Constitution of the MSUBDC

Article I - Name

The name of this organization shall be the Mississippi State University Ballroom Dance Club (hereafter known as "MSUBDC").

Article II - Purpose

The purpose of the MSUBDC is the provide, advance, and encourage the opportunity to learn and to practice the fine art of ballroom dancing at Mississippi State University.

Article III - Location & Government

The location of this organization shall be Mississippi State University.

This organization shall by governed by this Constitution.

Article IV - Membership

A. Membership categories shall be the following:

Full Membership: All Mississippi State University undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for full membership.

Adjunct Membership: All others (faculty, staff, and the general public) are eligible for adjunct membership. Adjunct members will not have the privelege to vote or to hold office.

B. Requirements:

Membership shall be open to everyone. Membership shall be established and continued by paying annual membership dues and by abiding the MSUBDC rules. Members in good standing shall be entitled to attend all events organized by the club and shall be entitled to vote in club elections and general membership meetings. Most events shall require the payment of additional fees.

For the purposes of setting club fees and imposing any necessary limitations on the club's size, membership priority shall be (1) students, (2) alumni, university faculty and staff, and (3) the general public.

Honorary members shall be formally recognized by the Executive Board as members who have made a significant contribution to the club. Honorary members shall be exempt from paying club dues.

Article V - Officers

A. Elected Officers:

The governing body of the club shall be the Executive Board of Officers. Every September, the Club shall elect four volunteer club members to represent the club as officers for a one year term. The club shall elect its Executive Board of Officers, who shall be the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

B. Duties & Powers of Officers:

President: The President shall be responsible for calling and conducting meetings, setting meeting agendas, calling votes on club proposals when appropriate, ensuring that the club members are kept fully apprised of all Board decisions, and overseeing all other Board functions. The President shall be responsible for all correspondence of club business and he/she shall also represent the club in official matters when necessary. The President shall be a student at Mississippi State University and shall have served one year on the Executive Board prior to running for office. A member can serve as President for no more than two consecutive years.

Vice President: The Vice President shall assist the President with the President's responsibilities and shall preside in meetings in the President's absence. The Vice President shall be a student at Mississippi State University and must be a member of the club to run for office.

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be responsible for all of the club's financial accounting and budgeting, including recording club income and expenses and presenting regular financial summaries to the members. The Treasurer must be a member of the club to run for office.

Secretary: The Secretary shall be responsible for taking minutes at all Board meetings and making the minutes available to the members, updating contact information for members, announcing upcoming meetings, and maintaining various club documents. The Secretary must be a member of the club to run for office.

C. Advisor:

The advisor of the Mississippi State University Ballroom Dance Club shall be a member of the faculty or staff at Mississippi State University. The advisor will not have a vote.

Article VI - Meetings & Elections

Officer elections shall be held in September. Members will be notified of candidates at least two weeks prior to the election. General meetings will also be listed in teh Ballroom Dance Club's calendar. All full members have the right to vote at all general meetings of the club. Each full member may have one vote on all matters. All full members have the right to run for office. Officers may be elected only by a majority vote of present voting members.

Article VII - Dues & Assessments

Dues and assessments will be determined by the Executive Board. All financial transactions must be approved by the advisor and must be signed by the President and the Treasurer.

Article VIII - Amending Procedure

A. Constitution:

Amendments to this Constitution shall be proposed in writing at least two weeks prior to the time they are to be voted upon.

Adoption of amendments shall be made by a 3/4 vote of the total membership.

B. Bylaws:

Bylaws can be amended at any time by the Executive Board.

Article IX - Revision

Revision of this Constitution shall be undertaken only if a motion of revision is approved by a 3/4 vote of the total members.

If such revision is approved, a committee appointed by the President of the club shall undertake it. The President shall appoint a member to serve as a chairman of the revision committee.

Article X - Non-Discrimination Clause

The Mississippi State University Ballroom Dance Club does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, handicap/disability, or veteran status.

Amendments to the Constitution

Amendment I

Officer elections shall be held in April prior to the academic year in which the newly elected officers shall serve. After elected in April, the new officers shall assist the presiding officers in preparation for assuming office in August.

Bylaws of the MSUBDC

(1) New Directorships can be appointed by the President when deemed necessary. The President can disassemble a Directorship when deemed necessary.

(2) The Executive Board is exempt from semester dues while in office. Officers that have held office for two years (or four semesters) are entitled to free lifetime membership.

(3) Any member who instructs dance lessons is exempt from semester dues while serving as an instructor. Any member who instructs dance lessons for two years (or four semesters) is entitled to free lifetime membership.