Top Navigation

Side Navigation

S.W.S.A. Constitution

Western Illinois University
Department of Social Work

Social Work Student Association
 Constitution

Revised September 22, 2008

 

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:

  1. To promote interest in volunteer service to the community.
  2. To broaden students' understanding of the range of services provided by social workers.
  3. To promote positive relations between students and faculty of Western Illinois University and social service agencies in the community.
  4. 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. 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:
    1. 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 in accordance with section III.2. of this article.
    2. Payment of semi-annual dues as determined by the membership at the first meeting of each semester. 
    3. A commitment to voluntary community service. 

By-Laws

  1. Duties of officers
    1. President
      1. Presides over meetings
      2. Prepares agendas
      3. Meets with representatives of social service agencies in the community as appropriate
      4. Arranges for guest speakers
      5. Coordinates decision making
      6. Works closely with the advisor throughout the year
    2. Vice President
      1. Presides over meetings in the absence of the president
      2. Institutes constitutional changes
      3. Organizes and oversees committees as needed
      4. Reads the constitution at the first meeting
    3. Secretary
      1. Keeps a record of membership and attendance
      2. Takes minutes at the meeting and distributes them to the members
      3. Ensures that all new members receive a copy of necessary information (i.e. constitution, minutes, etc.)
    4. Treasurer
      1. Keeps financial records
      2. Collects dues
      3. Monitors spending and collections during fundraising activities
      4. Pays bills and organizes fundraisers
  2. Meetings
    1. Meetings for this organization will be open to all active and 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.
    2. 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
    1. Shall attend meetings as needed
    2. Oversees all functions and fundraisers
    3. Works with officers on projects involving outside social service agencies

    4. 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.

  4. Reading of the constitution
    1. The constitution of this organization will be presented to the members during the first meeting of each semester.
    2. Each student will receive a copy of this constitution upon becoming a member and paying dues.
    3. This constitution will be available in the social work office for viewing by the general public.


 Article IV
(Officers)

  1. Election of officers
    1. The officers of this organization shall be president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.
    2. Officers will Social Work majors and be elected by written ballot, with each active member casting a vote.  A majority of voters will constitute a victory.
    3. 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
    4. Election of officers will take place at the last meeting of the semester.
    5. 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
    1. Officers are subject to recall for malfeasance in the office.
    2. Recall procedures will be initiated at the request of 6 active members.
    3. A hearing will be conducted at a regular meeting.  Notice will be given to the entire membership two weeks prior to the hearing date.
    4. 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.
      1. Chair: Maintains order and directs proceedings
      2. Recording secretary: Keeps a written record of the proceedings and prepares a formal report
      3. Liaison: Provide a source of communication between the parties and the committee in an effort to assure due process
    5. 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 VII
(Statement of Non-discrimination)

This organization will not discriminate on the basis of age, color, ethnicity, gender, national origin, disability or handicap, race, religion, sexual orientation, or Vietnam Era status.  This policy will include but is not limited to recruiting, membership, organization activities, or opportunities to hold office.

Article VIII
(Financial Obligation)

A majority of the voting members of this organization may determine reasonable dues and fees assess to each member at the beginning of each semester. Until the membership dues are paid, a member will be considered an associate member and will not be able to utilize the privileges of full membership.

Article IX
(Statement of Non-Hazing)

This organization will not conspire to engage in hazing, participate in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation, or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or person attending the institution.

Article X
(Statement of Compliance with Campus Regulations)

This organization will comply with all university and campus policies and regulations, and local, state, and federal laws.