State Officer Candidate Handbook

Updated November 2015

STATE OFFICER REQUIREMENTS

APPLICATION

All state officer candidate materials are to be returned by the deadline established on the DECA State Calendar. All of the following materials should be sent to:

NM DECA

1500 S Ave. K

ENMU, Station 61

Portales, NM 88130

The state officer candidate must submit the following for the first round by December 1:

CTSO State Officer Application
Completed NM DECA Officer Candidate Exam
Official School Transcript

Once the CTSO State Officer Application, official school transcript and NM DECA Officer Candidate Exam have been received and reviewed, students and advisors will be notified by email if they are eligible to continue as candidates for State DECA Officer.

Only candidates fulfilling the above requirements and making 85% or better on the NM DECA Officer Candidate Exam will be eligible to continue.

The state officer candidate must submit,via e-mail, the following for the second round by

December 15 to:

Christine Phipps, State Advisor

Charter Association of NM DECA

List of Expenditures/Donations/Receipts not to exceed $100
One Interview-quality resume.
Typed, double-spaced copy of speech

Candidate Name ______

School______

I wish to be considered as a candidate for the following offices. I have ranked the offices by order of preference (1 through 4) – (must rank all four). I understand that the number of votes received by candidates will determine the offices for which they are elected. I have also read and agree to abide by all of the Conditions of Understanding (listed on the following page) set forth for State Officers of New Mexico DECA.

_____President (current Juniors only, if no Juniors candidates the board will select)

_____Vice President of Membership

_____Vice President of Community Service

_____Vice President of Public Relations

______

Signature (Officer Candidate)Date

I, the Chapter Advisor for the above candidate, certify that this person is a freshman, sophomore or a junior who is enrolled in an approved Marketing Education Program at my school and who will continue to be enrolled in my program during the year he/she serves as a state officer. I have read and approved of the speech the candidate is to give during the election session

______

Signature (Chapter Advisor)Date

CONDITIONS OF UNDERSTANDING

We, the candidate, chapter advisor, parents and school administrator, understand that:

  1. The official term of office will start at the beginning of the next school term following the election and end at the close of the International Career Development Conference at the end of that school term.
  2. At the local chapter advisor’s discretion, the officer may attend the current year International Career Development Conference as a state officer-elect and participate in the State Officer Leadership Academy. (An officer-elect may be able to attend only portions of the Academy if he/she is also competing in an event).
  3. At the local chapter advisor’s discretion, the officer may attend the State Officer Banquet at the International Career Development Conference at the end of the officer’s term of office.
  4. The current New Mexico DECA Constitution/Policy Handbook defines financial reimbursement of state officers as well as other information pertaining to state officers. (Reference Section 8, State Association Finances)
  5. Any activity attended outside of the official term will be the total responsibility of the local school.
  6. The officer will meet with the other state officers at a time and place identified by the State Officer Coordinator at the beginning of the official term to plan a program of work. Regular meetings with the State Officer Coordinator and the state officer team will occur throughout the term of office.
  7. The officer candidate will adhere to the campaign rules and election procedures as stated in the New Mexico DECA Constitution/Policy Handbook. (Reference Section 11, Election Procedures and in the State Officer Candidate Handbook).
  8. The officer candidate will adhere to the NMAA regulations and policies.
  9. A candidate may be disqualified by a majority vote of the New Mexico DECA Board of Directors if any behavior or actions are deemed to be unethical, unprofessional, and/or irresponsible.
  10. Approval for attendance of each individual state officer at DECA conferences is the total responsibility of the local chapter advisor.
  11. The officer will adhere to the State Officer Travel Policy as defined in Section 15 of the NM DECA Policy Handbook.

My signature below certifies that I have read and understand the entire DECA State Officer Candidate Handbook.

______

Candidate SignatureDate

______

Parent/Guardian SignatureDate

______

Local Chapter Advisor SignatureDate

______

School Administrator SignatureDate

NM DECA State Officer Election Process

QUALIFICATIONS

Based on the NM DECA Constitution and Policies, the following are required for state officers.

  • Each school shall be allowed two candidates for state office.
  • State officer candidates shall be currently enrolled in an approved marketing education program. Candidates may befreshmen, sophomores or juniors.
  • State officers must maintain NMAA eligibility requirements.

TERM

  • The officers shall serve from the beginning of the next school term following their election until the close of the international conference for that school term.

ELECTION PROCEDURES

  • All candidates will complete a CTSO State Officer Application by deadline established on the DECA State Calendar. A minimum score of 85% is required on the NM DECA Officer Candidate Exam in order to remain eligible as a candidate. Advisors and candidates will be notified of eligibility two weeks after the submission deadline. NM DECA Officer Candidate Exams will be graded by a committee of members appointed by the board.
  • The candidates will be introduced by the current State President in random order. All candidates will remain at the front of the meeting room until all campaign speeches are given. No props of any kind will be allowed, nor asking the audience to participate.
  • The official time for campaign speeches (not to exceed 3 minutes) will be kept by a board member. At the end of 3 minutes the board member will stand and the candidate must conclude in 15 seconds--at which time the State President will stand and introduce the next candidate.
  • After all campaign speeches are complete--the State President will re-introduce all candidates (same order). Balloting will then take place by written ballot--and the ballots will be counted by the Board of Directors or designee, excluding those board members who have an officer candidate. Delegates may vote for four candidates. The candidates receiving the most votes on the first ballot will be elected. A second ballot will be held only in the case of a tie.
  • Voting delegates must be seated prior to the campaign speeches. Only delegates seated by the established time will be allowed to vote.
  • Each chapter shall be allowed two voting delegates.
  • Officer elections will be open. Disruptive or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Persons who are demonstrating the offensive behavior will be removed from the audience. Audience will be recorded during the candidate speeches to ensure professional behavior.
  • The State Officers of this organization shall consist of a President, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Community Service, and Vice President of Public Relations.

DRESS CODE

  • DECA Blazer and slacks are required. Unless a dress is required for medical/religious purposes.

CAMPAINGING

  • Candidates are allowed to campaign at the designated time.
  • Candidates will have their campaign materials reviewed at the time of check-in at the NM DECA State CDC by a designated member of the board.
  • A limit of 1 walk-around item and 1 handout (no chewing gum, open food or perishable items) are allowed for the officer campaign.

REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

  • Any State officer can be removed from office at the discretion of the Board of Directors in the event that his/her conduct is in any way detrimental to the DECA organization including the local chapter. The officer may be removed at the discretion of the State Officer Coordinator and/or local chapter advisor.
  • In the event of the removal of a state officer, the State Officer Coordinator will either appoint a new officer, or leave the position vacant.

TRAVEL

  • State Officers shall travel with their chapters to conferences/activities in which their chapter is participating. Local schools and/or parents are responsible for transportation of State Officers to meetings/activities in which the local chapter does not participate. In all cases, local schools/advisors/parents are responsible for the transportation and supervision of their State Officers.
  • State Officers will not travel to or participate in conferences/activities other than scheduled by New Mexico DECA unless written permission is obtained from the Board of Directors.
  • State Officers who are participating in activities other than those scheduled by New Mexico DECA for which approval has been obtained from the State DECA Advisor, shall travel by means approved by their local school/advisor but under no circumstances will drive their vehicle or vehicles of others. Approved transportation shall be public transportation or vehicle driven by teacher/advisor; vehicle driven by adult sponsor (approved by school); or vehicle driven by parent/guardian of officer.
  • State Officers will be reimbursed actual cost of bus ticket or mileage if required to travel other than to a DECA conference/activity in which their chapter is participating.
  • State Officers are required to complete the Delegate Authorization Forms in the appendix for all conferences/activities in which they participate.
  • State officers living in the host city of a conference may drive their own vehicles if they normally drive in that city with their parents’ approval on a regular basis. The local school and the officer's parents are completely responsible for this decision.UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES -- will another state officer ride in this vehicle at any time during the conference/meeting.

OFFICER FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

NM DECA will provide the following financial support for the state officers:

  • DECA Blazer
  • Small allowance as determined by the NM DECA Board of Directors each year for additional uniform needs
  • Name badges
  • $100 allocation to be paid to the chapter for ELEVATE training at ICDC
  • All expenses for State Officer Training (Emerging Leader Summit or other)
  • Registration for CORE Training Conference
  • Registration for Western Region Leadership Conference

REQUIRED MEETINGS, CONFERENCES AND TRAININGS

Meeting/Function / Dates
State Officer Training / June or July
CORE Training Conference / October
Western Region Leadership Conference / November
State Career Development Conference / February
National Leadership Conference ICDC / April or May
Monthly Meetings or Conference calls / Set by officer team and state officer coordinator

DESCRIPTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

The President shall:

  1. Develop agendas for the officer team and for state meetings.
  2. Communicate regularly with the officer team.
  3. Delegate responsibilities as necessary.
  4. Attend meetings of the New Mexico DECA Board of Directors or appoint a delegate to attend in his/her place.
  5. Represent New Mexico DECA to local chapters and/or outside groups as requested and approved by the State Officer Coordinator.
  6. Be prepared to represent New Mexico DECA as the student leader of the New Mexico delegation at the International Career Development Conference.
  7. Carry that state flag at the International Career Development Conference at the end of his/her term (at the discretion of the local chapter advisor another state officer may be appointed for this role).
  8. Develop, with the assistance of the state officers and State Officer Coordinator, a program of work.
  9. Consult regularly with the State Officer Coordinator on the progress of the program of work.
  10. Serve as a role model of ethical, professional, and responsible behavior.
  11. Attend, at the discretion of the local chapter advisor, the current year International Career Development Conference as a state-officer elect and participate in the State Officer Leadership Academy.
  12. Attend, at the discretion of the local advisor, the State Officer Banquet at the International Career Development Conference at the end of his/her term.
  13. Attend, at the discretion of the local advisor, officer training opportunities.

The Vice President of Membership shall:

  1. Develop, with the assistance of the state officers and the State Officer Coordinator, a program of work.
  2. Consult regularly with the State Officer Coordinator on the progress of the program of work.
  3. Promote attendance at DECA activities at the local, state and national levels.
  4. Promote DECA membership at the local, state, and national levels.
  5. Work with the state officers on statewide communication with local chapters.
  6. Perform any duties as deemed necessary by the president and/or the State Officer Coordinator.
  7. Represent New Mexico DECA to local chapters and/or outside groups as requested and approved by State Officer Coordinator.
  8. Follow up on activities and check on progress being made.
  9. Serve as a role model of ethical, professional, and responsible behavior.
  10. Attend, at the discretion of the local chapter advisor, the current year International Career Development Conference as a state-officer elect and participate in the State Officer Leadership Academy.
  11. Attend, at the discretion of the local advisor, the State Officer Banquet at the International Career Development Conference at the end of his/her term.
  12. Attend, at the discretion of the local advisor, officer training opportunities.

The Vice President of Community Service shall:

  1. Develop, with the assistance of the state officers and the State Officer Coordinator, a program of work.
  2. Consult regularly with the State Officer Coordinator on the progress of the program of work.
  3. Work with local chapters to encourage participation in chapter projects.
  4. Act, as necessary, as a student liaison with various charitable organizations
  5. Promote to local chapters the importance of community service.
  6. Perform any duties as deemed necessary by the president and/or the State Officer Coordinator.
  7. Represent New Mexico DECA to local chapters and/or outside groups as requested and approved by State Officer Coordinator.
  8. Follow up on activities and check on progress being made.
  9. Serve as a role model of ethical, professional, and responsible behavior.
  10. Attend, at the discretion of the local chapter advisor, the current year International Career Development Conference as a state-officer elect and participate in the State Officer Leadership Academy.
  11. Attend, at the discretion of the local advisor, the State Officer Banquet at the International Career Development Conference at the end of his/her term.
  12. Attend, at the discretion of the local advisor, officer training opportunities.

The Vice President of Public Relations shall:

  1. Develop, with the assistance of the state officers and the State Officer Coordinator, a program of work.
  2. Consult regularly with the State Officer Coordinator on the progress of the program of work.
  3. Act as a student liaison for the New Mexico DECA Business Partnership.
  4. Promote New Mexico DECA activities with the media.
  5. Serve as student editor of the New Mexico DECA newsletter on Highwired.net.
  6. Perform any duties as deemed necessary by the president and/or the State Officer Coordinator.
  7. Represent New Mexico DECA to local chapters and/or outside groups as requested and approved by State Officer Coordinator.
  8. Follow up on activities and check on progress being made.
  9. Serve as a role model of ethical, professional, and responsible behavior.
  10. Attend, at the discretion of the local chapter advisor, the current year International Career Development Conference as a state-officer elect and participate in the State Officer Leadership Academy.
  11. Attend, at the discretion of the local advisor, the State Officer Banquet at the International Career Development Conference at the end of his/her term.
  12. Attend, at the discretion of the local advisor, officer training opportunities.

NM DECA OFFICER CANDIDATE EXAM

INSTRUCTIONS:

For parts I and II (questions 1-23) use the scantron provided, use a #2 pencil. For parts III and IV, complete your answers on the test. You may use pen or pencil.

PART I: multiple choice. Worth 2 points each. (Note: There is only one correct answer per question.)

  1. The organization within DECA that sells student-related materials, awards and supplies for DECA/Collegiate members is
  1. Awards Unlimited
  2. DECA Supply Service
  3. DECA Inc.
  4. DECA Images
  5. Marketing Education Store
  1. The name of the official DECA membership magazine filled with business and association news is
  1. DECA Direct
  2. “The Distributor”
  3. “Chapter Management System”
  4. DECA ADVISOR
  5. DECA GUIDE
  1. Which of the following is the adult group legally responsible for DECA?
  1. DECA Inc.
  2. DECA Foundation
  3. DECA Staff
  4. Board of Directors
  5. National Advisory Board
  1. Which of the following is NOT one of the divisions of DECA Inc.?
  1. High School
  2. Professional
  3. Alumni
  4. Associate
  5. Collegiate
  1. The Executive Director of DECA is
  1. Chris Young
  2. Paul Wardinski
  3. Shirlee Kyle
  4. Jeff Collins
  5. Shane Thomas
  1. When did New Mexico become a charted association?
  1. 1950
  2. 1951
  3. 1952
  4. 1953
  5. 1954
  1. Which one of the following is NOT a DECA competitive event?
  1. Learn and Earn
  2. Entrepreneurship Promotion
  3. Event Planning/Management
  4. Professional Selling Event
  5. Finance Operations Research
  1. Into how many regions is National DECA organized?
  1. Two
  2. Three
  3. Four
  4. Five
  5. Six
  1. A well-rounded plan of student activities is referred to as
  1. MAP
  2. POW
  3. PSA
  4. PLAN
  5. None of the above
  1. Which of the following is NOT a type of motion in basic parliamentary procedure?
  1. Comprehensive
  2. Privileged
  3. Subsidiary
  4. Incidental
  5. Main
  1. Which of the following is an important principle of Parliamentary Procedure?
  1. Many motions may be considered at one time.
  2. The minority has no right to be heard.
  3. The majority has the right to work its will and its decisions must be followed.
  4. Each member’s rights and privileges are determined by the member’s seniority on the board/council/committee.
  5. The chairman has the right to amend a motion without discussion.

From the DECA Web site: