Constitution
Of The
Lutheran Student Fellowship
Of
University of Missouri – Rolla
ARTICLE I– Name
The name of the organization shall be Lutheran Student Fellowship. The organization shall also be known as LSF.
ARTICLE II – Objectives
Section 1
The primary objective shall be the promotion of Lutheran education among its members and the university community. LSF aims to provide for its members a positive program of Christian fellowship based on Christian principles. This association’s programs shall be religious, educational, social, and service.
Section 2
The objectives of this organization shall be:
1. To foster thorough study of the BIBLE.
2. To encourage and maintain Lutheran fellowship.
3. To train students for intelligent leadership in the Church.
4. To promote fraternal relations with Lutheran students in other colleges and universities.
5. To disseminate the Scriptural philosophy of life.
6. To maintain and increase Lutheran consciousness on campus.
ARTICLE III – Membership
Section 1 – Membership
1. Active members must be Students of the University of Missouri – Rolla, in good standing. They should submit their student number to the President.
2. Honorary members may be appointed by any active member with approval of the LSF council. Honorary membership implies an open invitation to all organizational activities, and as such members shall be kept informed of these activities. The pastor of ImmanuelLutheranChurch is an honorary member.
3.Alumni members shall consist of former Active and Honorary members.
Section 2 – Suspensionof Members
If it should be brought to the attention of the organization that any member is acting in a manner contrary to the aims and objectives of the organization or is involved in activities conflicting with University standards, this person’s membership may be revoked. A suspended member will lose his/her rights as an active member and restriction of his/her participation in LSF events may be limited by a 3/4 vote of the council. For reactivation, a suspended member must present a letter of recommendation to the LSF council from a pastor of ImmanuelLutheranChurch.
ARTICLE IV – Officers
Section 1 – Requirementsfor officers.
The officers of LSF must meet the following requirements: 1) be an active member of Lutheran Student Fellowship 2) have at least a 2.0 overall GPA at the time of their election and maintain at least a 2.0 for their term of office; 3) be enrolled in at least six credit hours in a regular semester during the term of office; and are subject to removal from office by the organization and/or the advisor should the officer fail to maintain the requirements prescribed in (1), (2) and (3).
Section 2 – Elected Officers and theirduties
President (1):
- Overseesall activities and acts as tie-breaker in decision-making
- Organizes all council meetings
- Maintains a list of all active and honorary members
- Shall be a liaison between LSF and the Campus Board of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Vice President (1):
- Assists the president as needed (presides over meetings if president isabsent)
- Takes the role of President if that person can not fulfill his/her duties
- Oversees the organization of LSF activities
- Organizes activities (both recreational and service)
- Makes sure that other officers are doing their jobs in relation to those activities.
Treasurer (1):
- Keep track of LSF bank account
- Makes sure names on account are current
- Regularly keeps council informed of the status of the account
- Keeps running balance of all deposits and withdrawals in the checkbook register.
- Organize fundraising activities with help of other members
- Collects money from students for LSF Activities
- Disperses funds from the bank account when necessary
- Assists the President at Campus Board meetings when finances are involved
Secretary (1):
- Takes minutes at Council meetings
- Maintains the LSF listserve
- Takes attendance at LSF events (including Bible Study) to assist the PeerMinisters
Publicity Chair (1):
- Organizes mass outreach activities
- Creates flyers and postersfor activities
- Sends out emails about LSF activities and events
- Maintains LSF website
Fellowship Coordinator (1):
- Coordinates Supper on Sunday (SOS) main dishes and bible study snacks with the campusboard
- Prepares food that goes along with the main dish provided by Campus Board (side dishesand dessert)
- Organizes the preparation of food for all necessary activities which requirefood (gamenights, possible
fundraisers, etc)
Peer Minister (2):
- Organizes individual outreach activities (i.e. freshmanvisits)
- Contacts students when a decrease in involvement is observed
- Be open to helping students with problems that they may have (be agood listener)
- Be available to students when they have problems
- Coordinate with the Publicity Chair in outreach efforts
Section 3 – Termof Office
The President, Vice President, and Treasurer shall be elected to a two semester term beginning with the spring semester. The Secretary, Publicity Chair, Fellowship Coordinator, and the Peer Ministers shall be elected to a one semester term. There is no limit to the number of terms any one member may hold an office.
Section 4 – Nominationof Officers
Nominations for elective offices shall be opened at least one week but no more than three weeks precedingthe election.
Section 5 – Electionof Officers
The LSF Council shall set the date of the election each semester within one month of the close of the term. The election shall be decided by a majority vote of those members present.
Newly elected officers will assume their duties at the close of a transition meeting between old and new officers to be held after the election and before the end of the term.
Section 6 – Vacancy
In case of a vacancy, the President shall have the authority to appoint a replacement until such time when a special election can be held.
Section 7 – Impeachment
Any officer may be impeached for unbecoming behavior. A 3/4 vote of all active members is required for removal from office.
Section 8 – LSFcouncil
The LSF council shall consist of the elected officers mentioned in article IV Section 2. The President shall call meetingsonce a month to discuss the organization’s business. The meetings shall be open to all members who, may present business and participate in discussion, but may not vote in Council decisions.
ARTICLE V – Advisor
Lutheran Student Fellowship shall have a faculty or staff advisor (at least 0.75 FTE). When vacant this person shall be selected by a majority vote of the members to serve as advisor to the officers and members of LSF. Organization advisors shall enjoy the same rights and privileges as members, except the right to vote and the right to hold an elected office.
ARTICLE VI – Committees
Section 1 – StandingCommittees
Standing Committees may be created by 2/3 vote of the LSF council. A 2/3 vote of the council or a 2/3 vote of the active members is needed to disband a standing committee.
Section 2 – TemporaryCommittees
Temporary committees shall be appointed at the discretion of the president and may be dissolved by the president or by a 3/4 vote of the LSF council.
ARTICLE VII – Meetings(Bible Study)
Section 1
The council shall be responsible for ensuring that at least one meeting is held each month during the academic year.
Section 2
Special meetings may be called at anytime at the discretion of the President, or upon request of any three members. Members shall be notified of the special meeting by the Secretary, or a duly appointed member of the LSF council.
Section 3
At least one-half of the Active members must be present to constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE VIII – Constitution
Section 1
Adoption of this constitution must be approved by a 2/3 majority vote of the Active members and only if such constitutionis approved by the Student Affairs Committee, the Academic Council, or their appointed representative.
Section 2
Amendments to the constitution must be approved by a 2/3 majority vote of the Active members, and the Student Affairs Committee, the Academic Council, or their appointed representative.
Section 3
Amendments to the By-laws shall be presented at any council meeting by any member of the organization and shall be presented to the members at least one week before the amendment is voted on. The amendment shall be passed by a majority vote of the members present at the meeting.