Constitution for Gerontology Club Article I. Name The name of this organization is Gerontology Club at Iowa State University. Article II. Purpose & Goals Section One: The purpose of the Gerontology Club shall be to promote scholarship, research, professionalism, friendship, and service to older persons, and to recognize professionalism in gerontology. The goals of Gerontology Club are: 1. Club will serve as a link with their respective communities to promote interaction between gerontology educators, students, alumni, and local professionals; 2. Club will provide opportunities for personal and professional interaction, sharing of concerns, discussion of issues, service activities, etc. Section Two: Gerontology Club abides by and supports established Iowa State University policies, State and Federal Laws. Officer positions shall be limited to ISU students. Faculty and staff may be associate members but may not vote or hold office. Non-registered students, including the faculty advisor may not vote. Article III. Membership Gerontology Club is open to registered students at Iowa State and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability or status as a U.S. Veteran. Section One: Membership shall be open to students, faculty alumni, and professionals that meet the following criteria. 1. Undergraduate students that have an interest in Gerontology. Eligible undergraduate students shall be in at least their second term of enrollment, have maintained an overall scholarship average of 2.0 or better while enrolled at Iowa State University in their related fields of professional study. 2. Graduate Degree and Certificate Candidates in gerontology or related field of study: Eligible graduate students shall have completed the equivalent of not less than one full academic term of courses as approved by the degree-granting institution, have maintained an overall scholarship average of 2.0 or better while enrolled in the program of study, and have an interest in Gerontology. 3. Faculty Members: Eligible faculty shall have given evidence of distinguished scholarship and service to the field of gerontology and teach or do research in the field of gerontology/aging studies at their respective institutions. 4. Alumni Members: Eligible alumni shall be individuals who were elected to membership in the Club while they were students, but who are no longer active students at the institution. 5. Professional Members: Eligible professional shall be individuals who exemplify high standards of service to older persons, possess at least a baccalaureate degree. Section two: As a member, one is required to attend club meetings regularly, pay club dues, and actively support projects. Membership can be revoked by 2/3 vote from the chapter membership if actions are deemed inappropriate. Article IV. Officers Section one: Election of officers will require a majority vote from the general membership achieved by a secret ballot. If a candidate fails to receive 2/3 majority vote, a run off election will be held within the top two candidates that received the most votes. There shall be at least two nominees for each office to be filled. Members interested in becoming an officer must meet the requirements established below. Section two: The officers of this organization must meet the following requirements: 1. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) as stated below and meet the minimum GPA in the semester immediately prior to the election/appointment, the semester of election/appointment and semesters during the term of office. For undergraduate and graduate students, the minimum GPA is 2.0. 2. Be in good standing with the university and enrolled: at least half time (six or more credit hours), if an undergraduate student (unless fewer credits are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters) during the term of office, and at least half time (four or more credits), if a graduate level student (unless fewer credits are required in the final stages of their degree as defined by the Continuous Registration Requirement) during their term of office. 3. Be ineligible to hold an office should the student fail to maintain the requirements as prescribed in (1) and (2). Section three: The Executive Committee consists of the club officers (President & Treasurer) and three representatives from the club, including alumni and professional members. The Executive committee shall be the governing body of the club and should meet in addition to regular organization meetings. 1. President: a. Preside over all meetings. b. Represent organization on campus. c. Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by Iowa State University and Student Activities Center. d. Maintain communication with organization Advisor. e. Appoint all committees except the nomination committee, which will be appointed by the Executive Committee. 2. Secretary/Treasurer: a. Maintain an accurate record of all organization meetings. b. Maintain membership directory c. Correspond when necessary with University administration and other recognized organizations. d. Maintain accurate record of organization transactions. e. Collect dues. f. Cosign organization checks/vouchers along with the Advisor. g. Arrange fundraising opportunities for the organization. 3. Additional representatives on the Executive Committee: a. Responsible for planning the activity calendar of events. b. Assist in arranging fundraising opportunities and service learning projects for the organization. Section four: Removal of an officer for not fulfilling his or her duties can be made at any time by a vote of 2/3 of the chapter membership. Replacement procedures for vacancies shall consist of a 2/3 majority vote by secret ballot of the remaining club members. The election shall be held within 60 days of the vacancy. The person shall hold office until the next scheduled election. Section five: The term of office will be one full year from June 1 to May 30, which is the club’s business year. The officers will be elected each year in April. Re-election is possible. Article V. Advisor/Chapter Contact Section one: The following are the duties for the Advisor/Chapter Contact. a. Maintain communication and meet with officer(s) as needed. b. Awareness and approval of financial expenditures. c. Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by Iowa State University and Student Activities Center. Section two: The Advisor will be the Director of Gerontology who shall be a member of the Gerontology Club. This appointment will last for the duration of his or her tenure at Iowa State University. Article VI. Finances Section one: The finances of this organization shall be handled by the club treasurer under the supervision of the club advisor. Dues have been established: 1. first-year membership dues are $5, 2. annual renewal dues are $5 per year. Section two: All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed through a bank account established for this organization at the Campus Organization Accounting Office and/or approved institution/office (must receive authorization via Campus Organization Accounting Office). All funds must be deposited within 24 hours after collection. The Advisor of this organization must approve and sign each expenditure before payment. Article VII. Amendments and Ramification Section one: All members shall be presented in writing at the chapter meeting prior to the one at which action will be taken. An amendment to the constitution will require am affirmative vote of the active club members present. Amended constitution will be submitted within 10 days to the Student Activities Center for approval. Section two: This constitution shall become effective upon approval by a 2/3 vote of the membership. Ratified constitutions must be submitted to the student Activities Center within 10 days for final approval. ________________________________________________ President’s signature Date ________________________________________________ Advisor’s signature Date ________________________________________________ Assistant Director of Student Activities’ signature Date