Society of Educators WIU-QC
Organizational Constitution
Revised 6/25/08
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Preamble:
We, the current and future students of the WIU-QC Teacher Education Program, do
hereby establish this constitution to provide an agreement through which Teacher
Education Programs may explore, discuss, and contribute to the issues affecting the
teaching profession in the region.
Article I
Name
This organization will forthwith be referred to as the Society of Educators WIU-Quad
Cities Campus. This organization is a student organization at Western Illinois
University-Quad Cities.
Article II
Objectives
The objectives of the organization shall be:
1. To provide opportunities for WIU-QC Teacher Education majors to develop a
better understanding of and appreciation for the Education profession.
2. To provide opportunities for WIU-QC Teacher Education majors to engage in
dialogue about their selected academic interest areas.
3. To encourage scholastic achievement, foster development of professional
attitudes, provide an environment for individuals with similar interest to
engage in social and professional activities, and to promote dialogue between
students, faculty, and the community.
4. To inform organizational members and affiliates of the requirements for
graduation/certification, student teaching, upcoming events, and changes in
the curriculum.
5. To provide WIU-QC Teacher Education majors with the opportunity to
interact with area educators and educational administrators.
Article III
Membership
1. Any student at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities is eligible to be an
active member and may hold office.
2. Non-students may act as associate members, but may not vote or hold office.
3. Active membership will be accorded to all members who attend a minimum of
(1) one meeting or sponsored activity in each academic semester.
4. All active members shall be accorded a full voting privilege.
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Article IV
Officers
1. Election of Officers
a. The officers of the organization are president, vice president, secretary,
treasurer and non-voting faculty advisor/sponsor.
b. Nominations for officers will be held at least two weeks prior to the election
meeting. Nominations for committee appointment are open throughout the
academic year.
c. Members seeking office must have been fully accepted into the WIU-QC
Teacher Education Program. Individuals seeking office and who are elected
must be in good academic and judicial standing at WIU-QC.
d. Officers will be elected by written ballot, with active members who are able to
be present at the election meeting to cast a vote. Active members who are
unable to attend the election meeting are allowed to cast a vote by written
ballot, which must be submitted to the Society of Educators mailbox by the
deadline placed on the ballot. A majority of votes will constitute a victory.
e. Election of officers will take place at the end each academic semester, only
when a position needs to be filled.
f. Officers will assume office for a period of at least one academic semester.
Fall Semester: August through December
Spring Semester: January through May
Officers may assume office for a period of a year or more. Academic Year:
August 1st through July 31st.
2. Recall of Officers
a. Officers are subject to recall for malfeasance in office.
b. Recall procedure will be initiated at the request of five active members.
c. A hearing will be conducted at the regular meeting for the presentation of
evidence from all concerned parties.
d. A majority of those active members voting recall at the end of the hearing is
necessary to remove any officer.
Article V
Voting
1. This constitution and by-laws may be amended by 2/3 majority vote of those voting, a
quorum being present.
2. Voting on amendments must be conducted after a minimum of two weeks.
3. Meeting will proceed in accordance with Robert's Rule of Order, Revised.
4. Any voting member may forward a motion for consideration at any official
organizational meeting.
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Article VI
Not-For-Profit Statement
This is a Not-For-Profit organization
Article VII
Statement of Non-Discrimination
This organization shall not discriminate on the basis of age, color, ethnicity, gender,
national origin, disability, or handicap, race, religion, sexual orientation, Vietnam Era
veteran status.
This policy will include, but is not limited to recruiting, membership, organization
activities, or opportunities to hold office.
Article VIII
Financial Obligations
1. Organizational funds shall be obtained primarily through periodic fund-raisers
and requests to the WIU-QC council on Student Activity Funds for funding
shall be allowed and encouraged to generate additional funds.
2. Expenditure of organizational funds shall be voted upon by the executive
board.
3. An annual audit of the organization's accounts shall be conducted by and
external auditor. This auditor shall be an enrolled business major recommend
by the advisor and approved by the executive board.
Article IX
Statement of Non-Hazing
This organization will not conspire to engage in hazing, participate in hazing, or commit
any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal
degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or
person attending the institution.
Article X
Statement of compliance with WIU-QC regulations
This organization shall comply with all WIU-QC policies and regulations and local, state,
and federal laws.
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Article XI
Executive officers
1. A body of members called the Executive board shall govern the WIU-QC Society of
Educators. This board shall be comprised of a President, Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, and Advisor.
2. The faculty advisor will provide guidance to the Executive Board and will ensure that
the organizational activities remain in compliance with University regulations.
3. Please see by-laws for duties of executive board.
Article XII
Statements about the constitution
1. This Constitution shall be available to interested parties upon request.
2. Constitutional amendments shall be considered ratified if two-thirds majority of the
voting membership approves of the motion.
By-Laws
I. Cabinet
1. President
• Coordinates all activities of the organization
• Liaison to WIU-QC community
• Official representative of organization
• Call regular and special meetings
• Presides at meetings
• Prepares agenda for meetings
2. Vice President
• Assumes duties of president, when necessary
• Assists president in coordinating activities
3. Secretary
• Maintains accurate and current information of the organization and
• membership
• Assists president and vice president to coordinate organization activities
• Keeps accurate minutes of each meeting and forwards copies to other
• officers
• Keeps attendance records for meetings
4. Treasurer
• Liaison to WIU-QC for the purpose of organizational funding
• Maintain accurate and current account of all organizational funds
• Responsible for dispending of funds in accordance with goals and
• programs established by organization.
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II. Meetings
Meetings will be open to all organizations active and associate member, faculty
and Student Programs representatives. A notice of at least two weeks will be given prior
to all meetings. The meetings are to be organized and controlled by officers and active
members.
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