Constitution of the Philosophical Society of the State University of West Georgia

Constitution of the University of West Georgia Philosophical Society

Est. 2003

Amended Oct. 15^th, 2004

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the University of West Georgia Philosophical Society, established to provide an open forum for the free exchange of ideas, and to document thought of individual students do ordain and establish this constitution and subscribe to the regulations and policies of the University.

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be “The West Georgia Philosophical Society”, hereafter referred to as the Philosophical Society.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to:

A. Provide a forum for open discussion of ideas and dialog among peers interested in philosophical and religious thought.

B. Actively promote guest speakers from various sources to speak on campus regarding philosophical topics.

C. To promote philosophical thought at UWG.

ARTICLE III – Affiliation

Section 1 This organization shall operate according to the regulations and policies of UWG, and in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws.

Section 2 This organization is not affiliated with any regional or national group. However, the club will when needed combine efforts with other UWG clubs.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 Discrimination: Membership of this student organization shall be established without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, class, disability, national origin, age, marital status, philosophical ideals or experience.

Section 2 Eligibility for Membership: Any student of UWG is eligible for membership in the Philosophical Society

Section 3 Qualification for Membership: Active Members should be students, faculty, staff, alumni, or guests of The State University of West Georgia. Active Membership requires attending at least two regular meeting in the past year, and having a valid e-mail address on file. Members must abide by the provisions of the constitution and bylaws of this organization. Members who are students at UWG must be active students and must not be on academic probation.

Section 4 Withdrawal or removal of members: Members can remove themselves from the club by submitting a written request. Any member not fulfilling the requirements as outlined in this Constitution Article IV Section 2, or in the Bylaws of this organization to the satisfaction of the voting membership or violating UWG policy or the Student Code of Conduct may be removed from membership. A 2/3-majority vote of quorum shall be required for removal of any member. The motion to remove a member from this organization must be presented in writing to the total membership at least 1 week before the meeting at which the removal will be voted on.

ARTICLE V – OFFICERS

Section 1 The officers shall be: President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer.

Section 2 Duties and Responsibilities:

1. President: shall be responsible for calling meetings and acting as spokesperson and general advocate for the Philosophical Society. In addition they shall be responsible for organizing the other officers. The President will also be responsible for providing assistance to any guest speakers.

2. Vice President: shall act as President in the event of the current President’s absence. In addition, the Vice President will be in charge of advertising and recruiting for the Philosophical Society.

3. Secretary/Treasurer: shall act as President in the event both the President and Vice President are unavailable. In addition, the Secretary will be in charge of documenting all meetings and be charged with managing the Society’s finances.

Section 3 Qualifications for Officers: Officers must be active members of the Philosophical Society and students at UWG who currently carry a six hour load (minimum). Students on academic probation are not eligible for positions.

Section 4 Terms of Office: Normal terms of office last for one scholastic year; however an officer may resign from his/her post at any time.

Section 5 Procedure for filling offices: In the event of a vacancy, a special election can be held at any regular meeting of the Philosophical Society.

Section 6 Procedure for removing officers: Any officer not fulfilling his/her duties as outlined in this Constitution Article V Section 2 or in the Bylaws of this organization to the satisfaction of the voting membership or who have violated University Policy or the Student Code of Conduct, may be removed from office. All members of the club must be notified at least two weeks in advance of any removal hearing. At the hearing, a 2/3-majority must vote to expel the officer. The officer being impeached must abstain from voting.

Section 7 Appeal Policy: In the event an officer is removed they may appeal at the next regular meeting, and they must be voted down with 2/3 quorum. The officer being impeached must abstain from voting.

ARTICLE VI – ELECTIONS

Section 1 Time Period: Normal elections should take place within the last 2 weeks of the current semester.

Special elections may take place any time there is a vacancy.

Section 2 Nominations: Any active member may nominate themselves or others.

Section 3 Election Notification: Notification that elections are to held should be made to the general membership using e-mail at least two weeks before hand.

Section 4 Election Procedures: Any Active Member may vote. Elections should be by a show of hands or by secret ballot if requested.

ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS

Section 1 There are two types of meetings:

1. Regular Meetings – are held biweekly, on or near campus.

2. Special Meetings – held for special club events.

Section 2 Quorum: Quorum shall consist of the members present at any regularly scheduled meeting.

Section 3 Conduct: The officers are responsible for conducting meetings in a reasonable fashion.

Section 4 Voting Percentages: All motions not specified in this Constitution will require a simple majority to pass.

ARTICLE VIII – FINANCIAL RECORDS

Section 1 Audits: The University shall have the right to audit the financial records of this organization.

Section 2 Expenditures: Expenditures should be authorized by the President and Treasurer, and recorded during the regular meetings.

Section 3 Dissolution: Upon dissolution of the Philosophical Society, all remaining funds will be returned to the UWG Students Activities Office.

ARTICLE IX – ADVISORS

Section 1 Selection: Philosophical Society advisors should be volunteers selected from the faculty of the State University of West Georgia.

Section 2 Qualifications: Advisors should attend regular meetings and be actively interested in promoting the Philosophical Society.

Section 3 Role and Duty: The Advisors are required to advocate the Philosophical Society to the UWG Administration, and help keep the Club informed of upcoming Department and University sponsored events.

Section 4 Removal: Advisors may be removed from their position by personal choice or by a 2/3-majority of quorum voting to terminate their position.

ARTICLE X – FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The finances of this organization will come from fund raising projects and the Student Activities Committee of UWG.

ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS

Section 1 Proposing Amendments: The Constitution is open to amendment during any regular meeting. Amendments should be proposed by active members and require a 2/3 majority of quorum along with the unanimous vote of the officers. A simple majority of Active Members at any regular meeting can add bylaws to this Constitution as necessary.

Section 2 Provisions: All amendments shall be in agreement with University regulations and policies. A signed copy of the amendments shall be filed with the Student Activities Office within one week after adoption.

ARTICLE XII – HAZING

Section 1 This organization shall not tolerate or instigate malicious or degrading activities (i.e. Hazing) toward individuals. All activities must adhere to the student handbook and other laws, rules and regulations of UWG.

Section 2 Members of The West Georgia Philosophical Society are free to leave the organization without fear of retribution or harassment.

ARTICLE XIII – DRUGS & ALCOHOL

Section 1 The West Georgia Philosophical Society will not abide by drug or alcohol use at meetings or at club functions. All members will adhere to the UWG Student Handbook regulations regarding specifics of drug and alcohol policies.

Approved by the voting body of the club this _____ day of _____________ 2003.

Signatures: Position:

_______________________ ___________________