Constitution 2023-2024
Applied Human Nutrition Student Association (AHNSA)
Section 1.1 Preamble
1.1.1 The established membership of students in the Applied Human Nutrition undergraduate
degree at the University of Guelph known as the Applied Human Nutrition Student
Membership, hereafter referred to as the “Membership”.
1.1.2 The Executive Council for this membership shall be known as the Applied Human
Nutrition Student Association, hereafter referred to as the “Executive”. They are the
governing board.
1.1.3 This constitution shall override any previously existing constitutions by the Applied
Human Nutrition Student Association.
Section 2.1 Mandate/Statement of Purpose
2.1.1 To be the official representative of all undergraduate students within the Applied Human
Nutrition (AHN) program.
2.1.2 To foster the affiliation of AHN students with other students, student organizations,
faculty, Dean and administrative bodies at the University of Guelph and other
institutions.
2.1.3 To generate interest and encourage participation in AHNSA and the College of Social
and Applied Human Sciences Student Alliance.
2.1.4 To raise, discuss, and act upon issues of concern to the students of the AHN program.
Such issues should be raised by any interested parties.
2.1.5 To provide a forum where students can present views, opinions, critiques, and obtain
information regarding AHNSA events and policies.
2.1.6 To create and partake in educational and social events within the College that facilitates
learning and promotes the betterment of student life at the University of Guelph.
2.1.7 To defend the rights and interests of the Membership at the University of Guelph.
2.1.8 To comply with all policies regarding clubs and club activities.
2.1.9. To encourage and promote diversity in dietetics through inclusive events and including
diverse dietetic professionals in events.
Section 3.1 Membership
3.1.1 All part-time and full-time undergraduate students enrolled in the Applied Human
Nutrition program shall be general members of AHNSA and shall be entitled to the
privileges of membership.
3.1.2 Any current executive member that engages in discriminatory and/or prejudicial
behaviour is to be reviewed, and appropriate action is to follow, which could include
termination of membership, apology letters, and initiatives to grow from the behaviour.
3.1.3 Membership is granted without regard to:
• Age
• Colour
• Ethnicity
• Gender
• Marital/family status
• Nationality
• Physical disability
• Political affirmation
• Race
• Religion
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Sexual orientation
Socio-economic status
This is not an exclusive list.
Section 4.1 Privileges of a Member
4.1.1 All executive members of AHNSA have the right to participate and vote at all general
meetings. General meetings to be advertised to the program in September and in March
(preferably before the Spring Elections).
4.1.2 All members of AHNSA have the right to run for positions on the Executive.
4.1.3 All members have the right to vote in elections.
4.1.4 All members have the right to participate in events that are run by AHNSA.
Section 5.1 The Executive
5.1.1 PRESIDENT (1)
• The president must have served at least one year on the executive. Barring
feasibility, exceptions can be made upon agreement of present Executive members.
• Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
• Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event in the Spring before starting as President and
as out-going President the next Spring.
• Shall attend Orientation Week Event Planner Training in the Spring before starting
as President.
• Shall assist the Senior Peer Advisor in the organization of orientation week events.
• Shall write a letter for the student handbook on behalf of the AHNSA.
• Shall attend and present a short speech about AHNSA and how to be involved and
answer questions at the BASc Orientation during Orientation Week baring any
previous commitments.
• Shall chair meetings in a formal and professional manner.
• Shall notify executive members of meetings and send the agenda prior to the
meeting.
• Shall upload prepared meeting minutes prior to the general meetings to the AHNSA
private Microsoft Teams channel.
• Shall upload updated meeting minutes after the general meetings to the AHNSA
general Microsoft Teams channel.
• Shall ensure that an effective communication network is established between
Executive and students.
• Shall ensure organization of the club and assist in planning of events.
• Shall ensure records of events (i.e. preparations, successes and failures, copies of
posters or other materials used).
• Shall conduct elections at the beginning of the fall semester and the end of the
winter semester.
• Shall plan social events for the AHNSA executive members for a minimum of once
each semester.
• Shall plan turn-around meeting for old and new council members after Spring
elections.
• Shall attend CSAHS-SA meetings and provide updates to the AHNSA council.
• Shall contribute to and attend AHNSA events.
• Shall update and submit a transition document in the spring for the incoming
executive taking on their role.
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The executive member is encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the field
of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
5.1.2 VICE PRESIDENT (1)
• The Vice-President must have served at least one year on the executive and must
be in a different year than the President. Barring feasibility, exceptions can be made
upon agreement of present Executive members.
• Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
• Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event in the Spring before starting as Vice President
and as out-going Vice President the following Spring.
• Shall chair meetings in a formal and professional manner in the absence of the
President.
• Shall attend curriculum meetings in the absence of the Curriculum Representative.
• Shall take on the responsibility of the President when he/she is unable to perform
his/her duties.
• Shall assist the Treasurer with organizing one fundraiser for the association per
semester.
• Shall assist the curriculum representative in planning the Mock interview sessions if
required (Winter).
• Shall serve as the AHN representative on the CSAHS Gala Committee or for
similarly related events organized by CSAHS-SA.
• Shall organize clothing sales (Fall).
• Shall organize AHNSA x Retea Cup Collaboration reusable glass cup sales (Winter).
o Contact: Toby Zhou. Email: reteacups@gmail.com. Phone: 647-885-3682.
• Shall collaborate with the Junior Professional Development Representative to
administer a program-wide survey for feedback about the curriculum and the AHNSA
(Winter).
• Shall attend CSAHS-SA meetings in the absence of the President.
• Shall contribute to and attend AHNSA events.
• Shall update and submit a transition document in the spring for the incoming
executive taking on their role.
• The executive member is encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the field
of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
• May miss a maximum of two meetings per semester, except under special
circumstances (President must be informed). Missing more than 2 meetings per
semester will result in a request for resignation from the President.
5.1.3 TREASURER (1)
• Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
• Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event in the Spring before starting as Treasurer and
as out-going Treasurer the following Spring.
• Shall negotiate all financial transactions related to AHNSA.
• Shall create a budget at the beginning of every semester (to be kept and to be
submitted to the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences).
• Shall present the budget to the executive at the start of the year.
• Shall review financial statement at the last meeting of the winter semester.
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Shall submit financial request forms to the CSAHS Student Alliance for
reimbursements and request reimbursements from Family Relations and Applied
Nutrition (FRAN).
Shall organize fundraising for the association with the help of the Vice-President (one
per semester).
Shall contribute to and attend AHNSA events.
Shall update and submit a transition document in the spring for the incoming
executive taking on their role.
The executive member is encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the field
of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
May miss a maximum of two meetings per semester, except under special
circumstances (President must be informed). Missing more than 2 meetings per
semester will result in a request for resignation from the President.
5.1.4 CURRICULUM REPRESENTATIVE (Junior & Senior) (2)
This is a two-year position and therefore those entering (Junior Representative) must be
able to hold the position for this period.
• Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event in the Spring before starting as Curriculum
Representative and as out-going Curriculum Representative the following Spring
• Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
• Shall contribute to and attend AHNSA events.
• Shall update and submit a transition document in the spring for the incoming
executive taking on their role.
• The executive members are encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the
field of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
• May miss a maximum of two meetings per semester, except under special
circumstances (President must be informed). Missing more than 2 meetings per
semester will result in a request for resignation from the President.
Junior:
• Shall facilitate communication between faculty and students regarding curriculum
revisions, course changes and important issues to AHN majors.
• Shall communicate with first- and second-year students through email regarding any
questions or concerns about course selection.
• Shall organize one career event for students non-emphasizing in dietetics (Winter).
• Shall attend curriculum meetings when Senior Representative is unavailable and is
encouraged to attend with the Senior Representative throughout the year.
• Shall plan the student perspective event for Masters/internships (Fall). If possible,
the Junior Curriculum Representative is encouraged to seek out representative
candidates for the field of dietetics, including RDs who are BIPOC, ethnic minorities,
or specialize in innovative or small areas of dietetics.
Senior:
• Shall facilitate communication between faculty and students regarding curriculum
revisions, course changes and important issues to AHN majors.
• Shall organize Meet and Greet with profs for all years in the AHN program (Fall).
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Shall organize mock interview sessions in collaboration with the AHN curriculum
chair, with the help of the Professional Development Representatives and Vice
President if required (Winter).
Shall attend curriculum meetings and report important developments to the AHNSA.
5.1.5 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE (JUNIOR AND SENIOR) (2)
This is a two-year position and therefore those entering (Junior Representation) must be
able to hold the position for this period.
• Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
• Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event in the Spring before starting as Professional
Development Representative and as out-going Professional Development
• Shall contribute to and attend AHNSA events.
• Shall update and submit a transition document in the spring for the incoming
executive taking on their role.
• The executive members are encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the
field of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
• May miss a maximum of two meetings per semester, except under special
circumstances (President must be informed). Missing more than 2 meetings per
semester will result in a request for resignation from the President.
Junior:
• Shall organize professional development skills sessions for all years (one per
semester).
• Shall provide updates to the Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) when
requested.
• Shall assist the Curriculum Representatives in organizing the mock interviews if
required (Winter).
• Shall collaborate with the Vice-President to administer a program-wide survey for
feedback the AHNSA.
Senior:
• Shall organize online internship/masters info session and Q&A in conjunction with
faculty advisor (Fall).
• Shall assist the Curriculum Representatives in organizing the mock interviews if
required (Winter).
• Shall assist the DC Representative with Nutrition Month events in March.
5.1.6 COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR (1)
• Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
• Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event in the Spring before starting as
Communications Coordinator and as out-going Communications Coordinator the
following Spring.
• Shall attend meetings and record the minutes, and in the event when unable to
attend, must delegate note-taking (meeting minutes) to another member of council.
• Shall create and distribute AHNSA executive contact information once positions have
been established.
• Shall check the AHNSA email and respond to emails on a bi-weekly basis.
• Shall establish an online calendar or events table for all events and meetings held by
the AHNSA at the beginning of each semester and update it throughout the
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semester. The decision of which method of event-tracking will be used shall be made
by the executive team at the beginning of the year.
Shall take photos or arrange for photos to be taken at AHNSA events and use
Facebook Live Stream (if applicable).
Shall regularly update and advertise on AHNSA and Instagram accounts, and follow
students in collaboration with year representatives.
Shall advertise general meetings to the AHN program in September and in March
(preferably before the Spring Elections).
Shall provide AHNSA Biographies and Executive Photograph via Instagram and
email.
Shall co-author a newsletter with the Second Year Representative. This newsletter is
to be distributed after the fall and winter exam period.
Shall organize Instagram give-away, with the stipulations of the giveaway approved
by the president (Winter).
Shall contribute to and attend AHNSA events when required.
Shall update and submit a transition document in the spring for the incoming
executive taking on their role.
The executive member is encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the field
of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
May miss a maximum of two meetings per semester, except under special
circumstances (President must be informed). Missing more than 2 meetings per
semester will result in a request for resignation from the President.
5.1.7 SENIOR PEER ADVISOR (1 or 2)
Please note that this position is typically served by a student entering their 3rd/4th year
of study.
• Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event in the Spring before starting as Senior Peer
Advisor and as out-going Senior Peer Advisor the following Spring.
• Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
• Shall attend Orientation Week Event Planner Training in April.
• Shall act as the primary organizer of events during O-Week with the assistance of
the President.
• Shall serve as an advisor to entering AHN students by providing an email contact
during O-Week for students to send questions throughout the semester.
• Shall initiate the first/fourth year buddy program and organize a social meet-andgreet if appropriate (Fall).
o Each fourth-year student will be assigned multiple first year buddies. Senior
Peer Advisor to organize one meet and greet in the fall semester for first
year students.
• Shall serve as the College Royal Representative; this includes attending College
Royal society meetings and recruiting AHN student volunteers for the College Royal
committee to create a display board (Winter).
• Shall assist the 4th year representative in planning the graduation dinner and photo
(Winter).
• Shall contribute to and attend AHNSA events.
• The executive member is encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the field
of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
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May miss a maximum of two meetings per semester, except under special
circumstances (President must be informed). Missing more than 2 meetings per
semester will result in a request for resignation from the President.
5.1.8. DIETITIANS OF CANADA (DC) STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (1 or 2)
Please note that this position is typically served by a student entering their 3rd/4th year of
study.
This position requires the purchasing of a DC student membership which be reimbursed
in the Fall semester. It is highly recommended to purchase this membership in the
summer prior to beginning the position.
• Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
• Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event in the Spring before starting as DC Student
Representative and as out-going DC Student Representative the following Spring.
• Shall act as a liaison between AHNSA and Dietitians of Canada.
• Shall contact the DC Student Representatives (members of the Student Network)
once elected.
• Shall promote DC student membership to AHN students.
• Shall organize one nutrition-related social event for all students (Fall).
• Shall organize Meet the Dietitian event and promote the Annual DC conference
(Winter). If possible, the DC Student Representative is encouraged to seek out
representative candidates for the field of dietetics, including RDs who are BIPOC,
ethnic minorities, or specialize in innovative or small areas of dietetics.
• Shall promote nutrition month to AHN students for the month of March and
collaborate with the Senior Professional Development Representative for nutrition
month related events.
• Shall contribute to the DC student network on behalf of AHNSA.
• Shall write two blog posts (one each semester) for DCSN members. The AHNSA is
encouraging the DC Student Representative to create at least one blog post
regarding diversifying dietetics and making it a more inclusive and representative
field.
• The DC Student Representative will act as a ‘Diversity Liaison’. As part of this
initiative, the DC Student Representative will create one email per semester to send
to the AHN listserv, including resources and information for BIPOC dietetic students.
• Shall update and submit a transition document in the spring for the incoming
executive taking on their role.
• The executive member is encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the field
of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
• May miss a maximum of two meetings per semester, except under special
circumstances (President must be informed). Missing more than 2 meetings per
semester will result in a request for resignation from the President.
5.1.9. SOCIAL COMMITTEE (5):
The social committee shall be composed of 5 members: two 1 year representatives, and
one representative from each of 2 , 3 , and 4 years. All social committee members are
required to provide assistance to other executive members in planning events as
needed.
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4th Year Representative:
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Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event in the Spring before starting as 4th Year
Representative and as out-going 4th Year Representative the following Spring.
Shall plan 4th year graduation dinner and 4th year photo with the help of the Senior
Peer Advisor (Winter).
Shall contribute to and attend AHNSA events.
Shall act as a liaison between AHNSA and AHN students.
Shall volunteer/assist with at least one other AHNSA event per semester.
Shall head the organization of one social event per semester.
Shall update and submit a transition document in the spring for the incoming
executive taking on their role.
The executive member is encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the field
of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
May miss a maximum of two meetings per semester, except under special
circumstances (President must be informed). Missing more than 2 meetings per
semester will result in a request for resignation from the President.
3rd Year Representative:
• Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
• Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event in the Spring before starting as 3rd Year
Representative and as out-going 3rd Year Representative the following Spring.
• Shall act as the volunteer coordinator for AHN students and the SEED; this includes
promoting volunteer involvement and assisting the SEED as needed.
• Shall assist the Senior Peer Advisor with planning for College Royal and shall serve
on the College Royal volunteer committee.
• Shall contribute to and attend AHNSA events.
• Shall act as a liaison between AHNSA and AHN students.
• Shall volunteer/assist with at least one other AHNSA event per semester.
• Shall head the organization of one social event per semester.
• Shall update and submit a transition document in the spring for the incoming
executive taking on their role.
• The executive member is encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the field
of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
• May miss a maximum of two meetings per semester, except under special
circumstances (President must be informed). Missing more than 2 meetings per
semester will result in a request for resignation from the President.
2nd Year Representative:
• Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
• Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event in the Spring before starting as 2nd Year
Representative and as out-going 2nd Year Representative the following Spring.
• Shall assist the Communications Coordinator with the semester newsletters (one per
semester) by the end of the fall and winter exam periods.
• Shall contribute to and attend AHNSA events.
• Shall act as a liaison between AHNSA and AHN students.
• Shall volunteer/assist with at least one other AHNSA event per semester.
• Shall head the organization of one social event per semester.
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Shall update and submit a transition document in the spring for the incoming
executive taking on their role.
The executive member is encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the field
of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
May miss a maximum of two meetings per semester, except under special
circumstances (President must be informed). Missing more than 2 meetings per
semester will result in a request for resignation from the President.
1st Year Representatives (2):
• Shall be SE&RM trained and communicate through GryphLife.
• Shall attend CSAHS Transition Event as out-going 1st Year Representative the
following Spring.
• Shall contribute to and attend AHNSA events.
• Shall volunteer/assist with at least one other AHNSA event per semester.
• Shall act as a liaison between AHNSA and AHN students.
• Shall head the organization of one social event per semester.
• Shall update and submit a transition document in the spring for the incoming
executive taking on their role.
• The executive members are encouraged to seek out diverse representatives in the
field of dietetics, including individuals who are BIPOC and ethnic minorities, for any
events that include panels, guest speakers, and outside organizations.
• May miss a maximum of two meetings per semester, except under special
circumstances (President must be informed). Missing more than 2 meetings per
semester will result in a request for resignation from the President.
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.1.3
6.1.4
6.1.5
6.1.6
6.1.7
6.1.8
6.1.9
Section 6.1 Elections
Elections for the AHNSA Executive shall be conducted by the President at the beginning
and end of the school year (September and March).
The President will act as the chief electoral officer and the Vice-President as Scrutineer.
Nominations for each position may be submitted by any member of the AHN program. A
person may nominate themselves for only one position.
All candidates must be either part-time or full-time undergraduate students in the AHN
program who will be able to complete their full one-year term if elected.
Voting will take place at a general meeting called by the President in March. All students
in the AHN program may vote.
Elections for first year representatives will take place in the fall semester at a by-election
called by the President
Should a position not be filled in the spring election, a student from another designated
year level may run for a position in the fall semester election.
In the event that positions remain open at the time of voting, the President will announce
that the positions will remain open until voting can take place at the fall semester general
meeting.
The President and Vice-President have the power to invalidate any ballot that has been
spoiled or improperly marked.
The President and Vice-President will be in charge of counting the ballots and
announcing the results. In the event that the President and/or Vice-President are running
for a position on executive, then a current executive member or a CSAHS-SA member
who will not be an executive member of the AHNSA in the following year will be
responsible for counting the ballots.
Section 7.1
General Meetings
7.1.1 General updates shall be provided to AHN students via the listserv frequently throughout
the semester. This includes updated information decided at Executive meetings.
8.1.1
8.1.2
8.1.3
Section 8.1
Voting Procedures
Voting procedures at meetings follow majority vote. A motion is made, it must be
seconded and then the rest of the council is asked all in favour. In order to be passed, a
motion must be met with 50% agreement or more.
At elections, candidates present a short speech. All in attendance are then given a ballot
and asked to mark their vote. Votes are then counted by the President and VicePresident.
Constitutional amendments are discussed with the Executive and voted upon.
*Last amendment made October 2023.