Constitution for

International Student Alliance

At Lone Star College-North Harris

Article I:        Organization Name and Purpose        

Section 1:        The name of this organization is International Student Alliance (ISA) at Lone Star College-North Harris.

Section 2:        The purposes of this organization shall be as follows:

1. To promote appreciation of the diversity of cultures, languages, and national origins of our students, faculty, and staff.
2. To assist and support new international students to adapt to American culture and living in the United States.
3. To assist and support all students from other cultures to adapt to our college culture and to be successful students in the Lone Star College System.

Article II:        Membership

Section 1:        Any registered student (full or part time), faculty, or staff at Lone Star College-North Harris who is in good standing with the College and fulfills the membership requirements which coincide with the purposes of the organization is eligible for membership.  

Section 2:        Privileges of active members include community and campus activities, voting, nominations, serving as an officer, meeting attendance, and fundraising efforts.

Section 3:        In order to guarantee equal rights to all members of the Lone Star College-North Harris student body, equal opportunities shall be afforded to all students without regard to race, color, national/and or ethnic origin, religion, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, veteran status, or physical disability.

Article III:        Officers

Section 1:        The elected officers of ISA shall be as follows: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.  These officers will serve as the Executive Committee of the organization.

Section 2:        All officers shall meet the following requirements:

1. Registered student in good academic standing at Lone Star College-North Harris,
2. Commitment to serve in the appointed position throughout the office’s term,
3. Ability to conduct oneself in a fashion that actions will not reflect negatively on the image of the organization, its members or Lone Star College-North Harris.

Section 3:        Length of term for appointed offices will be one academic year.  Upon completion of the term, officers who wish to maintain the same position must be re-elected.        

Section 4:        The selection of the Advisor(s) for the organization shall be voted on by the Executive Committee.

Section 5:        Duties of Officers:  The presence of all members of the Executive Committee is strongly encouraged for all regular meetings.

1. The President shall oversee all meetings and activities, and shall make sure that, at all times, the organization abides by the rules and regulations set forth by the Office of Student Activities and Lone Star College-North Harris.  In the case that a representative is needed, the President will represent the organization on its behalf except in the case where another member has been assigned.
2. The Vice President shall assist and support the President in all duties and responsibilities of the organization and oversee the needs of the organization, including supplies and additional resources needed.
3. The Secretary shall work closely with the President and Vice President to keep abreast of organizational goals, needs, policies, and procedures.  The Secretary shall document and communicate meeting dates and minutes to members by email, and shall manage and maintain a current membership list and all ISA documents and files.  
4. The Treasurer shall keep a comprehensive record of, and balance of, ISA finances and expenses, research and report current financial needs, and maintain a positive working relationship with Student Activities and Business Office personnel.  The Treasurer shall consult with fellow officers on budget needs and limitations before proceeding with decisions.
5. All officers are expected to participate in at least one planning session per semester.
6. Any officer who is not able to attend meetings regularly and fulfill the duties of their office will have their term terminated by the remaining officers and Advisor, and will be replaced by vote of members at the next meeting.

Article IV:        Advisor(s)

Section 1:        The Advisor(s) of ISA shall work with the Executive Committee in coordinating campus activities, meetings, community service projects, and other functions to ensure that ISA achieves its objectives.        

Section 2:        The Advisor(s) shall be responsible for providing guidance and leadership to ISA members, approving appropriate activities, and overseeing the finances of ISA

Article V:        Elections

Section 1:        All members may nominate and vote in an election.  Elections for Executive Committee officers will take place at the second meeting of the fall semester of each year.  In case of an officer vacancy, an election will be held as soon as possible when a position is vacated.

Article VI:        Election Procedures

Section 1:        Method of Nomination:  Any active member of ISA can nominate a student to candidacy with an explanation of why they feel that he or she is qualified to fill the specified position.  The nomination is to be followed by a motion to support given by another active member.  Each position within the Executive Committee shall be voted upon separately.

Section 2:        All active members of ISA shall be allowed to vote anonymously by casting their individual votes.

Section 3:        When necessary, special tasks and committees can be assigned to members by vote.

Article VII:        Meetings

Section 1:        ISA shall meet twice a month on a day and time to be determined by the membership. Meeting dates and times will be confirmed and announced during the previous meeting.  

Section 2:        Emergency, special interest, or additional meetings shall be confirmed by the President and/or Vice President.  Attendees will be given at least 3 days prior notice of meeting time, date, and objective.

Article VIII:        Finances

Section 1:        Fiscal Operating Year for the Lone Star College System runs from September 1 through August 31.

Section 2:        No money shall be spent or guaranteed without the approval of the President, Treasurer, and an Advisor.

Section 3:        Approval for financial spending or earning (fundraising) must include the President, Treasurer, and an Advisor by way of at least two signatures on all original documents. All fundraising must be approved in advance by the Office of Student Activities.

Article IX:        Amendments

Section 1:        Amendments to the organization’s constitution can only be made by a vote.  All amendments shall be proposed and discussed during a regular meeting.

Section 2:        If approved, copies of the amended constitution must be provided to the Advisor(s) and the Office of Student Activities for administrative approval.

Article X:        Ratification and Enactment

Section 1:        This Constitution shall become effective immediately upon its approval by a two-thirds vote of a quorum of members and administrative approval from the Office of Student Activities.

Section 2:        This Constitution shall become the official governing document of the International Student Association at Lone Star College-North Harris.