Constitution and By-Laws Guidelines for Student Organizations

Constitution

Bridges International at The Ohio State University

Article l - Name, Purpose, and Non-Discrimination Policy of the Organization.

Section 1: Bridges International at The Ohio State University (OSU)

Section 2 - Purpose: To help OSU international students and scholars succeed at The Ohio State University through the provision of spiritual growth resources, felt needs and wellness programs, and recreational activities

Objectives:

Provide spiritual growth and development resources for internationals consisting of but not limited to Bible studies, spiritual conversation groups, Bible study leader training, exploratory study groups, and outreach activities to promote such.

Provide “felt needs” type programming for internationals consisting of but not limited to conversation English classes, academic tutoring, cross-cultural learning, cultural awareness, other programs as deemed needed and necessary to help internationals integrate into the university environment.

Provide wellness programs for internationals consisting of but not limited to spiritual, emotional, physical health topics, related topics, and outreach activities to promote such.

Provide recreational activities for internationals consisting of but not limited to sports, games, trips, movies nights, parties, holiday outreaches, and other social events intended to build relationships and help internationals integrate into the university environment.

Sponsor guest speakers and host events for internationals to meet felt needs, promote wellness programs, encourage spiritual growth and development, participate in recreational activities, and outreach activities to promote such.

Collaborate with other international student groups and organizations to promote programs, events, and activities, as needed.

Collaborate with other Christian/religious student groups and organizations to promote programs, events, and activities, as needed.

Work cooperatively with the University Interfaith Association and other campus-based religious/spiritual groups and organizations, as needed.

Work cooperatively with the University administration and other “At-Large” student organizations.

Provide training for American OSU college students to learn how to do all of the above.

Section 3 - Non-Discrimination Policy:

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.

While agreeing with the university’s non-discrimination policy Bridges International at The Ohio State University reserves the right as a religious student organization to limit leadership opportunities to those students who abide by the membership qualifications established by the organization.

Article II - Membership: Qualifications and categories of membership.

Voting membership is defined as limited to currently enrolled Ohio State undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and the advisor and co-advisors. Bridges International at The Ohio State University reserves the right as a religious student organization to limit voting membership to those students who abide by the qualifications established by the organization.

Voting membership shall be limited to those students, advisors, and co-advisors who affirm the Christian Cannon of Holy Scriptures (Bible) as the inspired, inerrant (in its original text), infallible Word of God and such is binding and authoritative in all manners in which it speaks. Voting members shall make a profession of faith in Christ Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and seek to live his/her life according to the Holy Scriptures as it pertains to sexual morality and the commands of Christ. Voting members shall affirm and be members/attenders of a church that supports the “Statement of Faith” which articulates the fundamental beliefs shared by evangelical Christians.

Non-voting members are identified as authorized members of the OSU community, such as OSU faculty, alumni, visiting scholars, post-doctoral researchers, career professionals, university staff, spouses, family members, etc. Members of the OSU community, as previously stated, may participate in Bridges International activities. Bridges International at The Ohio State University agrees to works in collaboration with non-university personnel, students, and organizations as deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee to achieve the objectives of the organization. Bridges International reserves the right to determine criteria for participation in programs and activities it hosts and provides for its programs and activities.

For educational and leadership development reasons, student organizations are to be student initiated, student lead, and student run, as needed.

Article III - Organization Leadership: Titles, terms of office, type of selection, duties of the leaders, and removal of officers.

The titles of organization leaders: President/Student Leader, Vice President/Assistant Student Leader, and Treasurer

The length of terms: Terms is for the duration of one academic year, from the time the officer assumed his/her position.

Organization leaders, as identified above,are representatives of the Executive Committee and general membership and are appointed from the ranks of the organization’s voting membership by a nominating committee.

Specification as to which leaders are appointed and by whom: President/Student Leader, Vice President/Assistant Student Leader, and Treasurer are appointed positions. A nomination committee comprised of three persons from the Executive Committeewill appoint the leader positions. The persons comprising the nominating committee shall be appointed by unanimous consent of the executive committee.

President/Primary Student Leader: Performs all duties and responsibilities as required by the university as the president of a student organization. Serves on Executive Committee and has oversight of any/all standing committees and financial accounts as maintained by the treasurer.

Vice President/Assistant Student Leader: Assists the President/Primary Student Leader and fulfills all duties and responsibilities in his/her absence. Serves on Executive Committee and has oversight of any/all standing committees.

Treasurer: Be accountable for all funds and provide financial reports as determined by the university.

Removal of Officers:

Officers of the organization, once selected, may be removed by “self-resignation” for any cause. Officers who have resigned may be replaced as described in “By-LawsArticle III- Election / Appointment of Government Leadership.”

For the removal of a standing Officer, a complaint of “just cause for removal from office” must be provided in writing to the Advisor & Co-advisor(s)as described in “Article VI – Adviser(s) or Advisory Board: Qualification Criteria.” Any other Officer or eligible voting member may bring a complaint for removal against an Officer. Upon receipt, the Advisor & Co-advisor(s) and remaining Officers not cited in the complaint shall review the complaint and investigate substantiated claims. “Just cause for removal” of an Officer may include “conduct unbecoming of an officer”and actions or behaviors contrary to those expressed in the criteria for “Eligibility for office” as described in the “By-Laws Article III- Election / Appointment of Government Leadership”.

At the conclusion of an investigation into the claims of the written complaint the Advisor & Co-advisor(s) and remaining Officers not cited in the complaint shall submit a report and make a recommendation to the voting membership to “retain or remove the Officer.” Officers may be retained but required to participate in a “remediation process” as prescribed by the Advisor & Co-Advisor(s) with the intent to restore the Officer to a proper standing with the organization. Should the Officer cited in the complaint not comply with the prescribed remediation they shall be recommended for “removal from office.”

A standing Officer may be removed from Office by a 2/3 majority vote conducted by “secret ballot,” at a specially convened meeting with a minimum of 72 hours notice. The ballot shall be taken from among the eligible voting members as described in the “Eligibility for office” as stated in “By-Laws Article II - Membership: Qualifications and categories of membership”. Any resignations or removal (impeachment) of an appointed officer shall result in the appointment of a replacement by a nominating committee of the Executive Committee. Officers who have been removed from Office may be replaced as described in “By-LawsArticle III- Election / Appointment of Government Leadership.”

Article IV - Executive Committee (as needed): Size and composition of the Committee.

The role of the Executive Committee is to conduct business of the organization between general meetings of the membership and reports its actions at the general meetings of the membership.

The Executive Committee is represented by qualified voting and ex officio members:

Executive Committee members shall be limited to those men and women who affirm the Christian Cannon of Holy Scriptures (Bible) as the inspired, inerrant (in its original text), infallible Word of God and such is binding and authoritative in all manners in which it speaks. Executive Committee members shall make a profession of faith in Christ Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and seek to live his/her life according to the Holy Scriptures as it pertains to sexual morality and the commands of Christ. Executive Committee members shall affirm and be members/attenders of a church that supports the “Statement of Faith” which articulates the fundamental beliefs shared by evangelical Christians.

Executive Committee members shall be identified in the minutes of the committee on an annual basis and may include: organization leaders, chairpersons of any/all the standing committees, ex officio students, advisors, faculty, staff, and non-university personnel who abide by the membership qualifications established by the organization and as deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee.

The organization President will chair the Executive Committee, and in collaboration with the fellow Officers, the Advisor, and Co-Advisors,determines membership status and eligibility.

Article V - Standing Committees (if needed): Names, purposes, and composition.

No Standing Committees are designated at this time, although they may be created at the request and direction of the Executive Committee

Article VI – Adviser(s) or Advisory Board: Qualification Criteria.

The adviser of Bridges International at The Ohio State University is a full-time member of the University faculty or Administrative & Professional staff.

A Co-Advisor may be named by the Executive Committee according to criteria established by the committee.

Responsibilities and expectations of advisers and co-advisors:

The adviser/co-advisor(s) of Bridges International at The Ohio State University shall perform all the duties and responsibilities of the position as determined by the university and as needed in consultation with Executive Committee.

The advisor/co-advisor shall be limited to qualified university faculty/staff and/or those who meet criteria established by the committee as follows: those who affirm the Christian Cannon of Holy Scriptures (Bible) as the inspired, inerrant (in its original text), infallible Word of God and such is binding and authoritative in all manners in which it speaks. Advisors/co-advisors shall make a profession of faith in Christ Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and seek to live his/her life according to the Holy Scriptures as it pertains to sexual morality and the commands of Christ. Advisors/co-advisors shall affirm and be members/attenders of a church that supports the “Statement of Faith” which articulates the fundamental beliefs shared by evangelical Christians.

Article VII – Meetings of the Organization: Required meetings and their frequency.

Meetings are to be weekly at 7:00 PM on Friday nights during the academic year (August-May) at The Ohio Union, Buckeye Village, or other suitable location.

Article VIII – Method of Amending Constitution: Proposals, notice, and voting requirements.

Proposed amendments shall be in writing and shall be read in the next upcoming general meeting and the next general meeting thereafter. Also proposed amendments shall be read at the general meeting in which the vote will be taken. Proposed amendments shall require a two-third majority of voting members (a quorum being present).

Article IX – Method of Dissolution of Organization

Requirements and procedures for dissolution of the student organization should be stated:

Dissolution of the student organization shall take place only upon the unanimous consent of all the Executive Committee members.

Assets and debt exist, appropriate means fort disposing of these assets and debts should be specified clearly and unequivocally: Should any assets remain at the dissolution of the organization all remaining assets shall be transferred to the appropriate university office after all debts are duly paid. The organization treasurer shall provide for an accounting of all final assets and debts.

By-Laws

Article 1 – Parliamentary Authority

“The rules contained in Robert’s Rule of Order shall govern the organization in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the by-laws of this organization.” “Though the minority shall be heard and absentees protected, the majority will decide.”

Article II- Membership

Procedures for becoming a member:

OSU Students can request membership verbally or in writing.

Voting membership shall be limited to OSU students who affirm the Christian Cannon of Holy Scriptures (Bible) as the inspired, inerrant (in its original text), infallible Word of God and such is binding and authoritative in all manners in which it speaks. Voting members shall make a profession of faith in Christ Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and seek to live his/her life according to the Holy Scriptures as it pertains to sexual morality and the commands of Christ. Voting members shall affirm and be members/attenders of a church that supports the “Statement of Faith” which articulates the fundamental beliefs shared by evangelical Christians.

Non-voting members are identified as authorized members of the OSU community, such as OSU faculty, alumni, students, professional students, career professionals, university staff, etc. Members of the OSU community, as previously stated, may participate in Bridges International activities if his/her participation is approved by the Executive Committee. Bridges International at The Ohio State University agrees to works in collaboration with non-university personnel, students, and organizations as deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee to achieve the objectives of the organization. Bridges International reserves the right to determine criteria for participation in programs and activities it hosts and provides for its program and activities.

Amount of dues: none

Termination of membership: Any member (OSU student/scholar) may voluntarily request termination of membership at any time. Voting members that fail to comply with the qualifications of a voting member may be terminated by a majority (quorum) vote of the Executive Committee. Any voting member subject to termination deservers a hearing before a majority (quorum) of the Executive Committee prior to a termination vote. Such members may request transfer to a non-voting member status—with approval of a majority (quorum) vote of the Executive Committee —should he/she desire to work towards restoration of fellowship and membership “in good standing” in Bridges International at The Ohio State University.

Article III- Election / Appointment of Government Leadership

Appointment rules and procedures: Government leaders (President/Student Leader, Vice President/Assistant Student Leader, and Treasurer) are appointed. A nomination committee comprised of at least three persons from the Executive Committeewill appoint the leader positions. The persons comprising the nominating committee shall be appointed by unanimous consent of the executive committee.

Eligibility for office: Government leaders shall be limited to students who affirm the Christian Cannon of Holy Scriptures (Bible) as the inspired, inerrant (in its original text), infallible Word of God and such is binding and authoritative in all manners in which it speaks. Government leaders shall make a profession of faith in Christ Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and seek to live his/her life according to the Holy Scriptures as it pertains to sexual morality and the commands of Christ. Leaders shall affirm and be members/attenders of a church that supports the “Statement of Faith” which articulates the fundamental beliefs shared by evangelical Christians.

The nominating process: A nomination committee comprised of at least three persons from the Executive Committee, voting membership, and/or any non-voting members will appoint the leader positions. The persons comprising the nominating committee shall be appointed by unanimous consent of the executive committee.

Design of ballots and balloting procedures: Since Government leaders are appointed ballots and balloting are not required.

Appointment and ratification procedures: The President/Student Leader, Vice President/Assistant Student Leader, and Treasurer shall confirm new appointments and the annual slate of organization leaders in writing and produce such for the Executive Committee. Results of appointments shall be made known publicly to the general membership.

Officers: organization leaders represent the Executive Committee and general membership and are appointed from the ranks of the organization’s voting membership.

The titles of organization leaders: President/Student Leader, Vice President/Assistant Student Leader, and Treasurer

The length of terms: Terms is for the duration of one academic year, from the time the officer assumed his/her position, depending upon his/her eligibility.

Any resignations or removal (impeachment) of an appointed officer shall result in the appointment of a replacement by a nominating committee of the Executive Committee.

Article IV- Executive Committee (if needed)

Specific duties of the Committee and its responsibilities to the membership:

The Executive Committee shall lead, guide, and direct the organization. All meetings will require the taking of notes that are open for public review. The Executive Committee shall approve all financial transactions and invoices. Specific expenditures may be approved in advance and authority granted to a designee of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall oversee all the business of the general meeting, elections, and participate in strategic planning to determine the course for the organization.

Article V- Standing Committees (if needed)

None at this time

Article VI - Adviser/Co-Advisor/Advisory Board Responsibilities

Expectations of the adviser/co-advisor in the organization: