GUIDELINES FOR
EXECUTIVE OFFICER ELECTIONS
2015-2016 OFFICER TEAM
COLLEGIATE DECA
EXECUTIVE OFFICER CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACKET
Dear Applicant:
Holding an executive office for Collegiate DECA, a division of DECA Inc., carries with it great responsibility as
well as great opportunity. Your involvement with this organization thus far has given you an understanding of the
programs available for members. We are in a time of great opportunity; therefore great involvement, ideas and work
ethic is needed from the officers elected to lead. Hopefully you have already thought about areas within the
organization that can continue to grow, develop and change to better fit our members’ needs. And remember, the
success of these depends on the needs at the chapter and association levels—not something simply “handed down”
from officers, or even staff, with the assumption that we will have buy-in from the membership.
Running for office is intentionally NOT AN EASY PROCESS. It takes a high level of independence, drive and
perseverance to be a successful officer. This campaigning process will allow you to showcase those characteristics
as well as your dedication and commitment to the members.
This candidate packet includes the following regarding officer candidates and the election process:
 Summary Guidelines for Campaigning
 Officer Job Descriptions
 Officer Candidate Guidelines
 Campaigning Rules & Regulations
 Election Procedures
 Candidate Calendar
 Collegiate DECA Officer Candidate Interview Forms
 Collegiate DECA Officer Candidate Application Forms
 Campaign Booth Order Form
Appendix:
 Executive Officer Code of Professional Conduct
 Candidate Willingness to Serve Form
 Collegiate DECA Bylaws
 Planned Campaign Budget
 Current Officer Team Listing
Reminders: No campaigning of any kind may take place prior to the International Career Development
Conference—this includes but is not limited to all Internet based activity. All candidates must take part in the
nomination and election process at ICDC, April 18th-21st in Orlando, FL. A complete schedule of required
activities is provided in the candidate packet.
You will be notified once your application has been received by DECA Inc. and confirmed of your eligibility. At
that time you will be sent a study guide for the officer candidate test. If you have any additional questions or
concerns please call or email me. The current officers are also great resources to talk to you about the real work
involved. I look forward to working with you and wish you luck in pursuit of a Collegiate DECA officer position.
Sincerely,
Jeff Collins
Assistant Executive Director
Collegiate Executive Officer Advisor
Jeff_Collins@deca.org
P: (703) 860-5000
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COLLEGIATE DECA
EXECUTIVE OFFICER ELECTIONS
SUMMARY GUIDELINES FOR CAMPAIGNING
2015-2016
These guidelines are being presented to ensure that potential officer candidates meet the minimum qualifications for
office, and that officer campaigning and elections are held in a fair and appropriate manner. When a candidate runs for
office, it is up to the sponsoring chartered association or independent chapter to make sure that everyone involved in
the campaign understands the guidelines. Violating campaign guidelines by the candidates or any members of the
sponsoring association or chapter may result in disqualification.
Qualifications:
The following is a brief summary of candidate qualifications. Additional details are found in this packet.
1.
The association advisor is the only person in a chartered association authorized to nominate a candidate for
office. The chapter advisor in an independent “state” is the only person authorized to nominate a candidate for
office. It is up to the authorized advisor to ensure that candidates not only meet the minimum qualifications to
hold an office, but that they exhibit the necessary professionalism, work ethic, communication and leadership
skills to succeed.
2.
Candidates must submit, with their application, the following materials:
• picture
• resume
• letter of intent for office
• three letters of recommendation
• letter of verification of leadership roles
• description of the candidate’s business and community involvement
• 250 word maximum biography (to be used on DECA.org)
• official school transcript
• planned campaign budget
• list of campaign items
• signed Candidate Willingness to Serve form
• signed Executive Officer Code of Conduct
Candidates also have an opportunity to submit an early Intent to Run form, allowing them benefits related to
campaigning.
3.
In addition to other eligibility requirements, the candidate must either have a grade point average of 2.5 for the
two most recent semesters (or the equivalent), or a 2.5 or higher accumulative grade point average based on an
“A” letter grade equivalent to 4.0 and a failing grade equivalent to 0.0.
NOTE:
a. For schools on a quarter’s system, three quarters is equivalent to two semesters.
b. The “two most recent semesters” means the previous two completed semesters prior to the
International Career Development Conference.
4.
Application must be received by DECA Inc. by April 03, 2015.
5.
Candidates must go through an official nomination process, consisting of an interview and written exam, at the
International Career Development Conference.
6.
All newly elected officers MUST attend an orientation session during the International Career Development
Conference, held on the day following the closing session, and must complete the Collegiate officer training
program in June/July. (See schedule in packet for tentative dates.)
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Campaigning:
No campaigning is allowed prior to 8:00 a.m. on the first official day of the International Career Development
Conference, April 18, 2015. No websites, emails, letters, brochures or other campaign materials are to be distributed
in advance of the ICDC. Other communication may also result in disqualification (i.e. phone banks, Facebook,
Twitter, etc.). If a chartered association or independent chapter believes a campaign violation has been made, the
association or independent chapter advisor may notify the nominating committee and/or DECA Inc. Board of
Directors in writing directly to a Board member, or through the DECA Inc. staff member in charge of elections.
Candidates are campaigning for Executive Office. The position of president and vice presidents are determined by
the voting outcome. A candidate may have the choice of electing to serve either as only the president, only as a vice
president, or state a willingness to serve in either capacity. This is communicated using the Candidate Willingness to
Serve form included in the application. It is also recommended that candidates conduct themselves according to the
officer code of conduct during the conference while running for office.
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COLLEGIATE OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTIONS
2015-2016
Officers of Collegiate DECA are elected, having met the requirements set forth in the DECA Inc. Constitution and
the Collegiate DECA division Bylaws. Officers of Collegiate DECA shall consist of a president and four vice
presidents.
It shall be the duty of the officers, functioning as a team, to plan for the welfare of the division, to represent and to
act for the division as occasion may demand.
Specific Duties Include:
President: It shall be the duty of the president of Collegiate DECA to preside at all meetings of this division; to
make necessary committee appointments including the designation of committee chairperson; to develop with
his/her Executive Council a Program of Work for his/her term in office; and to make himself/herself available, as
necessary, in promoting the general welfare of DECA and the Collegiate DECA division.
Vice President: It shall be the duty of each vice president to serve this division in any capacity as directed by the
president; to promote the growth and development of DECA and the Collegiate DECA division in accordance with
the Program of Work during his/her term in office; and to make himself/herself available, as necessary, in promoting
the general welfare of DECA and the Collegiate DECA division.
Limitations:
DECA Inc.'s Constitution and the Collegiate DECA division Bylaws identify specific responsibilities and
corresponding authority to the board of directors and executive director.
Because ultimate responsibility for DECA's finances, procedures and policies of necessity remain the sole purview
of the elected board of directors and their executive director, the executive officers are precluded from:
1.
2.
Entering into any contractual relationships on behalf of the organization, and
Committing the organization to any policy without specific authorization of the board of directors or
executive director.
To assure clear lines of communication and coordination, officers are obligated to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Sign a code of conduct for executive officers,
Conduct their duties within the policies set forth by the board of directors,
Submit monthly activity reports to the officer liaison, and
Obtain advance approval from the officer liaison for all activities where the officer is representing DECA
Inc. Officers may not independently solicit invitations to meetings or conferences.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICER CANDIDATE GUIDELINES
2015-2016
NOTE: The term “association” refers to chartered Collegiate DECA associations. Also, the term “independent
chapter” will be used to refer to a Collegiate DECA chapter from a non-chartered “state”.
Authorized Advisor Responsibilities:
The Collegiate DECA advisor in a chartered association is the only person authorized to initiate executive officer
candidate nominations for Collegiate DECA. The Collegiate DECA advisor in an independent chapter is the only
person authorized to initiate executive officer candidate nominations for Collegiate DECA.
• Each geographic area (state/province/territory, etc.) may submit no more than two (2) candidates
for executive office.
• The authorized Collegiate DECA advisor may use any procedure he/she wishes to determine
which candidate(s) are eligible to run for Collegiate DECA office from the association or
independent chapter. DECA Inc. suggests that a nominating committee interviews the candidate(s)
and select the candidate(s) the association or independent chapter will support.
• It is the authorized Collegiate DECA advisor's responsibility to verify all forms and documents
submitted by the candidate, and sign the application form in the official space provided. The
authorized advisor will send, along with a letter of recommendation, all required materials to
DECA Inc., at the below address. All materials must be received (not postmarked) at DECA no
later than April 03, 2015.
DECA Inc.
Collegiate DECA Officer Elections
1908 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1594
• It is the authorized Collegiate DECA advisor's responsibility to inform potential officer candidates
that, according to the Collegiate DECA officer guidelines, they cannot serve as an association or
local officer and as an executive officer at the same time.
NOTE:
All information must be contained in an official DECA folio, available through DECA Images at
http://shopdeca.org/collections/binders-folders/products/written-event-folio. If any of the required data is not
included with the application form the applicant may be disqualified.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICER CANDIDATE GUIDELINES
2015-2016
Officer Candidate Responsibilities:
Officer candidates MUST submit to the authorized Collegiate DECA advisor all required information along with a
signed application form. In chartered associations only the association advisor is AUTHORIZED to declare a
candidate eligible to run for office from the association.
Officer candidates from independent chapters (in non-chartered “states”) must submit all required information along
with a signed application form to the chapter advisor who is then AUTHORIZED to declare a candidate eligible to
run for office.
Each candidate will submit to his/her AUTHORIZED advisor the following qualifications and materials, to be
forwarded to DECA Inc.
MUST BE IN ORDER, EACH PAGE IN A SHEET PROTECTOR, AND IN AN OFFICIAL DECA FOLIO
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Officer Candidate Application Form (enclosed).
Signed Executive Officer Code of Conduct (appendix).
Signed Candidate Willingness to Serve form (appendix).
One photograph of officer candidate – color, 5x7 and in a DECA blazer. Pictures may be used in
publications at ICDC. Newly elected officers should be prepared to have pictures taken at ICDC.
Resume (maximum 2-pages) highlighting qualifications for office desired and
personal/professional/academic plans for 2015-2016
A letter of intent – your goals and objectives for wanting to serve as a Collegiate DECA executive officer.
Three (3) letters of recommendation:
a. Advisor/Mentor
b. School official
c. Business/Professional person
Planned Campaign Budget – a basic budget including all expenditures you anticipate as well as all the
revenues you are counting on. The revenues will include in-kind donations. See sample in the appendix. An
actual (finalized) campaign budget is to be submitted at officer candidate orientation on April 18, 2015
List of Campaign Items – all printed material, as well as giveaways you plan to use during your campaign.
A finalized list of campaign items is to be submitted, with samples of all giveaways and all printed
material, at officer candidate orientation on April 18, 2015
A letter of verification that the candidate has or is holding a chapter or chartered association office. Must be
signed by appropriate advisor.
A description (maximum 2-pages) of the candidate’s involvement with business, school and civic groups as
related to Collegiate DECA.
A 250-word (maximum) biography (to be used on DECADirect.org).
Official scholastic transcript with school’s official seal or notary. The transcript must have written
description of explanation of the grading procedure (signed by a school official). The grading procedure
should explain the grades in relation to A, B, C, D, and failing. If the school system’s grading procedure
grants incomplete as a grade, the “I” must be verified as either a NO GRADE or FAILING.
Campaign booth order form and payment (appendix).
Officer Candidate Eligibility:
1.
The candidate must become an active member of Collegiate DECA before March 1. Active membership is
defined in the Bylaws for Collegiate DECA (see appendix).
2.
The candidate must be holding or have held an association or chapter office.
3.
The candidate must have either a grade point of 2.5 or higher for the two most recent semesters or a 2.5 or
higher accumulative grade point average based on an “A” letter grade being equivalent to 4.0. Grades are as
of the last competed semester of school prior to the international conference. For schools on a quarter’s
system, three quarters is equivalent to two semesters.
4.
The candidate must take the Officer Candidate Examination and obtain a “recommended” score of 60% or
higher.
5.
The nominating committee has the responsibility of determining the final list of candidates based on
consideration of both the exam and interview.
6.
Notice of eligibility will be posted at ICDC headquarters to indicate a candidate may officially run for
office.
Officer Candidate Additional Information:
1.
Examination questions will cover DECA Inc. information and parliamentary procedure. All questions will
be taken from the following sources:




The Collegiate DECA web site
The Collegiate DECA Guide (available on the Collegiate DECA web site)
Robert’s Rules of Order, newly revised (available at book stores)
Officer Candidates Study Guide (will be sent to candidate after Intent to Run form or complete
Candidate Application has been received)
2.
Newly elected officers are required to attend the Collegiate DECA Officer Orientation Session on April 22,
2015, from 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Departures should be scheduled after 5:00 p.m. Be sure to know your
blazer size and all other clothing sizes for this meeting. It is the responsibility of newly elected officers and
associations/chapters to make arrangements for return home. All expenses are the candidate’s
responsibility. Dress attire for this meeting is business professional with DECA Blazer.
3.
According to the Collegiate DECA officer guidelines, newly elected officers cannot serve as a local or
association officer at the same time.
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EXECUTIVE OFFICER CAMPAIGNING RULES & REGULATIONS
2015-2016
Nomination Procedures:
1.
Interested members must submit a completed application to the authorized advisor for approval and must be
received at DECA Inc. by April 03, 2015. Eligibility will be communicated to the member seeking office and
authorized advisor no later than April 07, 2015.
2.
A nominating committee will be appointed for the Collegiate DECA officer elections. Association and
chapter advisors will be asked to appoint representatives to serve on the nominating committee. The
nominating committee may consist of members from all geographic regions, an advisor, and a member of the
DECA Inc. Board of Directors.
3.
Association and chapter advisors will be contacted regarding committee appointments and procedures.
4.
It is the responsibility of the authorized advisor to contact his/her candidates and give them a copy of the rules
and regulations.
5.
Former executive officers are not eligible for another executive office of a student division of DECA Inc.
6.
Each geographic area (state/province/territory, etc.) may submit no more than two (2) candidates for
executive office.
7.
If a candidate is late to a nominating committee interview, he/she may be disqualified unless the committee
feels the individual has a reasonable excuse. Excuses that are NOT ACCEPTABLE: overslept, restaurant was
slow, association pictures were long, could not find room, did not check schedule, etc.
8.
Other than a purse/wallet, no other materials are to be taken into the interview. This includes briefcases, study
materials, etc.
9.
Only candidates interviewed by the nominating committee will be qualified for executive office. The
nominating committee will select qualified candidates based on the interview and materials submitted for
application for executive office. Exam scores will NOT be made known to the nominating committee nor
will they be posted along with the list of eligible candidates.
10.
A list of candidates eligible for Collegiate DECA office will be posted at ICDC headquarters no later than
4:00 pm the day of the opening session. Candidates nominated will be given time for speeches and/or
presentations at the election sessions. It will not be necessary for candidates declared eligible to be nominated
from the floor.
11.
The division bylaws state that potential candidates prior to the conference must meet certain criteria.
Therefore, additional candidates may not be nominated from the floor.
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Campaigning:
1.
No officer campaigning will be permitted prior to the International Career Development Conference
(Campaigning may begin on April 18, 2015, at 8:00 a.m.). This includes phone calls to set up appointments
with delegates, materials set-up, etc. No websites, emails, letters, brochures or other campaign materials are to
be distributed in advance of ICDC. Any prior communications may result in disqualification, and includes
phone calls/banks, Facebook and Twitter announcements, etc.
2.
No campaign material shall be attached (taped, glued, tacked, hung, etc.) to the property (includes walls, doors,
windows, etc.) of the ICDC hotel(s) or any other conference facility. Any damage to property is the
responsibility of the candidate. The use of easels, posters, etc. may only be within the boundaries of the
candidate’s campaign booth. Candidates should prepare for a tabletop (no pipe and drape backdrop*) campaign
booth—the ability to hang banners or posters is subject to restrictions of the conference site. More specific
details will be made available to candidates as early as possible regarding any change in booth layout
restrictions or enhancements. (*For 2015 ICDC, campaign booths MIGHT not have pipe and drape
backdrops.)
3.
Candidates will be allowed up to TWO (2) promotional items (giveaways) plus any printed material (brochures,
flyers, cards, posters, and signs). Material distributed during caucusing or to any voting delegate may not
exceed these two (2) promotional items plus printed material.
4.
Candidates will not be allowed to distribute/purchase any food or beverage items for voting delegates at any
time (including gum, candy, popcorn, fruit trays, etc.). This includes at the booth, during caucusing, to members
as a thank you, meals to voting delegates, etc.
5.
No promotional stickers, labels, etc. can be used in the campaign. Stickers attached to promotional items prior
to ICDC will be permitted (example: sticker on a folder).
6.
A list of the candidates eligible for Collegiate DECA office will be posted at the ICDC Headquarters desk no
later than 4:00 p.m. on April 18, 2015.
7.
On April 19, 2015, there will be a “Voting Delegates Briefing and Meet the Candidates” session. Voting
delegates must be seated in the designated voting delegate section at the time that the meeting is called to order.
Once the meeting is called to order, no one will be allowed to be seated as a voting delegate. A roll call of
voting delegates will be taken. Delegations without the allocated number of voting delegates present will lose
those votes. Example, if an association seats 20 of its 26 delegates, they will lose the 6 votes and maintain only
the 20. Collegiate DECA officer candidates will be limited to three (3) minutes for a speech and/or
demonstration. Following presentations, candidates will respond to questions submitted by voting delegates.
Once a question is asked, all candidates will have an answer to respond. No campaign material may be
brought inside any election or voting delegate session. This includes buttons, t-shirts, materials, etc.
8.
One general session, the election session, is reserved for final campaign presentations by the candidates.
Candidates will be limited to a two (2) minute presentation. Voting delegates are to sit in a reserved section
during the election session. A roll call of delegates will be taken. Delegations without the allocated number of
voting delegates present will lose those votes. Example, if a delegation seats 20 of its 26 delegates, they will
lose the 6 votes and maintain only the 20. No nominations from the floor will be allowed. Campaign handout
material, or any other materials or actions disruptive to the session, is NOT permitted during this session.
9.
Campaign signs or banners are NOT permitted at the Grand Opening Session OR the Preliminary
Awards Session. Badges, hats, T-shirts, etc., as long as they are in line with dress code requirements, will be
permitted at the Grand Opening Session or the Preliminary Awards Session. At the Grand Award Session, signs
or banners ARE permitted. However, no handout material is to be in evidence at ANY of these general sessions.
10. It is the responsibility of each candidate and his or her association/chapter to see that ALL campaign material is
picked up and removed from the hotel according to the time listed in the conference program. NO campaign
material will be allowed in the election session.
10
11. It is the responsibility of the candidate to pay for any costs associated with the inappropriate use of, or cleaning
up of, the candidate’s campaign materials.
12. All associations/chapters are expected to encourage the promotion of their candidates so as not to disrupt any
planned event of the conference. It is absolutely necessary that delegates reflect the conduct expected and
desired by remaining professional in all settings.
13. With respect to anti-litter concerns and the cost to individuals, local chapters and associations, campaign
material at ICDC should be held to a minimum; personal contact and the organization of a campaign
demonstrates leadership ability to a greater degree than give-away gimmicks.
14. Campaign booth set-up times and locations will be communicated to candidates closer to the conference dates.
15. Candidates should keep in mind that they are all running as individual candidates. No “pacts” or agreements
should be made between candidates.
NOTE:
If an association or independent chapter believes a campaign violation has been made, the
association/chapter advisor may notify the DECA Inc. Board of Directors in writing, directly to
the Board member(s) or through DECA Inc. staff members. Assistant Executive Director, Jeff
Collins, will be the staff member responsible for campaign related events at the 2015 ICDC.
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Voting:
The nominating committee will submit the names of eligible candidates to the chief advisor of elections for posting
at ICDC Headquarters. Only candidates declared eligible can seek nomination. The number of total votes allowed
for each delegation will be announced prior to the conference (these totals will be provided to each association
through your DECA Inc. representative and/or Collegiate DECA advisor and is determined by membership sixty
(60) days prior to the election/business session.
For non-charted “states” with multiple chapters attending ICDC, the votes will be divided according to membership:
if only one voting delegate, the chapter with the highest membership will receive the voting delegate. If more than
one voting delegate allowed, the first priority would be to have each chapter represented, as their delegate allocation
will allow.
Voting will be by secret ballot. Collegiate DECA Bylaws do not require all delegates from an association to vote for
the same candidate for a given position; in fact, voting delegates are encouraged to vote independently based on
their own assessment of each candidate. Voting will be done by designated voting delegates only. Other official
business may also be conducted during the election session. Candidates declared qualified will be announced at the
beginning of the campaign session. It will not be necessary for candidates declared eligible to be nominated from the
floor.
In the Collegiate DECA division, each geographic unit with current membership will be allowed one (1) voting
delegate, plus one (1) voting delegate will be allowed each Chartered Association. One hundred (100) additional
voting delegates will be apportioned to Chartered Associations according to their membership sixty (60) days prior
to the election/business session as a percentage of the total DECA membership in this division.
A roll call of voting delegates will be taken at all voting delegate sessions. If a delegation does not have their
maximum number of voting delegates present during a session, the votes will be lost for those delegates not present.
It is understood that, because of schedule conflicts, a delegation may need to make substitutions with their voting
delegates (this may be done without penalty). Also, due to this, voting delegates will not be penalized for not
wearing a voting delegate ribbon to the sessions.
The Collegiate DECA division elects up to five (5) officers. These include a president and four (4) vice presidents.
Dress Code:
During all campaign events and election sessions voting delegates and candidates shall adhere to the following dress
code requirements. Participants will be dressed in appropriate business or business casual attire. This dress code is
designed to create a professional conference atmosphere and reflect positively on those involved. The following is
designed to serve as a general guideline as to what will qualify as business casual for this conference. Jeans,
sweatpants, shorts, tennis shoes, flip-flops and T-shirts will at no time be considered appropriate. T-shirts designed
to promote the candidate may be worn in and around the campaign booth only.
Shirts/Tops
Shirts with collars
Polo-style shirts
Slacks/Skirts
Casual slacks
Business-style skirts
Khaki-style pants
Footwear
Loafers
Pumps
Dress shoes
Candidates will be dressed in appropriate business attire and DECA blazer for ALL campaign and election related
events. Additionally, candidates should wear business dress and a DECA blazer to the closing session; newly elected
officers may not be presented on stage to accept their elected positions without a DECA blazer.
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COLLEGIATE DECA ELECTION PROCEDURES
2015-2016
Election Procedures:
No campaign materials will be allowed in the election session.
Election shall be by secret ballot. The voting delegates will rank in order from five (5) to one (1) the candidates they
determine should be elected to the officer team. First choice will be indicated with a one (1) and the order descends
appropriately from there. Voting delegates many only indicate five (5) candidates to fill the officer team. They may
elect fewer than five (5) candidates if they feel it is appropriate; a candidate name left on the ballot without a number
receives no vote.
As indicated by Bylaw IV, Section 3: a candidate will receive points for each vote: 1 st place = 5 points, 2nd place = 4
points, 3rd place = 3 points, 4th place = 2 points, and 5th place = 1 point. The candidate receiving the highest number
of points at the election session and having stated a willingness to serve as president shall be elected president. The
next four candidates receiving the most points at the election session and having stated a willingness to serve as vice
president shall be elected as vice presidents.
1.
The voting delegates will be seated by delegation in alphabetical order.
2.
Only candidates qualified by the nominating committee will be eligible for office.
3.
Voting will continue only if there is a point tie for either the position of president or for the fifth
seat on the officer team.
4.
If the voting continues, the candidates remaining will come forward as their name is called so that
the voting delegates may see which candidates they wish to vote for.
5.
A run-off election will be made not with a rank order system but by simple vote. For the office of
president the candidate receiving the most votes will be elected as president, the opponent will be
elected to the officer team and serve as a vice president. For the fifth seat on the officer team the
candidate receiving the most votes will be elected.
6.
The newly elected officers will be announced at the conclusion of the Grand Awards Session.
Collegiate DECA Campaign Booths:
It is recommended that Collegiate DECA associations and independent chapters take the opportunity to rent
campaign booths at the International Career Development Conference. These booths serve as campaign headquarters
for officer candidates. All Collegiate DECA campaign booths will be located in high-traffic areas of the
conference site.
Campaign booth rental will be $100.00; dimensions will be approximately 8' x 8', each booth will be furnished with
one table and one chair. Candidates should prepare for a tabletop or freestanding display; ability to hang banners or
posters is subject to restrictions of the conference site. More specific details will be made available to candidates as
early as possible regarding any change in booth layout restrictions or enhancements. (For 2015 ICDC, campaign
booths MIGHT not have pipe and drape backdrops).
Booth assignments will be on a first-request, first-serve basis. Campaign booths must be reserved by April 03, 2015.
There is a maximum of one booth per candidate. For more information, contact DECA’s exhibit coordinator at
703-860-5000, or see the enclosed order form.
DECA reserves the right to make changes in the arrangement of these booths if this becomes necessary.
Set-up, hours of operation, and booth tear down will be determined closer to the conference date. Applicants will be
notified.
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COLLEGIATE DECA
EXECUTIVE OFFICER CANDIDATE CALENDAR
(SEE CONFERENCE AGENDA FOR SPECIFIC TIMES)
CANDIDATES CALENDAR:
March 27, 2015
April 03, 2015
Intent to Run Form (optional) due to DECA Inc.
Officer Candidate Application due to DECA Inc.
Last day to reserve a campaign booth
INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Candidates may begin scheduling caucuses
Officer Candidate Orientation, Testing & Interviews
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Booth Setup
Campaign Booths Open
Voting Delegate & Meet the Candidates Session
Each candidate will deliver a 3-minute speech/demonstration.
Question & Answer Period for Delegates/Candidates
Monday, April 20, 2015
Campaign Booths Open
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Campaign Booths Open
Election/Business Session
Each candidate will deliver a 2-minute speech
Campaign Booth Teardown (Time TBD)
Grand Awards Session
Announcement of new officer team
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
New Officer Orientation (9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
DATES FOR ELECTED OFFICERS
June/July 2015
(*Tentatively scheduled for June 10-18, 2015)
*Officer Training, Reston, VA (all officers)
August 2015
Chartered Association Management Conference
Nashville, Tennessee
Collegiate DECA President
November 2015
Collegiate Leadership Academy
(All officers do not typically attend.)
January 2016
Officer Mid-Winter Conference (location TBD)
April 2016
International Career Development Conference
Washington, DC
Attendance at association conferences and other meetings as requested.
*Please notify us if there are any schedule conflicts during this time (i.e., classes, final exams).
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COLLEGIATE DECA OFFICER CANDIDATE INTERVIEW FORM
APPLICANT NAME
1. PRE-INTERVIEW..............................
Introduced self properly
Stood until invited to sit down
Spoke clearly and forcefully
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
Physically poised and ready
Good first impression
3
2
1
POINTS
2. APPEARANCE.................................
Good color coordination
Clothing clean and well-pressed
Wore DECA Blazer
Good posture
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
Hair clean and neat
Facial appearance is clean and natural
Pleasant smile
1
POINTS
3. ATTITUDE.......................................
10
Attentive
Enthusiastic
Self-confident (supports own convictions)
Socially at ease and comfortable
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
Alert and responsive
Sincere and conscientious
Competitive and open-minded
2
1
POINTS
4. PROFESSIONAL MANNER...............
Courteousness
Poise
Ability to take criticism
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
Ability to remember names
Sense of humor
Conversational
3
2
1
POINTS
5. SPEECH..........................................
20
10
19
9
Proper grammar
Good diction
Speaks clearly and smoothly
18 17 16
15
14
8
7
6
5
4
Word selection
Appropriate use of gestures
Good eye contact
13
3
12
2
11
1
POINTS
6. QUESTION RESPONSE.....................
30
20
10
29
19
9
Organization of answer
Precision of word usage
(concise, speaks to the point)
Maintains cool
(doesn't get flustered or shaken)
28 27 26
25
24
23
22 21
18 17 16
15
14
13
12 11
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Thinks question through before answering
Answers are logical and reasonable
Answers questions directly and readily
Interesting to listen to
POINTS
7. POST INTERVIEW............................
Thanked the committee
Remained poised
10
9
8
7
6
Left promptly
Still eager
5
4
3
2
1
POINTS
Please make additional comments on reverse side.
TOTAL POINTS
15
COLLEGIATE DECA
EXECUTIVE OFFICER CANDIDATE APPLICATION
Must be received at DECA Inc. by April 03, 2015 in an official DECA Folio
Each prospective candidate for Collegiate DECA office and his/her chapter advisor must complete this form and
mail it to his/her authorized advisor to be approved and sent to DECA Inc. along with a 250 word maximum
biography.
Please Type:
Name
Email
Advisor
School
School Address
Phone
Fax
Advisor Email
Career Objectives
Twitter Handle:
Facebook Name:
Others:
COLLEGIATE DECA Offices held (local, district, regional, state, province)
Present Class:
Freshman_____
Sophomore_____
Junior____
Senior_____
Expected Graduation Date:
Home Address
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal Code
Country
Phone
Date of Birth
BLAZER SIZE:
Men’s 34 through 50, short, regular, long or extra-long ______.
Women’s 4 through 20, regular or tall _______
16
COLLEGIATE DECA
EXECUTIVE OFFICER CANDIDATE APPLICATION
Certification by Chapter Advisor
The credentials for
(officer candidate)
who is nominated by our chapter, are attached. To the best of my knowledge, this applicant has served as a chapter
officer and meets the additional qualifications specified in the Collegiate Division bylaws and the current guidelines
for executive office.
And, if elected, will receive the enthusiastic support of the school, chapter and advisor in the execution of the duties
of the office.
Chapter Advisor’s Signature
School
City
State/Province
Zip/Postal Code
Country
Certification by Authorized Association or Independent Chapter Advisor
The credentials for
(officer candidate)
who is nominated by our association or independent chapter, are attached. To the best of my knowledge, this
applicant has served as a chapter and/or association officer and meets the additional qualifications specified in the
executive bylaws and the current guidelines for executive office.
And, if elected, will receive the enthusiastic support of the advisor in the execution of the duties of the office.
Authorized Advisor’s Signature
Association/Independent Chapter Advisor
17
COLLEGIATE DECA
EXECUTIVE OFFICER CAMPAIGN BOOTHS
Associations and independent chapters have the opportunity to rent campaign booths at the International Career
Development Conference to serve as campaign headquarters for officer candidates. All campaign booths will be
located in a high traffic area of the conference site.
Campaign booth rental will be $100.00; dimensions will be approximately 8' x 8', each booth will be furnished with
one table and one chair. Candidates should prepare for a tabletop or freestanding display; ability to hang banners or
posters is subject to restrictions of the conference site. More specific details will be made available to candidates as
early as possible regarding any change in booth layout restrictions or enhancements. Booth assignments will be on a
first-request, first-serve basis. Campaign booths must be reserved by April 03, 2015. There is a maximum of one
booth per candidate. (For 2015 ICDC, campaign booths MIGHT not have pipe and drape backdrops.)
DECA reserves the right to make changes in the arrangement of these booths if this becomes necessary.
Remember, there is a regulation that no campaign material can be attached to walls or other property of the
hotel/facility. Therefore, these booths are ideal for officer campaigning.
Yes,
would like to reserve a campaign booth for our officer candidate.
(Association/Chapter)
Please reserve a booth for: ______________________________
(name)
__________________________________________
Candidate's Name
____________________________
Candidate’s E-mail
Candidate’s Address:
____________________________.
Chapter Advisor
____________________________
____________________________
Association Advisor
Return this along with your check, made out to DECA, in the amount of $100.00 to:
DECA Inc.
Attn: Collegiate DECA ICDC Booths
1908 Association Drive
Reston, Virginia 20191-1594
Application and payment must be received by April 03, 2015.
18
APPENDIX:





Executive Officer Code of Professional Conduct
Candidate Willingness to Serve Form
Collegiate DECA Bylaws
Planned Campaign Budget
Current Officer Team Listing
19
EXECUTIVE OFFICER CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
As the elected representatives of the student members of DECA’s High School and/or Collegiate DECA divisions,
executive officers assume and accept a high degree of responsibility to conduct themselves in a manner that brings
credit to themselves, the organization and the members.
Because ultimate responsibility for DECA’s finances, procedures and policies of necessity remain the sole purview
of the elected board of directors and their executive director, the executive officers are precluded from:


Entering into any contractual relationship on behalf of the organization and
Committing the organization to any policy without specific authorization of the board of directors or executive
director.
By signing this Executive Officer Code of Professional Conduct, individual officers agree to abide by the policies
described below and to assume responsibility for their conduct while serving as an executive officer. The specific
areas of violation are listed to provide guidance to the officer, and are not to be considered as all-inclusive.
Category 1. Professional Responsibilities and Standards
As an executive officer, I will












abide by the executive officer dress code while representing the association.
complete and submit all reports and assignments on time and correctly formatted.
attend and participate in all called meetings, conferences and appointments.
comply with all conference rules and regulations including curfews, dress codes, etc.
follow instructions given by the Executive Director of DECA Inc. or his/her designee.
not use tobacco products while in the presence of student members or advisors.
not use profanity or other vulgar or inappropriate language or behavior.
not lie, cheat or steal (This is not a Category 2 offense.).
for officers of legal drinking age, not consume or possess alcoholic beverages while representing the
organization.
not engage in any activity that may be perceived as violating the rules of conduct for the function I am attending
as an executive officer (follow the higher standards of conduct of either the function or the Executive Officer
Code of Conduct).
obtain advance approval from the executive officer liaison for all activities where the officer is representing
DECA/Collegiate DECA. Officers may not independently solicit invitations to meetings or conferences.
maintain an online presence that showcases only appropriate behaviors for an executive officer.
Violations of the Professional Responsibilities and Standards may result in travel suspensions of up to three (3)
months. These violations are focused on the officer’s representation of DECA/Collegiate DECA at any activity.
Violations will be documented and the penalties assessed by DECA Inc. staff. Officers may appeal the decision to
the Executive Director.
20
Category 2. Conduct Unbecoming a Executive Officer
As an executive officer, I will not





violate the law, including but not limited to:
o consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages or other controlled substance.
o theft or other felony crimes.
represent someone else’s work as my own.
engage in any manner of sexual conduct/harassment or other activities that may discredit the organization
(includes written or verbal comments, online postings, blogs and all forms of physical contact).
discriminate against others.
violate one or more of the Professional Responsibilities and Standards to a degree deemed as extreme by the
Executive Director (i.e., using excessive profanity to a staff member or advisor, excessive use of alcohol even if
of legal age, etc.).
Violations of Conduct Unbecoming an Executive Officer will result in travel restrictions of three (3) to twelve (12)
months or removal from office. A violation of the Conduct Unbecoming an Executive Officer does not necessarily
have to be associated with the officer’s representation of DECA/Collegiate DECA. Violations will be documented
and penalties assessed by the Executive Director. Officers may appear the decision to the Board of Directors.
The association advisor and officer will be notified in writing of any violation when the penalty is assessed.
I, ____________________________, candidate for __________________________ of the Collegiate DECA
division, understand and agree to this Code of Conduct.
Officer’s Signature
Date
I have read the above and understand this code of conduct as it pertains to the executive officer candidate.
Parent/Guardian Signature (if under 18 years old)
Advisor’s Signature
Date
Date
Adopted by DECA Inc. Board of Directors 1998
21
COLLEGIATE DECA
EXECUTIVE OFFICER CANDIDATE WILLINGNESS TO SERVE FORM
Instructions: Make your decision regarding which role(s) you are willing to serve on the Executive Officer Team
and fill out ONLY the appropriate box. You may appeal your decision only until the nominating committee meeting
to determine candidate eligibility begins. That meeting takes place on April 18, 2015. Appeals must be made in
writing to the director of elections: Jeff Collins. The appeal may be emailed (jeff_collins@deca.org) prior to April
18, 2015 or delivered in person (at the hotel) prior and up until the beginning of the meeting.
I, ________________________, am willing to serve in either the role of President or the role of Vice President,
depending on the voter decision. I understand that due to the selection process every voting delegate will have the
choice to elect all five members of the Officer Team and that based on their decision the roles will be decided.
__________________________________
_____________________________
Signature
Association/Chapter
OR
I, _________________________________, am willing to serve in only the role of President. I understand that due
to the selection process every voting delegate will have the choice to elect all five members of the Officer Team and
that based on their decision the roles will be decided. If they do not give me the highest ranking then I forfeit any
role on the Officer Team.
__________________________________
_____________________________
Signature
Association /Chapter
OR
I, _________________________________, am willing to serve in only the role of Vice President. I understand that
due to the selection process every voting delegate will have the choice to elect all five members of the Officer Team
and that based on their decision the roles will be decided. If I receive the highest ranking, which according to the
bylaws would allot me the role of President, then I forfeit the chance to be President and instead accept the role of
Vice President on the Officer Team.
__________________________________
_____________________________
Signature
Association/Chapter
22
Collegiate DECA Bylaws
Ratified/Revised 2010
23
Bylaws for Collegiate DECA
Ratified/Revised 2010
Bylaw I — Name:
Section 1. The official name of the postsecondary division of DECA shall be Collegiate DECA.
Section 2. Associations, or independent chapters within a territory or equivalent geographical unit outside of the United
States and its territories, will be allowed, if they so choose, to petition for the use of a different “name” for their
association and chapters. Such a petition must be presented in writing to the DECA Inc. Board of Directors at least 30
days prior to their next official meeting.
Bylaw II — Membership:
Section 1. DECA will recognize individual membership in Collegiate DECA only through a chartered association and its
local chapters, or as independent chapters in unchartered territories. Each chartered association will consist of all
Collegiate DECA chapters located within that state, territory or equivalent geographical unit. Each Collegiate DECA
chapter shall consist of individual members.
Section 2. Membership eligibility will be governed by each chartered association. Individual members shall be
recognized as active members or honorary life members.
Section 3. Active members shall be students in postsecondary programs of marketing, merchandising, management,
and/or related fields. An active member must pay dues as established by Collegiate DECA, and may be declared eligible
to hold an executive office, to participate in executive competitive events or programs, to serve as an executive voting
delegate or to otherwise represent his/her association in Executive DECA affairs as may be approved by his/her
association.
Section 4. Honorary life members may be individuals who have made or are making contributions to the field of
marketing or management and to DECA, as may be approved by the Board of Directors of DECA Inc., and shall be
exempt from annual dues.
Section 5. Annual membership dues shall be ten dollars per member and the membership year shall be July 1 to June 30
inclusive.
Bylaw III — Voting Delegates:
Section 1. Collegiate DECA will exercise its membership voting privileges through voting delegates. Each geographical
unit with current membership will be allowed one (1) voting delegate, plus one (1) voting delegate will be allowed to
each chartered association. One hundred (100) additional voting delegates will be apportioned to chartered associations
according to their membership as a percentage of the total DECA membership in this division.
Section 2. Sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting of this division the determination of the apportionment of the
additional voting delegates will be made according to reported membership.
Section 3. Voting delegates will be entitled to individual vote.
24
Bylaw IV — National Officers:
Section 1. Only active members of Collegiate DECA will be eligible for national office in this division. To be eligible
as a candidate to run for national office, he/she must have either a grade point of 2.5 or higher for the two most recent
semesters or a 2.5 or higher accumulative grade point average based on an “A” letter grade being equivalent to 4.0. Must
attain the score necessary for the office desired on the approved National Officer examination, which includes
Parliamentary Procedure and DECA Information; must be holding or have held a chartered association or local chapter
office; and must submit the approved application, photograph, school transcript, resume, and a letter from the state
advisor through a chartered association. If the officer candidate is a member of a chapter that is not part of a chartered
association, a letter from the chapter advisor must be included in their application. The chartered association, or
independent chapter(s) within the same state, territory or equivalent geographical unit, may submit a maximum of two
candidates.
Section 2. Upon confirmation of the requirements identified in Section 1, and following a personal interview with each
candidate, and after considering all other information then available, the nominating committee will submit to the voting
delegates a slate of candidates.
Section 3. Election shall be by written secret ballot. The voting delegates will be allowed to cast a vote in rank order
from 1 to 5 for the candidates they support. A delegate may choose not to select a full slate of candidates. A candidate
will receive points for each vote received: 1st place = 5 points, 2nd place = 4 points, 3rd place = 3 points, 4th place = 2
points, 5th place = 1 point. A candidate must receive at least the number of points that is equal to 51 percent of the voting
delegates voting to qualify for election.
Each candidate will be polled in advance to determine if they are willing to serve as president and/or vice president. The
individual who received the highest number of points that has stated willingness to serve as president shall be elected
president. The next four individuals receiving the highest number of points that have stated willingness to serve as vice
president shall be elected as vice presidents.
Section 4. National officers of Collegiate DECA shall consist of a president and four vice presidents, and will be known
collectively as the National Council of Collegiate DECA. It shall be the duty of the National Council to plan for the
welfare, to represent and to act for this division as occasions may demand.
Section 5. No individual may succeed himself as an officer and no individual may serve as an officer for more than one
division.
Section 6. The National Council may fill by appointment any vacancy occurring in the national officers for the
unexpired term, except the office of president, which shall be filled by the vice president that received the second most
points during the election session in which the current National Council was elected.
Bylaw V — Duties of National Officers:
Section 1. PRESIDENT: It shall be the duty of the president of Collegiate DECA to preside at all meetings of this
division; to make all necessary committee appointments including the designation of committee chairperson; to develop
with his/her National Council a Program of Work for his/her term of office; and to make himself/herself available, as
necessary, in promoting the general welfare of DECA.
Section 2. VICE PRESIDENT: It shall be the duty of each vice president to serve this division in any capacity as
directed by the president; to promote the growth and development of DECA in accordance with the Program of Work
during his/her term of office; and to make himself/herself available, as necessary, in promoting the general welfare of
DECA.
Bylaw VI — Amendments:
Section 1. To amend these bylaws, the proposed amendments must be presented in writing by the chartered association
proposing the amendment to all chartered associations of DECA and the division president at least sixty (60) days prior
to the annual conference of this division. The president must then present the proposed amendment, together with the
actions recommended by this National Council, to the Board of Directors of DECA Inc. If approved by the Board of
Directors, the proposed amendment will be presented at the next scheduled annual business meeting of this division, and
may be adopted by two-thirds majority approval of the voting delegates present at this division meeting. If adopted, the
amendment will take effect upon the adjournment of the annual conference in which approval is granted.
25
PLANNED CAMPAIGN BUDGET
A campaign budget is a basic budget including all expenditures you anticipate as well as all the revenues you are
counting on. The revenues should also include in-kind donations. NOTE: This budget should be as specific as
possible excluding travel costs for your campaign team.
When surveying elected executive officers over the past several years the amount spent on the campaign ranges
from $160-$980 with an average of around $500. Some elected officers (including at least one current officer) have
also spent ZERO dollars out-of-pocket, successfully raising funds to cover costs, receiving give-away items as inkind donations, etc. Below you will find two budgets for officer campaign budgets from recent years. For more
information on campaign costs and ideas please contact one or more executive officers. They can be contacted via
email at http://www.deca.org/about/8/.
A finalized campaign budget must be submitted at the Officer Candidate Orientation on April 18,
2015, along with samples of all campaign giveaways and printed materials.
Sample One
Expenses
Fliers
Banner
Promotional Pencils
Decorations for Booth
Blazer
Total Expenses
Funding
Chapter Support
Fundraising
Donation (Banner)
Total Funding
$200
$175
$300
$50
$100
$825
$300
$350
$175
$825
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
0.00
Sample Two
Expenditure
Quantity
Description
Printing
675
1,000
700
3
1
brochures
business cards
pens
posters
booth fee
misc supplies
Giveaways
Booth
TOTAL EXPENSES
$926.36
Revenue
Description
Donations
Personal
State Association DECA
Out-of pocket
TOTAL REVENUE
Cost
$181.50
39.00
282.54
307.59
100.00
15.73
Income
$498.60
427.76
$926.36
26
GOOD LUCK FROM THE
2014-2015 DECA OFFICER TEAMS!
Collegiate DECA Division
President:
Vice President:
Vice President:
Vice President
Vice President:
Johnnie Hubbard III, Florida
Jared Broad, Utah
Matt Witzgall, Massachusetts
Holly Norris, Texas
Daryll Morgan, Virginia
DECA High School Division
President:
Central Region Vice President:
North Atlantic Region Vice President:
Southern Region Vice President:
Western Region Vice President
Zack Schaja, Florida
Robert Mitchals, New Jersey
Juan Sanchez, Pennsylvania
Amar Hodzic, North Carolina
Kyle Kuo, Arizona
Don’t forget to check out the Web sites, www.DECA.org and www.collegiatedeca.org, the Collegiate
DECA GUIDE, and Robert’s Rules of Order for additional reference!
We’re looking forward to seeing you in Orlando, Florida!!
27