Iowa State University SIFE Will Abide by Iowa State University Rules and Regulations, State

PREAMBLE

Iowa State University SIFE will abide by Iowa State University rules and regulations, state and federal laws.

ARTICLE I. NAME

The title of the Iowa State University Students in Free Enterprise Team shall be addressed, “ISU SIFE Team”

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

Section 1.

SIFE team members leverage their personal educational experiences, the expertise of their faculty advisors, the support of their local business advisory boards, and the resources of their institutions to implement programs that create real economic opportunities for members of their communities. The effectiveness of their programs is judged at competition. SIFE is funded by financial contributions from corporations, entrepreneurs, foundations, government agencies and individuals. Working with these contributors, SIFE establishes student teams on university campuses. These teams are led by faculty advisors and they are challenged to develop community outreach projects that considering the relevant economic, social and environmental factors, which SIFE team most effectively empowered people in need by applying business and economic concepts and an entrepreneurial approach to improve their quality of life and standard of living?

Section 2.

In the development and growth of our organization there will be an emphasis on following the Iowa State University policies for student organizations, but reserve the right to assess situations and operate independently.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.

Eligible members are any student (full or part time as well as pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree) at Iowa State University. There are no restrictions of membership or involvement. Any restrictions placed by the International SIFE organization would be applied to the Iowa State University Team as well.

Section 2.

SIFE members may withdraw membership at any point throughout the year. Since there are no mandatory dues, this will not be an issue. Also, there will be no GPA, financial, or any other requirements for membership. Participation is highly encouraged.

Section 3.

The Iowa State University SIFE is open to registered students at Iowa State and 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.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND ADVISERS

Section 1.

There will be a minimum of four officer positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. All positions will be elected by a majority vote by club members at the beginning of each semester. The President may only hold one position; however, all other officers may hold multiple positions.

Duties of President include: conducting weekly meetings and facilitating project leaders.

Every semester the president is required to produce a report which is to be submitted to the team in full. This report should highlight the growth strategy of the organization, continuation of projects, and new project goals of the semester.

Duties of Vice President include: assisting President with weekly meeting and agendas and assisting other officers and project leaders. Leads weekly meetings in the absence of the President.

Duties of Secretary include: maintain minutes of weekly meetings, sending email and notices to club members, and assist in writing memos and other documents to BAB and project participants.

Duties of Treasurer include: keep financial records, help set the budget, and keep all officers informed each week of financial position.

The four officer positions as listed above will constitute an executive committee, in charge of keeping the club focused and maintaining the direction of future endeavors.

Section 2.

In order for an officer to be eligible to hold his/her position, he/she must maintain good standing with the organization and university where the following requirements must be met:

(a) Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (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) Be ineligible to hold an office should the student fail to maintain the requirements as prescribed in (a) and (b).

Section 3.

Each time a project is evaluated and accepted, a project committee shall be formed. This will include a project leader in charge of reporting to SIFE officers and delegating other duties to other club members which are necessary to make the project a success. All project leaders need to develop reports to gage metrics of project effectiveness, attendance, time, goals, and future goals.

Section 4.

Duties of Adviser:

• Maintain communication and meet with officer(s) regularly

• Awareness and approval of financial expenditures

• Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by Iowa State University and Student Activities Center

Dates of Election/Appointment and Method:

The term for the adviser will be one full year (from August to August). The adviser will be selected by the officers and then voted on by the general membership. A majority vote is needed for an adviser to be selected.

Faculty advisor is encouraged to attend weekly meetings and provide advice in the direction of projects and operation. Faculty advisor is responsible for corresponding with University Officials. The staff advisor serves as resource concerning the most current university rules and regulations involving students and student activities. If the student members are not happy with the actions of the advisor they should inform the Dean of the College who will seek to resolve the problem.

Section 5.

Officers or advisers may be removed from office by ½ of the votes of the other officers and ¾ of the general membership if actions are deemed inappropriate by the membership. The officer or adviser is permitted to speak before the Executive Committee and the general membership about the charges made concerning his/her performance. The officer or adviser is not permitted to participate in the deliberation of the Executive Committee regarding the charges.

ARTICLE V. OPERATIONS

Officers are elected at the first or second meeting of the semester. Students may volunteer themselves for the position and then a paper vote will be taken by attending members. If multiple students run for the same position, the student with the most votes takes position. In the event of a tie, another vote will be taken until one student prevails. Students are encouraged to list reasons indicating why they should take the position.

Any member participating in SIFE is eligible for office; however, it is encouraged that officers have been a member for at least one year prior to taking the position to gain experience and understand club objectives.

Officers assume their positions directly after a vote has been counted.

Officers may be removed from their position at their discretion or dis-enrollment at the University and a temporary vote will be taken for another student to fulfill the position for the remainder of the semester. If no short term vote can be done, the president may temporarily appoint a member to fulfill those duties until a vote can be cast.

ARTICLE VI. FINANCES

SIFE will be primarily funded through business donations and University funds. However, efforts may be focused on profit-generating projects. Their will be no membership dues.

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 48 hours after collection. The Adviser to this organization must approve and sign each expenditure before payment.

ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS

Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by SIFE members. The proposed amendment must be discussed at two club meetings and in a meeting with the faculty advisor and officers. This should allow all club members the chance to become aware of the proposed change and provide their individual input. After these three requirements have been fulfilled a vote must be taken. The proposed amendment will take effect, only if it is passed with a 2/3 vote. The vote will be cast in a weekly meeting and will be done by paper and pencil (anonymously) then counted immediately following the vote.

ARTICLE VIII. REGISTRATION RENEWAL

President in is charge of making sure the club is registered with the University and SIFE. This should be done within the first month of each semester.