National Society of Black Engineers
James Madison University
Constitution
Created: May 4, 2005
PREAMBLE
The National Society of Black Engineers, as a national student and professional based organization, does
hereby dedicate itself to the development of intensive programs for increasing Black and other ethnic
minority participation in the fields of STEM and applied science. These programs will be initiated within
and outside the university community and will serve to strengthen relations between professional industry
and the ethnic community. Members of this organization are encouraged to join and participate in their
individual professional societies. This organization will endeavor to provide general counseling to all
members.
ARTICLE I – NAME AND TYPE
Section 1 – Name
This organization shall be called The James Madison University Chapter of the National Society of Black
Engineers, a non-profit student run organization, hereafter referred to as NSBE at JMU.
Section 2 – Definition of Chapter
The organization is to be known as a local chapter of The National Society of Black Engineers. The chapter
shall, therefore be subject to all rules and regulations set forth in the constitution and by-laws of the National
Society. Any point not mentioned in this constitution will be governed by the constitution of the National
Society. If conflict exists between this constitution and the constitution of the National Society, the latter
will govern.
ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVE
Section 1
The objective of NSBE at JMU is to increase the number of culturally responsible black and ethnic
engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community. This
objective shall be accomplished through:
1. Pre-College student outreach and recruitment
2. Academic counseling and support
3. Curriculum and career guidance
4. Job placement and post-graduate assistance
5. Undergraduate research and career experience
6. Community outreach and service projects
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ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 – Membership Disclaimer
Membership to NSBE at JMU shall not be restricted by reason of age, citizenship, color, disability, gender,
race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran.
Section 2 – Membership Qualifications
Any student, undergraduate or graduate, currently enrolled as a student at James Madison University, may
become a member of NSBE at JMU. A member of NSBE will meet the following requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Agree to and abide by the objectives and regulations set forth in this constitution.
Must meet all financial obligations set forth by the Executive Board (i.e. fines, dues etc.)
Must attend a majority of the body meetings scheduled by the Executive Board unless excused.
Must be an active member. To be considered active, an individual must participate in a majority of
activities and events sponsored by NSBE at JMU throughout the academic school year. (i.e. fundraisers,
social engagements, etc.)
5. Must be a student in good standing enrolled at James Madison University.
Section 3 – Membership Dues
The Executive Board shall set dues at the beginning of each academic year. Membership dues for the NSBE
at JMU are the following:
ARTICLE IV – ADMINISTRATION
Section 1 – Definition of Executive Board
There shall be an Executive Board, which shall consist of the following:
1. Elected Executive Officers
a. President
b. Vice President
c. Treasurer
d. Secretary
2. Committee Chairpersons
a.. Publications/Public Relations
3. Appointed Positions
a. Parliamentarian
b. Faculty Advisor
4. Any persons as deemed appropriate by the Executive Board.
Section 2 – Duties of Executive Board
The Executive Board shall:
1. Determine all questions of policy and shall administer the affairs of the National Society under the
Constitution and By-laws, and the general provisions of the law under which it is incorporated.
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2. Be subject to the orders of the membership and none of its acts shall conflict with decisions made by the
vote of the general body, or the goals and objectives of the organization.
3. Not receive any salary for service.
4. Make recommendations to the National Society and Regional Executive Board.
5. Coordinate chapter activities and programs.
6. Produce the year’s agenda and budget for the upcoming academic year no later than two months after
taking office.
7. Make all appointments to the Executive Board (elected Executive Board only).
8. Review any item, written article or presentation, representing NSBE at JMU. Upon submittal to the
Executive Board, the content, character and completeness of the item shall be reviewed by the Executive
Board and any changes are to be made then and voted on.
Section 3 – Vacancy of Offices
Should a vacancy occur in the office of President, the Vice President shall fill the unexpired term. Should a
vacancy occur in any other office on the Executive Board, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the
President and approved by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE V – MEETINGS
Section 1- Meetings
1. Executive Board Meetings shall be held biweekly as needed to be determined by the Executive Board.
These meetings shall:
a. Serve as a vehicle to incorporate business and professional growth of NSBE at JCU.
b. Discuss all business that is pertinent to the operation of NSBE at JMU.
2. NSBE at VCU General Body Meetings shall be held biweekly as determined by the Executive Board.
These meetings shall:
a. Serve as a vehicle to incorporate business and professional growth of NSBE at VCU.
b. Relay all relevant information and decisions that are pertinent to the welfare of NSBE at VCU to the
general body.
ARTICLE VII – BYLAWS
Section 1 – Bylaws
The Bylaws of NSBE at JMU shall be amended by a two-thirds vote of NSBE at JMU General active body
members in good standing present at an advertised meeting called for this purpose.
ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS
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Section 1 – Proposal of Amendments
1. Any member of NSBE at JMU may propose amendments to this Constitution.
Section 2 – Constitutional Ratification
This constitution shall be amended only by a two-thirds vote of the active members in good standing that are
present at an advertised meeting called for this purpose.
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