SIE's Constitution

Constitution

Article I – Name

The name of this organization shall be the name used to certify the organization with the Office of Student Activities and Programs (OSAP) at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Article II – Purpose

The purpose of this organization is described in the “Mission Statement” filed in the Certification Packet with the Office of Student Activities and Programs (OSAP).

Article III – Membership

  1. The first 10 members must be currently registered students of Teachers College, Columbia University and must subscribe to, or be interested in the purpose of this organization.
  2. The student organization may determine what constitutes voting membership but must be in compliance of Titles VI and IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1965.
    1. Voting membership is based on a member’s active participation in the organization and presence at the meeting in which the vote is taking place.
  3. In accordance with Titles VI & IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1965 no person shall be denied membership or office because of sexual orientation, national origin, race, color, sex, physical disability, political, or religious beliefs.
  4. Withdrawal of membership
    1. Members may have their membership withdrawn for failure to adhere to the requirements for membership as stated above.
    2. A simple majority vote of the quorum of membership at a regular or special meeting shall be sufficient to withdraw membership.
    3. Members to be voted upon in this regard will be notified of the intention to do so in writing (email) at least one week prior to the meeting at which the vote will be taken.

Article IV – Officers

Only currently registered TC students may hold office in SIE.

Section 1: Co-Coordinators

There will be a coordinating body of students each semester.  Coordinators are nominated by the previous year’s coordinators (based on student’s active participation in the organization) or self-nominated.  The Coordinators’ duties are:

  1. Responsible for the drafting of meeting agendas;
  2. Conduct regular meetings
  3. Participate in making consensus decisions
  4. Work towards the fulfillment of SIE’s yearly goals.
  5. Communicate with OSAP.

Section 2: Treasurers

A coordinator will serve as treasurer within SIE.  He/She can be nominated by other coordinators or self-nominated.  The treasurer’s duties include:

  1. Keep detailed record of all monies allotted to the organization.
  2. Submit all payment requests to OSAP.
  3. Responsible for budget maintenance.
  4. Responsible for adhering to the budgetary policies of the OSAP.
  5. Responsible for all reimbursements for all organizations members.

Section 3: Secretary

One of the coordinators will serve as the secretary and liaison with OSAP.  The secretary can be nominated by the other coordinators or self-nominated. The secretary’s duties include:

  1. Take minutes and attendance of all meetings and maintain an up-to-date active voting membership roster.
  2. Responsible for the transcription and dissemination of meeting minutes.
  3. Organizes arrangements for meetings
  4. Coordinates group email correspondence.
  5. Replies to inquiries from OSAP and other TC/CU organizations
  6. Updates listservs

Section 4: Mentor

SIE coordinators may ask the mentor for assistance on a variety of matters, including the following:

  1. Identifying speakers for events
  2. Sponsoring events with the affiliated department (ITS).
  3. Assisting with the student organization certification process

Article V – Executive Board

Section 1

SIE holds its general members meetings twice a semester.

Section 2

Six members of the voting body must be present for the transaction of any business and all meetings.

Section 3

Meetings will be advertised at least 2 weeks in advance.

Article VII – Nominations of Coordinators

Coordinators for the following academic year will be nominated by the current coordinators or can be self-nominated.  The term of office shall be from the last meeting of each spring semester until the end of the second-to-last meeting of the subsequently spring semester.  Coordinators can hold a position for more than one year.

Article VIII – Impeachment

Section 1

Any officer of SIE may be brought upon impeachment charges if she/he is acting detrimentally to SIE or she/he has significantly disregarded the major responsibilities of his/her office.

Article IX – Amendments

Section 1

Amendments to this constitution may be introduced from the floor and must be submitted to the Secretary in writing at a general membership meeting.

Section 2

The entire voting membership shall be notified in writing at least 5 school days prior to a vote on a proposed amendment.

Section 3

A 2/3 vote of those present is necessary for the passage of an amendment.

Article X – Dissolution

In the event of dissolution of the group, all accrued funds and assets shall revert to the OSAP.

Society for International Education
Copyright © 2008 Society for International Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
All Rights Reserved
www.tc.columbia.edu/students/sie
SIE@tc.edu