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BYLAWS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL
ENGINEERS
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
(Revised March 2006)
ARTICLE I - NAME OF ORGANIZATION
The name of this organization shall be the “Student Chapter
of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers at the University of
Florida” and shall hereafter be referred to as “UFAIChE” in the
Bylaws.
ARTICLE II - MEETINGS
Section 1: First General Body Meeting of Each Semester
The first meeting of each semester shall include, but not limited
to, statements:
By the President:
1. Reading of the Preamble and Objectives as stated in the UFAIChE
Constitution,
2. List of planned activities and events,
3. Current qualifications for active member status, and
4. Notification of projected meetings dates.
By the Vice President:
1. Review any changes in policies and procedures in the
organization’s operations from the previous semester due to changes
in the UFAIChE Constitution and/or Bylaws, and
2. Explain amendment procedure to the Bylaws or Constitution.
3. Means of finding information about the organization.
By the Treasurer:
1. Current financial status,
2. Projected financial capacity for the current semester.
Section 2: Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of the general assembly of the UFAIChE shall be
held during regular semester sessions. All meetings shall be held at
a time and place designated by the President.
Meetings shall be given proper public notification to the student
body of interest, and the members of the organization.
Section 3: Special Meetings
The president shall call special meetings of the UFAIChE for the
specific purpose of transacting business which cannot await action
for a regularly scheduled meeting, or upon written request of
one-fifth of the members of UFAIChE.
Section 4: Meetings of Constituent Organizations and Committees
Constituent organizations and committees are discouraged from
holding regularly scheduled meetings at the same time as regularly
scheduled meetings of the AIChE Executive Council and/or General
Body.
Section 5: Executive Council Meetings
There shall be an Executive Council meeting before the first General
Body meeting of each semester.
Executive Council meetings shall last a minimum of thirty (30)
minutes.
Officers that attend the Executive Council meetings are required to
bring all information to the meetings and shall be prepared to
update the Council.
ARTICLE III - GOVERNMENT (VOTING)
Section 1: Vote of all non—officer members
Each shall have one vote in each transaction of business of the
General Body. In the event that the voting member is absent, that
member shall have been considered to have abstained in the voting.
In the event a clear majority is not reached, voting shall take
place by secret ballot.
Section 2: Vote of Executive Officers
Each shall have one vote in each transaction of business in the
General Body and the Executive Council, except for the President as
regulated in Article III Section 4, and the Constitution and Bylaws
Chairperson as regulated in Article III Section 5. In the event that
the voting member is absent, that member shall have been considered
to have abstained in the voting. In the event a clear majority is
not reached, voting shall take place by secret ballot.
Section 3: Quorum of Voting Members
A quorum for any UFAIChE meeting is a simple majority as defined by
Robert’s Rules of Order (Newly Revised). A quorum of the voting
members of the UFAIChE shall be necessary for the transaction of any
business of the UFAIChE unless otherwise provided in the
Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 4: Vote of the President/Presiding Officer
The President/presiding officer shall have no vote in any election,
except in the case that they are the candidate of an election, or in
the event of a tie vote as prescribed in Article X Section 2. In
this situation, the president or presiding officer shall be entitled
to one vote.
Section 5: Vote of the Constitution and Bylaws Chairperson
The right to vote in General Body meetings shall be granted to the
Chairperson, but is not given voting privileges in the Executive
Council.
Section 6: Endorsement of Political Parties
The UFAIChE shall not endorse or condone any political party slate
in any election process on the University of Florida campus. There
will be no soliciting of votes by political parties at the general
meetings of the UFAIChE.
No officer of the UFAIChE shall support any political candidate or
party in the name of the organization.
ARTICLE IV — THE UFAIChE MEETING ATTENDANCE
Section 1: Attendance by Members
The members are responsible to make all possible attempts to attend
any and all UFAIChE meetings that are announced (Listserv, posting,
letter, phone call, etc.). In addition, members are expected to be
in attendance at any and all announced meetings for committees on
which these members serve. If a member is unable to attend any of
these meetings, prior notification must be made to all members of
the committee.
Section 2: Penalty for non—attendance per semester by officers
Any officer who acquires three unexcused absences from any meeting
will appear before the Executive Council for Impeachment Review of
the procedures in Article IX Section 2, except as noted in Article
IV Section 3. Otherwise, they will be put on probation for no less
than three months in which one more unexcused absence or abuse of
the guidelines set down by the Executive Council will mandate
automatic dismissal.
Section 3: Exceptions and provisions for attendance
Exception is made for the President and Vice President when
empowered as ex officio members of a committee.
An excused absence is given to officers that are unable to attend
due to a conflict that deals with completing official business of
the office.
ARTICLE V - COMMITTEES
Section 1: Engineering Fair Committee
The Engineering Fair Chairperson shall:
1. Appoint the volunteer members to work on projects deemed
necessary to the successful execution of the office,
2. Report to the UFAIChE President, Vice President and General Body
on the state of Engineering Fair committee,
3. Fully acquaint the incoming Engineering Fair Chairperson on
Engineering Fair activities,
4. Compile a written end-of-term report submitted to the outgoing
President and President-Elect covering all phases of the E&S-Fair
committee’s activities, and
5. Be ex officio member of the Engineering Fair Committee; act as
the Committee Chairperson.
The Engineering Fair Committee shall conduct all business in regard
to the Engineering Fair. The Committee shall operate under the
jurisdiction and guidance of the Executive Council of the UFAIChE
and the rules and regulations of the University governing student
organizations.
The Chairperson shall submit a budget for the upcoming fair
according to the guidelines and deadlines set by the UFAIChE
President and Treasurer.
Section 2: Constitution and Bylaws Committee
1. The Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall be responsible for
all amendments of the Constitution and Bylaws, for reviewing the
Constitution and Bylaws semi-annually to insure compliance with
University rules and regulations, and for ruling on questions
regarding constitutional matters. The Vice President shall serve as
ex officio co— chairperson of this committee.
2. Any qualified student of the College of Engineering can submit,
in writing, a question regarding constitutional matters to the
Constitution and Bylaws Committee. Rulings on constitutional
questions concerning expulsion of a representative or loss of
funding must be presented in a general meeting of the UFAIChE and
approved by a quorum of the voting members of the UFAIChE. The
chairperson of the committee shall notify the originator of the
question, in writing, of the final ruling.
3. The Committee shall consist of three members: the appointed
Chairperson, Vice President (ex officio), and a volunteer student
member of the General Body who is not an officer.
All members of the committee shall have one vote on each agenda
issue.
Section 3: Chemical Car Committee
The Chemical Car Committee Chairperson shall:
1. Appoint the volunteer members to work on projects deemed
necessary to the successful execution of the office,
2. Report to the UFAIChE President, Vice President and general
assembly of the state of Chemical Car Committee when requested,
3. Fully acquaint the incoming Chemical Car Committee with Chemical
Car competition activities,
4. Compile a written end-of-term report submitted to the outgoing
President and President—Elect covering all phases of the Chemical
Car Committee’s activities, and
5. Be ex officio member of the Chemical Car Committee; act as the
Committee Chairperson
The Chemical Car Committee shall conduct all business in regard to
the Chemical Car competition. The Committee shall operate under the
jurisdiction and guidance of the Executive Council of the UFAIChE
and the rules and regulations of the University governing student
organizations.
The Chairperson shall submit a budget for the upcoming fair
according to the guidelines and deadlines set by the UFAIChE
President and Treasurer.
ARTICLE VI - ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE FAIR
The UFAIChE shall participate in the annual Engineering and
Science Fair.
Article VII — CONFERENCE TRAVEL POSITION DETERMINATION
All travelers shall be currently registered students of the
University of Florida.
Section 1: “Limited Positions Available” Situation
If deemed limited availability of positions for travel (less than
eight) by the President and Treasurer, priority to any conference
shall be given in the following order: President, Vice President,
Treasurer, and Chemical Car Chairperson shall have reserved
positions for travel up to one week prior to the Conference
registration deadline. If additional positions are available, then
the Executive Council shall determine what members will be given
priority selection for the available position(s).
Section 2: Not a “Limited Positions Available” Situation
If more than eight positions for travel to a conference are
available, then the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and
Chemical Car Chairperson shall have reserved positions for travel
for up to four weeks prior to travel. All other available positions
shall be given on a “first come, first serve” basis.
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS AND BYLAWS
All proposed amendments and bylaws shall be submitted to the
Constitution and Bylaws Chairperson.
Section 1: Review Phase
Amendments to the UFAIChE Constitution and Bylaws may be proposed by
any member of the UFAIChE. Proposals shall be referred to the
Constitution and Bylaws Committee, which will verify adherence to
the local, state and federal laws, as well as University of Florida
and Student Government rules and guidelines before being presented
to the Executive Council for voting.
Reviewing of proposals shall be executed in a timely manner, and a
summary shall be disclosed to the Executive Council pertaining to
the reasoning for their vote.
In the event the proposal is rejected, the author shall be notified
of the reason for rejection.
Section 2: Authorization and Voting Phase
After proposed amendments are reviewed and accepted by the
Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and passed by the Executive
Council, the proposal shall be read in the next General Body
meeting. Immediately following, a vote shall be held. The amendment
shall be adopted upon approval by a majority vote of the quorum.
Section 3: Precedence and exceptions to precedence.
Section i: Precedence shall be established
Amendments to the Constitution shall have been a practiced Bylaw of
the organization for at least two semesters before being an eligible
amendment to the AIChE Constitution.
Section ii: Exceptions to establishing precedence
If a written statement of approval by the Faculty Advisor is
provided with the necessary procedure of Article XV of the UFAIChE
Constitution, the President may evoke Authorization to temporarily
amend the Constitution in the event that the Constitution is in
violation of University policies.
ARTICLE IX — FINANCIAL REQUESTS
Section 1: The UFAIChE Fiscal Year
A fiscal year shall be defined from July 1 to June 30.
Section 2: Requirements for all requests
Any requests for funding must meet Student Government and/or EEC
qualifications, and must be presented at the UFAIChE meeting
immediately following its passing the Executive Council.
ARTICLE X — REPRESENTATIVES OF THE AIChE IN THE
BEC
Section 1: BEC Representatives
Three BEC Representatives are to be elected, and one of which is to
be appointed to the BEC council by the President. The BEC Council
Representative shall be responsible for attending and representing
the UFAIChE at all EEC Council meetings.
The two remaining representatives shall alternate attendance at the
BEC General Body meetings. The general body representatives shall
submit a schedule of attendance dates to the President.
All BEC Representatives shall seek to help the UFAIChE in
establishing positive relations with the BEC, and inform the
President and General Body of events that help promote the
organization’s Objectives.
All voting shall be made as the representatives deems in the best
interest of the organization.
Section 2: Attendance
BEC Representatives will attend all scheduled and special meetings
as required by BEC. In the event that the meeting can not be
attended, an alternate representative shall be found by the BEC
representative, subject to compliance to BEC and AIChE regulations.
Representatives are responsible for contacting BEC to ensure the
alternate is within guidelines, and notifying the President and Vice
President of such changes.
Article XI — ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1: President
The President shall:
1. See that the other UFAIChE officers perform their duties in accordance
with the UFAIChE Constitution and Bylaws,
2. See that standing committees are performing their duties as
described in the UFAIChE Bylaws; acts as an ex—officio member of
these committees,
3. Appoint ad—hoc committees necessary to perform special functions;
act as an ex—officio member of these committees,
4. Attend mandatory meetings of the Benton Engineering Council, 5.
Act as Chair of the Executive Council and General Body meetings; be
responsible for parliamentary procedure, and
6. Delegates work to officers and appropriate committees.
Section 2: Vice President
The Vice President shall:
1. Head of Banquet Committee,
2. Assists with conference and travel arrangements,
3. Maintain copies of the UFAIChE Constitution and Bylaws; make
copies available to members upon request,
4. Responsible for adhering to Robert’s Rules of Order (Newly
Revised) during meetings, and keep a copy accessible in case of
disputes, and
5. See that the UFAIChE President performs duties in accordance to
the UFAIChE Constitution and Bylaws.
Section 3: Treasurer
The Treasurer shall:
1. Request funds for conferences from BEC at Finance Committee
Meetings,
2. Fill out SAR/TAR forms for all reimbursements needed,
3. Turn—in appropriate receipts to SG Finance office within one week
after event
4. Make deposits at SG Finance office in a timely manner,
5. Written financial statement submitted to President at Executive
Council meetings;
6. Acquire approval by the President for all purchases that need to
be made, and
7. Make a full financial statement available at the first Executive
Council meeting of every month.
Section 4: Corresponding Secretary
The Corresponding Secretary shall:
1. Send email to the listserve one week prior to General Body
meetings, and send a reminder email one day prior to advertise AIChE
General Body meeting,
2. Head of Sponsorship Letter committee and related correspondence,
and
3. Post AICHE meeting notices in Chemical Engineering Building one
week prior to general body meetings.
Section 5: The Recording Secretary
The Recording Secretary shall:
1. Keep track of current membership forms, activities participated
by members, and current membership status of all members, and
2. Submit a report that documents all the UFAIChE events over the
term; send to President to revise.
Section 6: Corporate Liaison
1. Advertise Networking Nights (i.e. Swamp Social),
2. Organize plant tours, and
3. Organize company information sessions.
Section 7: Activities Coordinator
1. Plan and advertise social events for the organization to members,
faculty, and staff
Section 8: Community Service Chairperson
1. Schedule and advertise community service opportunities, and
2. Set up projects for the organization’s participation as requested
by the President.
Section 9: Fundraising Chairperson
1. Organize shirt sale.
Section 10: Website Administrator
1. Act as the organization’s Historian (the title of “Website
Administrator/Historian” can be taken at the officer’s option),
2. Keep website updated with minutes from meetings, calendar
changes, pictures, and event news, and
3. Take videos and/or pictures at organization events.
Section 11: Network Administrator
1. Remedy log—in and printing issues in a timely manner, and
2. Keep all profile accounts up-to-date (i.e. print privileges).
Section 12: Sophomore Representative
1. Speak before their classmates in Chemical Engineering related
classes of upcoming General Body meetings and events, and AIChE
news.
Section 13: Junior Representative shall:
1. Speak before their classmates in Chemical Engineering related
classes of upcoming General Body meetings and events, and AIChE
news.
Section 14: Senior Representative shall:
1. Speak before their classmates in Chemical Engineering related
classes of upcoming General Body meetings and events, and AIChE
news.
Article XII — ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS
Section 1: Standard qualifications for active membership
status
Active membership qualifications require the attendance of a minimum
of two General Body meetings. A membership form must be on record
for any individual who desires membership status and rights.
Membership forms shall be turned valid only for the academic year in
which they were submitted.
Section 2: Additional qualifications for active membership status
Additional criteria will be proposed by the President at the first
Executive Council meeting of the semester. Upon approval, the
qualifications will be read during the first General Body meeting of
the semester. The qualifications shall be made accessible on the
website, and posted within the Chemical Engineering building by the
second General Body meeting of the semester.
Article XIII — POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF
BUSINESS
Section 1: Order of procedure for business at a regular
meeting:
1. Call to order by the President,
2. Reading of the minutes of the last meeting by the Recording
Secretary, if requested by an active member,
3. Treasurer’s report, explanation if requested by any active
member,
4. Miscellaneous announcements,
5. Old and new business,
6. Program,
7. Adjournment.
Section 2: Procedure for Business
Business shall be conducted in an orderly fashion. Changes in the
order of the procedure may be instated by a majority of active
members attending the meeting.
Section 3:
All policies and procedures not addressed shall follow adhere to
Article XIV Section 5 of the UFAIChE Constitution.
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