Constitution of Thai Student Association at Iowa State University
Article IName
The name of this organization shall be Thai Student Association at Iowa State University, which may be abbreviated as TSA.
Article IIPurpose & Goals
Section One:The purpose of this organization shall be the following:
(a)To providesupport for all Thai students, visiting scholars and their families at Iowa State University.
(b)To foster the relationship and interaction among the members, university, and local community.
(c)To promote an understanding and appreciation of Thai heritage and culture.
(d)To plan and coordinate educational, cultural, social activitiesand provide services which advance the aforementioned goals.
Section Two:The Thai Student Associationabides by and supports established Iowa State University policies, State and Federal Laws.
Article IIMembership
Section One:Membership categories:
(a)All registered students, faculty and staff of Iowa State University are eligible to be regular members. Only regular members shall have the right to vote in the Association proceedings.
(b)Other members of the university community (i.e. spousesand friends of regular members) are eligible to be associate members. Associate members shall have the right to speak but not to vote in the Association proceedings.
Section Two:Rights and Responsibilities of Members:
(a)As a member, one is expected to attend organization meetings, pay dues, and actively support organization projects.
(b)Membership will be revoked by ½ vote of officers plus ¾ vote from the general membership if actions are deemed inappropriate by the membership.
Section Three:Non-discrimination statement:
Thai Student Association shall not bar anyone from membership on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability or status as a USA armed forces veteran.
Article IIIOfficers
Section One:The officers of Thai Student Association must meet the following requirements:
(a)Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) as stated below and meet that minimum cumulative GPA in the semester immediately prior to the election/appointment, the semester of election/appointment and semesters during the term of office. For undergraduate students, the minimum GPA is 2.00. In order for this provision to be met, at least six hours (half-time credits) must have been taken for the semester under consideration.
(b)Be in good standing with the university and enrolled: at least half time (six or more credit hours), if an undergraduate student (unless fewer credits are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters) during the term of office, and at least half time (four or more credits), if a graduate level student (unless fewer credits are required in the final stages of their degree as defined by the Continuous Registration Requirement) during their term of office.
(c)Be ineligible to hold an office should the student fail to maintain the requirements as prescribed in (a) and (b).
Section Two:Thai Student Association shall be managed and directed by the Executive Committee consisting of the President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer, and Adviser.The Executive Committee shall meet in addition to regular organization meetings and appoint additionalcommittees as needed to carry out the goals of the organization.
Section Three:The Executive Committee officers shall have the following duties:
(a)President:
(i)Preside over all meetings
(ii)Represent organization on campus
(iii)Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by Iowa State University and Student Activities Center
(iv)Maintain communication with organization adviser
(b)Vice-president:
(i)Preside over meetings in the absence of the President
(ii)Schedule meetings/events with appropriate University offices
(iii)Coordinate organization promotion and publicity of events
(c)Secretary:
(i)Maintain an accurate record of all organization meetings and post for members
(ii)Maintain membership directory
(iii)Correspond when necessary with University administration and other recognized organizations
(d)Treasurer:
(i)Maintain accurate record of organization transactions
(ii)Collect dues if required
(iii)Cosign organization checks along with the Adviser
(iv)Arrange fundraising opportunities for the organization
(v)Solicits additional funding if needed from the Student Government
(e)Adviser:
(i)Maintain communication and meet with officer(s) regularly
(ii)Awareness and approval of financial expenditures
(iii)Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by Iowa State University and Student Activities Center
Section Four:Electionof officers:
(a)Election shall be heldannually at a general assembly meetingat the end of the Spring semester.
(b)Any regular member meeting the requirements above maybe nominated for office.
(c)Voting shall be done by the secret ballot. A candidate is elected with a simple majority from the general membership. If a candidate fails to receive a majority of votes, a runoff election will be held with the top two candidates that received the most votes.
(d)The term of office will be one full year (May to May) and begin one week following the election.
(e)Adviser shall be chosen by a 2/3 majority vote and is kept for the duration of his/her tenure at Iowa State University.
Section Five:Replacement of officer:
(a)Should an office becomes permanently vacated, the vice-officer elect will be automatically installed into the corresponding office.
(b)If there is no vice-officer elect, a new officer will be elected by a simple majority of the general membership.
Section Six:Officers may be removed from office by ½ vote of the other officers and ¾ of the general membership if actions are deemed inappropriate by the membership. The officer is permitted to speak before the Executive Committee and the general membership about the charges made concerning his/her performance. The officer is not permitted to participate in the deliberation of theExecutive Committee regarding the charges.
Article IVFinances
Section One:The finance of this organization consists primarily of mandatory membership dues and donations from members, individuals, university or companies who acknowledge the purposes of this organization. Funding may be also be sought from the General Student Body allocations or generated as the Association deems appropriate or necessary in accordance with established University policy.
Section Two:The organization may establish reasonable dues that must be paid by all members. The amount of the dueswill be determined in the beginning of the academic year by the Executive Committee and presented to the general membership for a ¾ vote. The amount of dues may range between $5 to $10 per semester. All members must pay dues by the 3rdweek in semester. The treasurer shall maintain all financial records and shall countersign with the president forall organization transactions.
Section Three:All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed through a bank account established for this organization at the Campus Organizations Accounting Office and/or approved institution/office (must receive authorization via Campus Organizations Accounting Office). All funds must be deposited within 24 hours after collection. The Adviser to this organization must approve and sign each expenditure before payment.
Article VAmendments & Ratification
Section One:This constitution may be amended and subsequently ratified at any time, with the unanimous approval of the Executive Committee and with a simple majority of the membership, not counting abstainers. Members will be given oneweek to consider amendments.
Section Two:Amended or ratified amendments to this Constitution must be submitted to the Student Activities Centerwithin ten days for final approval.