Constitution
Of the T.C. Chamberlin Geology Club
Updated Wednesday, Feb. 6th, 2002, by Katie Adelsberger
Club Advisor: Cameron Davidson (after his leave, most likely Sue Swanson)
Acting Advisor for Spring 2002 (Cam on sabbatical): Carl Mendelson
I. Introduction
The T.C. Chamberlin Geology Club is a student organization open to all members of the
student body. The club will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, or gender,
and will abide by all laws pertaining to the city of Beloit, the Sate of Wisconsin, and the
United States of America. The club sought formal status in February 1989 though it had
been in existence for many years prior to that date.
II. Purpose
The main purpose of the club is to sponsor off-campus speakers to come to the college
and speak about some aspect of geology. It is our goal to broaden not only academic
understanding but also to gain insight into the nature of the wide-ranging applications of
geology and the corresponding opportunities and conditions in the work force., To this
end we try to have (pending funds) four off-campus speakers per term. In addition, we
have several faculty and/or student presentations. The student presentations are
especially beneficial because they demonstrate the possibilities for student research and
how to complete a research project, and they give the student researchers a chance to
make formal presentations to a large audience. A secondary purpose of the club is to
expose students to geology beyond the Beloit College campus, which is accomplished
through field trips both within the Geology Department and as a club alone.
III. The Chief Geologist
The executive position is held by one student, known as the “Chief Geologist,” or “C.G.”
This person may hold the position for one term and one term only in their attendance of
Beloit College. The characteristics sought for a Chief Geologist include strong
motivation, good academic standing, an ability to work well with people, organization,
and responsibility. The responsibilities of the C.G. include the advertising of speakers
both to students and local geology alumni; the running of meetings; the coordination of
activities for the term; and the handling of funds. The C.G. will work closely with the
club’s advisor in pursuing the above responsibilities. A new C.G. will be elected by the
members of the club at the beginning of each new semester. Nominations for the position
will be restricted to current members who will be juniors or seniors when they take
office. The geology faculty will confirm the selection.
IV. Membership
The requirement for membership is simply an interest in the topic of geology and petition
to the C.G. to be a member. Members generally have taken at least one geology course
and have a basic understanding of the field, but this is not a prerequisite to membership.
Members are expected to attend all meeting and provide input to the activities of the club.
V. The Advisor
The advisor for the club should be a geology professor. It is hoped that the newer
geology professors will fill this role, helping to facilitate a strong relationship with the
students, the department, and the college.
VI. Meeting
Weekly meetings are held on Thursdays at noon in Chamberlin 111. Students and faculty
are invited to bring their lunches and discuss geologic topics and listen to students’
presentations. Guest lectures are traditionally held on Tuesdays, at 7:32 p.m. in the
Wood Room of Mayer Hall, though they may be held at any time and place that best suits
the speaker and the needs of the event. At the beginning of each term the development of
a schedule of lecturers will be the responsibility of the Chief Geologist and the advisor.
Additional meetings will be called as seen fit by the Chief Geologist.