Iowa State University NSTA Student Chapter
Constitution
Drafted March 2010
Article I: Name
The name of this organization shall be “Iowa State University NSTA Student Chapter” and shall be an alliance of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), Arlington, VA, USA. This organization shall be a student chapter of NSTA.
Article II: Purpose
The purpose of this chapter shall be (1) to promote the mission of NSTA. The NSTA mission is “to promote excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all.” In addition, the purpose of this chapter is (2) to acquaint preservice teachers of science with the support resources available from NSTA, (3) to provide additional professional development in science education to preservice teachers, and (4) to acquaint preservice teachers of science with others like themselves at Iowa State University and across the United States and Canada.The Iowa State University NSTA Student Chaptershall abide by all established Iowa State University policies as well as applicable City of Ames, State of Iowa, and Federal Laws.
Article III: Membership
Section 1: Eligibility
Iowa State University NSTA Student Chapter does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability or status as a U.S.Veteran. Membership is open to ALL students at Iowa State University. A student is defined as an individual in good standing, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5/4.0, and enrolled in course work leading to an appropriate degree. Members are not required to become a member of NSTA, or non-NSTA organizations, to become a chapter member or enjoy the full privileges afforded by the student chapter.
Section 2: Dues
Dues are set at $10 a semester or $15 for the entire academic year. Dues are to be paid by all members.
Section 3: Privileges
Any member shall be entitled to vote, hold office, participate in discussions, and otherwise receive chapter benefits and materials.
Article IV: Governance
Section 1: Faculty Advisor
The student chapter shall have a faculty advisor who is the recognized liaison between NSTA and the chapter. The faculty advisor shall be an NSTA member. The faculty advisor will be appointed by the NSTA student chapter by a simple majority vote before the first week of the semester that the current advisor will be gone. The duties of the advisor of the ISU NSTA Student Chapter shall consist of attending every possible NSTA meeting and advising and mentoring the Executive Board. The current advisor is Ben Herman.
Section 2: Executive Board
An executive board shall govern the student chapter. The board will be elected for a one-year term starting in January (August) by the members at an annual meeting. Election will be done by secret ballot. For both election and impeachment a simple majority will be used. If an officer position becomes vacant the position will be filled through self-nomination and a majority vote through secret ballots.Only due-paying members who can serve the entire term are eligible for office. The following officers will comprise the board.
President – oversees and is responsible for the daily operations of the student chapter. Prepares and submits annual report to NSTA in the spring. Runs all annual meetings of the organization following Robert’s Rules of Order.
Vice President/Program – assume duties of president in the absence of the president and is responsible for chapter program development and coordination. Provides weekly status report on the progress of the chapter program development and coordination.
Secretary/Membership – maintains membership records and official written records of the student chapter meetings and events.
Treasurer – collects dues at the beginning of September and maintains financial records of the student chapter.
Webmaster – handles the updating of chapter website and generates publicity for chapter events. Adds the written records to the website by the end of every month.
The officers of this organization must meet the following requirements:
(A) Have a minimum cumulative grade point ratio (GPA) as stated below and meet that minimum GPA in the semester immediately prior to the election/appointment, the semester of election/appointment and semesters during the term of office. For undergraduate, graduate and professional 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) Should the member fail to maintain the requirements as prescribed in (a) and (b), he or she will be ineligible to hold office on the Executive Board.
Article V: Finances
All money 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 48 hours after collection. The Adviser to this organization must approve and sign each expenditure before payment
Article VI: Meetings
There shall be at least one general membership meeting each month of the academic school year. Meetings may be called by written request of any five members, provided all members are notified in advance of time, place, and purpose of the meeting.
Article VII: Amendments
Upon recommendation by the governing group, this constitution may be amended at any meeting of the membership by vote of two-thirds of the members present, provided that notice of the meeting has been given previous to the time of voting.
Article VIII: Authority
Section 1: Other governing bodies
All provisions of the Constitution of the Iowa State University NSTA Student Chapter, and all provisions governing student organizations at Iowa State University, as set forth by the administration of said institution, form a part of this Constitution.
Section 2: Constitution conflict with external governing bodies
If these bylaws should be found in any way to be in conflict with the International Constitution, or the regulations governing student organizations at Iowa State University, the article or section of this Constitution which is in conflict shall be void. In addition, this Constitution supersedes the Robert's Rules of Order at the discretion of the President of Iowa State University NSTA Student Chapter.
Section 3: Constitution conflict with chapter legislation
Any motion passed at any regular meeting of the chapter, which is found to be in conflict with these, in whole, or in part, shall be void.