Westfield State University Poetry Team Constitution
Article I
Name:
Section 1:
This organization shall be known as the Westfield State University Poetry Team.
Article II
Purpose:
Section 1:
The Westfield State University Poetry Team strives to encourage poetic
expression on campus, both written word and spoken word. We aim to proliferate
and inspire poetry not only in our members but also among our peers on campus.
In addition to performing slam poetry, spoken word, written word, and lyrical
poetry, it is our desire to educate students and faculty alike on poetic expression
and its usefulness as an emotional outlet, creative facet, and artistic endeavor.
Article III
Membership:
Section 1:
Section 2:
Membership shall be open to all full-time and part-time undergraduate students of
Westfield State University who have paid their student activities fee for the
current academic semester.
Members are considered to be active if they attend and participate in fifty percent
(50%) of club meetings and activities and if they are present for at least one (1)
Collegiate Poetry Slam on campus per year.
Article IV
Officers:
Section 1:
Section2:
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Section 4:
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The leadership of the Westfield State University Poetry Team consists of two (2)
Co-Captains.
The Co-Captains will be responsible for planning, holding, and running team
meetings and practices, will be the primary planners for Collegiate Slams on
campus, and will act as the contacts for organizations that desire to utilize
performers from the team for various events and social gatherings.
The Co-Captains will be elected at the beginning of Spring Semester each year,
and the existing captains will train the upcoming officers in the duties required for
leading the Westfield State University Poetry Team.
Being an active member for one (1) year is required to be considered for the
position of Co-Captain of the Westfield State University Poetry Team.
Co-Captains are elected each year at the beginning of spring semester, and are
eligible for re-election in the next school year.
Article V
Advisors:
Section 1:
Section 2:
The team will convene at the end of each spring semester and vote on the advisor
for the next year.
As advisor to the Westfield State University Poetry Team, the advisor acts as the
team’s representative to other campus contacts, and assists in the planning and
organization of trips and Poetry Slams on campus.
Article VI
Elections:
Section 1:
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Section 4:
Section 5:
Any active member is allowed to nominate any other active member into office.
During the first half of spring semester, members will nominate candidates for
Co-Captain and during a weekly team meeting, the team will vote on a candidate.
The advisor will collect and tally the votes.
No election may be held if there is not a quorum of fifty percent (50%) of the club
members plus one (1) present at the meeting.
In the event of a tie, a hold-off election will be held.
Article VII
Meetings:
Section 1:
Section 2:
Section 3:
The Westfield State University Poetry Team will meet no less than every
two (2) weeks.
The Co-Captains and advisor may hold separate meetings apart from the members
for planning and organizational purposes.
The Co-Captains or the advisor may call special meetings if they are needed.
Article VIII
Vacancies:
Section 1:
In the event of an advisor or a Co-Captain leaving, the Westfield State University
Poetry Team will hold a new round of elections during the next meeting to obtain
a replacement.
Article IX
Amending Procedure:
Section 1:
This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the
voting members of the club and if approved by the Rules and Regulations
committee of the Student Government Association.
Article X
Removal from office:
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Section 2:
If a Co-Captain is not performing his or her duties to the Westfield State
University Poetry Team, the members will be allowed to vote on an immediate
dismissal from duties by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.
If an advisor is not performing his or her duties to the Westfield State University
Poetry Team, the members will be allowed to vote on an immediate dismissal
from duties by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote.