Sample Student Org.
Constitution
The Constitution of the Mount Holyoke Mock
Trial Association
Created on 4/25/200
Article I.
Section I. This organization shall be called “The Mount Holyoke
Mock Trial Association” herein after referred to as “the
Association”.
Section II. The objectives of the Association are to educate members
of the 5-College community about the legal system, jurisprudence
(the science or philosophy of law), and the work of attorneys in
the United States.
Section III. The Association is affiliated with the American Mock
Trial Association.
Article II.
Section I.
a.) The Association shall comply with the Mount Holyoke College Honor
Code and all college policy specifications thereof.
b.) The Association shall adhere to all local, state, and federal
laws as specified in the Mount Holyoke College Student Handbook.
Article III.
Section I. Membership requirements are as follows:
The individual is a Mount Holyoke student (extensions to Five College
students shall also be permitted); Participation at tournaments
and compliance with tournament rules and regulations. Membership
is contingent on attendance of general
meetings and team practices which are mandatory.
Section II. Membership privileges are as follows:
Expenses for tournaments are paid from the Treasury of The Association;
Members receive training/guidance in the following areas, to mention
a
few:
Researching
Oral argumentation
Analytical thought and expression
Reasoning skills
Section III. The Association will not discriminate on
the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion,
disability,
gender, or sexual orientation.
Article IV. Officers
Section I. Titles of Officers are as follows:
- President(s) (maximum of 2): The position of President/co-President
includes a range of responsibilities not confined to chairing general
and executive board meetings, making arrangements for tournaments,
being a liaison between The Association and the American Mock Trial
Association as well as other member schools, and being captain
of the team (addressing issues of concern and bringing them to
the attention of The Association.
Qualifications: The President(s) must have at least 2 semesters
of membership with The Association and must be a matriculated Mount
Holyoke student. She must possess a sincere dedication and interest
in Mock Trial and its continuation. Furthermore, she must be able
to commit her time to attending meetings, engage all members of
The Association, and compete in tournaments.
- Treasurer:
The position of Treasurer entails the keeping of all of The
Association’s monies and includes the responsibility
of executing the audit in a timely and organized manner. The Treasurer
is also in charge of paying The Association’s dues and tournament
fees.
Qualifications: The Treasure must be a matriculated MHC student
who is organized and responsible. She must insure that the financial
well-being of The Association is dealt with in a timely manner
and she is also responsible to bring up issues of finance to the
Executive Board. Additionally, the Treasurer is expected to meet
all SGA requirements.
- Secretary: The Secretary keeps the e-mail/contact list of The Association.
Furthermore, she is in charge of monitoring the attendance of members
and of informing inactive members of the membership ineligibility
if such behaviors continue. Additionally, she is in charge of publicity
and raising awareness of the Association.
Qualifications: The Secretary must be a matriculated Mount Holyoke
College student. Required of her is enthusiasm and an active willingness
to communicate with members of the Association and the Five College
community of the Pioneer Valley. She must be organized and reliable.
- Web Page Designer:
This position of Web Page Designer entails the design and timely
maintenance of the Association’s official
Mount Holyoke College web page.
Qualifications: This position is open to Five College students.
The web page Designer must show competence in web page design and
maintenance. She/he must be willing to commit the time to update
the web page so that it is relevant to present issues of concern
and current activities of The Association.
- SGA Representative: This position of SGA Representative requires
the full attendance and participation of club required SGA meetings.
In addition, whosoever holds this position must represent The Association
and vote according to its will. Furthermore, the SGA Representative
must report all pertinent minutes of the SGA meetings to the Executive
Board.
Qualifications: This position of SGA Representative must be filled
by a matriculated Mount Holyoke College student. This position
requires thorough knowledge of parliamentary procedure and good
negotiating and speaking skills. The representative should care
about both the well being of The Association and be involved with
campus issues.
Article V. Advisor
Section I. The Advisor is chosen under the following criteria:
- The Advisor must be associated in some way to the legal field.
- She/he must have pertinent connections to the Five College community.
- She/he must be willing to dedicate time to attending executive
board meetings every five weeks.
- The Advisor may also act in a coaching capacity guiding with the
formulation of arguments and methods.
Article VI. Election and Removal of Officers
Section I: Elections will be held in September of each
academic year.
Section II. Election Procedures are as follows:
All those running must first be nominated by someone with The Association.
this may include self-nomination.
Those running for office must submit a typed candidate statement
two weeks prior to elections so that it may be distributed to all
active members.
Candidates must make speeches not to exceed five minutes at a general
election meeting.
Candidates are elected through a majority vote. If a candidate
for a certain position does not win, she or he may run for a lower
office at that time if nominated.
Votes will be taken via a secret ballot and counted by a member
of The Association who is not running for a position.
Section III. Procedure for removal of officers is as follows:
The removal of an Executive Board member from office is brought
to the organization by board consensus (excluding the member in
question). The member is asked to withdraw from the Executive Board
if there is a 2/3 organization majority in favor thereof. The member
has the opportunity to present her case to the organization at
large prior to the vote.
Article VII. Meetings
Section I. Frequency of regular meetings
Regular meetings will occur on at least a weekly basis.
Regular Executive Board meetings will occur on a monthly basis.
Section II. Provisions for Special Meetings
Special Meetings will be held for the removal of officers arranged
by any active members who feel the need for such an event.
Article VIII. Quorum
Section I. Definition of a Quorum
Quorum for The Association is defined as a 2/3 majority
Section II. When A Quorum is Necessary
a.) Quorum is necessary for the removal of officers within the
Association
Article IX. Amendments and Bylaws
Section I. Provision for Amendments and By-laws
An amendment or by-law may be presented by any member of The Association
and requires a 2/3 majority in favor to be instituted. Alternately,
an amendment or by-law may be brought forward by an Executive Board
member and be voted on by the whole membership, requiring a 2/3
majority to take effect.
Article X. Committees
Section I. Outline of any standing committees
If the organization decides to sponsor a conference or special
event, the Executive Board shall establish a standing committee.
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