The Constitution of the Star House Advancement Group

The Constitution of the Star House Advancement Group

at The Ohio State College of Medicine & Public Health

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

Section 1. Name

Star House Advancement Group at The Ohio State College of Medicine & Public Health (SHAG)

Section 2. Purpose

The main objectives of SHAG are to (1) contribute to OSU Star House’s mission of integrating research and community service to provide homeless youth with a safe respite from the streets, and connection to a chance for a productive life, (2) maintain a consistent medical student presence at Star House, and (3) provide support for the youth by direct engagement, organizing donations, cleaning, cooking, leading art room events, and offering assistance for resumes and job applications.

Section 3. Non-Discrimination Policy

This organization does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other basisunder the law, in its activities, programs, admission, and employment.

Article II—Membership

Voting membership shall be limited to students currently enrolled Ohio State University College of Medicine & Public Health who demonstrate active participation and attendance at SHAG meetings and activities. Others, such as faculty, alumni, professionals, etc., are encouraged to become members but as non-voting associates or honorary members.

Article III—Methods for Removing Members and Executive Officers

Section 1. Removal of General Members

If a member conducts themselves in such a manner deemed detrimental to advancing the purpose of this organization or is in violation of the Ohio State University Student Code of Conduct, they can be removed through a majority vote of the other voting membership or unanimous vote of the officers, with the consultation of the advisor.

Section 2. Removal of Officers

Any elected officer of the chapter may be removed for sufficient cause. Removal by sufficient cause includes, but is not limited to: violation of the constitution, or by-laws, or any conduct deemed prejudicial to the best interests of the chapter. Prior to a vote on the matter of removal of an elected officer, the chapter Executive Committee shall hold a formal hearing. The officer shall have the opportunity to personally appear at the formal hearing or to be represented by counsel. The officer may present any defense to the charges before any action is taken. The chapter Executive Committee shall adopt rules to ensure due process to the officer. The Executive Committee may act for removal upon a two thirds affirmative vote of the executive board.

Article IV—Organization Leadership

Section 1. Titles, Terms of Office, and Duties

The SHAG leadership, comprising the Executive Committee, shall consist of at least two (no more than five) first or second-year medical students, all of whom share equal status as co-leaders. As required by the Ohio State University, the leadership must consist of one Treasurer and at least one other co-leader. Terms of service will be limited only by academic status. Second-year leaders must have been selected during their previous academic year and will hold primary responsibility for the organization and execution of SHAG programs and events.

Section 2. Officer Selection

The incoming sophomore co-leaders shall be selected from the voting membership by the current co-leaders through an application process if more than five students express interest in holding these positions. In the instance that no second-year students wish to hold office, then the current Executive Committee may continue in their current roles until the second-year positions are filled.

Article V—Adviser(s) or Advisory BoardQualification Criteria

Advisorsof SHAGmust be full-time members of the University faculty or Administrative & Professional staff. If a person is serving as an advisor who is not a member of the above classifications, a co-advisor must be chosen who is a member of these University classifications.

Advisors/Co-advisors are selected each year by the Executive Committee during the summer quarter (no later than the last week in August). There are no limits to the number of years a person may serve as an advisor/co-advisor. Should the advisor/co-advisor step down or be unable to perform their role (as judged by the Executive Committee), then a new advisor/co-advisor shall be named.

The advisor will help develop leadership skills among the Executive Committee and participate in SHAG meetings and activities as they see fit.

Article VI—Meetings of the Organization

Two general meetings of the membership are required per academic semester, excluding summer. The Executive Committee shall meet monthly. A separate meeting should be considered after the involvement fair to guide new members through OSU Star House required training.

Article VII—Method of Amending Constitution

Proposed amendments should be in writing, should not be acted upon but read in the general meeting in which they are proposed, should be read again at a specified number of subsequent general meetings and the general meeting in which the votes will be taken, and should either require a two-third or three-quarter majority of voting members (a quorum being present) or a majority or two-thirds of the entire voting membership of the organization, present or not. The constitution should not be amended easily or frequently.

Article VIII—Method of Dissolution of Organization

The only requirement for dissolution of the organization is lack of qualified and interested student leadership. Lack of leadership is defined as less than two co-leaders. Should there be an instance when all members of the Executive Committee are three months from graduation or all members of the Executive Committee resign their positions simultaneously, then the SHAG must be dissolved. Before dissolution, the current Executive Committee must ensure that all SHAGoutstanding debts are paid and any funds remaining are donated to OSU Star House, or returned to the University. SHAGfunds coming from the University must be returned to the University. Other funds will be donated to Star House unless otherwise specified by the organization granting the funds. Any assets will be returned to the organization(s) donating said assets or, if purchased with SHAGfunds, will be donated to another student interest group as selected by the remaining voting membership.