PREAMBLE

ARTICLE I: NAME AND MOTTO

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

1. TO PROMOTE UNITY, COOPERATION, SOCIO-CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL ASPIRATIONS AMONG AFRICAN STUDENTS AT W.V.U.

2. TO ORGANIZE AND IMPLEMENT VARIOUS PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES TO EDUCATE ITS MEMBERS AND THE W.V.U COMMUNITY AND ITS ENVIRONS ABOUT ISSUES CONCERNING THE AFRICAN CONTINENT AND ITS DIASPORA.

3. TO IDENTIFY THE NEEDS OF AFRICAN STUDENTS AT W.V.U, AND ASSIST IN OFFERING HELP TO MEET THESE NEEDS.

4. TO ASSIST ITS MEMBERS TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH AMERICAN CULTURES AND EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.

5. TO COOPERATE AND SPONSOR ACTIVITIES WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS ON CAMPUS, AND ESTABLISH RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

6. TO PRESENT ITS VIEWS TO THE UNIVERSITY AND THE COMMUNITY WHERE LEGITIMATE CONCERNS OF THE AFRICAN STUDENTS ARE ADDRESSED
 

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE OPEN TO ALL PERSONS WITH AN INTEREST IN THE A.S.A, IRRESPECTIVE OF RACE, COLOR, SEX, AGE, RELIGION, IDEOLOGY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR HANDICAP. THERE SHALL BE THREE TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP: REGULAR MEMBERS, ASSOCIATE MEMBERS, AND HONORARY MEMBERS. ONLY REGULAR MEMBERS CAN VOTE. REGULAR MEMBERS CAN HELD AN EXECUTIVE POSITION ONLY AFTER ONE FULL SEMESTER (FALL OR SPRING) OF PARTICIPATION IN THE AFRICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION.
 

1. REGULAR MEMBERSHIP SHALL CONSIST OF ANY W.V.U PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME, UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE DUES PAYING STUDENTS.

2. ASSOCIATIVE MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE CONFERRED UPON APPLICATION, OR REQUEST TO THE PERSONS WHO ARE NOT W.V.U STUDENTS, BUT WHO HAVE SHOWN GENUINE INTEREST IN THE A.S.A.

3. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP SHALL BE OPEN TO FORMER MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION UPON DEPARTURE OR GRADUATION FROM W.V.U., AND TO THE PERSONS WHO SUPPORTED THE AFRICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION WITH OUTSTANDING SERVICES AS DETERMINED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
 

ARTICLE IV: STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION

1. THE ASSOCIATION SHALL BE COMPOSED OF:
 
(I) THE GENERAL BODY: THE GENERAL BODY SHALL CONSIST OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION, AND

(II) THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL: THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHALL BE COMPOSED OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS, DULY ELECTED AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM):

A. PRESIDENT
B. VICE-PRESIDENT
C. SECRETARY
D. TREASURER
E. EDUCATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
F. SOCIAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

2. AN ADVISOR SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GENERAL BODY AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
 

ARTICLE V: FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I. THE GENERAL BODY:

A. SHALL ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS OF THE ASSOCIATION
B. SHALL ATTEND GENERAL MEETINGS CONVENED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
C. SHALL ACT ACCORDING TO ARTICLES OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE AFRICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION (A.S.A)
D. SHALL DISCUSS AND ADOPT AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH ACADEMIC SEMESTER A TENTATIVE PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES.
 

A. SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANIZING AND COORDINATING ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION
B. SHALL PRESENT TO THE GENERAL BODY AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH ACADEMIC SEMESTER A TENTATIVE PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES
C. SHALL SEEK THE ADVICE AND COUNSEL OF THE ADVISOR REGARDING MATTERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
D. SHALL ABIDE BY AND ENFORCE THE GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION
 

A. PRESIDENT:
1. SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONVENING AND PRESIDING AT ALL GENERAL AND EXECUTIVE MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION

2. SHALL BE THE OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE AND CHIEF SPOKESPERSON FOR THE ASSOCIATION

3. SHALL DIRECT AND COORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

4. SHALL CREATE SPECIAL AND AD-HOC COMMITTEES DEEMED NECESSARY IN CARRYING OUT HIS/HER CONSTITUTIONAL DUTIES

5. MAY DELEGATE ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION IN RELATION TO THE AFFAIRS OF THE AFRICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION
 

B. VICE-PRESIDENT:
 
1. SHALL ASSUME ALL THE DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PRESIDENT

2. SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES RELATED TO NEW MEMBERSHIP

3. SHALL SERVE AS THE ASSOCIATION'S REPRESENTATIVE TO ANY STUDENT ORGANIZATION AT W.V.U, AND INFORM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND GENERAL BODY OF THE ASSOCIATION ABOUT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

4. SHALL BE THE CHIEF ORGANIZER AND THE OVERSEER OF THE A.S.A ARCHIVES (AT THE CENTER FOR BLACK CULTURE AND RESEARCH AND/OR THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICE IN E.MOORE HALL)

5. SHALL MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH ALUMNI OF THE A.S.A.
 

C. SECRETARY:
 
1. SHALL KEEP RECORDS AND HANDLE ALL OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE.

2. SHALL KEEP THE PROCEEDINGS OF ALL GENERAL AND EXECUTIVE MEETINGS.

3. SHALL BE A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
 

D. TREASURER:
1. SHALL COLLECT AND KEEP ACCOUNT OF ALL MONETARY TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

2. SHALL PRESENT A REPORT OF THE FINANCIAL STANDING OF THE ASSOCIATION AT THE BEGINNING AND AT THE END OF EVERY SEMESTER. THIS REPORT SHALL BE IN THE FORMAT OF A REGULARLY BALANCED CHECKBOOK, ENTERING DEPOSITS AND WITHDRAWALS IN A SUBSEQUENT ORDER.

3. SHALL MAKE PERIODIC REPORTS AS NEED ARISES.

4. SHALL CO-SIGN WITH PRESIDENT TO AUTHORIZE BANK WITHDRAWALS AND FUNDS DISBURSEMENTS.

5. SHALL BE CHAIRPERSON OF THE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE.
 

E. EDUCATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER:
 
1. SHALL CHAIR ALL MEETINGS OF THE EDUCATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.

2. SHALL RECRUIT MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION TO WORK ON THE EDUCATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.

3. SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR COORDINATING ALL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE EDUCATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
 

F. SOCIAL AFFAIRS OFFICER:
 
1. SHALL CHAIR ALL MEETINGS OF THE SOCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.

2. SHALL RECRUIT MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION TO WORK ON THE SOCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.

3. SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANIZING AND COORDINATING ALL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE SOCIAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.
 

IV. COMMITTEES:

A. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE:
 
1. SHALL CONSIST OF THE TREASURER, WHO SHALL ALSO BE ITS CHAIRPERSON, THE EDUCATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS OFFICERS, AND AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE GENERAL BODY.

2. THE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE SHALL OVERSEE THE OVERALL FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION.

3. SHALL ENSURE THE TREASURER TABLE FINANCIAL REPORTS FOLLOWING THE FORMAT OF A REGULARLY BALANCED CHECKBOOK 4. SHALL ENSURE THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT IS PRESENTED TO THE GENERAL BODY ON NOMINATION DAY AND IS PRESENTED AND ADOPTED ON ELECTION DAY.

5. SHALL HELP TO COLLECT DUES FROM MEMBERS
 

1. SHALL CONSIST OF AN ELECTED OFFICER, THE SECRETARY OF THE ASSOCIATION, AND MEMBERS FROM THE GENERAL BODY.

2. SHALL PROVIDE BOTH THE CONTINUING AND NEW AFRICAN STUDENTS SERVICES CALCULATED TO ENHANCE THEIR APPRECIATION OF THE STUDENT LIFE AT W.V.U.

3. AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SEMESTER, IT SHALL USE ALL FACILITIES AND TOOLS AVAILABLE TO IT TO HELP ORIENTATE THE INCOMING AFRICAN STUDENTS.

4. IT SHALL ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN TUTORING SERVICES AS WELL AS COUNSELLING FOR THOSE MEMBERS WHO NEED SUCH SERVICES.

5. SHALL ORGANIZE AND COORDINATE SEMINARS, SYMPOSIUMS, AND DISCUSSION PANELS TO HELP DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ON CONDITIONS AND ISSUES CONCERNING AFRICA, AND ABOUT THE AFRICAN DIASPORA.

6. SHALL KEEP REGULAR CONTACT WITH THE AFRICAN DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS REGARDING PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION, AND SHALL SOLLICITE ASSISTANCE FROM THE MISSIONS AS NEED ARISES.
 

1. SHALL CONSIST OF AN ELECTED OFFICER AND MEMBERS OF THE AFRICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION.

2. SHALL ARRANGE FOR SUCH SERVICES TO ALEVIATE THE CULTURE ALIENATION THAT MANY AFRICAN STUDENTS EXPERIENCE AS A RESULT OF LIVING IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY. THE COMMITTEE SHALL SEEK TO BRIDGE THIS GAP BY:

(i) ORGANIZING AND PUBLICIZING SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE GOOD RELATIONS AMONG MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION, AND WITH THE W.V.U COMMUNITY.

(ii) SPONSORING AND ENCOURAGING ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS AND/OR ACTIVITIES.

(iii) PARTICIPATING IN SUCH TRADITIONAL CAMPUS FAIRS AS THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AND THE LIKE.

(iv) ESTABLISHING A FUND TO AID THOSE MEMBERS WHO ARE FACED WITH FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS.
 

V. ADVISOR:

1. SHALL BE A MEMBER OF THE W.V.U FACULTY OR STAFF.

2. SHALL ADVISE AND COUNSEL THE ASSOCIATION REGARDING ITS GENERAL AFFAIRS.

3. SHALL ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

4. SHALL COOPERATE WITH THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE IN ORGANIZING ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

5. SHALL ASSIST IN SETTLING ANY CONFLICTS OR ARGUMENTS AMONG MEMBERS, OR WITH THE MORGANTOWN COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
 

ARTICLE VI: ELECTIONS

1. NOMINEES MUST BE DUES PAYING MEMBERS OF THE A.S.A FOR AT LEAST ONE FULL SEMESTER (FALL OR SPRING).

2. NOMINEES MUST HAVE AT LEAST A 2.00 CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE AT THE TIME OF ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT, AND MAY NOT BE ON ACADEMIC OR DISCIPLINARY PROBATION DURING THEIR TERM OF OFFICE.

3. ELECTIONS SHALL BE HELD IN THE SECOND WEEK OF APRIL, AND THE FIRST WEEK SHALL BE SET FOR NOMINATIONS. THIS IS IN VIEW OF POTENTIAL CLASHES WITH EXAM SCHEDULES, GRADUATION, BENDIYA/JOY OF UNITY FUNDRAISING ACTIVITY, AND EASTER HOLIDAY

4. PARTIAL ELECTIONS SHALL BE HELD AT THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING IN CASE OF RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF OFFICERS.

5. ELECTIONS SHALL BE CONDUCTED BY A COMMITTEE ELECTED BY THE GENERAL BODY. ANY MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION MAY SERVE ON THIS COMMITTEE. MEMBERS OF THIS ELECTIONS COMMITTEE MAY NOT VOTE.

6. ALL NOMINATIONS OR DECLARATIONS OF INTENT TO CONTEST FOR ELECTIONS SHALL BE MADE IN A GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION, OR MADE IN WRITING AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE ELECTIONS.

7. VOTING SHALL BE BY SECRET BALLOT AND SHALL BE OPEN TO ONLY REGULAR (DUES PAYING) MEMBERS.

8. ALL BALLOTS SHALL BE COUNTED BY THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ADVISOR FOLLOWING THE VOTING PROCESS.

9. RESULTS SHALL BE ANNOUNCED PRIOR TO THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING.

10. NEWLY ELECTED OFFICERS SHALL ASSUME THEIR RESPECTIVE CONSTITUTIONAL DUTIES ON THE THIRD WEEK OF MAY DURING THE SPRING SEMESTER. ALL MATERIALS SHALL BE HANDED OVER, AND SHALL INCLUDE FINANCIAL REPORTS, CHECKBOOKS, AND PROGRESS REPORTS FROM ALL COMMITTEES.

11. ALL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS SHALL BE ELECTED FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR COMMENCING IN THE SPRING SEMESTER.

12. ALL ELECTED OFFICERS MAY BE RE-ELECTED FOR ONLY ONE ADDITIONAL TERM. THOSE ELECTED OFFICERS INTERESTED IN CONTESTING IN SUBSEQUENT ELECTIONS MUST RESIGN FROM THEIR POSITION ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE ELECTIONS.

13. CALENDER OF EVENTS SHALL COINCIDE WITH ELECTIONS AND ASSUMPTION OF DUTY OF THE INCOMING OFFICERS.

14. AN ADVISOR SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GENERAL BODY.
 

ARTICLE VII: RESIGNATION AND REMOVAL

1. ANY ELECTED OFFICER OF THE A.S.A., EXCEPT THE PRESIDENT AND THE TREASURER, MAY RESIGN FROM HIS/HER POSITION AT ANY GIVEN TIME AFTER SENDING A LETTER OF EXPLANATION TO THE PRESIDENT AND/OR THE ADVISOR.

2. THIS RESIGNATION BECOMES EFFECTIVE AT THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING WHEN A NEW OFFICER GETS ELECTED BY THE GENERAL BODY TO FILL THE POSITION.

3. BEFORE THEY MAY RESIGN, THE PRESIDENT AND/OR THE TREASURER SHALL SEND A LETTER OF EXPLANATION TO THE ADVISOR AND PRODUCE A FINANCIAL STATEMENT TO BE ADOPTED AT A GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION. IN THIS INSTANCE, THE PRESIDENT MAY CALL FOR AN EXTRAORDINARY MEETING.

4. WITH THE CASES OF POOR LEADERSHIP OR FLAGRANT VIOLATION OF THE A.S.A CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS, TWO-THIRDS OF THE REGULAR MEMBERS MAY SIGN A PETITION REQUIRING THE REMOVAL OF ONE OR ALL ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICERS. IN SUCH A SITUATION, THE A.S.A. ADVISOR AND THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ADVISOR SHALL ALSO BE PROVIDED WITH COPIES OF THE LIST OF SIGNATURES. ON RECEIPT OF SIGNATURES, THE TWO ADVISORS SHALL CONVENE A MEETING WITH THE GENERAL BODY IN WHICH THE REMOVAL OF THE OFFICER(S) SHALL BE DISCUSSED.
 

ARTICLE VIII: DUES

1. REGULAR MEMBERSHIP DUES SHALL BE $10.00 (TEN DOLLARS) --SUBJECT TO CHANGE-- A FULL SEMESTER (FALL OR SPRING).

2. DUES MUST BE PAID BY THE END OF FOUR WEEKS OF CLASSES.

3. FEES FOR SPECIAL PROGRAMS SHALL BE DECIDED BY THE GENERAL BODY.
 

ARTICLE IX: ACCOUNTS AND EXPENDITURE

1. THE AFRICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION SHALL HAVE TWO ACCOUNTS: A CHECKING ACCOUNT OR "REGULAR ACCOUNT," AND A SAVINGS ACCOUNT ALSO REFERRED TO AS THE "A.S.A EMERGENCY FUND."

2. THE CHECKING ACCOUNT SHALL BE USED TO SPONSOR ALL THE ACTIVITIES MENTIONED IN THE FALL AND/OR SPRING OFFICIALLY ADOPTED CALENDER OF EVENTS. SPENDINGS FOR SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES SHALL BE A MAXIMUM OF A HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100).

3. THE SAVINGS ACCOUNT, OR "EMERGENCY FUND," SHALL BE USED TO SUPPORT A.S.A MEMBERS IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS ONLY:
 

A. FIFTY DOLLARS ($50) DONATION TO MEMBERS AFFECTED BY THE LOSS OF A DIRECT RELATIVE (IMMEDIATE FAMILY)

B. FIFTY DOLLARS ($50) DONATION TO MEMBERS WHOSE HEALTH CONDITION HAS REQUIRED HOSPITALIZATION FOR SEVERAL DAYS

C. ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100) DONATION TO MEMBERS AFFECTED BY MAJOR FIRE ACCIDENTS, FLOOD, AND SIMILAR DISASTERS

D. IF NECESSARY, CONTRIBUTION OF THE TOTAL FUND, LESS FIFTY DOLLARS (-$50), TO HELP REPATRIATE THE BODY OF A DECEASED A.S.A MEMBER, OR WITH HIS/HER FUNERALS

E. A MAXIMUM OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100) PER FUNRAISING ACTIVITY MAY BE BORROWED FROM THE "EMERGENCY FUND" IF SUCH AN ACTIVITY IS UNDERTAKEN BY A.S.A MEMBERS WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE GENERAL BODY. THESE MEMBERS MUST ORGANIZE THEMSELVES AND FUNCTION AS A AD-HOC COMMITTEE OF THE A.S.A. THE MONEY BORROWED SHALL BE REIMBURSED THE WEEK FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING ACTIVITY.
 

ARTCLE X: GRADUATING MEMBERS AND ALUMNI

THE A.S.A SHALL KEEP RECORDS AND INFORMATION ON ALUMNI AND GRADUATING MEMBERS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE CREATION OF A NETWORK OF RESOURCE PERSONS. THE VICE-PRESIDENT SHALL OVERSEE THIS ACTION.
 

ARTICLE XI: QUORUM

1. ONE-THIRD OF THE REGISTERED MEMBERS SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM AT A GENERAL MEETING.

2. TWO-THIRDS OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM AT AN EXECUTIVE MEETING.
 

ARTICLE XII: RULES

1. ROBERT'S RULES SHALL BE THE AUTHORITY FOR ALL MEETINGS OF THE AFRICAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION.

2. THE ASSOCIATION AND ITS MEMBERS WILL ADHERE TO THE W.V.U CODE OF STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
 

ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS

1. THE CONSTITUTION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO AMENDMENTS AT THE GENERAL MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

2. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS SHALL BE CARRIED WITH THE APPROVAL OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE REGULAR MEMBERS AT THE MEETING.

3. ASSOCIATIVE MEMBERS AND HONORARY MEMBERS DO NOT HAVE A VOTE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, BUT MAY PROPOSE AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION IF SUPPORTED BY THREE REGULAR (DUES PAYING) MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
 

W.V.U - A.S.A

Last Update : Spring 2005
 

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