Unity Constitution

Unity Constitution
ARTICLE I. Name and Purpose
§ 1. Name
The name of this organization shall be Unity at the University of New Orleans,
§ 2. Purpose
The purpose of Unity is to create a supportive and uninhibited environment for those members in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+, or “queer”) community and their allies. Unity works to create acceptance for the queer community on campus and to provide necessary service and resources to the University on behalf of our community.
ARTICLE II. Membership
§ 1. Active Membership
Active membership in Unity is open to any UNO undergraduate or graduate students, faculty, and staff. Active members shall have the rights of voice, vote, and office holding.
§ 2. Associate Membership
Associate members shall be previous organization members and any UNO undergraduate or graduate students who have not paid membership dues.
§ 3. Membership Dues
Active Membership is attained by paying membership dues, which shall be $10.00 per semester. Faculty and staff who wish to be considered active members are waived of this requirement. All payments are non-refundable.
ARTICLE III. Officers
§ 1. Eligibility
Only active members shall be eligible for office. To be eligible to seek or hold office, a student must be enrolled for 6 semester hours or more (or be certified as a full-time student if a graduate student), or if a first semester freshman, elected to an office in a student organization, attain a 2.0 or better average at UNO in order to continue to hold office.
§ 2. Terms
The terms of office for all elected officials shall be two (2) consecutive semesters beginning in the fall.
§ 3. Officer Titles
The title of the elected officials shall be: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Program Coordinator.
§ 4. Duties and Powers of Office
The duties and powers of the elected officials shall be:
a. President
1. shall preside over all regular general and executive board meetings;
2. shall appoint other officers, active members, and guest speakers to preside over meetings as appropriate;
3. shall function as spokesperson for Unity to the University and public when necessary and appropriate;
4. shall cast the deciding vote if there is a tie in normal voting procedure;
5. shall be authorized to expend the funds of Unity, but shall expend no more than ten percent of the funds on hand without agreement from other officers and advisor(s);
6. shall submit all necessary forms to the office of Student Involvement & Leadership.
b. Vice President
1. shall preside over all meetings in the absence of the President, or as delegated by the President;
2. shall have the right to vote except when acting as President;
3. shall direct all formal and informal member outreach;
4. shall, when the office of the President falls vacant, maintain the duties of President until a special election is held.
c. Treasurer
1. shall preside over all meetings in the absence of the President and Vice President, or as delegated by the President;
2. shall have the right to vote except when acting as President;
3. shall be in charge of all organization finances;
4. shall be responsible for the collection of dues from membership and any form of fundraising;
5. shall, in conjunction with the President and Advisor(s), maintain the accounts of the organization.
6. shall expend the funds of the organization only with agreement of the President, or of Advisor(s) in the extended absences or vacancy of the President.
d. Secretary
1. shall preside over all meetings in the absence of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, or as delegated by the President;
2. shall have the right to vote except when acting as President;
3. shall keep accurate minutes of all meetings and shall keep all necessary records and maintain them.
4. shall be responsible for sending out a copy of the minutes to all associate members and active members via email;
5. shall handle all organization correspondence;
6. shall keep a list of all active members.
e. Program Coordinator
1. shall preside over all meetings in the absence of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, or as delegated by the President;
2. shall have the right to vote except when acting as President;
3. shall maintain all digital media outlets on behalf of Unity, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts, and the official website.
4. shall be responsible for all advertising for meetings and events Unity hosts.
§ 5. Nomination
To be elected, it is necessary for a member to be nominated, and thereupon receive majority approval to those members present and voting. A member may nominate themselves or another member.
§ 6. Election
Elections shall occur near the end of the spring semester and shall be conducted by secret ballot.
ARTICLE IV. Removal of Officers and Vacancies
§ 1. Removal
An officer may be removed from their position due to negligence of duty, inefficiency in office, or any other action which is considered detrimental to the name or purpose of the organization. An officer may be removed from office by a majority vote of the executive board.
§ 2. Resignation
An officer wishing to resign must compile a physical letter stating reasons for resignation. This letter of resignation must be signed by the resigning officer and given to the President (when applicable) and Advisor(s).
§ 3. Vacancies
When a position becomes vacant due to removal or resignation from office, a special election shall be held. The date of election shall be determined by the remaining officers, and the newly elected officer shall complete the remaining term.
ARTICLE V. Advisors
§ 1. Advisor
There shall be at least one member of the UNO faculty or staff and shall serve in an advisory capacity to the organization.
§ 2. Duties
The Advisor(s) shall be available to the officers for all decisions concerning the short- and long-time welfare of Unity, as well as to the active and associate members in an advisory role.
ARTICLE VI. Meetings and Voting
§ 1. Meetings
Meetings will be held weekly, at a time, day, and place determined by the officers.
§ 2. Voting
A simple majority (50% +1) of those present and with voting rights is required to pass a proposal.
ARTICLE VI. Statements of Policy
§ 1. Non-Discrimination
Unity shall comply with federal and state non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws and regulations pertaining to non-discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, marital status, veteran’s status, religion, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, financial status, and disability.
§ 2. Anti-Hazing
Unity shall not practice any form of hazing and shall comply with the University anti-hazing policy.
ARTICLE VII. Amendments
§ 1. Amendments
Any part of this constitution may be amended at any official meeting including active members and by the agreement of a two-thirds vote of those present and voting.

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