Constitution International Student Ministry at Iowa State University

Constitution – International Student Ministry at Iowa State University

Article I. Name

The name of this organization shall be International Student Ministry (ISM) at Iowa State University.

Article II. Purpose

International Student Ministry at Iowa State University is a ministry of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod that seeks to provide fellowship between people from different, countries, cultures, and backgrounds and to share Christ among them.

International Student Ministry at Iowa State University abides by and supports established Iowa State University policies, State and Federal Laws.

Article III. Statement of Compliance

a)The International Student Ministry abides by and supports established Iowa State University policies, State and Federal Laws and follows local ordinances and regulations.

b)The International Student Ministry agrees to annually complete President’s Training, Treasurer’s Training and Advisor Training (if required).

Article IV: Non-Discrimination Statement

a)Constitutions must include the university’s non-discrimination statement and mention all of its14protected classes

b)Iowa State University and the International Student Ministrydo not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, race, ethnicity, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a U.S Veteran

Article V. Membership

Membership shall be open to all registered students at Iowa State University.

Article VI. Risk Management

a)Ensure all Friday International Student Hospitality (F.I.S.H.) dinners follow proper safety and health procedures.

b)Ensure personal contact information of students is protected and confidential, including addresses in their home countries.

c)Ensure that ISM follows all ISU policies.

Article VII. Officers

The officers of the International Student Ministry at Iowa State University shall be the (1) President, and (2) Treasurer and (3) Advisor.

Election of officers – Election of officers will be held each year at the beginning of the fall semester and will require a majority vote from the members present voting. If a candidate fails to receive a majority of votes, a run off election will be held between the top two candidates who received the most votes. Members interested in becoming an officer must meet the following academic requirements:

(a) Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) as stated below and meet that minimum GPA in the semester immediately prior to the appointment, the semester of the 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 of 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.

Term of Office - For each officer this will be one full year August 31 to August 31. All officers will comprise the Executive Committee of the organization. The Executive Committee shall meet in addition to the regular organization meetings and shall appoint committees that are needed to carry out organizational goals.

Duties – The duties of each officer are:

President

Preside over all meetings

Represent the organization on and off campus

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

Maintain communication with organizational advisor

Receive reports from committees of the organization

Treasurer

Maintain accurate record of organizational transactions

Collect dues as may be established by the organization

Develop organization budget and present to membership for ¾ vote

Cosign organization checks along with the Adviser

Arrange fundraising activities and events for the organization

Removal from office – Officers may be removed from office for inappropriate action(s). Any member of the organization may bring charges of inappropriate action(s) (examples include not fulfilling the duties of their position listed above, being charged or found guilty of criminal activities or no longer affiliation with Memorial Lutheran Church) to the Executive Committee. In such case, the Executive Committee will conduct a private hearing at which the charging member and the charged officer may each present arguments and evidence. The Executive Committee, absent, the charged officer, will deliberate in private and develop a recommendation or recommendations, approved by at least 50% of the officers, to present to the membership. At a meeting of the membership, the officers will present their recommendation(s), and the charging member and the charged officer may be allowed to speak. The membership will decide by a ¾ vote of members present and voting what action(s), if any, will be taken. Such action(s) may include a forced resignation of the charged officer from his/her office and/or may include expulsion of the charged officer from the organization.

Replacement of Officer or Adviser - If an officer or adviser is removed the replacement procedure is the same as the election procedure described in Article IV. It shall take place at the first meeting following the removal of the previous officer/adviser.

Article VIII. Advisor(s)

Adviser duties

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.

Article IX. Finances

Records of the finances should be made by the treasurer of the International Student Ministry and shall be available to the general membership and Executive Committee during regular meetings. All monies belonging to the 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 in this organization must approve and sign each expenditure before payment.

There will be no dues for the International Student Ministry.

Article X. Amendments and Ratification

Amendments to the constitution must be submitted in writing at a regular meeting of the organization. Said amendment(s) will be voted on at a subsequent meeting. In order to adopt the amendment, a vote of 2/3 of the general membership is necessary. Amended constitutions will be submitted within 10 days to Student Activities Center for approval.

This constitution shall become effective upon approval by a ¾ vote of the membership. Ratified constitutions must be submitted to Student Activities Center within 10 days for final approval.

Bylaws

1. Committees—The Executive Committee may appoint ad hoc committees. The committees will be made up of people from the general membership and must report to the Executive Committee through the president.

2. Meetings—International Student Ministry shall hold regular monthly meetings during the academic term except when holidays, examination periods or other events make meeting impractical. Organizational meeting day/time will be determined in the beginning of each semester by a 2/3 vote of the general membership. Attendance at organizational meetings is expected.