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Russian Club Constitution
Adopted Fall 2005

Article I. Name and Purpose

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Russian Club,

Section 2. The objective of the Russian Club is to promote the understanding and appreciation of Russian culture.

Article II. Adherence to College Policies

Section 1. The Club shall comply with the Mount Holyoke College honor code and all college policy specifications thereof,

Section 2. The Club shall adhere to all local, state and federal laws as specified in the Mount Holyoke College Student Handbook.

Article III. Membership

Section 1. Any person affiliated or associated with the Mount Holyoke College community (extensions to Five College Students shall also be permitted) with an interest in Russian and former Soviet Union culture may become a member,

Section 2. Members get to participate in Club activities and excursions,

Section 3. The Club does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, or sexual orientation.

Article IV. Officers

Section 1. There shall be an Executive Board which will govern the Russian Club,

Section 2. The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of the Russian Club. The officers that comprise the Club shall be the Czarina and Grand Duchess (co-chairs), the Minister of Finance (treasurer), the Minister of Propaganda (publicity), and the Minister of technology (webmistress),

Section 3. Additional positions can be created for the academic year if the Executive Board sees fit,

Section 4. The Executive Board shall introduce, approve, and implement all actions and activities necessary and proper for the functioning of the Russian Club and not inconsistent with the Constitution or Bylaws,

Section 5. The main duties and powers of the officers of the Russian Club shall be as follows:

The Czarina and Grand Duchess shall:
• Direct and coordinate all activities of the Russian Club,
• Preside at all meetings of the Russian Club,
• Assign tasks to the appropriate officers,
• Meet with the Club advisor,
• Assist in finding and supporting activities within the Five College community and elsewhere that are related to Russian culture,
Qualifications: To feel strongly about the Club, have excellent leadership skills, be imaginative and enthusiastic about Club activities, be dedicated to promoting the Club, outgoing, and well organized. They shall be willing to commit their time to help organize and attend meetings and all activities.

The Minister of Finance shall:
• Maintain all Club funds,
• Keep accurate financial records fin a timely and organized manner,
• Be in charge of payments for activities and reimbursements to Club members,
• Prepare annual fundraising activities,
• Make sure the Club meets all Student Government Association requirements,
• Be in contact with the Club’s Ways and Means representative,
Qualifications: Be very well organized and diligent. Familiarity with accounting and economics might be helpful but is not required.

The Minister of Propaganda shall:
• Make and distribute flyers advertising Club events,
• Make the campus aware of the Club’s presence,
• Aide the treasurer in fundraising,
Qualifications: Creative, hard-working and a familiarity with art applications such as Photoshop.

The Minister of Technology shall:
• Maintain the mailing list,
• Add and update the Russian Club website,
Qualifications: A basic knowledge of Dreamweaver or other HTML editor/web design software, or be able to attend workshops offered by LITS before taking on the position.

Article V. Advisor

Section I. The Advisor will by default be the head of the Russian and Eurasian studies department,

Section II. Should they decline, the Executive Board shall choose another by the head of the department’s suggestion.

Article VI. Elections of Officers

Section 1. Elections will be held in April of each academic year,

Section 2. Anyone member of the Club can choose to run for a position,

Section 3. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote and the election shall be conducted by secret ballot,

Section 4. A member of the Executive Board who is a Senior, and therefore not returning the next year, shall count the votes, in the event there is on Senior on the Executive Board someone from the Club at large can be chosen,

Section 5. Members in good standing studying abroad may run in any election,

Section 6. Only Mount Holyoke College students can be on the Executive Board.

Article VII. Impeachment

Section 1. Any officer who, during her term in office, has demonstrated disloyalty to the Russian Club, negligence, or incompetence in the performance of her prescribed Constitutional duties, or willfully impeded the Club program, may be impeached and removed from office,

Section 2. Specific charges against the impeached officer must be approved by a consensus of the Executive Board (excluding the said officer herself),

Section 3. The impeached officer will be able to defend herself against the charges,

Section 4. If a consensus is reached by the Executive Board the charges will be brought before the general body and voted on, a 2/3 vote is required to remove the officer.

Article VIII Meetings

Section 1. Regular meetings will be held at the discretion of the Czarina and Grand Duchess,

Section 2. The Executive Board shall meet at least every two weeks,

Section 3. Special meeting can also be held at the discretion of the Executive Board.

Article IX Committees

Section 1. Should the organization decide to sponsor a special event, the Executive Board shall establish a standing committee.

Article X Adoption and Amendment

Section 1. This Constitution shall be adopted by a majority vote of members at a general meeting,

Section 2. This Constitution shall be amended by a majority vote of members at a general meeting.