Our Constitution
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Constitution of the Student Chapter
of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers
at the University of Florida
(Revised August 2006)
PREAMBLE
By recognizing the importance of the development
of engineering knowledge and skills for the continued advancement of
ourselves, our University, our community, our world, and human
welfare in general; and by further recognizing the need for a
student organization that unites students at the University of
Florida to achieve these goals,
We, the members as a united group, pledge ourselves to the promotion
and understanding of the profession of Engineering; hence,
We, the members and elected representatives of the Student Chapter of the
American Institute of Chemical Engineers at the University of
Florida, do hereby adopt the following constitution.
Article I — NAME
The name of this organization is “Student Chapter of the American
Institute of Chemical Engineers at the University of Florida”, and
shall hereafter be referred to by the abbreviated title “UFAIChE.”
Article II —RELATIONSHIP TO THE UNIVERSITY
The UFAIChE encourages its members to be active participants in
the social offered by the University, as well as provide such events
to our members. and helping cultivate better leadership skills,
UFAIChE aims to enrich the student body and foster a better
awareness of Engineering, namely Chemical Engineering.
Article II - OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the UFAIChE shall be:
1. Promote the professional inter-disciplinary development of its
members by its relations with the University of Florida, other
student Chapters, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers;
2. Contribute to the development of Chemical Engineering at the
University of Florida through activities involving the faculty and
all classes of student members;
3. Encourage membership and see to the needs of its members;
4. To sponsor and coordinate projects that will benefit the
organization, College of Engineering, the University, and the
community;
5. Act in the best interests of the members of UFAIChE, the
UF Department of Chemical Engineering, the University, and the
surrounding community.
Article III — MEMBERSHIP
Section1: Classification of members and voting privileges.
The UFAIChE shall consist of currently registered
University of Florida students, faculty, staff, and student spouses
that are: 1) Non—officer active members with General Body voting
privileges, 2) Non— active members with General Body voting
privileges, 3) Elected Executive Officers with voting privileges
(except the President/Presiding Officer and the Constitution and
Bylaws Chairperson, whose voting privileges are set forth in Article
III of the UFAIChE Bylaws), 3) Affiliate members without voting
privileges and members described within Article IX Section 3.
Section 2: Classification of non—active members
Any student member that does not meet the criteria set forth in
Article XII of the UFAIChE Bylaws shall be classified as a
non—active member.
Section 2: Qualifications to become an active member
Active membership shall be based upon the completion of the criteria
as set forth in Article XII of the UFAIChE Bylaws.
Section 3: Voting privileges for Executive Officers
Executive Officers are granted Executive Council and General Body
voting rights as set forth in Article III Section 2 of the Bylaws.
Section 4: Affiliate members Any member of the UFAIChE who is not a
registered student at the University of Florida (faculty, staff,
and/or student spouse), or is described by Article IX Section 3,
shall be classified as an Affiliate Member of the UFAIChE.
All affiliate members shall be denied holding an office and voting
privileges in the UFAIChE.
Section 5: Member disassociation Members are free to leave and
disassociate without fear of retribution or harassment.
Article IV — DISCRIMINATION
The UFAIChE does not discriminate on any basis, including race,
creed, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual
orientation.
Article IV —DISCRIMINATION
The UFAIChE does not discriminate on any basis, including race,
creed, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual
orientation.
Article V — FINANCE
No dues shall be collected as a criterion for membership in the
UFAIChE.
Article VI — OFFICERS
Section 1: Executive Officers
The executive officers shall be the President, Vice President,
Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Corporate
Liaison, Fundraising Chairperson, Website Administrator, Network
Administrator, Benton Engineering Council Representatives, Community
Service Chairperson, Activities Coordinator, Senior Representative,
Junior Representative, Sophomore Representative, Engineering Fair
Chairperson, Chemical Car Chairperson, and Constitution and Bylaw
Chairperson.
Section 2: Executive Officer elections and term lengths
Officers shall meet the criteria as set forth in Article VII, agree
with the duties for their elected position as noted in Article VIII
of the UFAIChE Constitution, and election shall be carried out as
delegated in Article X.
Section i: One—year term elected officers
The President and Treasurer will hold office for one year. Terms
will begin at the end of the spring semester in which elected and
shall continue through to the end of the following spring semester.
Section ii: One—semester term elected officer
Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary,
Corporate Liaison, Fundraising Chairperson, Website Administrator,
Network Administrator, Benton Engineering Council Representatives,
Community Service Chairperson, Activities Coordinator, Senior
Representative, Junior Representative, and Sophomore Representative
will hold office for one semester. Terms will begin at the end of
the semester in which elected and shall continue to the end of the
following academic semester.
Section iii: One-year term appointed officer
Officers will be appointed as declared in Article X Section 5.
Section 3: Extension of one—semester term officer power
One—semester term officers elected in the fall semester shall act as
officer until the beginning of the spring semester. One semester
term officers elected in the spring semester shall act as officer
until the beginning of the fall semester.
Section 4: Term limits
There is no limit to the number of times an officer may be reelected
for any position so long as Eligibility Requirements in Article VII
are satisfied.
Article VI — FACULTY ADVISOR
Section 1: Appointment and approval of the Faculty Advisor
The Faculty Advisor shall complete a membership form and supply all
necessary information and documentation that the organization
requires to fulfill its business. The position of Faculty Advisor is
to be selected by the Chairperson of the Department of Chemical
Engineering Chairperson at the beginning of the semester following
the departure of the previous Faculty Advisor from their position,
and confirmed by majority vote of the Executive Council. It is
recommended that the faculty advisor remain in office for the
duration of his/her tenure, however, his/her term is at the
discretion of the organization. If at anytime the organization
wishes to elect another faculty advisor, the executive board will
vote on a replacement. The faculty advisor should be one whose
ideals are aligned with the organization’s Objectives, and is
willing to serve as a source of information and advice for the club.
Section
2: Duties and Objectives The
Faculty Advisor shall act as a guide and a facilitator to the
Objectives as set forth in the UFAIChE Constitution. In action,
he/she shall support the organization through active participation
in meetings, helpful and insightful advice, and representation of
the organization whenever possible.
Section 3: Membership entitlement
The Faculty Advisor is given Affiliate Membership status of Article
III Section I for the duration of his tenure as the UFAIChE Faculty
Advisor.
Article VII — ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS OF OFFICERS
All officers shall be registered students at the University
of Florida.
1. President: The position of President of the Chapter shall be held
by an active member of at least two semesters, and previously held
an office in the UFAIChE for two semesters.
2. Vice President: The position of Vice-President of the Chapter
shall be held by an active member of at least one semester, and
previously held an office in the UFAIChE.
3. Treasurer: The position of Treasurer of the Chapter shall be held
by an active member of at least semester, and had previously held an
office in the UFAIChE.
4. Corresponding Secretary: This position shall be held by a member
of at least one semester.
5. Recording Secretary: This position shall be held by a member of
at least one semester.
6. Corporate Liaison: This position shall be held by a member of at
least one semester. 7. Fundraising Chairperson: This position shall
be held by a member of at least one semester 8. Website
Administrator: This position shall be held by a member of at least
one semester; preferably with previous website design knowledge.
9. Network Administrator: This position shall be held by a member of
at least one semester; preferably with previous computer networking
knowledge.
10. Benton Engineering Council Representative: The Benton
Engineering Council Representative shall be elected in compliance
with the EEC Constitution and Bylaws. Any member is eligible for
election; no more than one Representative can be classified below
3EG at any one time.
11. Community Service Chairperson: This position shall be held by a
member of at least one semester.
12. Activities Chairperson: This position shall be held by a member
of at least one semester.
13. Senior Representative: This position shall be held by a member
of at least one semester.
14. Junior Representative: This position shall be held by a member
of at least one semester. 15. sophomore Representative: This
position shall be held by a member of UFAIChE.
16. Engineering Fair Chairperson: This position shall be appointed
to a member of at least one semester.
17. Chemical Car Chairperson: This position shall be appointed to a
member of at least one semester.
18. Constitution and Bylaws Chairperson: This position shall be
appointed to a member of at least one semester.
Article VIII — DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
All UFAIChE officers shall become active members each semester in
which they hold office.
The President shall:
1. Have general supervision of the affairs of the UFAIChE and
preside at all meetings,
2. Prepare a written end-of-semester report of all UFAIChE
activities, which occurred during the semester; submit a copy of
this report to the Faculty Advisor,
3. Prepare a written end-of-term report of all UFAIChE activities,
which occurred during the term of office; submit a copy of this
report to the Faculty Advisors and President-Elect,
4. Be authorized to act, in accord with the UFAIChE Constitution and
Bylaws, in behalf of the organization in business affairs,
5. Make decisions based upon the best interests of the UFAIChE, its
members, the University, and the community,
6. Be in charge of communication within the organization, and
7. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 1 of the AIChE
Bylaws.
The Vice President shall:
1. Perform all duties of the President in the event of the
President’s absence,
2. Be an ex officio member of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee,
3. Prepare a written end-of-term report of UFAIChE activities
conducted through the office of the Vice President; submit a copy of
this report to the Vice President-Elect,
4. Oversees all committees within AIChE and reports findings to the
President, and
5. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 2 of the AIChE
Bylaws.
The Treasurer shall:
1. Advise the President and General Body of the current financial
status of the UFAIChE,
2. Fully acquaint the Treasurer-Elect and President-Elect with
financial activities,
3. Be authorized to submit to Student Government and the Benton
Engineering Council the proper forms for the allocation of UFAIChE
funds for programming or travel activities approved by a majority of
AIChE members,
4. Compile a written end—of—term report covering all phases of the
Treasurer’s activities that includes all pertinent recommendations
or suggestions that would improve UFAIChE operations; submit this
report to the President and President-Elect,
5. Be the ex officio Chairperson of the Finance Committee, and
6. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 3 of the AIChE
Bylaws.
The Correspondence Secretary shall:
1. Be responsible for all written out—of—department transactions
(i.e. alumni, staff, companies), except for those communications
required by other offices,
2. Keep updated posting of meetings in department pre-approved
locations within the chemical engineering building,
3. Be the Alumni Letter Committee ex officio Chairperson, and
4. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 4 of the AIChE
Bylaws.
The Recording Secretary shall:
1. Take attendance at all events and meetings (find an alternate in
case of absence),
2. Record minutes of all general body meetings and send a copy to
the Webmaster,
3. Log and store all the UFAIChE documents dispersed during the
semester, and
4. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 5 of the AIChE
Bylaws.
The Constitution and Bylaw Chairperson shall:
1. Adhere to the guidelines of Article V Section 2 of the UFAIChE
Bylaws.
The Engineering Fair Chairperson shall:
1. Adhere to the guidelines of Article V Section 1 of the UFAIChE
Bylaws.
The Chemical Car Chairperson shall:
1. Adhere to the guidelines of Article V Section 3 of the UFAIChE
Bylaws.
The Corporate Liaison shall:
1. Keep an up to date corporate contact list,
2. Make all possible attempts to expand the UFAIChE’s relationships
to new companies while strengthening current company relations,
3. Serve as in an official capacity as a company representative in
behalf of the UFAIChE to foster positive affiliations with
companies, and
4. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 6 of the AIChE
Bylaws
The Activities Coordinator shall:
1. Work with Corporate Liaison to plan career development events,
and
2. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 7 of the AIChE
Bylaws.
The Community Service Chairperson shall:
1. Seek to better the organizations relationship with the community
through community service projects, and
2. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 8 of the AIChE
Bylaws.
The Fundraising Chairperson shall:
1. Plan and advertise fundraising events to the organization,
2. Work in conjunction with the Correspondence Secretary on projects
to request sales, donations and sponso rships,
3. Assist the organization in increasing its revenue through
fundraising opportunities, and
4. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 9 of the AIChE
Bylaws.
The Website Administrator shall:
1. Ensure the site projects the professionalism that the
organization requires, and
2. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 10 of the AIChE
Bylaws
The Network Administrator shall:
1. Work with necessary department staff to insure the UFAIChE run
computers are working properly,
2. Have a contact email address available in the John C. Biery room,
3. Be in charge of John C. Biery room computer and networking
infrastructure, and the room’s appearance, and
4. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 11 of the AIChE
Bylaws
The Benton Engineering Council Representatives shall:
1. Conform to Article X of the UFAIChE Bylaws.
The Sophomore Representative shall:
1. Actively recruit new members whenever possible, and
2. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 12 of the AIChE
Bylaws
The Junior Representative shall:
1. Actively recruit new members whenever possible, and
2. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 13 of the AIChE
Bylaws
The Senior Representative shall:
1. Actively recruit new members whenever possible, and
2. Perform duties as directed in Article XI Section 14 of the AIChE
Bylaws
Article IX — EXPULSION PROCEEDING OF THE UFAICHE
Section 1: Expelling of non-Executive Officer Member
Expulsion of a non—officer will occur for abuse or misuse of the
privileges of the Chapter, criminal offenses or conduct, or actions
deemed unbecoming a member for failure to uphold the objectives of
the organization set forth in Article II. A simple majority vote by
the Executive Council, or a three- fourths majority by secret ballot
vote of a quorum by the General Body, may expel any non—officer
member of the Chapter.
The member who has had the charges levied against shall be given the
floor for no more than eight minutes to speak in their defense.
Section 2: Impeachment of an Executive Officer
Section i: Impeachment due to non—attendance
Removal of an officer for non-attendance will follow the guidelines
as set forth in Article IV Section 2 of the UFAIChE Bylaws.
Section ii: Impeachment due to matters other than non—attendance
If, in the opinion of the majority of the Executive Council and/or a
petition is submitted and signed by 15% of the members of the
Chapter, it becomes necessary to remove an Executive Officer for
failure in his duties, abuse or misuse of the privileges of the
Chapter, criminal offenses or conduct, or actions deemed unbecoming
a member for failure to uphold the objectives of the organization
set forth in Article II, it shall be done by a three-fourths
majority vote of a quorum attending the next regular General Body
meeting following the meeting at which the charges are read, pending
consent of the Faculty Advisor.
The Executive Officer who has had the charges levied against shall
be given the floor for no more than eight minutes to speak in their
defense.
Section 3: Revocation of voting privileges
Any member who is expelled, or impeached for matters other than
non—attendance, shall only be given affiliate membership status
indefinitely.
Article X — ELECTIONS
Section 1: Nominations
Members shall be nominated and seconded by a member of UFAIChE
before being considered for vote to an office.
Nominations for one—semester term officer positions shall be
accepted during the second to the last meeting of the semester.
Nominations for one—year term officer positions shall be accepted
during the second to the last meeting of the spring semester, except
for appointed officers as described in Article X Section 5.
All candidates must meet all University requirements for officers
of student organizations, and must be registered in the College of
Engineering or a department administered by the aforementioned
college. Also, qualifications within Article VII shall be fulfilled
before consideration for election.
In the event an office does not receive a nomination, a two (2) day
grace period will be given to fulfill the nomination for that
position.
Section 2: Elections
The election of officers shall occur during the last UFAIChE meeting
of any given semester. Voting shall be open to all members empowered
by Article III Section 1. The President of UFAIChE shall be present
when the ballots are counted and shall announce the results
immediately following completion of the ballot counting. The person
receiving the simple majority of votes for each office shall be
elected. In the event a simple majority is not obtained, the two
candidates receiving the most votes shall have an immediate run off
election. The run off election shall be held by secret ballot of the
voting members of the UFAIChE. The presiding officer shall only vote
in the event of a tie between the two run off candidates. The option
of voting by secret ballot shall be honored by the presiding officer
any time before voting begins; any debate of the nominations for an
office shall be done in the presence of all nominees for the office
in debate.
Section 3: Transfer of power and special elections
If the President, for any reason is unable to complete his/her term
of office, the Vice—President shall assume the office of President,
and a new Vice President shall be elected during the next General
Body meeting. If any other officer vacates his/her office, an
election shall be held at the next regular meeting to fill the
vacated office.
Section 4: Southern Regional Conference special election
If the Chapter intends to run for Host Chapter of the southern
Regional Conference, thereby nominating the Chapter President for
Regional President, a special election may be held prior to the
Regional Convention.
Section 5: Appointment of Executive Officers
Members that desire the office of the Engineering Fair Chairperson
and the Constitution and Bylaw Chairperson shall submit a nomination
form for their respective position no later than the beginning of
the second to the last General Body meeting of the spring semester.
The Executive Council will appoint the selection by a simple
majority vote, and shall declare the choice at the last General Body
meeting of the fall semester.
Members that desire the office of the Chemical Car Chairperson shall
submit a nomination form for their respective position no later than
the beginning of the second to the last General Body meeting of the
fall semester.
All appointments shall be empowered after the last scheduled final
exam of the semester in which they were appointed.
Article XI — COMMITTEES
Section 1: President and Vice President ad—hoc committees
Committees may be formed and named at any time, according to the
needs of this organization. Each committee will consist of
volunteers and an elected officer empowered by Article VIII to act
as Chairperson. If no such Chairperson is empowered by Article VIII,
then the volunteers shall independently nominate and elect a
committee member to serve as Chairperson for that committee. During
the duration of committee, all members shall be given one vote on
each transaction of business, provided a quorum is present. The
Chairperson shall serve until the project for which the committee
was formed is completed. It is the responsibility of the Chairperson
to report to the General Body the progress of the committee. The
Executive Council may request a briefing prior to the committee
addressing the General Body.
Section 2: Constitution and Bylaws, Chemical Car, and Engineering
Fair Committees shall adhere to Article V of the UFAIChE Bylaws.
Article XII — AUTHORITY
This organization shall conform to the regulations prescribed by
the Student Guide, rules as governed by University of Florida, state
laws, and federal laws. Hazing is, by all means, prohibited.
ARTICLE XIII — CUSTODY OF THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
One copy of the constitution and all by-laws shall be in the
possession of all Executive Council members, and the office of the
Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Florida.
Additional copies shall be available for inspection upon request to
any member. One copy of the Constitution and any by-laws shall be in
the possession of the Recording Secretary of the A.I.Ch.E. for the
permanent files of the Institution.
Each Executive Officer shall include their copy of the Chapter’s
Constitution and Bylaws in the office’s Activity Ledger.
ARTICLE XIV - GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETINGS
Section 1: Purpose of the meetings
Meetings of the UFAIChE shall be held to conduct the necessary
business of the student organization and help promote the
organization’s Objectives
Section 2: Frequency of the meetings
There shall be a minimum of five regular meetings of the UFAIChE
during each of the fall and spring semesters.
Section 3: Creation and distribution of meeting agendas
Programs for meetings of the UFAIChE shall be arranged by the
President and approved by the Executive Council. The Recording
Secretary and/or President shall prepare and distribute a meeting
flyer for each meeting.
Section 4: Specialized policies and procedures
Article XIV of the UFAIChE Bylaws shall guide the business in
parliamentary procedure of meetings and policies of business.
Section 5: Presiding procedure not explicitly addressed
Parliamentary procedure not addressed in the UFAIChE Constitution or
Bylaws shall follow Robert’s Rules of Order (Newly Revised) for all
meeting.
Article XV — EMERGENCY PRESIDENTIAL POWER
AUTHORIZATION
Section 1: Criteria and requirements for evoking
Article XV Authorization
The president shall be given authorization to conduct emergency
business without consulting such that 1) the Objectives and benefit
of the organization is the sole purpose of evoking such
authorization, while adhering to all regulations (said and unsaid),
2) documentation and a personal statement of intent and reason is
delivered to the Faculty Advisor, Vice President, and Treasurer, 3)
timing of the business prevents the meeting of the Executive
Council, 4) the President had no foreknowledge of the business, and
therefore could not properly follow the rules and regulations
pronounced in the UFAIChE Constitution and Bylaws, 4) has made all
reasonable attempts to hold a meeting of the Executive Council, and
5) will intend on submitting a detailed report to the organization
upon the next meeting of the General Body and/or Executive Council.
Section 2: Acceptance to an inquiry for Authorization of Article XV
The President shall agree to have a comprehensive inquiry performed
by the Executive Council and made publicly available when Article XV
authorization is used.
Section 3: Abuse of Article XV Authorization
An abuse of Article XV, as designated by the Executive Council,
shall be deemed unbecoming of a member. A case shall be filed to the
University’s Honor Court for the infraction.
Article XVI — NON-PROFIT STATUS
The UFAIChE shall operate as a not-for-profit organization.
Article XVII — AMENDMENTS TO THE
CONSTITUTION
Amendments to the Constitution shall be proposed in writing
at any regular meeting by any member of the Chapter no earlier than
the third meeting of the current semester.
Amendments shall appear before the Executive Council, before
submittal to the Chapter body, and must pass with a majority vote of
a quorum.
Amendments may only appear before the Council two times and are then
not eligible to be resubmitted.
Adoption of an amendment shall be by three—fourths majority vote of
a quorum.
ARTICLE XVIII - RATIFICATION
This Constitution shall be in effect immediately upon
ratification by the UFAIChE, subject to the regulation of the
University of Florida.
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