The Constitution of the Desi Student Union
Of Grand Valley State University
Preamble:
We, the Desi Student Union of Grand Valley State University, exist in order to strengthen and increase the awareness of the Desi student body at Grand Valley State University
ARTICLE ONE: NAME
The name of this organization is Desi Student Organization. The Term "Desi" is used to refer to people of South Asian (Indian Subcontinent) origin such as India, Pakistan, Sri-Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
ARTICLE TWO: PURPOSE
This student organization is established to promote diverse Desi culture at GVSU. Desi Student Union will sponsor a number of cultural, social, and educational programs that give GVSU students a better understanding of cultures other than their own. Desi Student Union endeavors to promote the feeling of identification of Desi students with the University and thus increase their interest, spirit and desire to serve the University.
ARTICLE THREE: AFFILIATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
N/A
ARTICLE FOUR: MEMBERSHIP
Section One: General Assembly Membership
4.1.1 The membership of Desi Student Union shall consist of any interested student currently enrolled at GVSU. It is the policy of GVSU and Desi Student Union that no person on the basis of age, color, disability, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight shall be discriminated against.
4.1.2 A Membership Clause Every member must have the interest in Desi Student Union and must be interested in learning about the Desi culture with an open and accepting attitude. They must also attend most of our meetings and participate in the events held by the group.
Section Two: Fees/Dues
4.2.1 A membership fee of $0.00 will be due of all members.
ARTICLE FIVE: EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section One: Description
5.1.1 The Executive Board shall consist of seven (7) core members: President, Vice President, VP of Promotions, VP of Programming, VP of Finance, VP of Communication and Admin Assistance, and VP of Public Relations.
Section Two: Qualification
5.2.1 Each Executive Board member must be registered for at least six semester hours of credit at GVSU.
5.2.2 Each Executive Board member must carry at least a 2.7 cumulative GPA, and be in good academic standing.
Section Three: Elections
5.3.1 The officers shall be nominated by the members of Desi Student Union
5.3.2 The officers shall be elected by members’ majority vote.
5.3.3 The New Executive Board shall serve from January to December.
ARTICLE SIX: EXECUTIVE BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES
Section One: President
6.1.1 Preside at all meetings of DSU.
6.1.2 Make an agenda for the meetings.
6.1.3 Serve as chairperson of the Networking Committee.
Section Two: Vice-President
6.2.1 Address any duties deemed necessary by the organization or the President.
6.2.2 Perform the duties of the President in his/her absence.
6.2.3 Serve as chairperson of the Student Relations Committee.
Section Three: Programming
6.3.1 Perform the duties of planning / organizing the events.
6.3.2 Establish the DSU Website.
6.3.3 Maintain the DSU Website.
6.3.4 Any other duties deemed necessary in order to further the DSU and in line with position held, as a board member.
Section Four: Promotions
6.4.1 Promoting and advertising the events.
6.4.2 Marketing the organization.
6.4.3 Keep Members of DSU up to date on events.
6.4.4 Any other duties deemed necessary in order to further the DSU and in line with position held, as a board member.
Section Five: Finance
6.5.1 Continually update all financial records and report them to the members of Desi Student Union.
6.5.2 Serve as chairperson of the Fundraising and Budget Committee.
6.5.3 Any other duties deemed necessary in order to further the DSU and in line with position held, as a board member.
Section Six: Communication and Administrative Assistance
6.6.1 In-charge of creating documentations and information fliers.
6.6.2 Perform the duties of taking minutes at the meeting.
6.6.3 Any other duties deemed necessary in order to further the DSU and in line with position held, as a board member.
Section Seven: Public Relations
6.7.1 Influencing public opinion
6.7.2 Maintain mutual understanding between DSU and public.
6.7.3 Speaking in general public and creating relations
6.7.4 Motivational speeches for the group, to keep the members excited.
6.7.5 Any other duties deemed necessary in order to further the DSU and in line with position held, as a board member.
ARTICLE SEVEN: ADVISORS
Section One: Advisors
The Advisor(s) to the DSU shall be chosen by the membership. Each advisor shall serve his/her term from January to December.
ARTICLE EIGHT: MEETINGS
Section One: Meetings
8.1.1 The first general meeting in the fall semester shall be held within the first three weeks of the semester.
8.1.2 General meetings shall be held once a month at the time and location announced one week prior to the meeting.
8.1.3 Committee meetings shall be held according to demand but at least once a month.
Section Two: Quorum
8.2.1 Quorum shall be composed of one-fourth of the total membership.
ARTICLE NINE: AMENDMENTS
Section One: Proposed Amendments
9.1.1 Any member of the Desi Student Union may propose amendments. All proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the President before reaching the general membership.
9.1.2 The President must have the proposed amendment two weeks before an amendment may be voted upon.
9.1.3 A two-thirds vote is required to pass an amendment.
ARTICLE TEN: IMPEACHMENT
Section One: Executive Board
10.1.1 Impeachment proceedings and charges may be moved by majority of Executive Board members.
10.1.2 A vote of two-thirds of the members is necessary for impeachment.
10.1.3 Any member may recommend impeachment to the appropriate Executive Board members.
ARTICLE ELEVEN: DISSOLUTION
Should the Desi Student Union cease to exist, all monies remaining in the non-Student Life Fee accounts should be donated to UNISEF.
ARTICLE TWELVE: ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER
Section One: Roberts Rules of Order
12.1.1 Look to “Roberts Rules of Order” to resolve any disputes, conflicts, or rulings.
Ratified: May 08, 2007