Constitution
PREAMBLE
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
We, the Muslim students at the University of Georgia, have agreed to and have adopted the present constitution, and do hereby establish an association to be known as the Muslim Student Association at the University of Georgia, hereinafter referred to as the MSA.
ARTICLE I
NAME
SECTION 1.
OFFICIAL NAME
The name of this association shall be the Muslim Student Association.
ARTICLE II
THE PURPOSE OF THE MSA
SECTION 1.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the MSA shall be to: a. Provide students of all ethnic and racial backgrounds an Islamic community to affiliate with on campus, and b. Broaden Islamic awareness at the University of Georgia, within the city of Athens, GA., and the state of Georgia as a whole.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1.
MEMBERSHIP
Potential members may sign up at any time during any academic term. This can be done by attending a GENERAL BODY MEETING or contacting an OFFICER. In accordance with the requirements set forth by the Department of Student Activities at the University of Georgia, the completed form MUST contain one’s full name, date of birth, and UGA email address. The collective membership (hereinafter referred to as GENERAL BODY) of the MSA shall consist of two categories of individuals: Members and Associate Members. Status, determined at time of application, may later be amended.
SECTION 2.
MEMBERS
CLAUSE 1.
DEFINITION
A Member (hereinafter referred to as MEMBER(S)) must: a. be a full-time University of Georgia student, faculty, or staff person. b. have paid dues. (See Article IV, Section 1.)
CLAUSE 2.
STUDENT MEMBER(S)
A MEMBER, who is a student, must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours as an undergraduate student and 9 or more credit hours as a graduate student.
CLAUSE 3.
ALUMNI STUDENT MEMBER
University of Georgia alumni, who have maintained active MEMBER status for at least one academic year with the MSA at the time of graduation and are currently enrolled as part-time students at the University of Georgia, may submit a formal appeal for MEMBER status to the PRESIDENT.
SECTION 3.
ASSOCIATE MEMBER
An Associate Member (hereinafter referred to as ASSOCIATE MEMBER(S)) shall be any non-full-time student, faculty, or staff person. An ASSOCIATE MEMBER, who is a student, carries less than 12 credit hours as an undergraduate student and less than 9 credit hours as a graduate student.
SECTION 4.
OFFICIAL UGA MEMBERSHIP POLICY
Membership shall not be denied to any person because of age, race, sex, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, or national origin.
ARTICLE IV
DUES, CONTRIBUTIONS, DISBURSEMENTS, SPENDING LIMIT
SECTION 1.
DUES AMOUNT
Dues will be $15.00. Dues must be paid by all officers and members in order to gain membership in MSA.
SECTION 2.
LIMIT ON DUES INCREASE
Annual membership dues, if required in the future, shall not be increased by more than 25% (twenty-five percent) in any academic year. Any increase must be approved by a simple majority vote of the MEMBERS at a GENERAL BODY MEETING.
SECTION 3.
CONTRIBUTIONS
The PRESIDENT may accept any contributions in any form, from any source, consistent with the generally accepted principles of Islam. The PRESIDENT must abide by state law, federal law, and the procedures of the University of Georgia in regards to obtaining and accepting contributions. The sum amount obtained shall be made public at a GENERAL BODY MEETING. A record should be kept of all contributions made to MSA.
SECTION 4.
DISBURSEMENTS
Any single expenditure equal to or over 25% (twenty-five percent) of the balance of the MSA account must be approved by a simple majority vote of the MEMBERS present at a GENERAL BODY MEETING.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS, LOCAL ADVISOR, FACULTY ADVISOR(S)
SECTION 1.
OFFICERS
The elected officers (hereinafter referred to as OFFICER(S)) and respective hierarchy of OFFICERS shall be President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
SECTION 2.
PRESIDENT
The President shall be responsible for: a. Keeping the MSA registered at The University of Georgia at the beginning of each academic year. b. Directing and coordinating all the activities to achieve the purposes of the MSA. c. Calling and presiding over OFFICER and GENERAL BODY MEETINGS in accordance with Article VI. d. Providing notice to hold OFFICER MEETINGS one week before the proposed meeting date. e. Being the primary spokesman, representative, and correspondent for the MSA in internal and external affairs. f. Preparing and presenting the agenda for the OFFICER and GENERAL BODY MEETINGS. g. Preparing the annual budget of the MSA for the next academic year in consultation with the OFFICERS and presenting the same at the GENERAL BODY MEETING before the budget is due to the Office of International Student Life at the University of Georgia. h. Authorizing the use of and creating Ad Hoc Committees to carry out necessary assignments as stated in Article I Section I of the Bylaws.
SECTION 3.
VICE-PRESIDENT
The Vice-President shall be responsible for: a. Assisting the President with his/her duties. b. Carrying out the management of the activities in the MSA in the absence of the President. c. Temporarily assuming the functions of the President when requested as such by him/her, or if the President is incapacitated.
SECTION 4.
TREASURER
The Treasurer shall be responsible for: a. Maintaining the record of all the financial transactions of the MSA. He/she shall be responsible for the systematic up-keep of books and balance, handle disbursements, prepare receipts, and present a financial report before the GENERAL BODY at each MSA GENERAL BODY MEETING. b. Collecting and depositing all the funds (fundraising money, membership dues, activities fees, etc.) in the University of Georgia MSA account received on behalf of the MSA. c. Presiding over the GENERAL BODY MEETINGS when both the President and the Vice-President are absent. d. Preparing an audit of the MSA account and presenting it at the last GENERAL BODY MEETING of the Spring Term.
SECTION 5.
SECRETARY
The Secretary shall be responsible for: a. Preparing and maintaining the minutes of all the OFFICER and GENERAL BODY MEETINGS. • Emailing the GENERAL BODY MEETING minutes through the MSA LISTSERV to the GENERAL BODY no later than 48hrs after the preceding GENERAL BODY MEETING. • Maintaining the list of the GENERAL BODY. • Taking attendance at all meetings and activities. e. Reserving locations for meetings and events. f. Monitoring and managing the MSA LISTSERV.
SECTION 6.
LOCAL & FACULTY ADVISOR(S)
The Local and Faculty Advisor(s) shall be responsible for providing guidance and mentorship in the operation of the MSA. a. In accordance with guidelines set forth by the Office of International Student Life at the University of Georgia, the Local Advisor (hereinafter referred to as LOCAL ADVISOR) must be the Director of the Office of International Student Life. b. Additional Faculty Advisor(s) (hereinafter referred to as FACULTY ADVISOR(S)) may be appointed by a unanimous vote of the OFFICERS. The FACULTY ADVISOR(S) must be affiliated with the University of Georgia.
SECTION 7.
ELECTIONS
CLAUSE 1.
GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS
The election of OFFICERS shall be held at a meeting specifically designated for elections (hereinafter referred to as GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS). The GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS shall be held no later than four weeks preceding the last official day of classes of the Spring Term. The PRESIDENT shall provide notice to hold the GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS through the MSA LISTSERV one week before the proposed meeting date.
CLAUSE 2.
CANDIDACY AND VOTING ELIGIBILITY
In order to maintain MEMBER status for candidacy and/or voting eligibility, MEMBERS are required to attend at least two GENERAL BODY MEETINGS (one GENERAL BODY MEETING during the Fall Term and one GENERAL BODY MEETING during the Spring Term), or at least 50% (fifty percent) of the total GENERAL BODY MEETINGS in a given academic year,whichever number is larger. The fifty percent total will be measured from the first GENERAL BODY MEETING of the academic year to the last GENERAL BODY MEETING preceding the date of elections. Failure to attend the minimum number of GENERAL BODY MEETINGS will result in having one’s status amended to ASSOCIATE MEMBER. Article V, Section 7, Clause 3 states that ASSOCIATE MEMBERS are ineligible to hold office.
CLAUSE 3.
NOMINATIONS
a. Any individual of the GENERAL BODY may nominate a MEMBER, who is a student and has maintained active MEMBER status from the first GENERAL BODY MEETING of the academic year to the last GENERAL BODY MEETING preceding the date of elections, to be an OFFICER. Non-Student MEMBERS and ASSOCIATE MEMBERS are ineligible to hold office. b. Nominations shall be sent to the MSA LISTSERV no earlier than one week and no later than one day preceding the date of the GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS. The nominating individual shall present a short speech on the day of elections in regard to the qualifications of the candidate that he/she has nominated. The candidate will also be permitted to speak. Self-nominations will not be allowed.
CLAUSE 4.
CASTING VOTES
Each MEMBER shall have one vote for the election of each OFFICER. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS are ineligible to vote in the elections. A simple majority vote of the MEMBERS shall be necessary to be elected to office.
SECTION 8.
DURATION OF TERM
a. The term for OFFICERS shall begin after the last official day of classes during the Spring Term in which they were elected and end at the GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS held in the following Spring Term. • There are no term limits on the LOCAL ADVISOR and FACULTY ADVISOR(S). c. LOCAL and FACULTY ADVISOR(S) shall serve for the duration of the academic year in which they were appointed.
SECTION 9.
OFFICER REMOVAL/RESIGNATION
a. Removing a member from office requires the approval of two-thirds of the Organization’s full members. Officers may also voluntarily resign. b. Vacancies that occur during the regular term of a particular office shall be filled by the OFFICER who is next in line according to the hierarchy described in Article V, Section 1. If this is not possible, an election may be held for that particular office. b. The tenure of the OFFICER filling the vacancy shall be for the remainder of the original OFFICER’S term.
ARTICLE VI
MEETINGS
SECTION 1.
GENERAL BODY MEETING
The MSA shall have a GENERAL BODY MEETING every other Monday at 7:00 p.m. This schedule will begin after the FIRST GENERAL BODY MEETING. Dates and times of meetings are subject to change. Additional meetings will be announced when the need for them arrives (i.e. election meetings, constitution amendment meetings, etc.). Proper notification will be sent to MEMBERS as in accordance with Article VI Section 4.
SECTION 2.
FIRST GENERAL BODY MEETING
MSA shall hold its first annual GENERAL BODY MEETING each academic year by the third Friday of the Fall Term.
SECTION 3.
OFFICER MEETING
The OFFICERS shall have an OFFICER MEETING every other Monday before the GENERAL BODY MEETING. The OFFICER MEETING should begin at least 30 minutes before the GENERAL BODY MEETING. The PRESIDENT will announce additional meetings at the OFFICER MEETINGS or via email.
SECTION 4.
NOTICE OF MEETING
Notice to hold a GENERAL BODY MEETING shall be circulated by the Secretary of the MSA through the MSA LISTSERV one week before the proposed meeting date as noted in Article V, Section 5(f).
SECTION 5.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance shall be taken by the SECRETARY at every GENERAL BODY and OFFICER MEETING as stated in Article V, Section 5(d). The attendance record of the GENERAL BODY MEETINGS shall be used to determine candidacy and voting eligibility as defined in Article V, Section 7, Clause 2. The attendance record of the GENERAL BODY MEETINGS shall also be used to determine the status of each member.
ARTICLE VII
QUORUM
SECTION 1.
GENERAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENT
The MSA must have at least 10 MEMBERS on its roll for each Fall Term. If in any given Fall Term there are not 10 MEMBERS, the MSA will be deemed INACTIVE and no business shall be conducted.
SECTION 2.
MINIMUM TO TRANSACT BUSINESS
The presence of 25% (twenty-five percent) of the GENERAL BODY and at least 50% (fifty percent) of the OFFICERS shall constitute a quorum in order to transact business at a GENERAL BODY MEETING.
SECTION 3.
OFFICER MEETING QUORUM
The presence of at least one-half of the OFFICERS shall constitute a quorum for an OFFICER MEETING.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1.
PROPOSAL PROCESS
A proposal for amendment(s) to the MSA Constitution may only be brought by MEMBERS, shall be signed by ten MEMBERS or 10% (ten percent) of the MEMBERS, whichever number is larger, and submitted to the PRESIDENT who shall post the proposal on the MSA LISTSERV to the MEMBERS and call a GENERAL BODY MEETING within two weeks after the receipt of the proposed amendment(s).
SECTION 2.
QUORUM
The quorum requirement for voting on amendments shall be 2/3 of the total MEMBERS.
SECTION 3.
WAIVER OF QUORUM
If 2/3 of the total MEMBERS are NOT present in a GENERAL BODY MEETING called for voting on the proposed amendment(s), another GENERAL BODY MEETING shall be called for the same purpose within four weeks after the meeting, in which the quorum requirement as stated in Section 2 of this Article shall be waived.
SECTION 4.
VOTE
An affirmative vote by 2/3 of the MEMBERS present at the GENERAL BODY MEETING for voting on the proposed amendment(s) shall be necessary for the adoption of all amendments. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS are ineligible to vote in the amendment process.
ARTICLE IX
RATIFICATION
SECTION 1.
PROCESS
The Constitution shall be adopted and in force, effective on the last official day of classes for the Spring 2007 term, after it has been accepted by a simple majority vote of the total MEMBERS on the roll of the MSA. We, the undersigned, acting as official representation of the Muslim Student Association at the University of Georgia, hereby declare that this document, ratified on ______, sets forth the formal organizational structure of the Muslim Student Association at the University of Georgia and shall hence be considered the principal governing law of the Muslim Student Association.
___________________________ President
___________________________ Vice-President
___________________________ Treasurer
___________________________ Secretary
___________________________ Local Advisor
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
APPOINTED OFFICER POSITIONS
SECTION 1.
ELIGIBILITY
The rules for eligibility are the same as the rules for a non-appointed officer position as in accordance with Article V, Section 7, Clause 2.
SECTION 2.
RUNNING FOR AN APPOINTED POSITION
The PRESIDENT will inform all members at the GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS that the appointed officer positions of CO-PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIRS, CO-ACTIVITIES FACILITATORS, WEBMASTER, and PHOTOGRAPHER are open for running. Any member who would like to run for an appointed position must send a formal email or letter to the PRESIDENT stating why he or she is the best candidate for the position. The OFFICERS, by a unanimous vote, shall appoint a MEMBER to serve the appointed position.
SECTION 3.
CO-PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIRS
The CO-PUBLIC RELATION CHAIRS, hereinafter referred to as Co-PR Chairs, will consist of two MEMBERS of MSA. They will be responsible for working together and: a. informing students of the University of Georgia, the public, other MSA’s, and other non-members of various MSA events and activities via email, fliers, and other outlets of communication. b. working with the MSA OFFICERS and MEMBERS to spread the word about MSA events and activities. c. creating more outlets of communication for MSA to use.
SECTION 4.
WEBMASTER
The WEBMASTER shall be responsible for maintaining and updating the official MSA website as requested by the PRESIDENT.
ARTICLE II
AD HOC COMMITTEES
SECTION 1.
AUTHORITY TO APPOINT
The PRESIDENT of the MSA during a GENERAL BODY MEETING or at any other time may appoint an Ad Hoc Committee in order to carry out an assignment.
SECTION 2.
TENURE
The tenure of these committees may vary from a fraction of an hour to no more than a year, depending upon the nature of the assignment.
SECTION 3.
CHAIRPERSON(S)
The Chairperson of the Committee shall be an OFFICER and shall call, preside over, and adjourn the Committee meetings. The Chairperson shall also plan and direct the Committee’s work. No person shall be the Chairperson of more than two Ad Hoc Committees at the same time.
SECTION 4.
DISMISSAL OF COMMITTEE
The Committee shall be allowed to continue its work uninterrupted unless the PRESIDENT deems the Committee to be ineffective in completing its assignment or working contrary to the purposes of the MSA. Only the PRESIDENT may be permitted to dismiss the Committee in such a situation if no other remedy is feasible.
SECTION 5.
HONORING COMMITTEE
The recommendations of the Committee shall be honored and carried out unless a simple majority of the GENERAL BODY present in a GENERAL BODY MEETING votes for any change(s).
ARTICLE III
MSA LISTSERV
SECTION 1.
ADDRESS
The official MSA LISTSERV address is [email protected]
SECTION 2.
LISTSERV ADMINISTRATOR
The SECRETARY, as stated in Article 4, Section 5(f) of the Constitution, shall be responsible for monitoring and managing the MSA LISTSERV.
ARTICLE IV
MSA WEBSITE
SECTION 1.
ADDRESS
The official MSA website address is WWW.UGA.EDU/MUSLIM
SECTION 2.
WEBMASTER
The Webmaster shall be responsible for maintaining and updating the official MSA website as requested by the PRESIDENT.
In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
We, the Muslim students at the University of Georgia, have agreed to and have adopted the present constitution, and do hereby establish an association to be known as the Muslim Student Association at the University of Georgia, hereinafter referred to as the MSA.
ARTICLE I
NAME
SECTION 1.
OFFICIAL NAME
The name of this association shall be the Muslim Student Association.
ARTICLE II
THE PURPOSE OF THE MSA
SECTION 1.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the MSA shall be to: a. Provide students of all ethnic and racial backgrounds an Islamic community to affiliate with on campus, and b. Broaden Islamic awareness at the University of Georgia, within the city of Athens, GA., and the state of Georgia as a whole.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1.
MEMBERSHIP
Potential members may sign up at any time during any academic term. This can be done by attending a GENERAL BODY MEETING or contacting an OFFICER. In accordance with the requirements set forth by the Department of Student Activities at the University of Georgia, the completed form MUST contain one’s full name, date of birth, and UGA email address. The collective membership (hereinafter referred to as GENERAL BODY) of the MSA shall consist of two categories of individuals: Members and Associate Members. Status, determined at time of application, may later be amended.
SECTION 2.
MEMBERS
CLAUSE 1.
DEFINITION
A Member (hereinafter referred to as MEMBER(S)) must: a. be a full-time University of Georgia student, faculty, or staff person. b. have paid dues. (See Article IV, Section 1.)
CLAUSE 2.
STUDENT MEMBER(S)
A MEMBER, who is a student, must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours as an undergraduate student and 9 or more credit hours as a graduate student.
CLAUSE 3.
ALUMNI STUDENT MEMBER
University of Georgia alumni, who have maintained active MEMBER status for at least one academic year with the MSA at the time of graduation and are currently enrolled as part-time students at the University of Georgia, may submit a formal appeal for MEMBER status to the PRESIDENT.
SECTION 3.
ASSOCIATE MEMBER
An Associate Member (hereinafter referred to as ASSOCIATE MEMBER(S)) shall be any non-full-time student, faculty, or staff person. An ASSOCIATE MEMBER, who is a student, carries less than 12 credit hours as an undergraduate student and less than 9 credit hours as a graduate student.
SECTION 4.
OFFICIAL UGA MEMBERSHIP POLICY
Membership shall not be denied to any person because of age, race, sex, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, or national origin.
ARTICLE IV
DUES, CONTRIBUTIONS, DISBURSEMENTS, SPENDING LIMIT
SECTION 1.
DUES AMOUNT
Dues will be $15.00. Dues must be paid by all officers and members in order to gain membership in MSA.
SECTION 2.
LIMIT ON DUES INCREASE
Annual membership dues, if required in the future, shall not be increased by more than 25% (twenty-five percent) in any academic year. Any increase must be approved by a simple majority vote of the MEMBERS at a GENERAL BODY MEETING.
SECTION 3.
CONTRIBUTIONS
The PRESIDENT may accept any contributions in any form, from any source, consistent with the generally accepted principles of Islam. The PRESIDENT must abide by state law, federal law, and the procedures of the University of Georgia in regards to obtaining and accepting contributions. The sum amount obtained shall be made public at a GENERAL BODY MEETING. A record should be kept of all contributions made to MSA.
SECTION 4.
DISBURSEMENTS
Any single expenditure equal to or over 25% (twenty-five percent) of the balance of the MSA account must be approved by a simple majority vote of the MEMBERS present at a GENERAL BODY MEETING.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS, LOCAL ADVISOR, FACULTY ADVISOR(S)
SECTION 1.
OFFICERS
The elected officers (hereinafter referred to as OFFICER(S)) and respective hierarchy of OFFICERS shall be President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
SECTION 2.
PRESIDENT
The President shall be responsible for: a. Keeping the MSA registered at The University of Georgia at the beginning of each academic year. b. Directing and coordinating all the activities to achieve the purposes of the MSA. c. Calling and presiding over OFFICER and GENERAL BODY MEETINGS in accordance with Article VI. d. Providing notice to hold OFFICER MEETINGS one week before the proposed meeting date. e. Being the primary spokesman, representative, and correspondent for the MSA in internal and external affairs. f. Preparing and presenting the agenda for the OFFICER and GENERAL BODY MEETINGS. g. Preparing the annual budget of the MSA for the next academic year in consultation with the OFFICERS and presenting the same at the GENERAL BODY MEETING before the budget is due to the Office of International Student Life at the University of Georgia. h. Authorizing the use of and creating Ad Hoc Committees to carry out necessary assignments as stated in Article I Section I of the Bylaws.
SECTION 3.
VICE-PRESIDENT
The Vice-President shall be responsible for: a. Assisting the President with his/her duties. b. Carrying out the management of the activities in the MSA in the absence of the President. c. Temporarily assuming the functions of the President when requested as such by him/her, or if the President is incapacitated.
SECTION 4.
TREASURER
The Treasurer shall be responsible for: a. Maintaining the record of all the financial transactions of the MSA. He/she shall be responsible for the systematic up-keep of books and balance, handle disbursements, prepare receipts, and present a financial report before the GENERAL BODY at each MSA GENERAL BODY MEETING. b. Collecting and depositing all the funds (fundraising money, membership dues, activities fees, etc.) in the University of Georgia MSA account received on behalf of the MSA. c. Presiding over the GENERAL BODY MEETINGS when both the President and the Vice-President are absent. d. Preparing an audit of the MSA account and presenting it at the last GENERAL BODY MEETING of the Spring Term.
SECTION 5.
SECRETARY
The Secretary shall be responsible for: a. Preparing and maintaining the minutes of all the OFFICER and GENERAL BODY MEETINGS. • Emailing the GENERAL BODY MEETING minutes through the MSA LISTSERV to the GENERAL BODY no later than 48hrs after the preceding GENERAL BODY MEETING. • Maintaining the list of the GENERAL BODY. • Taking attendance at all meetings and activities. e. Reserving locations for meetings and events. f. Monitoring and managing the MSA LISTSERV.
SECTION 6.
LOCAL & FACULTY ADVISOR(S)
The Local and Faculty Advisor(s) shall be responsible for providing guidance and mentorship in the operation of the MSA. a. In accordance with guidelines set forth by the Office of International Student Life at the University of Georgia, the Local Advisor (hereinafter referred to as LOCAL ADVISOR) must be the Director of the Office of International Student Life. b. Additional Faculty Advisor(s) (hereinafter referred to as FACULTY ADVISOR(S)) may be appointed by a unanimous vote of the OFFICERS. The FACULTY ADVISOR(S) must be affiliated with the University of Georgia.
SECTION 7.
ELECTIONS
CLAUSE 1.
GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS
The election of OFFICERS shall be held at a meeting specifically designated for elections (hereinafter referred to as GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS). The GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS shall be held no later than four weeks preceding the last official day of classes of the Spring Term. The PRESIDENT shall provide notice to hold the GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS through the MSA LISTSERV one week before the proposed meeting date.
CLAUSE 2.
CANDIDACY AND VOTING ELIGIBILITY
In order to maintain MEMBER status for candidacy and/or voting eligibility, MEMBERS are required to attend at least two GENERAL BODY MEETINGS (one GENERAL BODY MEETING during the Fall Term and one GENERAL BODY MEETING during the Spring Term), or at least 50% (fifty percent) of the total GENERAL BODY MEETINGS in a given academic year,whichever number is larger. The fifty percent total will be measured from the first GENERAL BODY MEETING of the academic year to the last GENERAL BODY MEETING preceding the date of elections. Failure to attend the minimum number of GENERAL BODY MEETINGS will result in having one’s status amended to ASSOCIATE MEMBER. Article V, Section 7, Clause 3 states that ASSOCIATE MEMBERS are ineligible to hold office.
CLAUSE 3.
NOMINATIONS
a. Any individual of the GENERAL BODY may nominate a MEMBER, who is a student and has maintained active MEMBER status from the first GENERAL BODY MEETING of the academic year to the last GENERAL BODY MEETING preceding the date of elections, to be an OFFICER. Non-Student MEMBERS and ASSOCIATE MEMBERS are ineligible to hold office. b. Nominations shall be sent to the MSA LISTSERV no earlier than one week and no later than one day preceding the date of the GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS. The nominating individual shall present a short speech on the day of elections in regard to the qualifications of the candidate that he/she has nominated. The candidate will also be permitted to speak. Self-nominations will not be allowed.
CLAUSE 4.
CASTING VOTES
Each MEMBER shall have one vote for the election of each OFFICER. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS are ineligible to vote in the elections. A simple majority vote of the MEMBERS shall be necessary to be elected to office.
SECTION 8.
DURATION OF TERM
a. The term for OFFICERS shall begin after the last official day of classes during the Spring Term in which they were elected and end at the GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS held in the following Spring Term. • There are no term limits on the LOCAL ADVISOR and FACULTY ADVISOR(S). c. LOCAL and FACULTY ADVISOR(S) shall serve for the duration of the academic year in which they were appointed.
SECTION 9.
OFFICER REMOVAL/RESIGNATION
a. Removing a member from office requires the approval of two-thirds of the Organization’s full members. Officers may also voluntarily resign. b. Vacancies that occur during the regular term of a particular office shall be filled by the OFFICER who is next in line according to the hierarchy described in Article V, Section 1. If this is not possible, an election may be held for that particular office. b. The tenure of the OFFICER filling the vacancy shall be for the remainder of the original OFFICER’S term.
ARTICLE VI
MEETINGS
SECTION 1.
GENERAL BODY MEETING
The MSA shall have a GENERAL BODY MEETING every other Monday at 7:00 p.m. This schedule will begin after the FIRST GENERAL BODY MEETING. Dates and times of meetings are subject to change. Additional meetings will be announced when the need for them arrives (i.e. election meetings, constitution amendment meetings, etc.). Proper notification will be sent to MEMBERS as in accordance with Article VI Section 4.
SECTION 2.
FIRST GENERAL BODY MEETING
MSA shall hold its first annual GENERAL BODY MEETING each academic year by the third Friday of the Fall Term.
SECTION 3.
OFFICER MEETING
The OFFICERS shall have an OFFICER MEETING every other Monday before the GENERAL BODY MEETING. The OFFICER MEETING should begin at least 30 minutes before the GENERAL BODY MEETING. The PRESIDENT will announce additional meetings at the OFFICER MEETINGS or via email.
SECTION 4.
NOTICE OF MEETING
Notice to hold a GENERAL BODY MEETING shall be circulated by the Secretary of the MSA through the MSA LISTSERV one week before the proposed meeting date as noted in Article V, Section 5(f).
SECTION 5.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance shall be taken by the SECRETARY at every GENERAL BODY and OFFICER MEETING as stated in Article V, Section 5(d). The attendance record of the GENERAL BODY MEETINGS shall be used to determine candidacy and voting eligibility as defined in Article V, Section 7, Clause 2. The attendance record of the GENERAL BODY MEETINGS shall also be used to determine the status of each member.
ARTICLE VII
QUORUM
SECTION 1.
GENERAL MINIMUM REQUIREMENT
The MSA must have at least 10 MEMBERS on its roll for each Fall Term. If in any given Fall Term there are not 10 MEMBERS, the MSA will be deemed INACTIVE and no business shall be conducted.
SECTION 2.
MINIMUM TO TRANSACT BUSINESS
The presence of 25% (twenty-five percent) of the GENERAL BODY and at least 50% (fifty percent) of the OFFICERS shall constitute a quorum in order to transact business at a GENERAL BODY MEETING.
SECTION 3.
OFFICER MEETING QUORUM
The presence of at least one-half of the OFFICERS shall constitute a quorum for an OFFICER MEETING.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1.
PROPOSAL PROCESS
A proposal for amendment(s) to the MSA Constitution may only be brought by MEMBERS, shall be signed by ten MEMBERS or 10% (ten percent) of the MEMBERS, whichever number is larger, and submitted to the PRESIDENT who shall post the proposal on the MSA LISTSERV to the MEMBERS and call a GENERAL BODY MEETING within two weeks after the receipt of the proposed amendment(s).
SECTION 2.
QUORUM
The quorum requirement for voting on amendments shall be 2/3 of the total MEMBERS.
SECTION 3.
WAIVER OF QUORUM
If 2/3 of the total MEMBERS are NOT present in a GENERAL BODY MEETING called for voting on the proposed amendment(s), another GENERAL BODY MEETING shall be called for the same purpose within four weeks after the meeting, in which the quorum requirement as stated in Section 2 of this Article shall be waived.
SECTION 4.
VOTE
An affirmative vote by 2/3 of the MEMBERS present at the GENERAL BODY MEETING for voting on the proposed amendment(s) shall be necessary for the adoption of all amendments. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS are ineligible to vote in the amendment process.
ARTICLE IX
RATIFICATION
SECTION 1.
PROCESS
The Constitution shall be adopted and in force, effective on the last official day of classes for the Spring 2007 term, after it has been accepted by a simple majority vote of the total MEMBERS on the roll of the MSA. We, the undersigned, acting as official representation of the Muslim Student Association at the University of Georgia, hereby declare that this document, ratified on ______, sets forth the formal organizational structure of the Muslim Student Association at the University of Georgia and shall hence be considered the principal governing law of the Muslim Student Association.
___________________________ President
___________________________ Vice-President
___________________________ Treasurer
___________________________ Secretary
___________________________ Local Advisor
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
APPOINTED OFFICER POSITIONS
SECTION 1.
ELIGIBILITY
The rules for eligibility are the same as the rules for a non-appointed officer position as in accordance with Article V, Section 7, Clause 2.
SECTION 2.
RUNNING FOR AN APPOINTED POSITION
The PRESIDENT will inform all members at the GENERAL BODY MEETING FOR ELECTIONS that the appointed officer positions of CO-PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIRS, CO-ACTIVITIES FACILITATORS, WEBMASTER, and PHOTOGRAPHER are open for running. Any member who would like to run for an appointed position must send a formal email or letter to the PRESIDENT stating why he or she is the best candidate for the position. The OFFICERS, by a unanimous vote, shall appoint a MEMBER to serve the appointed position.
SECTION 3.
CO-PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIRS
The CO-PUBLIC RELATION CHAIRS, hereinafter referred to as Co-PR Chairs, will consist of two MEMBERS of MSA. They will be responsible for working together and: a. informing students of the University of Georgia, the public, other MSA’s, and other non-members of various MSA events and activities via email, fliers, and other outlets of communication. b. working with the MSA OFFICERS and MEMBERS to spread the word about MSA events and activities. c. creating more outlets of communication for MSA to use.
SECTION 4.
WEBMASTER
The WEBMASTER shall be responsible for maintaining and updating the official MSA website as requested by the PRESIDENT.
ARTICLE II
AD HOC COMMITTEES
SECTION 1.
AUTHORITY TO APPOINT
The PRESIDENT of the MSA during a GENERAL BODY MEETING or at any other time may appoint an Ad Hoc Committee in order to carry out an assignment.
SECTION 2.
TENURE
The tenure of these committees may vary from a fraction of an hour to no more than a year, depending upon the nature of the assignment.
SECTION 3.
CHAIRPERSON(S)
The Chairperson of the Committee shall be an OFFICER and shall call, preside over, and adjourn the Committee meetings. The Chairperson shall also plan and direct the Committee’s work. No person shall be the Chairperson of more than two Ad Hoc Committees at the same time.
SECTION 4.
DISMISSAL OF COMMITTEE
The Committee shall be allowed to continue its work uninterrupted unless the PRESIDENT deems the Committee to be ineffective in completing its assignment or working contrary to the purposes of the MSA. Only the PRESIDENT may be permitted to dismiss the Committee in such a situation if no other remedy is feasible.
SECTION 5.
HONORING COMMITTEE
The recommendations of the Committee shall be honored and carried out unless a simple majority of the GENERAL BODY present in a GENERAL BODY MEETING votes for any change(s).
ARTICLE III
MSA LISTSERV
SECTION 1.
ADDRESS
The official MSA LISTSERV address is [email protected]
SECTION 2.
LISTSERV ADMINISTRATOR
The SECRETARY, as stated in Article 4, Section 5(f) of the Constitution, shall be responsible for monitoring and managing the MSA LISTSERV.
ARTICLE IV
MSA WEBSITE
SECTION 1.
ADDRESS
The official MSA website address is WWW.UGA.EDU/MUSLIM
SECTION 2.
WEBMASTER
The Webmaster shall be responsible for maintaining and updating the official MSA website as requested by the PRESIDENT.