BYLAWS
of
Student Veterans Organization
Ashford University, Chapter
ARTICLE I
MISSION
Section 1. The mission of Ashford University’s Student Veterans Organization (SVO) Chapter is for military and veteran students and alumni to assist active duty and veteran students with their educational goals through mentoring, sharing of resources, professional networking, and support with their job search. The SVO supports the unique needs of service members and their families, encourages persistence by celebrating accomplishments, and motivates military students and their dependents to achieve personal, professional, and educational goals.
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility. Ashford University’s Student Veterans Organization (SVO) Chapters membership shall fall into the following three categories:
1.1 Active. Any student enrolled in at least three (3) credits with the Ashford University who is a veteran, reservist, National Guard, oractive duty service member and spouses.
1.2 Alumni. Any former student who has graduated Ashford University who is aveteran, reservist, National Guard, or active duty service member or spouse may be an alumni member.
1.3 Honorary. Any member that does not fall into the above two categories, to include but not limited to, faculty/staff, Ashford University students who are family members of a veteran, reservist, National Guard, oractive duty service member or spouse.
Section 2. The SVO is committed to the elimination of discrimination based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, and cultural and religious backgrounds.
ARTICLE III
MEETINGS
Section 1. Bi-Monthly Meeting. Bi-monthly meetings shall include elected members to discuss the planning and direction of the organization. The meeting times will be announced prior to the start of each semester by the President.
Section 2. Monthly Meeting. The monthly meeting minutes will be shared with the online community to create full transparency. Posted by the President not more than 2 weeks after each meeting of the board members. semester, fall and spring.
Section 3. Special Meetings. Special meetings, for any purpose or purposes, may be called by elected Officers or Faculty/Staff Advisor. These meetings may be teleconferenced or done online.
ARTICLES IV
ELECTIONS
Section 1. Eligibility. To be eligible for office, candidates must be enrolled in at least three (3) credits with Ashford University. Candidates must be able to perform all duties required of them as stated in the Constitution and Bylaws. Candidates must provide proof of honorable discharge (veteran status) or last evaluation (for Reservists, National Guard, orActive Duty personnel). All candidates must also hold an overall 2.75 GPA. It is recommended that the office be as diverse as possible with respect to military branch representation.
Section 3. Nominations. Nominations for office shall occur approximately February-March. Members must indicate in writing with proof of above eligibilities to the Faculty/Staff Advisor. Candidates who do not meet the above requirements will not be eligible for office. Deadline date will be set well in advance for all members.
Section 4. Elections. Elections shall occur in April. All eligible nominations will be passed down from the Faculty/Staff Advisor to the appointed election officer and provided to the SVA members electronically.
Section 5. Voting. All positions will be voted electronically and the individual with the most votes will be elected. The current President will be the tie breaker if needed.
Section 6. Term. The term of office shall be 12 months beginning in May.
Section 7. Vacancies. Vacant positions will be appointed by the President or the Faculty/Staff Advisor. This does not apply to the position of the President; this position must be elected.
Section 8. Removal. Officers can be removed from office by completion of their term or unanimous decision by standing Officers. If an Officer’s GPA falls below an overall GPA of 2.75, they will resign.
ARTICLE V
OFFICIAL POSITIONS NAD RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 1. The Officers positions and responsibilities are outlined, but not limited to, the following:
1.1 President. The President shall have active management if possible, meeting with Ashford University officials and representation of the organization at major events of the SVA and other Ashford University events in their local area. Approves and disapproves members. Weekly posts on social media or student portal, whichever is being used. Sets up and leads volunteer opportunities and supports local community. Distributes final meeting Minutes to SVA members (when required).
1.2 Vice-President. The Vice President shall act under the direction of the President and in the absence of the President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President. The VP shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the President may from time to time prescribe. Creates templates for membership approval/disapproval. The Vice-President shall act as presiding officer of board meetings. Approves and disapproves members. Sets up and leads volunteer opportunities and supports local community.
1.3 Project Manager. Creates meeting agendas, consolidates meeting Minutes and distributes to the Officers, Faculty/Staff Advisor. Approves and disapproves members. Sets up and leads volunteer opportunities and supports local community.
1.4 Suspense’s. Action items and meeting Minutes are due to the Officers and Faculty/Staff Advisor the following Monday after the meeting, unless another suspense date is set.
1.5 Minutes Distribution. When meeting Minutes are distributed to the SVO members, the President will approve and distribute no later than 2 days from receiving the final draft. Meeting Minutes will be posted in the SVO LinkedIn page by the president.
1.6 New Member Correspondence. If individuals meet membership requirements requests will be approved within seven (7) days of request. When criteria cannot be determined, the requesting individual will need to meet criteria within fourteen (14) days after notified by an Officer or Faculty/Staff Advisor. If an individual cannot meet membership requirements within the fourteen (14) days their request for membership will be denied. Furthermore, the standardized welcome, request student/military affiliation and denial correspondence will be used.
ARTICLE VI
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
It is understood that the University financially supports the student organization unless official approval has not been given to the student organization prior to the particular purchase. This student organization understands that the individuals of the student organization are financially responsible for all funds or debt accumulated outside of the approval process.
Section 1. Budget/Income
A. A budget must be approved in January each year.
B. Expenses are approved via Executive Board (President, Vice President, Project Manager simple majority).
C. Any expenses spent with this body in mind if not approved by the Board, may be construed as a donation by that person or organization.
D. Income and property acquired via the Student Veterans Organization shall be the sole property of this organization.
E. The Board itself is empowered to enable such action to enhance the membership, to create funds through fundraising drives and such to pay for activities requiring expenses.
Section 2. Upon dissolution of the organization, all assets shall be used exclusively for charitable purposes. Funds donated by outside sources will be returned first and foremost. Any funds that exist thereafter shall be firstused for scholarships to studentswithin the SVO. If this is not attainable, funds may be donated to Ashford University or Student Veterans of America, an IRS recognized non-profit organization.
ARTICLE VII
POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE TO THE SVO VIA LINKEDIN
Section 1. Upon notification of member requesting acceptance into the SVO via LinkedIn, all officers shall determine eligibility for acceptance. To determine eligibility, officers must verify requesting member is affiliated with Ashford University, as well as has a military affiliation. If the member is a spouse of a veteran or active duty member, they must state as such. If the member is missing eligibility requirements, an initial message will be sent to notify the member of the requirements for acceptance. The initial email for missing eligibility requirements is as follows:
Greetings (Include student name here)!
Thank you for your interest in joining the Ashford University Student Veterans Organization. This group is for Ashford Military Affiliated Students and Alumni only. Unfortunately I was unable to confirm your affiliation (please indicate Ashford University, Military Affiliation or both). Please update your LinkedIn profile to include (Military service, school enrollment, or both) so that I may add you to the Ashford University’s Student Veterans Organization page. If you are a spouse please indicate in an email response back.
Very Respectfully,
(Your Name Here)
(Your SVO Title Here)
(Your Military Affiliation Here)
Section 2. If a requesting member meets the eligibility requirements, they will receive an acceptance message welcoming them to the organization and encouraging them to introduce themselves and get involved within the SVO. The acceptance message is as follows:
Greetings (Include student name here)!
I am excited to welcome you to Ashford University’s Student Veterans Organization. The SVO is focused on bringing together students and alumni from all backgrounds and branches of service (spouses and dependents welcome too) that are seeking higher education that have the common goals of addressing the needs and concerns of American military veterans and their families. Together student veterans have a safe space where they can collaborate and share ideas that advocate, identify needs and challenges, influence change, and inspire improvements in veterans educational benefits of the men and women who sacrificed by wearing the uniform.
Here at the SVO we believe that it is more than a name, it’s considered a title. And it’s more than a job, it’s a lifestyle. With that title follows a great responsibility. Having a focus of what you’ve done, and the future outlook focused on what you are doing is quite a responsibility. That is our purpose here for the student member! Welcome to a group where you are surrounded by like-minded individuals who know it’s not just about being a student, this is a lifestyle.
Please take the time to introduce yourself:
• Branch of service
• Current status (active, retired, reserve, veteran, or spouse)
• Current duty station or current residence
• Time of service
• Field of study
Please take the time to post this as a “Group Discussion” so that you are able to clearly identify with comrades that are near and far. Are you new to LinkedIn? This is not just another typical social media outlet; this is a professional environment that allows you to build your professional networking group. With 70% of people in the job market finding them employed through a personal connection, networking is more crucial than ever.
If you should have any additional questions, I’m just an inbox away. Welcome Aboard to the SVO!
Very Respectfully,
(Your Name Here)
(Your SVO Title Here)
(Your Military Affiliation Here)
Section 3. Once initial contact has been made, a requesting member missing eligibility requirements will be given 14 days to respond to the message. After 14 days, a denial message will be sent discussing the previous message and requesting that they contact the SVO if they meet eligibility requirements. After an additional 14 days from delivery of denial letter, the member will be denied acceptance within the SVO, with the intention that if they should meet the requirements that they are eligible to reapply. The denial message is as follows:
Hello again (include student name here)!
I wanted to take a moment to follow up with your request to join the Ashford University Student Veterans Organization. I sent you and email on (Please include date of affiliation request) requesting you update your LinkedIn profile indicating that you are and Ashford military affiliated student or alumni. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept requests outside of those parameters, as this is a military affiliated student ran group associated with Ashford University. In an effort to maintain the integrity and safe space of the group, I regret to inform you that I will have to deny your request at this time.
1. If you missed the email or forgot to confirm affiliation and would like to be added to the group, please take the time to update your LinkedIn profile, and reapply for membership.
2. If at any time you meet affiliation requirements, please request to rejoin Ashford University’s Student Veterans Organization page.
Should you have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you in advance for your understanding in this matter.
Very Respectfully,
(Your Name Here)
(Your SVO Title Here)
(Your Military Affiliation Here)
Section 4. The above criteria will be adhered to when considering acceptance for members into the SVO. The above templates allow for uniformity within the SVO and its members.
CERTIFICATE OF OFFICER(S)
I hereby certify that I am thePresident of Ashford University’s Student Veterans Organization and that the foregoing Bylaws, constitute the code of Bylaws of Ashford University’s Student Veterans Organization, as duly adopted at a regular meeting of the members of the organization.
Signed and Sealed