TAMU FISH CAMP
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this student organization shall be known as Texas A&M University Fish
Camp.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE AND GOALS
Section I
Purpose
The purpose shall be to provide guidance to the freshmen in their adjustment to the
academic, social, and emotional changes that may occur in their transition from high
school to Texas A&M while developing student leaders.
Section II
Mission
Fish Camp strives to welcome freshmen into the Aggie family by sharing the traditions
and values of Texas A&M University and creating a universally accepting support system
that allows them to build relationships and embody the Aggie spirit.
Section III Vision
By developing knowledgeable student leaders and ambassadors of Texas A&M, Fish
Camp aims to aid in the transition of the Class of 2019 into college and the Aggie family.
Section IV Values
The Fish Camp values include Development, Integrity, Compassion, Unity, Continuity,
and Outreach.
Section V Goals
1) Give the Freshmen a realistic view of academic, social, and emotional changes that
may occur in their transition from high school to college.
2) Give the Freshmen an opportunity to meet other freshmen, upperclassmen, and
faculty/staff in a relaxed atmosphere.
3) Promote a positive, enthusiastic attitude about entering Texas A&M.
4) Teach the Freshmen the Aggie traditions and the reasons behind them.
5) Further develop the leadership skills and experiences of the Counselors and Staff.
6) Uphold the Fish Camp Mission and Value Statement.
7) Uphold the reputation of Fish Camp and Texas A&M University.
ARTICLE III
STRUCTURE OF ORGANIZATION
Section I
Definitions
A. Definitions
1) Director Staff-The Director Staff of the organization consists of the
Director and all Assistant Directors. The Director Staff will function as a
team to fulfill the preparations for and execution of the Fish Camp program
and will serve as the officers of Texas A&M University Fish Camp. The
Director Staff will conduct the selection of Chairpersons, will facilitate the
selection of Namesakes, and will facilitate the selection of Counselors. The
Director Staff strives to carry out and to maintain accountability for the
Purpose, Mission, and Goals of Fish Camp.
2) Leadership - The Leadership of the organization is defined as all Staff
Members. The Staff Members of Fish Camp (also referred to in this
document as “Fish Camp Staff” or “Staff”) include all Directors,
Chairpersons, and Crew Chairpersons (for the remainder of this document,
when the term "Chairpersons" is used, Crew Chairpersons are included under
this title unless specified otherwise).
3) Membership - The Membership of the organization is defined as all
Counselors and Crew counselors. (For the remainder of this document, when
the term "counselors" is used, Crew Counselors are included under this title
unless specified otherwise).
4) Session - A session is one period of Fish Camp in which the entire Fish
Camp program is completed for freshmen, and each freshmen attends one
session. There are several sessions of Fish Camp, but each session follows
the same programming. Each session is made up of one or more Directors,
several Chairpersons, and the Counselors of the camps that will execute the
Fish Camp programming for that specified period.
5) Session Director - The Session Director(s) is defined as the Director that is
a liaison for the Members of their specific session, which include all
Chairpersons and Counselors for that session.
6) Camp - A camp is made up of Chairpersons and the Counselors that they
are directly responsible for as well as the Namesake of the camp. The Crew
Chairpersons and all Crew Counselors shall also be defined as a camp.
7) Fish Camp Event- A Fish Camp event is defined as an event or activity
that is orchestrated by, related to, or recognized as being under the auspice of
the Fish Camp Organization umbrella. This umbrella may include, but is not
limited to: all events deemed mandatory for membership and leadership, Fish
Camp Road Trips, and individual camp hangouts. The reasonable person
standard will be applied to situations in question to determine if it is a Fish
Camp Event. The following criteria may be considered in making the
determination for Fish Camp Events:
a) Is it an event planned for the purpose of meeting the mission and values of
the organization?
b) Is it an event planned for the purpose of celebrating completion of a
milestone in Fish Camp?
c) Is it an event deemed mandatory for membership or leadership?
d) Is the event planned exclusively/primarily for Fish Camp members?
e) Are freshmen from the specific camp invited to the event/involved in the
event?
f) Were current or previous Fish Camp communication avenues used to plan
or market the event?
g) What is Fish Camp’s stance as stated through trainings, communication, or
past precedence?
8) Fish Camp Road Trip - A Fish Camp road trip is defined as any Fish
Camp event taking place outside a 25 mile radius of Texas A&M University.
Further stipulations for road trips are defined in the Fish Camp By-Laws.
9) Namesake- A Namesake is defined as a person(s) who has been selected
through a nomination process specifically for the position to serve as
honorary members of Fish Camp; the camp takes on his/her name.
Section II Leadership
A. Head Director
1) Eligibility
The Head Director shall:
a) have served and completed a term of membership in Fish Camp.
b) be enrolled in Texas A&M University in at least 6 credit hours as an
undergraduate student or at least 4 hours as a graduate student.
c) remain in the Bryan/College Station area for the fall, spring, and summer
semesters immediately before Fish Camp, and the fall semester immediately
following Fish Camp.
d) be enrolled in Texas A&M University in the fall semester following Fish
Camp in at least 6 credit hours if an undergraduate student (unless fewer
credits are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters) or 4 credit
hours if a graduate student (unless fewer credits are required in the final
stages of their degree as defined by the Continuous Registration Requirement)
e) be in and remain in good standing with Fish Camp
f) be in and remain in good conduct and academic standing with the
University, and meet all University-sanctioned requirements for student
organization involvement
2) Selection Process
The Head Director will be selected by an application, interview, and
evaluation process in the beginning of the fall semester of the new academic
year. Dependent upon past membership position, evaluations from supervisors
may be considered. Interviews of all applicants will be conducted by the
outgoing Head Director and the Advising Staff. Evaluations of each
candidate will be taken into consideration. For candidates who are former
Chairs, the Director Staff evaluation will be reviewed. For candidates who
are former Assistant Directors, peer evaluations completed by the Director
Staff will be reviewed. The final decision will lie with the outgoing Head
Director and the Advising Staff.
3) Responsibilities
The Head Director shall preside over the Director Staff, which must uphold
the Fish Camp Constitution and By-Laws and the Texas A&M University
Student Rules and must maintain accountability for adherence to the Fish
Camp Constitution and By-Laws among leadership and membership of Fish
Camp. The Head Director shall execute the Fish Camp program and shall
serve as the student liaison between Fish Camp and Texas A&M University.
The Head Director will conduct the selections process of Assistant Directors,
shall work in partnership with Assistant Directors to create various
documents, trainings, and protocols, and shall oversee all Assistant Director
responsibilities to ensure their success. The Head Director will oversee the
Fish Camp calendar of events and will facilitate Director Staff and Staff
meetings. The Head Director will oversee the acknowledgement process for
Fish Camp donors and will maintain and expand Fish Camp development
plans. The outgoing Head Director will work with Advising Staff in
conducting the selection of the Head Director in the fall of the new academic
year, and the Head Director will assist in the transition of the newly selected
Head Director and Assistant Directors.
B. Assistant Directors
1) Eligibility
Assistant Directors shall:
a) have served and completed a term of membership in Fish Camp; in the
event that there are too few applicants to effectively run Fish Camp, the
director and advisors may take steps to create a full director staff as they
deem necessary.
b) be enrolled in Texas A&M University in at least 6 credit hours as an
undergraduate student or at least 4 hours as a graduate student.
c) remain in the Bryan/College Station area for the fall, spring, and summer
semesters immediately before Fish Camp, and the fall semester
immediately following Fish Camp.
d) be enrolled in Texas A&M University in the fall semester following Fish
Camp in at least 6 credit hours if an undergraduate student (unless fewer
credits are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters) or 4 credit
hours if a graduate student (unless fewer credits are required in the final
stages of their degree as defined by the Continuous Registration
Requirement).
e) be in and remain in good standing with Fish Camp
f) be in and remain in good conduct and academic standing with the
University, and meet all University-sanctioned requirements for student
organization involvement
2) Selection Process
The Assistant Directors will be selected by an application, interview, and
evaluation process in the fall semester of the new academic year. Interviews
will be conducted by the new Head Director and the Advising Staff for the
upcoming year. Applicants will be evaluated by the outgoing Director Staff..
The new Assistant Directors will be chosen by the new Head Director with
guidance from the Advising Staff.
3) Responsibilities
The Assistant Directors will serve on the Director Staff, which must uphold
the Fish Camp Constitution and By-Laws and the Texas A&M University
Student Rules and must maintain accountability for adherence to the Fish
Camp Constitution and By-Laws among leadership and membership of Fish
Camp. Each Assistant Director will hold a specific position assigned by the
Head Director, and must fulfill the role and duties of that position. The
Assistant Directors may serve as the director of no less than one session and
carry out all other responsibilities designated by the Head Director. Each
Assistant Director will partake in the leadership of Committees with
membership consisting of Chairpersons as determined by Director Staff, and
are expected to exhibit a high degree of professionalism. Specifically, The
Treasurer, or Director of Finance, shall be responsible for creating the annual
Fish Camp budget, all interaction with the SOFC and managing all of the
accounts within, Chairperson and Membership dues, fundraising, and
sponsorships. The Assistant Directors shall also finish all business from the
previous year as it pertains to their position, as well as assist in the transition
of the newly selected Assistant Directors.
a) The Director(s) of Staff Development shall:
i) Create the chair training plan for the year
ii) Create the counselor training plan for the year
iii) Develop chair trainings including but not limited to FLW, Winter
Retreat, Spring Retreat, Summer Retreat, 7DB4, and Staff Meetings
iv) Develop counselor trainings including but not limited to DP#1,
DP#2, DP#3, WD#1, WD#2, 3DB4, and Camptimes
v) Develop and implement skit template training
vi) Develop and implement DG template training
vii) Develop and implement chair facilitation training
viii) Develop freshman, counselor, and chair training assessments
ix) Oversee the Staff Development Committee, providing substantial
ways for them to contribute to the work of your area
b) The Director of Membership shall
i) Oversee chair recruitment, including recruitment communication via
email, social media, and PR tables
ii) Create the chair application information packet
iii) Plan and execute chair informationals, including reserving a room,
creating the agenda, and facilitating informational sessions
iv) Create the counselor application information packet
v) Oversee counselor recruitment including recruitment
communication via email, social media, PR tables, banners, and flyers
vi) Plan and execute counselor informationals including reserving a
room, creating an agenda, and facilitating informational sessions
vii) Oversee CounSelect Pre- and Post- Processes, including Review
Room reservations, Review training, interview room reservations and
training, and selection letters
viii) Maintain social media updates
ix) Create publications and PR materials, including freshman brochure
and save-the-date, chair, counselor, and freshman recruitment
advertisements, and Fish Packets
x) Execute the production of Fish Packets, including chair training,
editing of content, and preparation for printing
xi) Plan and execute end of year staff banquet
xii) Oversee Michael Schmidt Award nominations and recognition
xiii) Create Membership Newsletter (tentative)
xiv) Serve as the administrator of the Appeals System
xv) Conduct the evaluation process
xvi) Create and oversee all fall continuity events
xvii) Oversee the Membership Committee, providing substantial ways
for them to contribute to the work of your area
c) The Director of Finance shall
i) Create the Fish Camp projected budget (SOFC expenses)
ii) Maintain tracking of the Fish Camp actual budget (SOFC expenses)
iii) Oversee SOFC accounts, including monthly reconciliations,
director and chair training, and supervising session liaisons
iv) Collect chair and counselor Dues
v) Plan and implement fundraising endeavors (i.e. Profit Shares)
vi) Plan and implement the Fish Camp Gala
vii) Seek Fish Camp sponsorships and implement chair and counselor
training
viii) Serve as the administrator of the chair, counselor, and freshman
scholarship processes
ix) Oversee Fish Camp apparel and paraphernalia orders, including
Director Polos/ Jackets, Winter Staff Shirt, Summer Staff Shirt, Staff
Polos, Fish Camp Shorts, Counselor Water Bottles, Counselor
Lanyards, All Fish Camp Shirt, Maroon Shirts, and Send-Off Shirts
x) Oversee the Finance Committee, providing substantial ways for
them to contribute to the work of your area
d) The Director of Internal Relations shall
i) Oversee website maintenance and updates of both Fish Camp
websites
ii) Provide support for social media updates and PR efforts
iii) Oversee chair and counselor registration
iv) Oversee freshman registration, including freshman fees and
freshman camp assignments
v) Serve as the administrator of director and chair office hours
vi) Oversee office administration, including the Fish Camp email,
phone log, message taking oversight, and office organization
vii) Oversee CounSelect computer process
viii) Create application info packets for chairs and counselors
ix) Oversee the Internal Relations Committee, providing substantial
ways for them to contribute to the work of your area
d) The Director of Operations Shall
i) Oversee the logistics of chair retreats, including FLW, Polar Bear,
Winter Retreat, Spring Retreat, and Summer Retreat
ii) Plan and execute Counselor Revelation Night
iii) Oversee and execute send-off and bring-back
iv) Oversee at-camp set-up and tear-down, inventory and acquire
necessary supplies
v) Inventory and manage Fish Camp Lakeview storage
vi) Serve as Road Trip and Day Trip Planner support
vii) Serve as Fish Camp in-town storage support
viii) Serve as Emergency Protocol support
ix) Pland and implement Aggie Moms’ Club outreach and
presentations
x) Oversee Namesake Nominations, Namesake Banquet, Namesake
Speeches, and the Namesake Monthly Newsletter
xi) Plan and implement Namesake Workshop
xii) Plan and implement Freshman Resource Tables
xiii) Contact and oversee at-camp campus presenters
xiv) Oversee at-camp guest processes
xv) Attend to at-camp Namesake needs
xvi) Advertise for, select, and serve as the liaison to a Send Off/Bring
Back Director (if deemed necessary)
xvii) Oversee the Logistics Committee, providing substantial ways for
them to contribute to the work of your area
e) The Director of Administration shall
i) Serve as the Risk Management Officer, oversee director, chair, and
counselor training
ii) Complete Camps and Programs for Minors application
iii) Oversee Maroon Link usage and training
iv) Serve as the Risk Initiative Funding liaison
v) Oversee Road Trip and Day Trip planner training and review, serve
as the on-call coordinator
vi) Oversee Emergency Protocol updates and training
vii) Serve as the Child Protection Training liaison
viii) Serve as the Background Check liaison
ix) Make updates to the Emergency Protocol areas of Director, Chair,
and Crew Playbooks
x) Inventory and manage Fish Camp in-town storage
xi) Develop Non-Camp Emergency Protocols for Day Trips, Road
Trips, DPs, Work Days, Chair Retreats, and Staff Meetings
xii) Serve as main student reviewer of and on call contact for Road
Trips and Day Trips
xiii) Oversee the Administration Committee, providing substantial
ways for them to contribute to the work of your area
C. Chairpersons
1) Eligibility
Chairpersons shall:
a) have served and completed a term of membership in Fish Camp.
b) be enrolled in Texas A&M University in at least 6 credit hours as an
undergraduate student or 4 hours as a graduate student
c) remain in the Bryan/College Station area for the fall, spring, and summer
semesters immediately before Fish Camp
d) be enrolled in Texas A&M University in the fall semester following Fish
Camp in
i) at least 6 credit hours if an undergraduate student (unless fewer credits
are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters)
ii) at least 4 credit hours if a graduate student (unless fewer credits are
required in the final stages of their degree as defined by the Continuous
Registration Requirement).
e) be in and remain in good standing with Fish Camp
f) be in and remain in good conduct and academic standing with the
University, and meet all University-sanctioned requirements for student
organization involvement.
2) Selection Process
The selection of chairpersons shall take place in the fall semester of the new
academic year by the Director Staff. The selection process may include the
following: an application, an interview, chair to counselor evaluations, and a
group interview process. Interviews and the group interview process will be
conducted by the Director Staff. Final Chairperson selections will be made by
the Director staff once the selection process has been completed.
In the event that there are too few applicants to effectively run Fish Camp, the
director and advisors may take steps to create a full staff as they deem
necessary Director Staff reserves the right to pull applications as
deemed necessary for the benefit of the organization.
3) Responsibilities
Chairpersons must uphold the Fish Camp Constitution and By-Laws and the
Texas A&M University Student Rules and must maintain accountability for
adherence to the Fish Camp Constitution and By-Laws among membership of
Fish Camp. Chairpersons shall carry out all responsibilities designated by the
Director Staff. Chairpersons must hold position in one of the current Fish
Camp committees, perform the necessary requirements of that committee,
complete all administrative responsibilities by their deadlines as determined
by the Director Staff, and possess a degree of professionalism. They shall
participate in interviews and review as set by the Director Staff, develop their
counselors and their camp as a whole in preparation for the freshmen, and
develop a working relationship with their Chair Partner, where applicable. It
is the responsibility of the Chairperson to schedule, attend, and perform biweekly (once every two weeks) meetings with their camp, plan and
implement events both before, during, and after camp, be proactive with
regard to all camp activities, keep safety a top priority, and participate
actively with Staff and their camp. Chairpersons are required to attend any
additional events deemed mandatory by the Director Staff.
Section III Membership
A. Counselors
1) Eligibility
Counselors shall:
a) be in and remain in good standing with Fish Camp
b) be in and remain in good conduct and academic standing with the
University, and meet all University-sanctioned requirements for student
organization involvement.
*Those who wish to apply for summer pick-up counselor are not
required to be in good academic standing when submitting their
application; however, they must be in good academic standing upon
selection.
b) be enrolled in Texas A&M University in the fall semester following Fish
Camp in
i) at least 6 credit hours if an undergraduate student (unless fewer credits
are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters)
ii) at least 4 credit hours if a graduate student (unless fewer credits are
required in the final stages of their degree as defined by the Continuous
Registration Requirement).
2) Selection Process
Counselors shall be chosen by the Chairpersons after an application,
interview, and review of evaluations (if the applicant has been previously
evaluated as a member of Fish Camp) have been completed. Interviews shall
be conducted by the Chairpersons. Chairpersons will be unable to interview
or select individuals that they know on a familiar level. Director Staff
reserves the right to pull applications as deemed necessary for the benefit of
the organization.
3) Responsibilities
Counselors shall be responsible for attending all mandatory programs (to be
determined at the beginning of every new Fish Camp term), these programs
include but are not limited to: Bi-Weekly Meetings, Developmental Programs,
Workday Programs, and their Session in its entirety. Counselors shall be
responsible for completing all duties and meetings assigned by the Directors
or Chairpersons, and participating in all activities at Lakeview. Each member
is also responsible for upholding all organizational policies, including the
Constitution and By-Laws, the Behavior Agreement, as well as uphold the
Mission and Value Statement, and Texas A&M University Student Rules. The
Counselors and Crew Counselors must also uphold the responsibilities of
working closely with a partner and their fellow counselors in order to aid the
freshmen in a positive transition in to college.
B. Namesakes (Honorary Membership)
1) Eligibility
Namesakes shall:
a) have impacted Texas A&M in a positive way
b) attend or be represented during at least one day of Fish Camp and
prepare and deliver a speech for the freshmen of their respective camp
during that day
c) follow the policies and procedures outlined by Director Staff
2) Selection Process
Namesake nominations and selection shall be presided over by the Director
Staff. Nominators and members of the selection committee (should a
committee be utilized to evaluate nominations) may be non Fish Camp
members. Nominators shall be informed of the selection status of their
nominee(s). If selected, nominees will be informed of their selection and will
be offered the Namesake position given that they can fulfill the eligibility
requirements of Namesake to the satisfaction of the Director Staff.
3) Responsibilities
Exceptional Namesakes:
a) Are available as a resource to their chairs, counselors, and most
importantly the freshman class
b) Promote the Aggie Spirit and the values of Texas A&M University
c) Are an active presence in a camp
d) Go out of their way to give back to Texas A&M and their community
e) Portray the values of Fish Camp in their daily lives
ARTICLE IV
GRADE REQUIREMENTS
Section I
Staff
Any member applying for a Director or Chairperson position shall:
1) for undergraduate students (including members of the Blinn Team), have at
least a 2.00 overall (cumulative) grade point ratio at the time of selection, have
at least a 2.00 grade point ratio in the semester immediately prior to selection,
and post at least a 2.00 grade point ratio for the spring semester. For Blinn Team
students only grades acquired at Texas A&M University will be used to
calculate a grade point ratio. Also, if a student withdraws from Texas A&M
University in the prior semester, their eligibility is lost.
2) for graduate students, have at least a 3.00 overall (cumulative) grade point
ratio and at least a 3.00 term grade point ratio in the semester immediately prior
to selection, and post at least a 3.00 grade point ratio for the semester of
selection and all semesters during his or her term of office.
3) be in and remain in good conduct and academic standing with the University
and enrolled in
a) at least six registered credit hours (at least three credit hours if a
member of the Blinn Team), if an undergraduate student in a regular
semester during their membership, and
b) at least four credit hours, if a graduate level student, in a regular semester
during their membership.
c) in order for summer coursework to qualify toward a grade point average, if
an undergraduate student, at least six credit hours must have been taken
during the course of either the full or two summer sessions
d) in order for summer coursework to qualify toward a grade point average, if
a graduate student, at least four credit hours must have been taken during the
course of either the full or two summer sessions unless fewer credits are
required as they complete the final stages of their degree
4) be ineligible should the student fail to maintain the requirements prescribed
above
Section II Counselors & Crew Members
Any member applying for a Counselor position shall:
1) for undergraduate students (including members of the Blinn Team), have at
least a 2.00 overall (cumulative) grade point ratio at the time of selection, have at
least a 2.00 grade point ratio in the semester immediately prior to selection, and
post at least a 2.00 grade point ratio for the spring semester. For Blinn Team
students only grades acquired at Texas A&M University will be used to calculate
a grade point ratio. Also, if a student withdraws from Texas A&M University in
the prior semester, their eligibility is lost.
2) for graduate students, have at least a 3.00 overall (cumulative) grade point
ratio and at least a 3.00 term grade point ratio in the semester immediately prior
to selection, and post at least a 3.00 grade point ratio for the semester of
selection and all semesters during his or her term of office.
3) be in and remain in good conduct and academic standing with the University
(to be assessed at the end of each grading period by Director Staff) and enrolled
in
a) at least six registered credit hours (at least three credit hours if a
member of the Blinn Team), if an undergraduate student in a regular
semester during their membership, and
b) at least four credit hours, if a graduate level student, in a regular semester
during their membership.
c) in order for summer coursework to qualify toward a grade point average, if
an undergraduate student, at least six credit hours must have been taken
during the course of either the full or two summer sessions
d) in order for summer coursework to qualify toward a grade point average, if
a graduate student, at least four credit hours must have been taken during the
course of either the full or two summer sessions unless fewer credits are
required as they complete the final stages of their degree
4) Spring semester transfer students and freshmen who do not have prior
semester grades at Texas A&M will be eligible to apply based on these
applicants meeting university admission standards, which meet Fish Camp’s
eligibility standards.
5) be ineligible should the student fail to maintain the requirements prescribed
above.
Section III Incomplete Class(es)
Any member or leader of Fish Camp (Staff or Counselor):
1) will remain eligible despite having an incomplete(s) if posting a minimum of
6 hours, and a 2.00 GPR with the University, at the end of the stated semester.
2) with an incomplete(s) not fitting the above criteria, must fulfill their course
requirements for incompletes (or place themselves in category 1.) no later than
30 days after grades are posted with the university.
3) will be ineligible should the student fail to maintain the requirements
prescribed above.
4) must submit a complete proof of request or documentation verifying date of
submission before the 30 day deadline.
Section IV Grade Appeals
Any member or leader who does not meet these qualifications before or during
their membership, a Grade Appeal must be submitted online in order to regain
eligibility.
1) Appeals must provide an extenuating circumstance under which the student
could not perform up to the standards set forth in membership requirements.
2) Appeals will be reviewed by Director Staff and the student will be informed
of the outcome by e-mail.
3) If student is appealing before membership, the appeal must be turned in upon
application.
4) If eligibility is lost during membership, appeal must be submitted within 15
days of grades being released. If the 15th day before falls on a weekend the
appeal must be submitted on the Friday before the weekend by 5 p.m.
ARTICLE V
ATTENDANCE
Section I
Staff
A. All Directors and Chairpersons are required to attend, in their entirety:
1) all staff meetings as set by the Director Staff
2) Polar Bear
3) the Fall Leadership Workshop
4) Counselor Revelation
5) all Development Programs
6) all Workdays
7) Support Team Training
8) CPR/First Aid Training, unless previously certified (certification must be
recognized through the end of camp)
6) Winter, Spring, and Summer Staff Retreats
7) the Seven Days Before Training and the Four Days of Fish Camp
8) Lakeview set-up or take-down
9) anything else deemed mandatory by Director Staff
B. All Directors and Chairpersons are required to:
1) participate in interviews and review as set by the Director Staff
2) to hold membership in a specified committee, fulfilling all necessary
requirements of the committee (including meetings).
3) complete weekly office hours as designated by the Director Staff
C. Chairpersons missing a total of 3 meetings OR 1 mandatory program without
prior excusal in their entirety may be subject to accoutability procedures at
the discretion of the Director Staff, with additional procedures per
absence(s). Partial absences are considered case by case.
Section II Counselors
All Counselors are required to attend, in their entirety:
1) all Development Programs and Workdays set by Director Staff.
2) the session's training refresher, which takes place during the four days
before camp
3) all camp functions set as mandatory by their Chairperson(s) and Director
Staff
4) Fish Camp for their required session(s)
5) Continuity events set as mandatory by Director Staff
*Absence policies shall be set by the Director Staff before Counselor
applications are available. These policies may be found in the Fish Camp ByLaws.
ARTICLE VI
Section I
FINANCES
Fees
Fees for camp will be determined by the Director Staff and Advising Staff each academic
year and will be paid by the Chairpersons, Counselors, and Freshmen. Fees must be paid
on or before the due date, or an alternative payment plan must be approved by the
Advising Staff on or before the due date. Fish Camp offers mutiple payment options
including full payments, installments, and a limited number of need
based scholarships. Full and half scholarships will be allotted based on demonstrated
financial need of scholarship applicants and availability of funds. Any member who does
not pay their fees by the due date will be ineligible to continue membership or attend
camp.
Members are eligible for a full refund of membership dues up to a month after the inital
payment is collected. After the initial month of collection, members are eligible for a
partial refund up to two months following the original collection date. Fish Camp will not
honor any refund after the two months since expenses have already occurred for the
counselor. If a member does not complete the full term of membership because of a loss
of eligibility for membership and/or removal from the organization, a refund of
membership dues will not be granted. A refund will not be granted because the member
did not uphold membership expectations, including but not limited to being in and
remaining in good conduct and academic standing with Fish Camp, being in and
remaining in good conduct and academic standing with the University, and meeting all
University-sanctioned requirements for student organization involvement.
Section II Accounts
All monies belonging to Fish Camp shall be deposited and disbursed in a Fiscal Account
and a Student Organization Finance Center (S.O.F.C.) Account. All funds shall be
deposited within 24 hours after collection and monitored primarily by the Director, and
an Assistant Director in charge of Finances, with assistance from the Advising Staff and
Staff Accountant.
ARTICLE VII
ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND HAZING
The illegal use of alcohol or drugs, and all hazing practices are inconsistent with the goals
of the Fish Camp organization, including the Mission and Value Statement. Fish Camp
also places the safety of all those involved as a top priority. Policies regarding these
issues may be found in the Fish Camp By-Laws. Violation of these policies will result in
accountability procedures which can be found in the Fish Camp By-Laws.
ARTICLE VIII
ACCOUNTABILITY PROCEDURES
All leadership and membership of the Fish Camp organization are expected to uphold the
responsibilities associated with their respective positions. Individuals who fail to do so
may be disciplined or removed from their position. Accountability procedures may be
found in the Fish Camp By-Laws.
ARTICLE IX
ACCOUNTABILITY
All Leadership and Membership of the Fish Camp organization are responsible for
abiding by Texas A&M University's Student Rules, State Law, and Federal Law. Fish
Camp does not support any activities that violate these regulations. Additionally,
Leadership and Membership of Fish Camp will be held accountable to the Fish Camp
Mission and Values Statement, the Constitution and By-Laws, the Behavior Agreement,
and all Leadership and Membership will be responsible for holding other Leadership and
Membership accountable to these as well.
ARTICLE X
BEHAVIOR
All Leadership and Membership of Fish Camp are responsible for upholding the Mission,
Vision, and Values of Fish Camp, and the Texas A&M Aggie Code of Honor and Core
Values. Behavioral expectations can be found in the Fish Camp Behavior Agreement,
which will be made available to all applicants during the selection process. Failure to
comply with the Fish Camp Behavior Agreement will result in the appropriate
accountability procedures, which may be found in the Fish Camp By-Laws
ARTICLE XI
CONFIDENTIALITY AND ETHICS
All Leadership of the Fish Camp organization is responsible for maintaining the
confidentiality and ethics of the organization. As the Leadership of this organization, it is
important that the Staff remain ethical in every decision and action made. This includes,
but is not limited to, keeping the procedures regarding Director, Chairperson, and
Counselor selections confidential, keeping grades of every Member confidential, and
upholding the privacy of every member and freshman, regarding personal and medical
information. The Director Staff reserves the right to deem any discussions, procedures,
or other information confidential.
ARTICLE XII ADVISING STAFF
In keeping with the requirements of a sponsored organization, the Advising Staff will be
full-time Student Affairs professionals assigned the responsibilities of advising through a
joint decision of the Executive Membership and The Director of Student Activities. The
Advising Staff will provide guidance on financial matters, team operations, and
compliance with University Student Rules. The Advising Staff will meet with the
Director Staff a minimum of twice per month through attendance at Director meetings
and with Staff once per month at Staff meetings. Weekly meetings with the Director will
be held throughout the fall and spring semesters and with other Leadership as needed.
ARTICLE XIII
INTERPRETATION
Responsibility for interpreting the Constitution shall lie with the Director and Director
Staff. They will have the final decision in any matter that requires interpretation.
ARTICLE XIV AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS
Section I Amendments
This constitution may be amended by a three-fourths vote of the Director Staff. The Fish
Camp By-Laws may be amended by a three-fourths vote of the Director Staff.
Section II Review
This constitution must be reviewed annually and resubmitted to the Department of
Student Activities. The Fish Camp By-Laws will be reviewed by each incoming Director
Staff and submitted to the Department of Student Activities.
________
Date
_________________________
Director
_______
Date
__________________________
FISH CAMP BY-LAWS
I.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
The purpose of the alcohol and drug policy is to maintain the health and safety of all members of
the Fish Camp organization and participants in the Fish Camp program when they are attending
Fish Camp events. Additionally, the purpose of this policy is to aid in developing members, who
as knowledgeable student leaders and ambassadors of Texas A&M, share in the organization’s
responsibility to fulfill its Mission and uphold the Values of the organization, Texas A&M
Student Rules, and Texas State Laws. Information regarding expectations for the activities of
recognized student organizations can be found in Texas A&M University Student Rule 42 and
Appendix VIII.
A) Fish Camp adheres to Texas A&M University Student Rules and Texas State law.
Each member of the Fish Camp organization must uphold University policies regarding
alcohol and drugs for organizations and students. Any member of the Fish Camp
organization with direct knowledge of a violation of Texas A&M University Student
Rules and/or Texas State law is encouraged to follow the appropriate reporting
mechanisms.
B) The possession, use, sale, and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or
controlled substances at any mandatory Fish Camp Event or Fish Camp Road Trip as
defined in the Fish Camp Constitution is strictly prohibited.
C) Being under the influence and/or exhibiting signs of prior alcohol, illegal drug, or
controlled substance use (which can be, but is not limited to: nausea, thirst, fatigue,
headache, irritability, and dizziness) in such a way that negatively impacts your ability to
be fully engaged and participative in activities at any mandatory Fish Camp Event or Fish
Camp Road Trip as defined by the Fish Camp Constitution is strictly prohibited.
D) All members of the organization are prohibited from purchasing for, distributing to, or
consuming alcohol, illegal drugs, or controlled substances with freshmen from their
individual camps during the term of membership.
E) When alcohol is present at non-mandatory Fish Camp Events and non Fish Camp
Road Trip events, the event must comply with the stipulations pertaining to events with
alcoholic beverages in the Texas A&M University Student Rules for Recognized Student
Organizations.
F) No Fish Camp money (i.e. camp accounts or camp funds) shall be used to buy alcohol,
drugs, or paraphernalia associated with either substance. This also includes money
collected by the Chairpersons or Counselors of the camp designated as a discretionary
fund.
G) No Fish Camp apparel, including hats and clothing, or paraphernalia shall be worn or
displayed while consuming, at establishments where alcohol sales make up the majority
of revenue, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including apparel from previous
years of membership. This rule applies to all Fish Camp events and all non-Fish Camp
events.
II.
ROAD TRIP POLICY
A Fish Camp road trip is defined as any Fish Camp event taking place outside a 25 mile radius of
Texas A&M University. Fish Camp, as a recognized student organization, must comply with all
documentation and forms necessary for student travel by the Department of Student Activities.
Fish Camp’s practices act as a way to gather the necessary information required, while also
insuring the trip and activities are well planned, safe, and approved.
The purpose of a Fish Camp Road Trip is to create an alternative atmosphere free from
distractions by promoting camp unity through new experiences. Road trips further enhance camp
relationships and develop a more cohesive support system for the freshmen, while positively
representing Fish Camp and Texas A&M University in a rewarding and accepting environment.
The purpose of the Road Trip policy is to maintain the health and safety of all members of the
Fish Camp organization when they are attending Fish Camp Road Trips. It is the responsibility of
Fish Camp to educate members regarding safety suggestions and best practices for personal
travel.
A) All Fish Camp road trip forms deemed mandatory by the Director Staff must be
completed and submitted at least 15 days prior to departure. If the 15th day before falls on
a weekend, the form is due on the Friday before that weekend by 5 p.m. Upon
acceptance, the Director Staff reserves the right to request more information and/or
require additional training and high risk meetings, when necessary. Final approval of
forms and activities/destination of the road trip are left to the discretion of the Director
Staff. Failure to comply with these criteria will result in the cancellation of road trips.
B) All Fish Camp road trips require the following:
1) One director and one advisor on call.
2) In the instance of a camp road trip, the presence of one Chairperson from the
designated camp is required. This Chairperson must bring the necessary forms
deemed by the Director Staff and follow any other processes deemed mandatory
by the Director Staff.
C) The following people are allowed to attend a Fish Camp road trip:
1) In the instance of a Camp road trip, only the host’s family, Members,
Chairperson(s), Director Staff, Namesake, and immediate family of the
Namesake are allowed to attend. Once these attendees have departed from the
road trip location, they are not permitted to return.
2) Outside of the three designated camp road trips, counselors, co-chairs,
namesakes, and freshmen are not allowed to go on any road trips together.
D) The number of road trips is limited to the following:
1) Camp overnight trips – Two overnight trips are permitted from the last day of
Spring finals to two weeks prior to the first Session of Fish Camp on weekends
set by the Director Staff. Overnight trips are limited to a 300 mile driving
distance from Texas A&M University campus (in College Station) within the
state of Texas.
2) Camp day trips – One day trip is permitted from the Spring semester, to two
weeks prior to the first Session of Fish Camp on weekends set by the Director
Staff. Day trips are limited to a 150 mile driving distance from Texas A&M
University campus (in College Station) within the state of Texas.
E) On all road trips, no member of Fish Camp may be driving to or from the destination
from the hours of midnight to 6:00AM.
D) Road Trips are prohibited outside of the allotted Day Trip and Road Trip dates as
determined by Director Staff.
III.
HAZING POLICY
In accordance with Texas A&M University Student Rules, hazing is defined as any act
that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or
removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into,
affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization.
Previously relied upon "traditions", intent of such acts, or consent or cooperation of the
recipient will not suffice as a justifiable reason for participation in such acts. Further
specifications and the related consequences may be found in the Texas A&M University
Student Rules.
A) Hazing includes, but is not limited to, physical brutality, any activity that adversely
affects the mental or physical health or safety of an individual, ostracizing an individual,
physical bondage, acts inconsistent with the Penal Code, and misuse of leadership
positions.
B) Fish Camp will sanction any person who hazes another participant in Fish Camp.
C) Sanctions may include removal from one's current position within the Fish Camp
organization and notification to the University. Students may then be held accountable to
University Policy and Texas State Law.
D) Hazing includes, but is not limited to, blindfolding individuals and rapid consumption
of any food or drinks.
IV.
PARAPHERNALIA
Paraphernalia is defined as any item that is perceived as being associated with any specific camp,
session, or Fish Camp as an organization. It does not have to specifically name the associated
group.
Individual camps and/or sessions may design, print and purchase paraphernalia to
promote unity within the camp subject to the following limitations:
1) Paraphernalia designs must be approved by a member of the Director
Staff before being printed, whether before or after membership ends.
2) A counselor may not be required by the chairpersons or any other Fish Camp
personnel to purchase camp paraphernalia outside of paraphernalia included in
the Fish Camp Dues.
3) Camp paraphernalia may at no time be sold for a profit.
4) Camp paraphernalia may not be sold to any Freshmen, nor will any
Freshman receive any camp-specific paraphernalia.
5) The price of paraphernalia will at no time exceed a set price agreed upon by
the Director Staff at the beginning of the Fish Camp year.
6) If any Texas A&M University and/or official Texas A&M University logos
are placed on any paraphernalia, then the design must be approved through the
Collegiate Licensing department.
7) No paraphernalia may be related to drugs, alcohol, or any other subject matter
that does not promote the mission and values of Fish Camp.
8) Failure to comply with these stipulations can result in confiscation or
elimination of paraphernalia.
9) Paraphernalia is only to be purchased or received by current members directly
involved with the associated camp, session, or color. Namesakes are allowed to
purchase camp paraphernalia for family members and/or significant others.
V.
ACCOUNTABILITY PROCEDURES
A. Purpose
Every leader and member of Fish Camp has accepted the responsibilities of their
position within this organization, including, but not limited to, those found in this
Constitution and By-Laws, the Behavior Agreement, the Confidentiality
Agreement, the Policy Agreement, and in the Mission, Vision, and Value
Statement. They have also agreed to be committed to the purpose of this
organization. The Disciplinary Procedures outlined here ensure that each leader
and member will uphold all of his or her commitments and responsibilities,
including conducting themselves in a manner becoming of a Fish Camp member.
B. Overall Process
When information of a potential infraction is received, it should be reported to
the Assistant Director of Membership. The Assistant Director of Membership
will decide if the infraction is major or minor. If the potential infraction is minor,
a Conduct Meeting will be held. If the potential infraction is major, the Review
Board Process will be held.
i. Conduct Meeting
Meetings will begin with an explanation of the purpose and procedure
for the Conduct Meeting. The Conduct Meeting must be held with the
person in question and that person’s most direct supervisor. The
supervisor will fill out a conduct meeting form with the person and will
record the person’s answers to all mandatory questions listed. The
supervisor is free to ask any other relevant questions which then must be
recorded as well. Once the form is completed, a copy will be turned into
the Director of Membership who will review all forms. If the Director
decides that an infraction was a major infraction, that person will
undergo the Review Board Process. Three Conduct Meetings may lead to
a Review Board at the discretion of the Director of Membership.
ii. Review Board
A Review Board will consist of:
 Reviewers – Directors/Advisors who will be carrying out the
Investigative Meeting and Outcome Meeting. Must consist of no
more than 1 Head Reviewer (a Director) and 1 Assistant Reviewers
(a Director) and 1 Advisor.
 Reviewee – Person undergoing the Judicial Process. May be as many
people as deemed necessary by Reviewers in order to obtain as much
information as possible.
 Deliberators – Directors/Advisors who meet to determine outcomes.
Must consist of Reviewers plus 1 additional Director who was not
involved in the Investigative Meeting. More Directors may join in
the deliberation process if deemed necessary by the Head Reviewer.
STEP 1. GATHER INFORMATION
Within 24 hours of receiving information of an alleged infraction, Reviewers
must contact all parties deemed necessary to interview and set a time for an
Investigative Meeting (IM) which will take place within one week of Reviewee
receiving notification of Review Board Process. Separate IMs will be held for
each Reviewee. IMs will be recorded by each Reviewer.
Meetings will begin with an explanation of the Review Board Process. The first
part of the IM will be a list of factual questions that the Reviewers will ask the
Reviewee and then record their answers. The second part of the IM will be
discussion-based. The Reviewers will explain the rule in question as well as the
negative impact the alleged infraction had and allow the Reviewee to make any
statements or ask any questions they feel are necessary.
STEP 2. DELIBERATIONS
Deliberations will take place as soon as possible following the IM. Reviewers
will present information gathered through the investigatory meeting to any
additional Directors included in Deliberations. Deliberators will determine the
reason that the rule in question is in place, if the policy or rule in question was
broken, any sanctions that will occur, and the reason for the selected sanctions. In
the case of differing opinions on the outcome and sanctions to be carried out, a
vote will occur between the Deliberators, with the Head Reviewer breaking any
ties. The Advisor will not serve as a voting member. An outcome meeting will
be scheduled within 48 hours of the IM.
STEP 3. OUTCOME MEETING
Reviewers will meet with Reviewee and present the decisions that were made in
deliberations. Reviewers should present this information in the form of a letter.
Note: Reviewers should reference the Reviewee’s own words as quoted from the
IM as much as possible in explaining the selected outcomes.
If the Reviewee wishes, they may appeal to the Department of Student Activities
within ten days of the outcome meeting for the following reasons:
1) New information is available that could significantly change the outcome of
the review.
2) The Accountability Procedures did not follow the process as established in the
constitution.
3) Consequences imposed are incongruent with the findings of the Review
Board.
The Advisor who was not originally a Reviewer will determine whether or not
the appeal qualifies for one of the listed reasons and then recommend the next
step to be taken, which may include but is not limited to: upholding the original
decision, making revisions to the original decision, or send the situation back
through the process for further review.
All information relevant to the Conduct Review Process must be retained for Fish
Camp’s records, including but not limited to: Notice of alleged infraction, all
information gathered in IM, decisions made in deliberations, outcome letter, etc.
VI.
APPEALS PROCESS
Appeal forms must be completed and submitted 15 days prior to the date of activity or event in
question. Director Staff will review the appeal and inform the applicant of the outcome of the
appeal. Further action will be taken when necessary.
VII.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance at all functions listed in Article V of the Fish Camp Constitution, in their entirety, is
required. The Leaders and Members of Fish Camp may be excused from these functions with a
university-approved absence only or approved appeal.
A) Criteria
1) An online appeal for an excused absence must be submitted to the Director Staff by
5pm, fifteen days prior to the event.
2) The Director will then contact the member and confirm whether or not the absence
qualifies as an excused absence.
3) If the absence is excused, the member will be required to participate in a make-up
session.
4) It is the responsibility of the Fish Camp leader or member to notify the Director Staff
(for Chairs) or the Chairpersons (for Counselors) prior to the absence.
5) If an appeal is not submitted for any absence, a Conduct Meeting will result.
6) If an appeal is submitted and not passed, and the member is still absent from the event,
the consequence is up to the discretion of Director Staff.
7) If there is a failure to notify or meet the 15 day deadline prior to absence, but the
situation is/was understandable, the Conduct Meeting can be waived by Director Staff.
However, an appeal still needs to be filed.
B) Penalties
1. Leadership
a. Any tardy, miss, or absence of a mandatory or necessary
meeting/event will result in a Conduct Meeting.
b. Three tardies, misses, or absences may result in a Review Board at the
discretion of the Director of Membership.
c. Any tardy, miss, or absence, of an event/meeting will result
in an accountability procedure from Director Staff as determined by Director
Staff on a case-by-case scenario.
d. Any unappealed miss of a Developmental Program, Workday, or other
mandatory retreat or program will result in a Review Board.
2. Membership
a. Any tardy, miss, or absence of a mandatory or necessary
meeting/event will result in a Conduct Meeting.
b. Two tardies, misses, or absences with a third, or any subsequent
following, may result in a Review Board at the discretion of the Director of
Membership.
c. Any tardy, miss, or absence, of an event/meeting will result
in accountability procedures as determined by Director
Staff on a case-by-case scenario.
VIII.
INTERPRETATION
Responsibility for interpreting the Fish Camp By-Laws shall lie with the Director Staff. They will
have the final decision in any matter that requires interpretation.
________
Date
_________________________
Director
________
Date
_________________________
Advisor