InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Clarkson University

August 2009.

 

 

Article I – Name

 

The name of this organization shall be Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

 

Article II – Purpose

 

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote interest and development in the Christian faith.

 

Article III – Membership

 

     Section 1

 

Membership shall consist of those people who fulfill the requirements for membership as defined by the by-laws.

 

      Section 2

 

Any Clarkson University graduate student, faculty, staff member, or community member may become a member, provided that he or she meets the eligibility requirement of the CUSA and club by-laws.

 

 

Section 3

 

A.  Any member found committing an unsafe or irresponsible act, or an act contrary to organization’s rules or purpose of the club shall have his or her membership reviewed for possible suspension or removal by the Executive Board.  A 2/3 vote of the Executive Board will suspend a person’s membership for no longer than one semester’s time. 

 

B.  A person will be able to speak in their defense before a vote is taken for either suspension or removal.  The person must be notified at least one week before a vote is taken on their possible suspension or removal. It is the member’s responsibility to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations of the club.

 

C.  If any member is found committing an unsafe or irresponsible act, or an act contrary to the organization’s rules or purpose of the club, the executive board can make the recommendation to the membership for the removal of a member.  A 2/3 vote of the membership will remove a member from the club.

 

D.  A 2/3 vote of the membership can override any member suspension decision of the executive board.

 

E.  If a member believes that he or she has been unjustly removed or suspended from the club, the member may call on the Activities Committee for a review of the club’s actions and possible reinstatement of the member.  A 2/3 vote of the CUSA Senate is required to reinstate a member.  In the case of expulsion, the club may also restore a person to membership or office through the same preliminary steps and vote as is required for an election. 

 

F.  All dues and fees paid by a suspended or removed member will be forfeited. (There should be no such money, as IVCF does not charge an dues or fees). 

 

 

 

Note: If there are going to be any different classification of members (for example: active members), it must be defined here.  Otherwise, do not use any terminology of the sort found in the constitution.

 

Article IV – Executive Board

 

Section 1- Executive Board

 

A.     The executive board of this organization shall heretofore be referred to as the Student Leadership Council (SLC). Within this group there will be a core team known as the President's' Cabinet who shall serve in an advisory capacity to the SLC.


B.    The members of the SLC shall consist of President(s), a Small Group Leader Coordinator(s), a Main Event Coordinator(s), New Student Outreach (NSO) Coordinator(s), Administrator(s), Prayer Coordinator(s), Worship Coordinator(s), Treasurer(s), International Student Ministry Coordinator(s), and Internet Communication Director(s).  They shall serve for a term of one calendar year.  The officers will take office at the end of the last meeting of the calendar year.  No person may hold more than one office at a time but two persons may share a position as the work load requires.


C.     The members of the President's Cabinet shall consiste of the President(s), the Small Group Leader Coordinator(s), and the Main Event Coordinator(s).

 

D.    The SLC shall have the power of veto.  The executive board needs a ¾ vote to veto any actions of the club.  The membership may override the veto by a 2/3 vote.

 

Section 2 – Selection of Officers 

 

           IVCF officers are nominated by a committee made up of club members from the graduating class, and then approved by a quorum of the general membership. As such,                       selection of officers will occur following the process laid out in the by-laws.

 

Section 3 – Duties of Officers

 

Part i – President

The president shall preside over the meetings and see that all business is carried out in a proper manner. He shall plan and facilitate meetings of the Cabinet and the SLC, and meet weekly with the IVCF staff member. The president shall appoint leaders of any committees formed.  He shall oversee the nominations for leadership positions for the year to succeed his. The president shall keep an accurate written record of all leadership meetings. The president shall be responsible for the correspondence between the organization and the CUSA Senate and appropriate faculty and administration. The president is responsible for determining the direction the organization should go and motivating the chapter to follow his vision.

 

Part iii – Small Group Coordinator

The Small Group Coordinator organizes and coordinates small group program in light of chapter vision and goals. He/she also leads present Small Group Leaders and develops future Small Group Leaders.

 

Part iv – Main Event Coordinator

The Main Event Coordinator plans and coordinates chapter meetings in light of chapter vision and goals. 

 

Part v – New Student Outreach (NSO) Coordinator

The NSO coordinator is responsible for coordinating the efforts of an NSO team (composed of members of the organization) in reaching out to new students. He does this in a manner of ways -- by using tables in Cheel, following up on new attendees to general body meetings, and organizing campus-wide outreach events.


Part vii – Treasurer

The Treasurer shall have charge of the funds of the organization and shall make financial reports and expenditures as authorized by the Executive Board.  The Treasurer shall be responsible for working along with the CUSA Senate to obtain funding for any event/project that requires CUSA assistance.  The treasurer shall act in accordance with the finance policy. The treasurer is also responsible for managing any funds IVCF obtains from CUSA and reporting how said funds are used. IVCF does not have a budget from CUSA but may receive moneys throughout the year to facilitate events open to the entire campus. 


Part viii -- Administrator

The administrator is in charge of advertising (via posters, cards, fliers, etc.), attendance at general meetings, taking pictures at events, and updating various documents within the organization.


Part ix -- Prayer Coordinator

The prayer coordinator is in charge of organizing the various prayer meetings that occur each week and encouraging prayer within the chapter.


Part x -- Internet Communication Director

The internet communication director serves as the webmaster of the IVCF website. He updates the website based on changes in leadership, changes in meeting times or locations, and any other necessary changes that come up during the year. He is also in charge of other web-based forms of communication such as facebook, google calendar, Clarkson Jolt, and weekly announcement emails.


Part xi -- Worship Coordinator

The worship coordinator is responsible for ensuring that there is musical leadership for worship at weekly meetings. If necessary the worship coordinator shall fill in for absent musical leaders.


Part xii -- Committee Chairs

Any committee chairs shall be in charge of their respective committees.  They shall hold meetings and report to the Executive Board.

 

Section 4 – Removal of Officers

             

Any member may challenge an officer by presenting a name and reason to the president.  If the president is the party in question, a member may go to any cabinet member.  Officers may be removed by a 2/3 vote of the membership at a meeting at which quorum has been meet.  This meeting must be announced to the entire membership at least one week in advance.  The officer(s) affected should be able to speak in his/her defense to the entire membership.

 

Section 5 – Replacement of Officers

 

If an officer is removed, resigns, or can no longer perform his/her duties, then the presidents shall make a nomination for a replacement to the SLC for approval. If the SLC approves with 2/3 majority then the nominated person gets the position.

 

Article V – Voting

 

A.  A vote will only be effective if taken at a meeting where there is a quorum, defined as 2/3 of the membership of that group (leadership meetings, general body meetings, etc. all use 2/3 of membership as the definition of a quorum.) If a quorum has not been met, the vote shall be tabled until one can be established.  All members must be notified of a vote two days before the meeting at which the vote will take place.  Absentee ballots will count towards a quorum.

   

Article VI – Amendments

 

Section 1.  Any member may propose amendments to this constitution by presenting it to the President at least a week before the member intends to bring it to the floor.  The proposed amendments must be made available to the entire membership at least one week before they are to be debated on the floor.  The President will bring the amendment to the floor for debate.  An amendment shall be adopted upon an affirmative vote by two-thirds of the entire membership and subsequent approval by the CUSA senate.  Upon passage, the President or his delegate(s) will alter the constitution accordingly.  Only a two-thirds vote of the entire membership and subsequent approval by the CUSA senate nullifies this Constitution. The CUSA Senate shall approve all amendments to the club constitution before becoming effective as outlined in the CUSA Constitution

 

Section 2.  Any member may propose amendments to the club by-laws.  The amendment must be submitted to President at least a week before the member intends to bring it to the floor.  The amendment must be made available to the entire membership one week before the member brings it to the floor.  The President will bring the amendment to the floor and open debate.  The amendment will be adopted and added to the by-laws upon a two-thirds majority vote of the membership.

 

Article VII – Meetings

 

Meetings shall be held as determined in the by-laws.  A quorum for a meeting shall be 2/3 of the membership.  Meetings shall be announced to the entire membership at least one week in advance.  The president may call special meetings.

 

Article VIII – Finances

 

The organization shall derive its funds from donations made by its membership, lawful profit-making activities, and from the CUSA, in the case of events open to the entire campus.  The budget shall be prepared by the treasurer and approved by a vote of the cabinet before being submitted to the CUSA Senate.  This organization shall be in accordance with the CUSA Finance Policy with respect to any moneys provided to this organization by the CUSA.


Article IX – Dissolution


In the event that the organization becomes defunct, all moneys provided to IVCF by CUSA shall revert to the CUSA Senate; no moneys not provided to IVCF by CUSA shall revert to the CUSA Senate. Moneys not reverting to CUSA shall be held in trust by the IVCF staff member until such time as an IVCF chapter resurfaces on campus.

 

Article X – Hazing

 

Neither this organization nor any of its members may authorize or participate in an action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of another member.  The consumption, forced or voluntary of alcohol or drugs for purpose of initiation into, or affiliation with, this organization shall not be allowed.  This organization shall be subject to rescission of permission to operate on campus property, and loss of CUSA recognition.  Any members may face legal penalties if in violation of local, state, or federal laws.

 

Article XI – Sexual Harassment

 

Neither this nor any of its members shall participate in any act of sexual harassment. The Executive Board should be notified of any alleged acts of sexual harassment.  Sexual Harassment will be handled by the CUSA Senate according to their procedures.

 

Article XII – Supremacy

 

              The constitution of the CUSA is recognized as supreme over this constitution.

 

Article XIII – Ratification

 

This constitution shall become effective upon the approval by a 2/3-majority vote of the membership of the club and its subsequent approval by the CUSA Senate.

 

Article XIV – Constitutional Review

 

The constitution of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship is subject to review every four years by the club, then the approved version with any revisions passed by the membership shall be dated and submitted to the CUSA Activities Committee.

 

Article XV – Advisorship

 

The InterVarsity Christian Fellowship shall choose a faculty advisor or advisors from the staff of Clarkson University by the second meeting of the fall semester. This member may attend meetings in a non-voting capacity.



 

By-Laws:

 

 

 

Article I                           

 

Section 1.              The name of this organization shall be called Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, the

                            Clarkson University chapter of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.

 

Article II              PURPOSE STATEMENT

 

The purpose of this organization shall be to educate the students on campus about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ through weekly discussion, special lectures, and other activities which the members consider appropriate.

 

Section 1.              In response to God's love, grace and truth:

 

The purpose of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at Clarkson University is to be an organization of students who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord; growing in love for God, God’s Word, God’s people of every ethnicity and culture, and God’s purposes in the world through spiritual, intellectual, physical and social pursuits.

 

Article III              DOCTRINAL BASIS

 

Section 1.              The Basis of Faith of this organization will be:

 

We believe in:

                           

     The only true God, the almighty Creator of all things,

              existing eternally in three persons—

              Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—full of love and glory.

 

     The unique divine inspiration,

              entire trustworthiness

              and authority of the Bible.

 

     The value and dignity of all people:

              created in God's image to live in love and holiness,

              but alienated from God and each other because of our sin and guilt,

              and justly subject to God’s wrath.

 

     Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine,

              who lived as a perfect example,

              who assumed the judgment due sinners by dying in our place,

              and who was bodily raised from the dead and ascended as Savior and Lord.

 

     Justification by God's grace to all who repent

              and put their faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

 

     The indwelling presence and transforming power of the Holy Spirit,

              who gives to all believers a new life and a new calling to obedient service.

 

     The unity of all believers in Jesus Christ,

              manifest in worshipping and witnessing churches

              making disciples throughout the world.

 

     The victorious reign and future personal return of Jesus Christ,

              who will judge all people with justice and mercy,

              giving over the unrepentant to eternal condemnation

              but receiving the redeemed into eternal life.

 

To God be glory forever.

 

Section 2.              All officers of this organization, leaders of Bible study groups and speakers must subscribe to the above Basis of Faith.

 

Article IV              MEMBERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION

 

Membership and participation in this organization shall be open to all students and faculty members and community members that are interested in its purpose and desire to take part in its programs.


In order to become a member one must attend at least 50% of weekly Main Event meetings and serve the group in some capacity during the semester.



Article V              LEADERSHIP

                           

The officers of this organization shall be the Presidents, the Small Group Leader Coordinators, the Main Event Coordinators, the New Student Outreach (NSO) Coordinators, the Administrators, the Prayer Coordinators, the Worship Coordinators, the Treasurer, the International Student Ministry Coordinator, and Internet Communication Director.

                           

Section 1.              Only those active members committed to the Basis of Faith and Purpose of this organization are eligible for leadership positions.

 

Section 2.              The leadership of this organization will consist of a Student Leadership Council; within this group there is a team known as the President's Cabinet.  The President's Cabinet meets weekly, and the Student Leadership Council meets monthly.

 

Section 3.              The responsibilities of the leadership of this chapter are:

 

  1. To carry out the purpose, general policies and program of this organization
  2. If needed, to call other business meetings for the chapter for selection of new leaders and evaluation of the activities of the chapter
  3. To responsible for the continuance of this organization from year to year

 

Article VI              MEETINGS

 

Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at Clarkson University shall meet weekly at a Main Event meeting. Small Groups shall meet weekly at a time agreed upon by members attending.  Prayer meetings shall occur 3 times a week.  Additional meetings may be called by officers.

 

Section 1.              Meetings for small groups and prayer will be held at times decided by the members.  Small group studies will usually be held weekly, prayer meetings 3 times a week.

 

Section 2.              Other meetings for the discussion and presentation of matters pertaining to the life and purposes of the organization will be held as occasion warrants.

 

Article VII              SELECTION OF LEADERSHIP

 

            Step 1.   At Basileia the current Servant Leadership Council (SLC) will appoint the Nominating Committee.  The Nominating Committee (NC) shall consist of at least: 

                4 graduating seniors and/or graduate students

                2 chapter presidents

                1 IVCF staff 

            Step 2.   The 4 graduating seniors and/or graduate students shall be contacted early in the summer   to pray about their involvement on the NC.  Any person who declines this                    appointment   shall be replaced by one of the alternatives as agreed upon by the SLC at Basileia, an annual IVCF leadership conference. 

            Step 3.  The NC shall have their first meeting before the end of the third week of classes in   September.  The purpose of this meeting is to: 

             Step 7.  The NC shall meet a third time 2 weeks after their second meeting.  The purpose of this meeting is to: 

                a) Discuss notes taken during the second interview

                b) Nominate, with full agreement, specific students to specific positions on the SLC and/or as a SGLA.

                c) Pray earnestly for the students being nominated