Brock University Students’ Union
BUSU ratified Club Constitution
CONSTITUTION FOR BROCK DEBATE SOCIETY
Article 1 – Name
The club’s official name will be “Brock Debate Society”. No other name will be
used in the advertisement or representation of the club.
Article 2 – Purpose for the club’s existence
1.
To promote the development of intercollegiate debate.
2.
To promote the improvement of debating and public speaking skills.
3.
To attend and compete in debates across the country.
Article 3 – Membership
1.
2.
3.
Membership is open to everyone.
Only students at Brock University are eligible to hold voting privileges
and executive positions.
Associate non-voting members shall be allowed.
Article 4 – Executive
1.
The executive committee shall consist of:
a)
b)
c)
d)
President
Vice-President/Secretary
Treasurer
Equity Officer
Article 5 – Duties of the Executive
President
 Will oversee the other members of the executive in their duties
 Will chair all meetings
 Will have signing authority for the club
Vice-President
 Will assist the President in his/her duties
 Will assume all powers of the President in his/her absence
 Will be responsible for recording the minutes of all meetings
 Will be responsible for creating the agenda for meetings
Treasurer
 Will be responsible for all financial dealings of the club
 Will keep complete records of all financial dealings of the club
 Will have signing authority for the club
 Will be responsible for collecting membership fees
Equity Officer
 Will be responsible for all equity complaints by members
 Will assess the legitimacy of equity complaints and provide a report to
the other executives on advised action
 Will be responsible for the administration of advised action on
acceptance by the executive
 Will be responsible for any inter-membership issues
Article 6 – Finances
1.
A membership fee will be set by the executive annually.
Article 7 – Meetings
1.
At least three general meetings shall be held during the school year,
including the Annual General Meeting.
2.
Members will be informed of each of these meetings at least seven days
in advance.
3.
All meetings must meet Quorum of 10% of the present membership or 7
members, whichever is higher.
4.
All votes and by-laws at meetings passed with a majority vote are
binding to all members of the executive.
Article 8 – Elections
1. Will abide by the Clubs Bylaw 2550 sections 100 to 116
Article 9 – Amendments
1.
Amendments to the constitution must win a two-thirds majority vote of
members present.
2.
Amendments to the constitution must be approved by the Clubs Policy
Committee, which must be presented with a typed copy of the proposed
amendment as well as typed minutes from the meeting when the
amendment was passed in order to prove that this amendment was
adopted.
3.
Amendments can be voted by secret ballot or by open representation.
The voting system will be selected by the executive.
Article 10 – Impeachment
1.
Any member of the club who commits an act negatively affecting the
interests of the club and its members may be given notice of
impeachment.
2.
3.
The impeached individual will have the right to defend his/her actions.
A two-thirds majority vote of members present will result in the removal
of the impeached individual from the club and the loss of any privileges
associated with the club.
Article 11 – Agency Clause
1.
Brock Debate Society is not an agent of the University Students’ Council
and its views and actions do not represent those of the University
Students’ Council.
Article 12 – Debate Tournament
1. A tournament shall be hosted annually at Brock Debate Society upon the
approval of CUSID and the club executive and members of the club.
Article 13 – Training Officer
1. The Executive may appoint a training officer which will be reviewed at
all General Meetings as well as the Annual General Meeting and at the
Beginning of each semester
2. The Training Officer will be responsible for the training and development
of members skills
3. Will chair all training meetings