Constitution
Article I - Name, Purpose, and Non-Discrimination Policy of the Organization.
1.1 Name
The Raas Club at The Ohio State University
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of The Raas Club is to teach students the cultural dance called Raas. This dance will be the link between the Indian values and traditions passed on to us by our parents and the American values and traditions learned by students in America. Also, this organization will be a leader in helping the community. We as American born Indians and also Indian born Indians would like to explore our culture through this dance and start a tradition that will leave a mark on society as a whole. The team will also compete in various competitions. We would like this organization to be a part of the diverse Ohio State University atmosphere and become an official organization that can be recognized for its achievements in dance and community service. This will allow students to be active and learn more about their culture. It is important that we as a society hold steady the traditions passed on to us by our elders so that upcoming generations can learn about the values that make us who we are and never let history fade.
1.3 Non-Discrimination Policy of the Organization
This organization and its members shall not discriminate against any individual(s) for reasons of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Article II - Membership
2.1 Any student enrolled at The Ohio State University is eligible for participation in the club. Inclusion on The Raas Team at The Ohio State University will be determined by the executive board.
2.2 Membership Guidelines
a. A member of the club will be asked to leave the club if his/her conduct is not satisfactory amongst the officers.
b. Unsatisfactory behavior includes representing The Raas Club in a negative manner, not following up on commitments made to the club, not following the University policies, and other provisions decided by the officers.
Article III - Offices
3.1 Officers and their duties
a. President/Vice-President
a. Shall be the spokesperson for the organization.
b. Must attend a Student Organization Training as required by the University.
c. Prepares and presides at all executive board and club meetings.
d. Will be aware of all money matters and club events.
e. Will be open to all input and opinions.
f. Will maintain a history of the club and its accomplishments.
g. May appoint chairs of new committees as needed.
h. Is in charge of amending the constitution as voted upon by a majority of the executive board.
b. Treasurer
a. Will be required to attend a Treasurer training session as required by the University.
b. Will apply to CSA funding at the beginning of every quarter.
c. Must maintain fiscal records such as checkbook, bills, invoices for all transactions, budgets, audits, financial statements, etc. for all club related activities.
c. Secretary
a. Documents minutes from all executive and club meetings.
b. Provides a copy of the minutes for each officer and advisor as requested.
c. Must maintain a database containing all contacts of the Club
d. Maintains a complete and accurate account of attendance, membership status, member volunteer hours, and member ListServ.
e. Will maintain a calendar of all club events.
d. Webmaster
a. Will be in charge of creating and updating a Club website.
b. Updating should occur a minimum of biweekly and on request of President and advisors.
3.2 Requirements
a. All officers must be enrolled students in good standing (GPA 2.0) at The Ohio State University.
b. All officers must serve for a term of twelve months beginning the month of elections and ending the month of elections.
c. All officers must attend 80% of all club activities including but not limited to: executive meetings, club meetings, and all club related projects on and off campus.
3.3 Elections
a. Officers will be selected by an election process that occurs Spring quarter of every year.
a. Officers must apply for a position of their choice and then present a speech to the members of the club on the day of the election.
b. In case a position is not formally applied for, members of the club may nominate a person on the day of the election.
c. Elections will be conducted by officers that are not running for re-election. In the case that all officers are running for office again, the advisors will run the election.
b. Voting at elections
a. Members will anonymously vote on slips of paper.
b. Slips will be tallied at the end of the meeting and new officers will be announced.
c. In the case of a tie, the current executive board will be the tie-breaker
c. Selection process for the Raas Team
a. Members from last year’s team may decide to stay on the team as long as they are attending The Ohio State University.
b. The returning members will hold a tryout and vote to fill the remaining open spots.
3.4 Removal from Office
a. Any officer not acting in accordance who does not meet or fulfill the standards or duties established for the office he/she holds, may be removed from office by a majority vote by the advisors, members, and other executive board members.
b. Any vacancy which may occur in an office shall be filled by appointment by the President pending ratification at the next executive meeting.
Article IV – Advisor
4.1 The club shall have an Ohio State Advisor.
a. A full-time Ohio State University employee/faculty member shall serve as the advisor for the club and does not have voting rights.
b. The advisor is responsible for attending an Advisor Training once every three years.
c. The advisor is responsible for approving all funding requests.
Article V - Methods of Amending the Constitution
All amendments and changes to the Constitution must be proposed at Executive Board meetings. Changes will be voted upon and President will announce the final decision. President will also be in charge of updating the Constitution within the SOURCE database.
Constitution Rev. April 12, 2017