The University of Louisiana at Monroe
Scout Constitution
Article I Name
The name of the organization shall be the “ULM Scouts” of The University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Article II Purpose
The purpose of the Scouts shall be the following: act as goodwill ambassadors for The University of Louisiana at Monroe; attend various athletic events and help promote school spirit; assist various coaches and players by providing services required for each sport; develop characteristics in each member such as leadership, cooperation, good manners, good character, proper etiquette; and improve poise, confidence, and speaking skills through the various responsibilities required of each member.
Article III Colors
The colors of this organization shall be maroon and gold.
Article IV Membership
Section I Obtaining Membership
A. Each candidate must be eligible to attend The University of Louisiana at Monroe.
B. Each candidate will be required to submit an application, high school/college transcript, signed assumption of risk release form, three letters of recommendation, and a signed constitution acceptance form.
C. A selection committee through an interview process shall choose each member. The candidates will be judged on the basis of their speaking ability, knowledge of ULM, knowledge of sports, creativity, common sense, cumulative GPA, general appearance, poise, character, attitude, and overall impression.
D. The selection committee will score the candidates on the characteristics listed above. All decisions made by the selection committee and the Coordinator of Spirit Groups are final.
E. Interviews for the Scouts will be held during the spring of each school year. More than one interview may be held if deemed necessary by the Coordinator of Spirit Groups.
F. There will be approximately thirty (30) members in the Scouts organization with two (2) being executive members.
Section II Maintaining Membership
A. General Requirements
1. Each member must adhere to and abide by all rules and regulations set forth in the ULM Student Policy Paper, the Scout Constitution, and by the Coordinator of Spirit Groups.
2. All members should always keep in mind that times given are approximate and can, at times, be changed at the last minute.
B. Grade Requirements
1. Each member must maintain cumulative GPA of 2.0 for the entire year of membership.
2. Each member must successfully complete 12 credit hours per semester.
3. Any member not successfully completing 12 credit hours per semester and/or maintaining a semester and cumulative GPA at or above a 2.0 will be subject to probation for the following semester. During the probationary period membership status will be recognized in the organization; however, scholarships and/or out of state waivers will not be awarded. Once out of state waivers are lost you cannot get them back, unless you make an appeal that same semester and it is passed. After the semester of probation if the student has failed to bring their cumulative GPA back up to a 2.0 then they are subject to termination from the organization.
4. Midterm grade checks will be done for all members
C. Attitude Requirements
1. A Scout is expected to exhibit behavior becoming to the organization. When seen with a companion, a member should not overstep the bounds of discretion.
2. A Scout is not expected to exhibit unbecoming behavior such as using vulgar language.
3. A Scout must not possess any visible tattoos or body piercing (with the exception of earrings for female members).
4. A Scout is expected to attend all classes regularly.
5. A Scout should be courteous to teachers and administrators. A member is expected to exhibit conduct in classes that is highly satisfactory.
6. Failure to meet Scout conduct requirements will result in a write up. Two (2) write ups will result in termination from the ULM Scout organization.
7. A Scout is expected to exhibit an enthusiastic, cooperative attitude at all times. A member should never take part in or encourage negative comments about the Scout organization, individual members, the Coordinator of Spirit Groups, the Director of Student Development, or The University of Louisiana at Monroe.
8. A member is expected to exhibit respect to other members, the Executive Council, the Coordinator of Spirit Groups, the Director of Student Development, and The University of Louisiana at Monroe.
9. A member is expected to support fully any project undertaken by the Scout organization.
Section III Loss of Membership
A. If a member chooses to resign, he/she must inform the Coordinator of Spirit Groups of the reason in writing.
B. Upon termination of membership for any reason, a member must have a conference with the Coordinator of Spirit Groups and repay his/her scholarship, part or whole depending on the situation.
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Article V Officers
Section I Selection of the Executive Council
A. The Executive Council of this organization shall consist of two (2) Sports Coordinators. At the discretion of the Coordinator of Spirit Groups, any other Executive Council members may be added or deleted at the time of the Executive Council interviews.
B. The Executive Council will be selected through an interview process during the spring semester.
Section II Duties of the Executive Council
A. General Requirements
1. An Executive Council member’s term will be effective upon his/her selection and remain in effect until the announcement of the new Executive Council the following year.
2. All Executive Council members are required to follow all standards set forth in the Scout Constitution explicitly.
3. Each Executive Council member will sign a contract upon obtaining his/her office that details duties, responsibilities, and obligations.
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B. Duties of Sports Coordinator
1. The Sports Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all fall, winter, and spring sporting events.
2. Other responsibilities include:
a. Prepare schedules for all sporting events assigned by the Coordinator of Spirit Groups
b. Prepare assignment sheets for all events
c. Attend all Scout functions
d. Attend weekly staff meetings with the Coordinator of Spirit Groups
e. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Coordinator of Spirit Groups
Section III Executive Council Punishment
A. A member of the Executive Council is expected to turn in Scouts for various offenses. Therefore, an Executive Council member who has committed any offense must turn himself/herself in immediately.
B. An Executive Council member who knowingly or carelessly fails to turn in a Scout for an offense will be demoted.
Article VI Uniforms
Section I Official Uniforms
A. The official Scout uniform, provided by each member, khaki pants, khaki shorts, black slacks, belt, black flats, or loafers, running shoes, white socks, and black hose or thin dress socks. Your assignment will determine the acceptable type of footwear. The university will provide an official Scout Polo and t-shirt.
B. Tasteful gold and/or silver jewelry may be worn.
Section II General Appearance and Conduct while in Uniform
A. Uniforms and accessories must be clean and neat at all times. (No holes or frayed clothing)
B. Hair must be neat.
C. Makeup should be worn in good taste.
D. Do not chew gum while in uniform.
E. Excessive talking is NOT allowed.
F. No cell phones allowed.
G. As part of ULM Spirit groups and out of respect of the university, you shall not wear any attire belonging to another university (e.g. LSU, LT) while performing Scout activities, including meetings, sporting events, and pep rallies.
Section III Rules and Regulations
A. This organization shall be governed by a fine/write up system. The fine/write up system will begin at the first meeting of the semester and will be in full effect until the beginning of the next semester.
B. The Coordinator of Spirit Groups and any Scout Executive Council member may assign a member fines and/or write up a member.
C. A member is expected to turn himself/herself in for a fine when they are aware that he/she has committed an offense for which a fine would be given. A member is responsible for turning himself/herself in when assigned a fine by an Executive Council member or the Coordinator of Spirit Groups.
Article VII – Attendance
Section I Overview
In order to maintain the high standards of the Scouts, absenteeism must be kept at an absolute minimum. Scouts are expected to attend all meetings, organizational activities, as well as all events assigned to them.
Jobs, other organizations, or personal commitments must not interfere with any of these activities throughout the course of the year. In the case of an emergency, a member must contact the Coordinator of Spirit Groups AND the officer in the chain of command prior to the absence and present a written absence excuse form and official documentation (doctors excuse, etc.) at the following meeting. When a member is absent, he/she is responsible for all the material, any announcements, and the initialization of his/her absence form.
Section II Sports Events
Absences will be excused for the following reasons:
A. Illness – when a member is ill, if at all possible, he/she should attend the Scout meeting and/or event. If a member is too ill to attend the meeting and/or event, the Coordinator of Spirit Groups and the officer in the chain of command must be contacted prior to the meeting or function. The member must present a written absence excuse form and an official doctor’s excuse at the following meeting. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.
B. Funerals – a member must contact the Coordinator of Spirit Groups and the officer in the chain of command prior to the absence and present a written absence excuse form and official documentation (newspaper clipping, bulletin, etc.) at the following meeting. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.
C. Tests – makeup tests that will not be given at any other time. The member must inform the Coordinator of Spirit Groups and the officer in the chain of command at least one week prior to the test date. The meeting or function should be attended immediately after the test.
D. Miscellaneous – Absences for any other reason may be excused at the discretion of the Coordinator of Spirit Groups. All absences must be reported to the Coordinator of Spirit Groups and the officer in the chain of command prior to the meeting or function. All absences must be supported by appropriate documentation.
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E. Switch Forms – Switch forms must be completed two weeks in advance. All switches MUST be exchanged for another sporting event.
Section III Scout Punishment
A. A fine/write up is given when written rules are broken and when the Coordinator of Spirit Groups deems such action necessary for any offense that is unbecoming to an organization. If any of the following rules are broken, the Scout will receive the punishment listed below.
B. All fines shall be paid in full to the Coordinator of Spirit Groups by the last meeting of every month. All members will receive a payment receipt at the time of payment. Failure to pay fines by the specified date will result in a $1.00 fine per day. Failure to pay fines by the last meeting of the following month will result in dismissal.
C. All fine money will be deposited in to the Scout Foundation account. Fine money will be used for Scout activities.
D. Specific infractions and punishments are as follows:
1. Fines resulting in $10.00 are as follows:
a. Being late to meeting or events per minute (not exceeding 5 minutes )
b. Turning in money late
c. Missing part of uniform for event
d. Failure to follow instructions given by the Executive Council and/or the Coordinator of Spirit Groups
2. Fines resulting in a member being written up are as follows:
a. Vulgar or profane language at meetings, events, or while in uniform
b. Over display of affection while in uniform or representing ULM
c. Members being over 5 minutes late to an event or meeting. After 15 minutes it is considered an absence. (Two write-ups may result in the termination of the Scouts scholarship.)
3. Fines resulting $15.00 & up as well as a write-up are as follows (two write-ups result in dismissal):
a. Missing an event or meeting
1. 1st offense - $15.00.
2. 2nd offense - $25.00 & write up.
3. 3rd offense - $50.00, write up, & dismissal.
b. Failure to secure a replacement when not attending an event
5. Fines resulting in immediate dismissal are as follows:
a. Third unexcused absence from meetings and/or and scheduled events
b. Disrespect/talking back to the Coordinator of Spirit Groups and/or a member of the Executive Council
c. Being under the influence of, using, or possessing alcohol, tobacco, or any other drug while in uniform or anything having associated with the Scout organization, or on a university trip
Section IV Meetings
A. Meetings are held biweekly for approximately one hour on a day and time designed by the Coordinator of Spirit Groups.
B. If a Scout is going to miss all or part of a meeting, he/she must do the following:
1. Inform the Coordinator of Spirit Groups and the officer in the chain of command prior to the scheduled meeting
2. Obtain all information missed from the Spirit Groups Office the next day.
3. Present a written excuse form and official documentation supporting the reason for the absence at the following meeting.
Section V - Football Season
A. Each Scout member is required to work all home football games.
B. Absences due to illnesses, funerals, and other exceptions will be excused at the discretion of the Coordinator of Spirit Groups.
C. Once a Scout has completed his/her duty, that scout must check in with the officer in charge or the head of the event before he/she can leave the work area.
D. Scouts may leave only after every Booster has left the Skybox, the blinds are closed, the Skybox is clean, and the Scout has signed out with the person in charge. ALL SCOUTS MUST LEAVE TOGETHER!
Section VI Basketball Season
A. Each member must attend every assigned basketball game.
B. If a Scout does not attend his/her assigned game and does not secure a replacement, it will be considered an unexcused absence.
C. A member may be excused to leave the game at the discretion of the Coordinator of Spirit Groups and/or Executive Council members.