Constitution and By-Laws of the North Dakota State University
ARTS, HUMANITIES, and SOCIAL SCIENCES AMBASSADORS
Article I – Name
I.
The official name of this organization as established by this constitution shall
be the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Ambassadors.
II.
The name of this organization shall be known locally as the AHSS
Ambassadors.
Article II – Mission Statement
I.
“As ambassadors, we promote and enhance the College of Arts, Humanities,
and Social Sciences, serving as a link between students, administration, and
community.”
Article III – Membership
I.
Non – Discrimination Statement
A.
II.
North Dakota State University is fully committed to equal opportunity
in employment decisions and educational programs and activities in
compliance with all federal and state laws, and including appropriate
affirmative action efforts, for all individuals without regard to race,
color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, age, Vietnam Era
Veteran status, or sexual orientation. All organizations must also
submit a signed copy of the Equal Opportunity Assurance form each
fall to the Commissioner of Student Organizations. Failure to do so
could result in probation.
Membership Requirements
A.
B.
C.
Must be a major in the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social
Sciences.
Members must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.20.
If grade point average is deficient:
1. First semester – The member in question is placed on probation,
but still retains full membership status.
2. Second semester – A hearing can be requested by any member to
address the membership situation of the member in question.
The results of this hearing can result in a maximum of expulsion
from the organization or a minimum of a continued probationary
period.
III.
Membership Limitations
A.
B.
C.
Membership is limited to 25 total members.
A minimum of 1 member per department, division, or program is
required.
1. Each of the following departments, divisions, or programs is
guaranteed at least one member:
a. Communication
b. English
c. Fine Arts (music, theatre art, visual art)
d. History
e. Modern Languages
f. Criminal Justice and Political Science
g. Sociology/Anthropology
h. Scholar’s Program
2. Power to add or remove departments, divisions, or programs is at
the discretion of the adviser(s).
3. In the event that a department is unrepresented, the chair from
the unrepresented department, division, or program shall appoint
a candidate for membership. All appointed candidates must
complete the stipulations of Membership Selection (article 3,
section 5).
The maximum number or members per department is 4.
IV.
Membership Committee
A.
The membership committee is responsible for overseeing the selection
of members and making recommendations to the organization for
membership selection.
B.
This committee shall be chaired by the vice president.
C.
The committee is required to have at least 3 members.
D.
Only non-officers with the exception of the vice president can serve on
this committee.
V.
Membership Selections
A.
B.
Application
1. Completion of an application is required to be considered for
membership.
2. The vice president is responsible for compiling a membership
application.
Recommendation
1. One recommendation from a NDSU faculty or staff member is
required to be considered for membership.
2. Applicants have the option of submitting an additional
recommendation. Any person is free to give this
recommendation.
C.
D.
VI.
Interview
1. The interviewing process is at the discretion of the membership
committee.
2. Applicants to be interviewed are at the discretion of the
membership committee.
Voting
1. Each member shall be given one vote per applicant during
membership selection.
2. Membership additions shall follow the rules of membership
limitations (article 3, section 3).
Removal of members
A.
A member may be removed for any violation of university policy or
any other reasonable grounds.
1. A petition for membership removal must be submitted to the
president. This petition must have the signatures of 25 percent of
the membership.
2. A hearing will be called at which the president or will present the
grounds for removal.
3. The member in question will have the opportunity to defend
themselves in writing or in person
4. Of the members present, a vote of 50 percent plus one for
removal is required for expulsion.
Article IV – Officers
I.
The officers of this organization shall be:
B.
C.
D.
E.
President
Vice President
Secretary – Treasurer
Public Relations Officer(s)
II.
Nominations and elections for officers will take place in April.
III.
Officer vacancies shall be addressed at any normal or special meeting.
A. Normal election rules shall govern the special election of vacant offices.
B. No special election shall be held to address a vacancy in the presidency.
IV.
A transition meeting between old officers and new officers shall take place to
provide for a smooth transfer of responsibility.
V.
Officer Duties
A.
President
1. Preside at all meetings of the organization.
2. Call special meetings of the organization when required.
B.
C.
D.
3. Prepare and file any report required by the University and/or
Student Government.
4. Perform other duties as specified by the constitution.
Vice President
1. Assume the duties of the president if the president is absent.
2. Assume the office of president if there is a vacancy in the office.
3. Chairperson of the membership committee.
4. Shall assume the office of president during the following school
year.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the president or as specified
in the constitution.
Secretary – Treasurer
1. Record and report minutes from all meetings.
2. Keep a record of all members.
3. Keep a record of all activities
4. Responsible for finances as assigned.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the president or as specified
in the constitution.
Public Relations Officer(s)
1. Office can be shared by two individuals.
2. Responsible for the promotion of the organization.
3. Responsible for planning and organizing activities of the
organization.
4. Perform other duties as assigned by the president or as specified
in the constitution.
Article V – Advisers
I.
The Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences shall
appoint the advisor(s).
Article VI – Meetings
I.
II.
III.
Dates and times of meetings will be established by members at the beginning
of each semester and/or school year.
Quorum will be set at 50 percent plus one of total membership.
Meeting attendance is considered to be an important part of membership.
Failure to attend meetings on a regular basis is grounds for removal from the
organization.
Article VII – Amendments and By-Laws
I.
II.
Amendments and by-laws to this constitution may be made by a two-thirds
vote of members present at any meeting.
Notice of intention to vote or change the constitution and by-laws shall be sent
to all active members prior to the meeting where the event is to occur.
Article VIII – Finances
I.
II.
Adviser(s) will have the authority to allocate funds in the best interest of the
organization
The adviser(s) and secretary-treasurer will have the authority to care for the
financial obligations of the organization.