Constitution of the
James Madison University Chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals
19 April 2004

Article I	Name of Organization	D.	Treasurer
Article II	Purpose of Organization	Article V	Adviser
Article III	Membership	Article VI	Meetings
Article IV	Officers	Article VII	Finance
A.	President	Article VIII	Hazing
B.	Vice-President	Article IX	Amendments
C.	Secretary	Article X	Ratification

 

Article I - Name of Organization ( top )

The official name of this organization shall be the James Madison University Student Chapter of the Association of Information Technology, hereafter referred to as the JMU/AITP

Article II - Purpose of Organization ( top )

The Association of Information Technology Professionals provides a valuable link from college life to the business world, giving students exposure to the information technology (IT) field and the career opportunities it can provide. In this endeavor, JMU/AITP provides its members with:

• Access to meetings that cover topics ranging from emerging technologies in IT to career preparation;
• Seminars and presentations from IT professionals;
• Study groups and tutors for IT classes and IT certifications;
• And other resources to prepare students to become successful in their careers.

Article III - Membership ( top )

Membership in this organization is open to all JMU students and will not be restricted on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation or political affiliation. Students in good standing with the University (2.0 cumulative G.P.A.) are eligible for membership after attending or participating in an organization event/meeting and paying the requisite dues. As a member, one is required to attend organization meetings regularly, pay dues, and actively support organization projects. Membership will be revoked by ¾ vote of executive board if actions are deemed inappropriate by the membership.

Article IV - Officers ( top )

Election of officers will require a majority vote from the general membership in April for the following academic year. If a candidate fails to receive a majority of votes, a run off election will be held within the top two candidates that received the most votes. Members interested in becoming an officer must meet the following academic requirement: 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. The term of office will be one full year (April 15 to April 14). All officers shall comprise the Executive Board of the organization. The Executive Board shall meet in addition to regular organization meetings. The Executive Board shall appoint such committees that are needed to carry out organization goals. The officers and individual duties shall be:

A. President ( top )

• Preside over all meetings
• Represent organization on campus
• Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by James Madison University and Student Organization Services
• Maintain communication with organization adviser

B. Vice-president ( top )

• Preside over meetings in the absence of the President
• Schedule meetings/events with appropriate University offices
• Coordinate organization promotion and publicity of events

C. Secretary ( top )

• Maintain an accurate record of all organization meetings and post for members
• Maintain membership directory
• Correspond when necessary with University administration and other recognized organizations

D. Treasurer ( top )

• Maintain accurate record of organization transactions
• Collect dues if required
• Develop organization budget and present to Executive Board for ¾ vote
• Cosign organization checks
• Arrange fundraising opportunities for the organization
• Solicits additional funding if needed from the Student Government Association in conjunction with the President

Officers may be removed from office by ¾ vote of the other officers and if actions are deemed inappropriate by the Board. The officer is permitted to speak before the Executive Board about the charges made concerning his/her performance. The officer is not permitted to participate in the deliberation of the Executive Board regarding the charges.

Each officer is allowed to serve a maximum of one year in their position; this is in order to provide continuity in the organization in addition to giving interested members the chance to serve on the Executive Board. At the end of their year, the officer must vacate their position. This does not preclude an officer from serving in a new executive position the following year (for example, a Vice President may become President the following year).

Article V - Adviser ( top )

The adviser shall be a full time faculty or staff member at James Madison University. The adviser will assume those responsibilities as outlined in this constitution and/or found in University Policy No. 3101 entitled "Faculty Advisers to Student Organizations." The adviser will be selected by a ¾ vote of the Executive Board. Advisers not fulfilling responsibilities or abiding by the organization's purpose may be removed from the position by a ¾ vote of the Executive Board. The advisor should:

• Be the point of contact between the organization and the JMU faculty
• Supervise the actions of the Executive board
• Keep the registration and membership paperwork secure
• Actively attend meetings and advise the Executive Board
• Cosign financial transactions

Article VI - Meetings ( top )

The organization shall hold regular (monthly) meetings during the academic term except when holidays, examination periods or other events make meeting impractical. Organization meeting day/time will be determined in the beginning of each semester by a ¾ vote of the general membership. Attendance at organization meetings is expected. If a member must miss a meeting, no correspondence is necessary. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the membership plus one officer. Robert's Rules of Order (newly revised) shall govern all meetings.

Article VII - Finance ( top )

The organization may establish reasonable dues that must be paid by all members. The amount of the dues will be determined in the beginning of the academic year by the Executive Board. Dues must be paid by the second meeting that the incoming member wishes to attend. The treasurer shall maintain all financial records and shall countersign with the advisor for all organization transactions.

A budget will be created no later than September 10th for the academic year and submitted to the Executive Board for approval. Once approval is given, a ¾ vote of the Executive Board is required to amend it.

Article VIII - Hazing ( top )

JMU/AITP, in keeping with JMU's expectations for a positive academic and social environment, unconditionally opposes hazing. No individual member of our group or the group itself may engage in or plan any activity that may be defined as hazing.

JMU/AITP opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule to its members or potential members. In addition, no individual nor recognized organization may by physical or mental stress or by subtle or covert technique, impair, make captive, or destroy an individuals' freedom of thought and choice.

Hazing, under Virginia law, is defined as activities for the initiation or induction into an organization which include calisthenics or other strenuous physical activity; exposure to inclement weather; consumption of food, liquid, beverage, drug or other substance; confinement in any room or compartment; spraying, painting or pelting with any substance; burying in any substance; burning, branding or tattooing or another activity which may result in physical injury or endanger the health or life of the individual being hazed.

J17-101 Section 18.2-56 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, which declares hazing illegal, establishes conditions for civil and criminal liability and outlines the duties of the university when a student has been found guilty of hazing.

It is hereby incorporated as part of this constitution and will serve as a guide for action by the university and JMU/AITP if there is an instance of hazing by this organization or any of the members of this organization. It will be the duty of the officers of JMU/AITP to educate the membership of this policy.

Article IX - Amendments ( top )

Amendments to this constitution must be submitted in writing at an Executive Board meeting. Said amendment(s) will be voted on at a subsequent meeting. In order to adopt the amendment, a vote of ¾ of the Executive Board is necessary. Amended constitution will be submitted within 10 days to Student Organization Services for approval.

Article X - Ratification ( top )

This constitution shall become effective upon approval by a unanimous vote of the Executive Board. Ratified constitutions must be submitted to Student Organization Services with in 10 days for final approval.