Western Illinois University

Department of Health Sciences and Social Work

 

Social Work Student Association Constitution

 Revised November 18, 2015

Article I

(Name)

The name of this organization shall be known as the Social Work Student Association. The organization is a student organization in the department of Social Work at Western Illinois University.

Article II

(Objectives)

The objectives of this organization shall be:

a.    To promote interest in volunteer service to the community.

b.    To broaden students' understanding of the range of services provided by social
workers.

c.    To promote positive relations between students and faculty of Western Illinois
University and social service agencies in the community.

d.    To provide a forum for the free exchange of ideas which might benefit the
department of social work, the university, and/or the community.

Article III

(Membership)

1. 1. Any student at Western Illinois University is eligible to be an active member, but only Social Work majors may hold office.
   2. Non-students may act as associate members but may not vote or hold office.
   3. Criteria for active membership shall be as follows:

a.    Enrolled as a social work major. Non-social work major students/pre-social work majors may also be enrolled and will be allowed to participate.

b.    Payment of semi-annual dues as determined by the membership at the first
meeting of each semester.

c.     A commitment to voluntary community service, which includes a minimum of five hours of participation in this organization's volunteer activities per semester.

d.   Members must meet full membership criteria before officers will sign volunteer hours.

By-Laws

1. Duties of officers

a. President

i.         Presides over meetings

ii.       Prepares agendas

iii.       Meets with representatives of social service agencies in the community as appropriate

 

iv.       Coordinates decision making

v.       Works closely with the advisor throughout the year

 

b.   Vice President

i.          Presides over meetings in the absence of the president

ii.        Institutes constitutional changes

iii.       Organizes and oversees committees as needed

iv.       Reads the constitution at the first meeting

v.       Arranges for guest speakers

c.    Secretary

i.         Keeps a record of membership and attendance

ii.       Takes minutes at the meeting and distributes them to the members

iii.       Ensures that all new members receive a copy of necessary information

d.   Treasurer

i.          Keeps financial records

ii.         Collects dues

iii.        Monitors spending and collections during fundraising activities

iv.         Pays bills and organizes fundraisers

2.    Meetings

a.   Meetings for this organization will be open to all active and active associate members,
faculty, and student program representatives. Notice of the first meeting of the
semester will be posted two weeks prior. Dates and times of subsequent
meetings will be posted at least one week prior to the meeting.

b.    The Executive Board may call special meetings. Notice will be given to the
membership at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

3.   Faculty Advisor

           a.  The members of the organization will decide upon candidate faculty advisors. A simple majority is necessary for acceptance. A quorum need not be  present for this vote.

b.   Shall attend meetings as needed

c.    Oversees all functions and fundraisers

d.    Works with officers on projects involving outside social service agencies

4.   Reading of the constitution

a.   The constitution of this organization will be presented to the members during
the first meeting of each semester.

b.    Students will receive a copy of this constitution upon becoming a member
when requested.

c.    This constitution will be available on the social work office website for viewing by the
general public.

Article IV

(Officers)

1. Election of officers

a.   The officers of this organization shall be president, vice president, secretary,
and treasurer.

b.    Officers will be pre-social work or social work majors and be elected by
written ballot, with each active member casting a vote. A majority of voters will
constitute a victory.

c.     Nominations for office will be accepted at the second to last meeting of the
semester. A candidate for office shall have been a member of the organization
for at least one semester prior to their nomination

d.   Election of officers will take place at the last meeting of the semester.

e.    Officers will assume office for the period of one year. If an officer is unable to
fulfill their duties throughout the entire course of the year then they shall
resign and a new election will take place for that position.

2. Recall of officers

a.   Officers are subject to recall for malfeasance in the office.

b.   Recall procedures will be initiated at the request of 6 active members.

c.    A hearing will be conducted at a regular meeting. Notice will be given to the
entire membership two weeks prior to the hearing date.

d.    The hearing will be presided over by a committee of three members of the
organization who are not directly involved in the recall.   The committee will
include a chair, recording secretary, and liaison.

i.         Chair : Maintains order and directs proceedings
ii.       Recording secretary: Keeps a written record of the proceedings and prepares a formal report

ill.      Liaison: Provide a source of communication between the parties and the committee in an effort to assure due process

e.    At the end of evidence presentation an anonymous written vote will be called. A
quorum must be present at the time of voting. A simple majority of those active
members voting is necessary to remove any officer.

Article V

(Voting)

1.  This constitution and by-laws may be amended by a majority vote of those voting. A quorum, or 2/3rds of the members, must be present for all constitutional issues. The proposed amendment shall be provided in writing to all members of the organization.

2.  Voting on amendments requires two-week notice to the membership.

3.  Approved amendments will become effective upon acceptance and approval of the

Social Work Student Association, the Council on Student Welfare, and the Vice

President for Student Services.

4.  All other business brought to the organization will be passed by a simple majority

vote.   Motions involving the election of officers or expenditure exceeding $150.00

require a quorum to be present.

Article VI

(Not-for-profit Statement)

This is a not-for-profit organization. Fundraisers are conducted to finance benevolent and service related activities.

Article VH

(Statement of Non-discrimination)

This organization shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or veteran status.  This policy will include, but not limited to recruiting, membership, organization activities, or opportunities to hold office.