required to complete an Alcohol Education Training offered by Student Involvement. President The duties of the President are as follows: i. Shall act as Chief Executive Office of the Organization. ii. Shall be the official representative of the Bricks and serve as the official delegate of the President’s Council. iii. Shall serve as the Chairperson of all Bricks Area Council quorum meetings. iv. Shall attend CHALC Board quorum meetings and act as a liaison between CHALC and Bricks Area Council. v. Shall deliver an “Area Report” to CHALC quorum meetings, informing CHALC quorum members of any Bricks Area Council events. If he/she is unable to, he/she will appoint someone to give the hall report.
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vi. Shall go over Robert’s Rules of Order and Parliamentary Procedures with all Executive Board members, and decide whether or not to enforce them. vii. Shall create the agenda for all Bricks Area Council meetings. viii. Shall vote only in the event of a tie during all quorum meetings. ix. Shall have the power to call special elections x. Shall coordinate and organize all Bricks Area committees as necessary and obtain updated lists of all committee members’ names and other contact information from the Secretary. xi. Shall have the power to call emergency meetings, providing twenty-four (24) hours notice to all Bricks Executive Board members, para-professional staff members, the Advisors(s), and Hoover, Royce and Washburn Hall residents. xii. Shall perform other duties as necessary. xiii. Shall attend other committees and/or organizations as delegated. xiv. Shall read, understand, and abide by all relevant items contained in this constitution. Section 4. Vice President a. The duties of the Vice President are as follows: i. Shall serve as meeting chairperson in the President’s absence. ii. Shall assume Presidency in the event of the President’s impeachment, resignation or in times when the President must temporarily step down from the position. . iii. Shall serve as the chairperson of the Bricks Area Council Constitution Review Board. i. Shall attend Housing Advisory Panel (HAP) meetings and act as a liaison between HAP and Bricks Area Council. If he/she is unable to attend, he/she will appoint someone to attend in their absence. iv. Shall perform other duties as necessary. v. Shall attend other committees and/or organizations as delegated. vi. Shall read, understand, and abide by all relevant articles contained in this constitution. Section 5. Secretary a. The duties of the Secretary are as follows: i. Shall serve as meeting chairperson in the absence of both the President and Vice President. ii. Shall maintain all agendas and minutes of the Organization. iii. Shall be responsible for recording and maintaining all minutes and records of all quorum meetings. iv. Shall create a roll call sheet to be circulated during all quorum meetings. v. Shall receive and respond to all official correspondence. vi. Shall produce and distribute copies of the minutes of the previous meeting to be approved by a majority quorum vote at all
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Section 6. a.
Section 7. a. b.
Section 8. c. d.
quorum meetings except the first quorum meeting of the Fall Semester. vii. Shall create and distribute a hall newsletter to be published regularly throughout the academic year. viii. Shall perform other duties as necessary. ix. Shall attend other committees and/or organizations as delegated. x. Shall read, understand, and abide by all articles contained in this constitution. Treasurer The duties of the Treasurer are as follows: i. Shall present the annual budget to be approved by two-thirds (2/3) vote of quorum, no later than the first quorum meeting in October. ii. Shall report the balance of accounts at each quorum meeting with a line item list of spending. iii. Shall maintain all records of accounts of the Organization. iv. Shall act as the liaison for the Organization to Associated Students Business Office (ASBO, herein). v. Shall co-sign for Organization funds with one of the Advisors. vi. Shall submit funding request forms within three (3) business days of receiving request and receipts. vii. Shall collect receipts in a timely manner to be given to ASBO. viii. Shall meet with University Housing’s Accountant at least once a semester and when requested. ix. Shall perform other duties as necessary. x. Shall attend other committees and/or organizations as delegated. xi. Shall read, understand, and abide by all relevant articles contained in this constitution. Publicity Officer There may be up to one (1) Publicity Officer per building serving on the Executive Board. The duties of the Publicity Officer are as follows: i. Shall publicize all Bricks Hall Council sponsored programs. Publicity shall include, but is not limited to, banners, fliers, and mailers that are pre-approved by University Housing Services and/or the Resident Life Coordinator. ii. Shall perform other duties as necessary. iii. Shall attend other committees and/or organizations as delegated. iv. Shall read, understand, and abide by all relevant articles contained in this constitution. Programming Officer There may be up to one (1) Programming Officer per building serving on the Executive Board. The duties of the Programming Officer are as follows:
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v. Shall plan and coordinate at least four (4) events per academic year including but is not limited to, social and educational initiatives vi. Shall co-chair the Bricks Hall Banquet committee. vii. Shall perform other duties as necessary. viii. Shall attend other committees and/or organizations as delegated. ix. Shall read, understand, and abide by all relevant articles contained in this constitution.
Section 9. Historian a. The duties of the Historian are as follows: i. Shall be responsible for taking and maintaining a photographic record of all Organization events. ii. Shall personally, or designate someone to, take pictures at all organization events. iii. Shall sit on the Organization Banquet Committee. iv. Shall be responsible for creating a photo album of the year. v. Shall be responsible for creating a yearbook to be completed by the end of the academic year. vi. Shall perform other duties as necessary. vii. Shall attend other committees and/or organizations as delegated. viii. Shall read, understand, and abide by all relevant articles contained in this constitution. Section 10. Advisors a. The organization must have a University Advisor. This person must hold at lease a bachelors degree and be employed as a faculty or staff member by San Jose State University. A Graduate Student/Intern may assume the advisor role if approved by the Student Involvement staff. b. The advisor shall be a non-voting member of the organization. c. The advisor(s) shall consist of an Assistant Resident Life Coordinator and/or a Hoover, Royce, or Washburn Hall paraprofessional staff member. The Bricks Resident Life Coordinator will determine the Bricks paraprofessional staff member(s). d. The duties of the Advisor(s) are as follows i. Offer suggestions, recommendations, and possible alternatives the Organization can pursue to reach their objectives and/or goals. ii. Cannot vote during quorum meetings and cannot chair any meeting(s). iii. Shall co-sign for Bricks Area Council funds with the Treasurer. iv. Shall have a master copy of the impeachment petition form. v. Shall attend Executive and Bricks Area Council quorum meetings. ARTICLE V. Legislative Branch
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Section 1. General Members a. All matriculated and currently enrolled students of San Jose State University who are living in Hoover, Royce and Washburn Halls and have paid an activity fee, are members of the Organization. b. Membership in the organization will not be denied to anyone on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. The prohibition of discrimination on the basis of gender does not apply to social fraternities or sororities or to other university living groups. (Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 41500). c. All Bricks sponsored events or programs are open to all members including Bricks Area Council quorum meetings and CHALC quorum meetings. d. All members have the right to petition their grievances to the Organization’s Judicial Branch for consideration and possible resolution. e. No member of this organization shall engage in hazing, participate in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or person attending this institution (California Educational Code, Title 5, Article 2, Standards for Student Conduct, Section 41301(b)(8). Individual students my be disciplined for hazing under Section 41301(b)(8)). Section 2. Floor Representatives a. There shall be at least two (2) floor representatives per floor. b. Shall serve as liaisons to their floor residents and floor paraprofessional staff and primarily relay any questions, comments, suggestions, or concerns about their floor, hall, or any issues relating to Bricks Area Council. c. Shall report any and all important information discussed at quorum at their floor meetings. d. Are required to attend all quorum meetings. e. In occurrence where the floor representative cannot attend a meeting they may send a proxy from their floor to act in their place. f. Encouraged, but not required, to submit at least one idea for future area council and/or Resident Advisor and Program Advisor programs. Section 3. Voting Rights a. Voting membership is restricted to matriculated, currently enrolled students at San Jose State University b. Executive Board members (not including the President) and floor representatives, and at quorum meetings shall be voting members. c. Voting members will be granted full voting rights. d. The President may only vote in the case of a tie. e. Professional and student staff members cannot be voting members. Section 4. Quorum
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b. A quorum shall be established when there is at least two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Executive Board and floor representatives present. Section 5. Responsibilities a. The responsibilities of the Organization quorum members are as follows: i. Shall sit on one (1) Organization committee per semester. ii. Shall attend CHALC quorum meetings and Bricks Area Council quorum meetings. Section 6. Attendance a. Attendance will be calculated and maintained by the Secretary of the Organization. ARTICLE VI. Bricks Judicial Branch Section 1. General Characteristics a. The Bricks Judicial Branch will hear all grievances lodged against the Organization or any member of the Organization concerning matters including this Constitution. b. The Bricks Judicial Branch will review and interpret the Constitution, seek and review amendments, and make recommendations to the quorum for adoption. c. Shall utilize the CHALC Constitution and other Hall Council constitutions as needed in analyzing amendments. Section 2. Members a. The Constitution Review Board will serve as the Bricks Judicial Branch of the Organization. b. Shall be chaired by the Vice-President. c. The members of the Bricks Judicial Branch will be the Chief Justice, an Advisor, and a minimum of three (3) Organization members. d. All members are voting members except the Chief Justice, who will only vote in the case of a tie. e. It is the responsibility of the Chief Justice to recruit representatives for this committee. Section 3. Responsibilities a. The Bricks Judicial Branch will recommend quorum sanctions or other actions consistent with its findings in the hearings. Section 4. Jurisdiction a. The Bricks Judicial Branch has original jurisdiction in all cases where the accusation is clearly in violation of the Organization’s Constitution. Any member of the Organization may request that the Constitution Review Board conduct hearings on matters concerning this Constitutions. Section 5. Powers a. The Bricks Judicial Branch has the authority to request that all parties involved attend a hearing to review any and all accusations. If the accusation is against the Organization, then the Bricks Judicial Branch will hear the argument.
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Section 6. Procedures a. The Bricks Judicial Branch shall meet with all parties involved to hear arguments and then render a recommendation, which will be presented to the quorum for a majority vote. ARTICLE VII. IMPEACHMENTS AND VACANCIES Section 1. Impeachment a. Impeachment of a Bricks Area Council Board member requires the following: i. A petition must be submitted to the Secretary three (3) business days prior to a regularly scheduled meeting with at least 25% of residents’ residing in the Hoover, Royce and Washburn Hall’s names, signatures, and student id numbers. ii. An advisor will confirm that the residents’ names, signatures, and student id numbers are valid and are current Hoover, Royce and Washburn residents. iii. The quorum will vote on the impeachment at the Organization’s next scheduled meeting. iv. Upon confirmation of information submitted in the petition, two-thirds (2/3) closed ballot vote of quorum is required to impeach a Bricks Area Council Board member. Section 2. Vacancies a. If a Brick Executive Board position is to become vacant, the Bricks Executive Board shall seek to replace the position by either appointment or special election. i. In the event of a special election, all candidates must be members of the Organization. ii. In the event of an appointment by the President of the Organization, the appointment must be approved by quorum by a two-thirds (2/3) vote. b. All persons who are appointed, or elected, into a vacant position shall serve the remainder of the term. ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS and APPOINTMENTS Section 1. Election Timeline a. Elections for Bricks Executive Board positions will be completed no later than the first 30 days of the fall semester. Section 2. Candidate Eligibility a. All candidates must be a matriculating San Jose State University student. b. All candidates must be residents of Hoover, Royce and Washburn Halls. c. All candidates must be in good judicial standing with UHS and San Jose State University at the time of their election. d. All candidates must maintain these eligibility requirements throughout their term in office.
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Section 3. General Election Procedures a. Shall be coordinated by an Assistant Resident Life Coordinator appointed by the Residential Life Coordinator for the Bricks. b. “Officer Candidate” forms with “Officer Qualifications” sheets (a description of all Executive Board members’ duties) shall be made available to all Bricks Residents. c. Candidates must fill out “Officer Candidate” forms and turn them in two weeks before the election. d. Each candidate may only apply for one position. e. Candidates will able to campaign before elections but must cease active campaigning by 9am the day of elections. f. Location of the general election shall be chosen by an Assistant Resident Life Coordinator and/or the delegated Bricks paraprofessional staff member. g. Ballots shall be created by an Assistant Resident Life Coordinator. h. Elections shall last for no more than 3 days. i. All Hoover, Royce and Washburn Hall residents and para-professional staff members excluding the Resident Life Coordinator and Assistant Resident Life Coordinator(s) are permitted to vote. j. Each voter may only submit one ballot. k. Each voter may only vote for one person per position. l. Residents may only submit one vote each for the Programming Officer and Publicity Officer from their building. m. Write-in candidates are permitted. n. Hall rosters shall be used to verify residential status of each voter. o. Assistant Resident Life Coordinator shall count all ballots. p. To establish a winning vote, a candidate must receive majority of the votes for their position. q. If candidates do not receive a majority vote, there will be a run-off election which will occur within one week of the conclusion of the first election. r. Candidates may not assume their position until a majority vote has been confirmed. s. If a tie occurs after the election or run-off election, the Assistant Resident Life Coordinator shall determine the next course of action. t. Each Candidate may only hold one officer position at a time. Section 4. Installation of Officers a. Each newly elected Bricks Executive Board member shall recite the following oath of office: i. “I, (state your name) do affirm that I will perform the duties of the office upon which I am about to embark, to the best of my abilities, and I will uphold and defend the Constitution of the Bricks Area Council of San Jose State University.” b. The oath must be taken by/at the Executive Board member’s first quorum meeting as an elected official. Section 5. Appointments
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a. Shall occur in the event that a vacancy occurs (except the President and Advisors positions) during the course of the academic year after general elections have concluded. The process shall last for at most 14 days from date of vacancy for each vacated officer position. The President may grant extensions if needed. b. Selection Committee will be formed in order to choose replacement Executive Board Officers(s). Membership shall consist of any combination of the remaining Executive Board Officers. Each members of the selection committee is required to interview all qualifying candidates for all vacant position(s). Selection committee members cannot be candidates for a vacant position and vice-versa. c. Interview questions shall be created by the selection committee. Interviewing location(s) shall be determined by the selection committee and the officer candidates. Interviews by selection committee shall last up to 7 days. Scheduling of all interviews is coordinated by the selection committee. d . Executive Board qualifications are outlined in Article IV, Section 1 of this constitution. Hall rosters shall be used to verify resident status of all potential officer candidates in the appointment process. e. “Officer Candidate” forms with “Officer Qualifications” sheets shall be made available to residents. f. The remaining selection committee members shall analyze and deliver the interview results at the next quorum meeting. Section 6. Officer Transition a. The outgoing officer shall give a wrap-up report of work conducted within that position for the previous year. b. Each outgoing officer shall turn over all records, notebooks, and materials pertinent to the position at the end of each year to the Advisor c. These records shall be given to the new officer the following year.
ARTICLE IX. MEETINGS Section 1. Parliamentary Procedures a. The parliamentary authority for the Organization shall be Robert’s Rules of Order. Section 2. Parliamentarian a. The parliamentarian shall be appointed by the President no later than the second regularly scheduled quorum meeting. b. The parliamentarian shall time debates and acknowledge speakers by use of a speakers list. Section 3. Quorum a. Fulfillment of any meeting within the Organization, except Bricks Judicial Branch meetings, will require a two-thirds (2/3) representation of total voting members to establish quorum.
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Section 4. Agenda a. An agenda for any meeting within the Organization will be established by the chairperson of the committee. b. For all Bricks Board and quorum meetings, the President shall be the producer of the agenda. c. All additions to the agenda must be submitted to the President no later than 48 hours before the quorum meeting; if not they must be added during the approval of the agenda. Section 6. Meetings a. Meetings shall be held weekly, except during periods when the Residence Halls is closed. b. Emergency meetings may be called by the Bricks Board providing twenty-four (24) hours notice to quorum members. Section 7. Code of Conduct a. All quorum members will adhere to a code of conduct that emphasizes respect for all members and guests of quorum. b. Members and guests of quorum will not be belittled or talked down to by anyone. c. It should be left to the Bricks Executive Board or the parliamentarian to manage the vocal projection of all speakers in a respectful and courteous manner. d. If a guest/member feels the Bricks Code of Conduct is not being followed, the following steps should be taken to address the issue: i. In a respectful manner, address the person with your concern at the end of the quorum meeting. ii. If you feel the problem persists or the first confrontation does not go well and mediation is necessary bring your concern to the Bricks Advisor. ARTICLE X. COMMITTEES Section 1. Standing Committees a. All standing committees of the Organization will commence functioning by the fourth week of the Fall semester and will be maintained until the last quorum meeting of the year. b. The following committees are recognized as standing committees: i. Bricks Area Council Constitutional Review Board. c. These committees will be allocated funds at quorum’s discretion. Section 2. Ad Hoc Committees a. Are committees that do not need year-round planning. b. The Bricks Hall Banquet committee is the only official ad hoc committee. This committee shall organize the annual Organization Banquet. c. All other ad hoc committees will be formed by the President with majority approval by quorum. d. The chairperson for ad hoc committees will be established by quorum. Section 3. Reporting Procedures
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a. All committees will report directly to the quorum at the designated time in the agenda of regularly scheduled quorum meetings. b. All committees will provide written data needed before the quorum’s decision making. c. The committee will notify quorum of any notes taken. d. Committees are required to provide the Secretary of the Organization with an attendance list. ARTICLE XI. RECORDS Section 1. Minutes a. Minutes will be maintained on all proceedings of quorum meetings and Bricks Board meetings by the Secretary of the Organization. b. The minutes must be approved by the majority of the meeting participants at the following meetings. c. The minutes will be kept on file for one (1) academic year. Section 2. Agendas a. Agendas will be kept on file for one (1) academic year. Section 3. Membership Roster a. The Secretary will maintain a list of all active representatives and will produce and distribute a contact list of all members and hall officers who give consent to the distribution of their contact information. ARTICLE XII. DUES Section 1. Activity Fee a. Payment of an activity fee by members will be the basis for funding the Organization. b. The activity fee is included in fees due to UHS. Section 2. Payments a. No additional dues, fees, or any other form of payment will be required of members to maintain membership status. ARTICLE XII. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS Section 1. Requesting Funds a. Anyone requesting funds must submit a request to be placed on the agenda and the completed money request to the President no later than one week prior to the quorum meeting where the requisition will be voted on. b. Requisition of funds shall follow the CHALC (Community Housing Association of Leadership Councils) proposal format outline i.e. Hall Government Money Request form. c. Enough copies for all voting and Executive members of quorum of the proposal will be provided at the quorum meeting by the Bricks Area Council where the requisition will be voted on. d. A two-thirds (2/3) vote is required to approve a requisition of funds. e. The Treasurer may request additional forms to be filed upon approval of requisition of funds.
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ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENTS and EXECUTIVE ORDERS Section 1. Executive Orders a. Can be made by a majority vote of all Executive Board members. b. Temporarily suspend any part(s) in this constitution. c. Bypass any legislative issues relating to Bricks Area Council, including any or all items contained in this constitution, as well as any money request policies, rules, and/or regulations set forth by Bricks Area Council. d. Any unnecessary abuses of this power shall constitute as grounds for impeachment. Section 2. Amendments a. Requirements i. Any Amendments to this Constitution must be presented to the Constitution Review Board in a “whereas” proposal. ii. The Constitution Review Board will present the amendment at a regularly scheduled quorum meeting for approval. b. Enactment i. The enactment of the proposed amendment will require a twothirds (2/3) vote by quorum.. ii. Amendments shall become effective immediately after being voted into recognition. c. Procedures i. Upon disapproval of the amendment, the Constitution Review Board shall reconvene to discuss concerns with the amendment. ii. The Constitution Review Board shall present the amendment to quorum again unless a motion is passed to discontinue the discussion of the amendment.
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