OAKWOOD
UNIVERSITY
-
Bylaws of the
United Student Movement
Revised during the 2014-2015 Academic Year
2014
7000 Adventist Blvd NW • Huntsville, Alabama 35896
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
2
ARTICLE I – Legislative
Section 1: LEGISLATIVE
The Senate of the USM will be composed of the following:
A. The Executive Vice President of the USM will serve as the ex- officio Chairperson of
the Senate, but will have no vote, except in the event of an equal division in votes,
during which he/she may cast the tie- breaking vote. The Chairperson of the Senate
will be empowered to:
A.1 Set both Senate meeting times and meeting structure with the consent of the
senate.
A.2 Meet with the Parliamentarian in order to set ethical rules and standards of USM
officers, as well as the disciplinary courses, making each Senator aware of such
actions.
A.3 Appoint a qualified Senatorial candidate to be approved by the Senate in the event
of a vacancy within a District (Section 1.1.H).
A.4 Call for review of all executive appointments on o r before the third Senate
meeting of the year, and at the behest of the Senate any time after that.
A.5 At the behest of the Executive Cabinet or Senate, call and chair a joint session of
the USM (in which all members of both the Senate and Executive Cabinet attend and
retain full voting privileges, except for the Parliamentarian, who does not possess a
vote).
B. The Parliamentarian of the USM will serve as the ex- officio procedural and
constitutional consultant of the Senate, maintain order at each Senate meeting according
to Robert’s Rules of Order Rev ised (subservient to this Constitution and the By- Laws),
serve as Chairperson of the Senate in the absence or inability to function of the Executive
Vice President (the Parliamentarian will have no vote in the Senate), and carry out the
duties as the High Justice on the Supreme Court. The Parliamentarian is the chief
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
3
interpreter of the governing documents which include the Constitution, By- laws, Judicial
Manual, Elections Manual, and the USM Code of Ethics.
C. The Vice Parliamentarian shall be elected by the Senate. He or she shall be
responsible for assisting the Parliamentarian in deciding procedural matters, and carrying
out the responsibilities outlined for the Vice Parliamentarian in the Justice Manual, which
may include serving as an associate justice pro tem. The Vice Parliamentarian is a fullfledged voting member of the Senate. The Vice Parliamentarian should assist the
Parliamentarian in creating the USM Code of Ethics.
D. The Senate Secretary will be an ex- officio and non- voting member of the Senate
E. The Senate Secretary will be appointed by the Chairperson of the Senate before the
first Senate Meeting of the academic school year. The Senate will elect an Assistant
Senate Secretary to help with the duties of the Senate Secretary.
F. The Senate will elect a Chaplain of the Senate from among its ranks within the first
three Senate meetings. The Chaplain would be responsible for the spiritual needs of the
Senate, which may include doing devotions and holding special prayer with and for the
Senators.
G. The Senators will be the voting members of the Senate and comprised of
representatives from the Senate Districts (the four categories of Senate Districts being
residence, academic schools, academic classification, and International citizenship).
I. The classification of residence includes but is not limited to: Carter Hall, Wade
Hall, Edwards Hall, Holland Hall, Peterson Hall, The Annex, any Off- Campus Housing,
and The West Oaks Apartments.
II. The classification of academic schools includes but is not limited to: School of
Arts and Sciences, School of Business and Adult & Continuing Education, School of
Education and Social Sciences, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and School of
Religion.
III. The classification of academic standing includes but is not limited to students
of: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior status.
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
4
IV. The classification of International citizenship includes a student who is not a
citizen of the United States of America.
H. District Structure:
H.1 Each Senator representing a residence must reside in the district that he/she
represents.
H.2. Each Senator representing an academic school must maintain a major within in
that academic school.
H.3. Each Senator representing an academic classification must meet the required
semester enrolment based upon the Registrar’s’ Office.
H.4. The Senator representing International students must maintain citizenship from a
country other than the United States of America.
H.5. Each of the four categories of Senate will elect a District Head from amongst its
members. (The District Head will present his/her district’s concerns before the Senate
and will call District meetings monthly).
I. The remaining Executive Cabinet Officers (as listed in 2.1) and Sponsors of the USM
will be ex- officio and non- voting members (except in the event of a joint session) of the
Senate.
Se ction 2: The senate will hold the power to do the following:
A. Establish ad hoc committees to fulfill their objectives as established in their founding
senate motion.
B. Call for a review of any Executive Cabinet appointment, and remove by three - fifths
vote any Executive Cabinet appointment (subject to approval of the Executive Cabinet,
Section 2.2.C) when such appointment comes under review.
C. Override a Presidential veto by a two - thirds vote.
D. Override, in a joint session of both the Executive Cabinet and the Senate, a Sponsor
veto by a three- fourths vote.
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
5
E. Review any questionable and/or unethical action(s) taken by any USM Officer(s)
F. Govern each meeting by Parliamentary Procedure
G. Elect an Assistant Senate Secretary, and Chaplain from the Senate body (whose duties
and powers must be outlined in the bylaws), and as it so chooses create or remove any
Senate offices it sees fit.
H. Bar or permit attendance to its meetings, or otherwise alter the voting privileges and
other duties of any ex- officio member(s) of the Senate or its committees, as the Senate or
the members of each specific committee see fit (such privileges and duties must be
outlined in the by- laws if not in this constitution). Unless otherwise stated in this
constitution or the by- laws, or altered by committee vote, ex- officio members will be
non- voting members of their respective committee s.
I. Open each Senate Meeting to all members of the USM. These guests of the Senate
must make arrangements for attendance and secure time(s) for presentation, all prior to
the meeting. These arrangements must be made with the Chairperson of the Senate .
J. Approve all Executive Cabinet appointments and removals, or initiate any such action.
K. Establish or dissolve committees and/or districts as it sees fit.
L. Make public or private its minutes, actions, and/or vote counts and results.
M. Approve all expenditures out of the General Budget
Se ction 3: The Senate will perform the following duties:
A. Maintain the following standing committees: Budget, and Campus Affairs; as well as
the following working committees: Housing/Food, and Elections (during election
season). These committees must report any significant activities or concerns at the next
official senate meeting.
A.1 The Budget Committee will review and adjust proposed budgets at the beginning
of each semester from the Executive cabinet, as well as any major (as defined in the
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
6
By- laws) budget expenditures submitted by the Executive Cabinet, and make
recommendation(s) to the Senate.
A.2 The Campus Affairs Committee will make recommendations to the Senate to
improve the quality and ensure the privileges of student life, including but not limited
to matters of housing, dining, publications, and elections.
A.3 The Elections committees will be formed primarily during election seasons,
unless otherwise needed, and their responsibilities are outlined in Section 3.2
A.4 The jurisdictions and responsibilities of any other committees will be outlined in
the by- laws.
B. Ensure the minimum attendance requirements for a senate action are met:
B.1 A quorum of the Senate, three- fifths of the Senatorial membership, will be
necessary to conduct business. (A quorum will be verified by the Senate Secretary,
consulting his/her records of the Senate roll. He/she must notify the Parliamentarian
in the event of that quorum doesn’t exist).
B.2 Each Senate meeting requires the presence of at least a quorum of senators, a
Chairperson (Executive Vice, or Parliamentarian), a Parliamentarian (or Vice
Parliamentarian), and a Secretary (or Assistant Senate Secretary).
B.3 Each senator is to have one vote (To be enforced b y the Parliamentarian in
consultation with the Executive Vice President and Senate Secretary). Provided the
minimum attendance requirements are met, all actions will be passed by the
fraction(s) (as determined by this constitution) of the members present, not the total
number of Senators.
C. Convene at least once every two weeks or whenever the Chairperson of the Senate will
designate so long as the period between meetings is no longer than two weeks.
C.1 Any Senator absent four times in a semester from any official Senate meetings
(this does not include Emergency Senate meetings) without a valid excuse may face
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
7
disciplinary action to be determined by the Senate Chairperson in consultation with
the Parliamentarian and the Supreme Court (official status of a meeting will be
designated by the Chairperson of the Senate prior to the meeting).
C.2 A valid excuse will consist of death in the family, sickness, or a letter of petition
to be approved by the Chairperson of the Senate
Se ction 4: The Members of the Senate will perform the following duties:
•
Represent the concerns and interests of the constituents of their districts, consulting
these students regularly to ascertain their wishes and communicate major Senate
actions and debates regarding those concerns.
•
Attend Senate Meetings
•
Serve on a Senate Committee and District Committee.
•
Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50
•
Serve for one academic year
•
Follow Parliamentary Procedure and abide by the USM Code of Ethics
•
Participate in any official efforts, functions, or activities approved by the Senate, their
respective district, and/or their respective committee(s).
This organization shall be the United Student Movement of Oakwood University, hereinafter
referred to as the USM.
ARITICLE II – EXECUTIVE
Section 1: Executive
The Executive Cabinet of the USM will be composed of the following:
A. President
B. Executive Vice President
C. Parliamentarian
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
8
D. Financial Vice President
E. Academic Vice President
F. Religious Vice President
G. Social Vice President
H. Athletic Vice President
Se ction 2: The Executive Cabinet will hold the power to do the following:
A. Set the Goals for the Oakwood University USM
B. Appoint Officers to the appointed positions of the Executive Cabinet (The Appointed
positions of the Executive Cabinet include, but are not limited to: Yearbook Editor, the
Acorn Editor, the Senate Secretary, the Executive Secretary, the Music Coordinator, the
Public Relations Director, and the Special Events Coordinator.)
C. Remove (by simple majority) appointed Officers of the Executive Cabinet, with the
approval of three- fifths of the Senate.
D. Nominate from the faculty, staff, and administrators of Oakwood University six
prospective sponsors (the University President will appoint two of the s ix as sponsors).
[Not including the Director of Student Activities, who is a standing sponsor at all times.]
Se ction 3: The Executive Cabinet will perform the following duties:
A. Convene at least once every two weeks.
B. Open each Executive Cabinet meeting to all USM Senators. All other guests of the
Executive Cabinet must make arrangements for attendance and secure time(s) for
presentation, all prior to the meeting. These arrangements must be made with a voting
member of the Executive Cabinet prior to the meeting. The Executive Cabinet retains the
right to close the meeting or a particular portion of it, or bar from attendance specific
Senator(s) or other guest(s) by simple majority vote.
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
9
C. Govern each meeting by Parliamentary Procedure in accordance with this constitution
and the Bylaws.
D. Each Executive Cabinet member will have one vote, except for the parliamentarian,
who cannot vote, and the quorum of the Executive cabinet will be three - fifths of the
Executive Cabinet Membership.
E. Make public or private its minutes, actions, and/or vote counts and results. The Senate
has the right to view the minutes of the Executive Cabinet even if those minutes are made
private.
Se ction 4: The members of the Executive Cabinet will perform the following designated
duties:
A. PRESIDENT
A.1. Arrange for a General Assembly meeting at least once a semester.
A.2. Preside at all General Assemblies.
A.3. Present a progress report at the beginning and/or end of each academic semester
to the Senate.
A.4. Preside over the Executive Cabinet.
A.5. Hold the power to veto any action(s) or expenditure(s) of any Officer, the Senate,
and/or the Executive Cabinet.
A.6. Return all vetoed or approved action (s) of the Senate to the Chairperson of the
Senate within five days of submittal.
A.7. Serve as an ex- officio and non- voting member of all committees of the Senate
A.8. Nominate to the Executive Cabinet the appointment of the Yearbook Editor - inChief, Newspaper Editor- in- Chief, Public Relations Director, Executive Secretary,
Music Coordinator, Special Events Coordinator, and Webmaster.
A.9. Work with the Financial Vice President in formulating a budget in accordance
with the approved agenda of the Executive Cabinet, and presenting said Budget to the
Executive Cabinet, then Senate for approval. This includes but is not limited to
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
10
determining the money split between the Special Events Coordinator and the Social
Vice.
A.10. Present to the Senate an Agenda outlining the Goals of USM and a Budget for
the year, on behalf of the Executive Cabinet. The President may also, on behalf of the
Executive Cabinet, present legislation to the Senate for consideration.
A.11 In the specific event that an Executive Cabinet officer is not adequately or
exceptionally performing his/her duties and/or responsibilities, the USM President,
may, within reason, for specifically explained reasons of discipline or reward, alter
the pay scale of Executive Cabinet members, only after the required advice and
consent of the budgetary committee, and subject to appe al through the Judicial
System. The amount of the deviance from the base pay should be specified.
A.12. Submit major expenditures or budget alterations to the Budget committee for
review and approval (by the Senate at- large if deemed necessary by the Budget
Committee).
A.13 Direct the Special Events Coordinator, in consultation with the Social Vice to
put on any events (in their respective areas) not already outlined in the USM schedule
for the year.
A.14 Serve as a guest on various university committees.
B. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
B.1 Designate the Senate representation according to the constitution.
B.2.a. Arrange for the election of all Senators representing upperclassmen
residences, all Senators representing academic schools, all Senators representing the
following year's sophomore, junior and senior classes and the Senator representing
international students, within in the Spring semester of his/her election.
B.2.b. Arrange for the election of all Senators representing freshman residences,
and the Senators representing the freshman class.
B.3 Preside over the Senate, in his/her capacity as Chairperson of the Senate.
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
11
B.4 Present all legislation to the Senate for action, whether from a member of the
General Assembly, a Senator, or on behalf of the Exe cutive Cabinet.
B.5 Submit all action of the Senate to the President for approval.
B.6 Submit any vetoed proposals to the Senate along with any documentation
provided by the President in reference to the veto.
B.7 Serve as the ex- officio member of the Senate Budget, Elections, and Campus
Affairs Committees (if the Executive Vice President is running for office, he/she will
be removed from his/her capacity as ex- officio member).
B.8 Serve as a guest on various university committees.
B.9 Serve as the President of the USM in the absence of the President or his/her
inability to function.
B.10 Recommend to the Senate the appointment of the Senate Secretary.
B.11 In his/her capacity as Chairperson of the Senate, and in the specific event that a
Senator is not adequately or exceptionally performing his/her duties and/or
responsibilities, the Executive Vice President, may, within reason, for specifically
explained reasons of discipline or reward, alter the pay scale of Senators members,
subject to appeal through the Judicial System. The deviance from a preset base pay
should be specified.
B.12 Has the power to decide whether or not the Senators get compensation for their
work, and what that compensation should be.
B.13Will receive a budget separate from the budge t allotted to the Senate. Amount to
be determined by Financial Vice, President, and Sponsor.
B.14 Has the power to make an expenditure from the General Budget before Senate is
elected pending the approval of the Financial Vice and the USM President.
C. PARLIAMENTARIAN
C.1 Serve as the High Justice of the USM Supreme Court.
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
12
C.2 Serve as general interpreter of the Constitution, the By- Laws, the Judicial
Manual, the Elections Manual, and the Code of Conduct and Ethics, with the power to
review and determine the constitutionality (and/or adherence to the above mentioned
documents) of USM actions, as well as proper procedures in their official capacity as
High Justice of the USM Supreme Court, and subject to Appeal to the Court of
Appeals.
C.3 Clarify all parliamentary inquiries, constitutional or ethical concerns, and/or
procedural questions.
C.4 Maintain the USM History File, which is to remain in the care of the USM
President.
C.5 In the event of a permanent vacancy in the office of the President the
Parliamentarian will serve as the Executive Vice President until the Senate has filled
the vacant position.
C.6 Will be assisted in his/her duties, and potentially replaced by the Vice
Parliamentarian.
C.7 The Parliamentarian will rule on Constitutional, ethical, and procedural questions.
C.8 Ensure that all expenditures out of the General Budget are agreed upon by both the
Senate and the Executive Cabinet.
D. FINANCIAL VICE PRESIDENT
D.1 Position is responsible for maintaining the financial state of the Oak wood
University United Student Movement. The responsibilities of this position include:
a.
Conduct an annual budget workshop for the incoming officers
i. Workshop should include:
1. Working with individual officers to determine a proper budget
2. Proper spending procedures
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
13
3. Troubleshooting common financial problems which may occur
during the school year
D.2 Document and account for the receipt and disbursement of funds.
D.3 Obtain proper signatures, supporting documents and re lated budgeting of funds
before issuing checks.
D.4 Present to the Budget Committee a monthly financial report.
D.5 Prepare financial statements and bank reconciliations for each semester.
D.6 Arrange for payment of all paid USM officers.
D.7 Works with the President and Sponsor in formulating a budget for the upcoming
school year, and presenting it to the Executive Cabinet for approval.
D.8 Invalidate Executive Cabinet actions on the grounds of a lack of sufficient funds,
or budgetary constraints, subject to verification by the Budgetary committee and
appeal to the Judicial System.
D.9 Maintain a detailed record of income and expenses
D.10 Make sure the accounts balance
D.11Communicate with the officers of USM on a weekly basis to ensure financial
data is current
D.12 Setup and maintain weekly meetings with the Oakwood University Accounting
Department
D.13 Address issues of officers exceeding their budget within three business days of
its occurrence
D.14 Monitor USM expenditures
a.
Approve and record reimbursements within five work days of request
b.
Approve, submit, and record all orders and invoices within five work days
of receipt
c.
Monitor and record the use of petty cash
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
d.
14
Act as a signee for USM purchases
D.15 Develop and monitor the USM budget
a.
Approve and monitor officer’s budgets
b.
Maintain accurate and up to date records of USM expenditures that are
accessible to all members of the United Student Movement.
c.
Prepare weekly financial reports for cabinet members which should address
i.
The current budget
ii.
Any concerns regarding the budget
D.16 Financial Vice cannot use the credit card without approval from the sponsor
D.17 Financial Vice is to set aside 5% of the budget as a contingency fund which can
only be used to help close out accounts at the end of the year.
D. 18 Submit a Bi- Weekly Budget report to the USM Executive Cabinet on all
expenditures.
D.19 Financial Vice must support and head a fundraising campaign to contribute to The USM
Endowment Fund.
D.20 Financial Vice must allocate $2,500 from the annual USM budget towards The USM
Endowment Fund.
D.21 The USM Endowment Fund’s interest earned can only be used for student advancement
and development. This encompasses motivational and academic speakers, scholarships, self improvement courses, diverse tutoring opportunities, enhancement of student life on campus,
and club funding.
D.22 When The USM Endowment Fund reaches $25,000, the amount available each year for
financial assistance will be dependent upon the endowment fund principal total and
performance of the fund’s investments. School policy directs that fifty percent (50%) of the
annual interest earnings from the fund’s principal will be made available for USM designated
purposes. Fifty percent (50%) of the annual interest earnings will be reinvested into the fund
principal. Allowing the fund to grow, thus producing increased financial support in future
years.
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
15
D.23 The USM Endowment Fund’s interest earned can only be retrieved during the fiscal
year ending in June. Before earnings can be spent, there must be a typed proposal to be voted
on by the USM Executive Cabinet.
E. ACADEMIC VICE PRESIDENT
E.1 Act as an intermediary with students on academic probation and the Center for
Academic Success.
E.2 Bring in at least two guest speakers per semester, with the approval of Student
Services and the Director of Student Activities, two give talks or workshops on their
respective areas of expertise.
E.3 Organize a University Bowl in the Fall Semester and a Black History Bowl in the
Spring Semester.
E.4 Organize workshops to assist students in their preparation for graduate school
E.5 Promote academic success in each of the residential dorms using by giving at least
one talk in each dorm per semester.
E.6 Coordinate with the Public Relations Director
E.7 Serve as a member of the Academic Appeals Committee.
E.8 Serve as a member of the Faculty Senate Committee.
E.9 Serve as a member of the President’s Council.
E.10 Serve as a member of the Judicial Council.
F. RELIGIOUS VICE PRESIDENT
F.1 Coordinate and initiate all religious activities sponsored by the USM
F.2 Promote USM or School sponsored or approved religious meetings.
F.3 Assist the University Chaplain in promoting on and off campus ministries
F.4 Serve as liaison between the USM and the local churches.
F.5 Plan and put on a Student Week of Prayer at least once per semester
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
16
F.6 Plan additional campus wide religious events, such as concerts, inspirational
speakers, etc...
F.7 Support other fledgling campus ministries
F.8 Be available to assist residential dormitories in their spiritual needs or the
spiritual needs of the student body
F.9 Coordinate with the Social Vice
F.10 Coordinate with the Public Relations Director
F.11 Maintain weekly contact with:
a.
Campus Chaplin
b.
University Church pastoral staff
F.12 Coordinate with Special Events Coordinator for Deep Sabbath
G. SOCIAL VICE PRESIDENT
G.1 Chair the Social Committee.
G.4 Plan, in conjunction with the Director of Student Activities, events to take place
at least once per week
G.3 Plan and Organize a Back to School Event
G.4 Coordinate with the Public Relations Director as necessary
G.5 Maintain regular contact with the Oakwood University Director of Student
Activities
H. ATHLETIC VIC E PRESIDENT
H.1 Chair the Athletic Committee
H.2 Provide athletic releases for the students
H.3 Organize and direct a North, East, West, South freshman game
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
17
H.4 Organize a Field Day in the Spring semester
H.5 Plan and coordinate, in conjunction with the So cial Vice, athletic activities and
initiatives
a.
Have at least three athletic events take place each month
H.6 Coordinate with the Public Relations Director
I. YEARBOOK EDITOR- in- CHIEF
I.1 Create the yearbook staff
I.2 Plan, organize, publish, and distribute the Acorn at the end of the spring semester
a.
Develop an encompassing theme and design for the Acorn
b.
Maintain weekly contact with administration to gather campus news
c.
Ensure that the Acorn is distributed to the student
d.
Bind and preserve at least 2 copies of each issue for permanent record
keeping
e.
Adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics
f.
Develop a production timeline
g.
Delegate tasks to the Acorn staff members
I.3 Preserve permanent records of the year’s activities through the publication of the
ACORN or YEARBOOK as its annual publication, as well as preserve any available
copies of past yearbooks.
I.4 Meet all deadlines as established specifically in the yearbook contract
I.5 Retain creative control of the yearbook, provided it remains open to submissions,
within reason, from USM officers.
I.6 Create, revise, and maintain the Acorn’s Contributing Writers Policy
I.7 Supervise Acorn staff to ensure diligence and quality of work
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
18
I.7 Hold bi- weekly staff meetings to discuss progress, address issues, and determine
goals
I.8 Consult with the Acorn advisor on a weekly basis
I.9 Establish a mentoring relationship with a professional journalist and have monthly
meetings with a community or faculty member who works in the field of
design/publication
I.10 Work with the Financial Vice President to develop a budget for the year
a.
Monitor expenditures to ensure they are within the budget
b.
Submit receipts for the expenditures to the Financial Vice President within
five workdays of purchase
I.11 Verify that contributing writers get paid in an accurate and timely fashion
J. NEWSPAPER EDITOR- in- CHIEF
J.1 Create the newspaper staff
J.2 Maintain the Newspaper as the printed voice of the student body represented by
the USM, as its official organ.
J.3 Publish at least one newspaper per month during the academic year
a.
Develop an encompassing theme and design for the Spreading Oak
b.
Maintain weekly contact with administration to gather campus news
c.
Ensure that the Spreading Oak is distributed to the student
d.
Bind and preserve at least 2 copies of each issue for permanent record
keeping
e.
Adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics
f.
Develop a weekly production timeline
g.
Delegate tasks to the Spreading Oak staff members
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
19
J.4 Publish biweekly progress reports of the Executive Cabinet and Senate in a news
pamphlet
J.5 Retain creative control of the newspaper, provided it remains open to any
submissions, within reasons, from USM officers. .
J.6 Maintain regular office hours
J.7 Create, revise, and maintain the Spreading Oak’s Contributing Writers Policy.
J.8 Supervise Spreading Oak staff to ensure diligence and quality of work
J.9 Coordinate with the Public Relations Director to advertise monthly USM events
J.10 Hold weekly staff meetings to discuss progress, address issues, and determine
goals
J.11Consult with the Spreading Oak advisor on a weekly basis
J.12 Establish a mentoring relationship with a professional journalist and have
monthly meetings with a community or faculty member who works in the field of
design/publication.
J.13 Verify that contributing writers get paid in an accurate and timely fashion
K. PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR
K.1 Chair the Public Relations Committee whose membership will be comprised of
heads of campus organizations and members of the General Assembly
K.2 Publicize all events of the USM
K.3 Approve media/advertising materials and programs in accordance with the USM
Code of Ethics
K.4 Coordinate with OU Official Public Relatio ns Committee
K.5 Promote USM activities and events via multiple channels of communication
K.6 Work with the Social, Academic, Athletic and Religious Vice Presidents to
develop a monthly schedule of events
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
20
K.7 Announce all USM activities and events two weeks before the event, and make
four subsequent announcements/promotions before the event
K.8 Publish a monthly event schedule in the Spreading Oak
K.9 Publish a calendar of events on the USM Collegiatelink.
a.
Update the USM calendar on a weekly basis
K.10 Keep a written record of all companies and people that advertise in the various
USM mediums
a.
Record should include: name, contact information, date published, and rate
charged
b.
Retain copies of all advertising contracts in the USM main office
K. 11 Advertise major events throughout the community such as
posters/announcements at local businesses
K.12 Survey students after major events for reference for later events
L. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
L.1 Take detailed, legible minutes at meetings including but not limited to Executive
Cabinet meetings, Joint session meetings, Supreme Court hearings, and/or General
Assembly meetings.
L.2 Prepare minutes for each member of the Executive Cabinet
L.3 Maintain a file of the meetings of the USM and all USM Proceedings .
L.4 Handle all USM correspondence and official notices
L.5 At the end of the academic year turn over all documents pertaining to USM
activities to the incoming Executive President as well as the outgoing
Parliamentarian.
L.6 Obtain, sort, and deliver mail daily
L.7 Schedule meetings and track attendance
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
21
L.8 Work on special projects as assigned by the President of the USM
L.9 Support different officers by providing additional secretarial work
L.10 Maintain regular office hours
L.11Clean the main USM office and file papers in the appropriate locations
L.12 Listen to the concerns of students and communicate the concerns to the President
and other officers as appropriate
L.13 Contact members when a meeting is cancelled or changed
M. SENATE SECRETARY
M.1 Keep the minutes of the USM Senate
M.2 Prepare minutes for each member of the Senate
M.3 Track Attendance
M.4 Work with the Executive Vice President to determine the when and where the
Senate meetings occur
M.5 Maintain an accurate, up to date list of all senators contact information
M.6 Track the dates and times of all meetings
M.7 Contact Senators when a meeting is canceled or changed
M.8 Maintain a file of the Senate and all Senate proceedings
M.9 Handle all Senate correspondence and official notices
M.10 Take the Executive Cabinet minutes in the Executive Secretary’s absence or
inability to function.
M.11 At the end of the year, turn over all documents pertaining to USM activities to
the incoming Executive Vice- President as well as the outgoing Parliamentaria n
N. MUSIC COORDINATOR
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
22
N.1 Supply or coordinate the music when needed for all USM events.
N.2 Be a liaison between the USM and all campus choirs.
N.3 Look after the maintenance of all instruments and sound equipment bought for
and by the USM
N.4 Chair the Music Committee whose membership will be derived from the General
Assembly.
N.5 Create and develop the yearly USM Music CD
a.
Distribute the USM Music CD to the student body
N.6 Coordinate events with the Public Relations Director
O. SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR
O.1 Coordinate, in conjunction with the Social Vice, special events given by the USM
President and Executive Cabinet.
O.2 Organize a Labor Day Barbecue
O.3 Organize two USM Sabbath programs and two DEEP Sabbath programs (one at
Southern and one at Oakwood)
O.4 Organize the USM Oak Awards.
O.5 Coordinate with the Director of Student Activities the Banquet for the Spring
Semester
Se ction 5: Executive Cabinet Members must:
A. Assist the President and the Senate in meeting the objectives of the USM
B. Serve for one academic year
C. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.50
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
23
D. Execute/Carry Out the approved actions and decisions of the USM Senate and
Executive Cabinet, and the final determinations of the Parliamentarian or, when appealed
to, the Supreme Court.
E. Follow Parliamentary Procedure and abide by the USM Code of Conduct.
E.1 Make a biweekly report to the Senate and/or the USM President, written,
electronic, or in person.
E.2 Submit a departmental progress report to the President at the closing of each
semester
E.3 Submit a Success & Failure report to the Parliamentarian at the end of the
academic year (this report will be filed in the USM History File)
F. Assume personal responsibility for involving the USM into a written or verbal contract
without consent of the Executive Cabinet and the actions of their office.
-
ARTICLE III – JUDICIAL
Section 1: Judicial
The rules, procedures, and guidelines governing the Judicial branch of the USM are set in the
USM Judicial Manual. That manual is binding as to the procedures of the Supreme Court. The
voting members include the five (5) justices.
ARTICALE IV – ELECTIONS
Section 1: Elections
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
24
The rules, procedures, and guidelines governing USM elections are set in the USM Elections
Manual. That manual is binding in regards to the rules and regulations of all USM elections.
ARTICLE V – VACANCIES, RECALL, AND
IMPEACHEMENT
Section 1: Vacancies
A. If a vacancy occurs in any Executive Cabinet elected office during the Fall Semester, there
will be a new election. If a vacancy occurs in the Senate during the fall semester, the District
Head shall appoint someone to replace them, subject to the majority approval of the Senate.
B. If a permanent vacancy occurs during the Spring Semester in any Executive Cabinet office not
in the line of succession, the USM President will appoint a qualified candidate from the General
Assembly to be approved by the rest of the Executive Cabinet. The candidate must meet the
requirements of the particular office, and then be approved by the Senate within seven days of
appointment, and be announced within a week. This appointed office will take on all the rules
and duties of his/her office. The new officer must be approved by a simple majority within both
the Executive Cabinet and the Senate.
C. If a permanent vacancy occurs within the Senate during the Spring Semester, the District head
will nominate a qualified candidate from the Senator’s district to be approved by a meeting of the
Parliamentarian and Chairperson of the Senate. The candidate must meet the requirements of the
office, be approved by the respective district within seven days of appointment, and be
announced within a week.
D. In the event of a permanent vacancy or temporary vacancy (or at least until the successful
election of a successor according to Part A) in the office of the USM Executive President or
Executive Vice President, the line-of-succession is outlined as follows:
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
25
D.1 Executive President
D.2 Executive Vice President
D.3 Parliamentarian
D.4 Vice Parliamentarian
E. In the event of a permanent vacancy or temporary vacancy (or at least until the successful
election of a successor according to Part A) in the office of the USM Parliamentarian (due to
moving up the line of succession or otherwise), the line of succession is outlined as follows:
E.1 Parliamentarian
E.2 Vice Parliamentarian
E.3 The newly chosen Vice Parliamentarian by the Parliamentarian in consultation with the
Chairperson of the Senate
Section 2: Recall
A. Any member of the General Assembly can petition the recall of an USM officer.
A.1 The initiator of the petition must submit his/her reason(s) for the recall with the
signatures of one-third of the General Assembly. This petition must be submitted to the
Parliamentarian.
A.2 The Parliamentarian, in association with the Vice Parliamentarian, will check the validity
of the petition submitted. If less than three-fourths of the signatures are valid and/or the
reasons(s) is constitutionally invalid, the petition will be rejected
A.3 If the petition is valid, the Supreme Court shall decide the case of recall like it would any
other case.
A.4 At the hearing, the elected official being submitted for recall will be allowed to state
his/her facts after the initiator of the petition has stated his/her facts.
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
26
A.5 In the case that the petition is against the Parliamentarian, then the Vice Parliamentarian
will act as Parliamentarian in accordance with the Judicial Manual.
A.6 Judgment in cases of recall will not extend further than removal from office, and, if the
case warrants it, the disqualification to hold and enjoy any further office of honor, trust, or
profit under the USM in the future.
B. Any resident of a Senate District can petition the recall of an elected Senator.
B.1 The initiator of the petition must submit their reason(s) for impeachment with the
signatures of two-fifths of the residents of his/her Senate District. This petition must be
submitted to the Parliamentarian.
B.2 The Parliamentarian, in association with the Vice Parliamentarian (minus any affected
members), will check the validity of the petition submitted. If less than three-fourths of the
signatures are valid and/or the reasons(s) is constitutionally invalid, the petition will be
rejected
B.3 If the petition is valid, the Supreme Court shall decide the case of recall like it would any
other case, and in the exact same manner as is laid out in Part A of this section.
B.7 Judgment in cases of recall will not extend further than removal from office, and, if the
case warrants it, the disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit
under the USM in the future.
Section 3: Impeachment
A. Any USM officer may bring to the Parliamentarian, a petition for the impeachment of an
USM officer.
B. The Parliamentarian must then immediately call a closed meeting of the Supreme Court
(exclude all other Senators and Executive Cabinet Members), who will review the petition, and
then either dismiss the complaint (a potentially recommend the punishment of the petitioner with
frivolous claims) or issue articles of impeachment (that is declare that there is sufficient evidence
to try the defendant).
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
27
B.1 At least two of the five justices must agree that the impeachment issue passes the
threshold of the Standard of a Reasonable Issue (see Judicial Manual for further clarification) in
order for the case to go to trial.
C. The trial will be held in a joint session of the Senate and Executive Cabinet, presided over by
the Parliamentarian in his/her capacity as High Justice. The High Justice will determine the
length each side has to present its arguments.
D. A USM Officer can only be impeached for certain offenses worthy of removal from office,
specifically:
D.1 Failure to perform the duties of their office as outlined by this Constitution and the USM
By-Laws, and duly passed motions of the Senate (in other words Dereliction of Duty).
D.2 Corruption (including but not limited to stealing or embezzling USM funds, using USM
position to gain unfair perks and benefits, accepting bribes in exchange for special favors,
using USM offices, resources, and/or personnel for personal gain).
D.3 Abuse of Power: Gravely and/or repeatedly exceeding the constitutionally outlined
power, or misusing the powers in ways not intended to circumvent or supersede the proper
division of powers, normal legislative and deliberative process.
D.4 Grave and/or Repeated Violation of the USM Code of Ethics and Standards (as provided
for in Article 12).
D.5 Specifically in the case of Recall, gross ignorance or willful disregard of the interests,
wishes, and concerns of one’s constituents resulting in a failure to represent the interests of
said constituents may be subject recall.
ARTICLE VI – NEW OFFICERS
Section 1: New Officers
A. The President of the USM has the power to create a department and appoint an Officer that is
not mentioned in the Oakwood University USM Constitution with the advice and majority vote
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
28
of the Executive Cabinet. The purpose and duties of the new department(s) and Officer(s) must
be given to the Senate within seven days of the appointment. If there is a new position created
that has a budget, stipend, or vote it must be ratified by the senate by a four-fifths majority. For
the position to be made permanent the constitution must then be amended. If they do not have a
stipend, vote, or budget it is simply approved by Executive Cabinet majority vote.
ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS
Section 1: Amendments and Revisions
A. Any member of the General Assembly can propose an amendment or revision of the
constitution or By-Laws at a Senate meeting.
B. The Senate, must then send the proposal for amendment or revision to the Parliamentarian and
Vice Parliamentarian for discussion, drafting, and final recommendation for approval.
C. If the amendment or revision is of the By-laws, then following parliamentary approval (The
Parliamentarian and the Vice Parliamentarian have no say in whether they personally like the
amendment, their only authority over the proposed amendment is to make sure it is constitutional
and the language is correct. If the Parliamentarian rejects a proposed amendment, his or her
decision may be appealed through the Supreme Court) it must be approved by a three-fifths
majority of the Senate and Executive Cabinet or by separate votes of each branch by two-thirds
majority.
D. If the amendment or revision is of the constitution, then after the amendment has been
approved by the Parliamentarian as outlined in Part C, then the Senate, by a two thirds vote, will
decide to bring the amendment to the General Assembly.
D.1 This amendment or revision must be published in the Spreading Oak, or in the equivalent
official USM publication, for seven days before it is approved by a two-thirds vote of the
General Assembly. At least one fourth of the General Assembly must be present in order to
pass an amendment and the amendment must be passed by a three fourths majority of the
General Assembly
Bylaws of The United Student Movement
29
ARTICLE VIII – USM SPONSORS
Section 1: USM Sponsors
A. USM Sponsors shall:
A.1 Serve as advisors and the official representatives of the administration of Oakwood to
the USM.
A.2 Retain the power to Veto any action taken by the Senate by two-thirds vote
A.3 Retain the power to Veto any action taken by the USM Executive Cabinet by two-thirds
vote
A.4 The USM Sponsors will be three in number, and the school’s Director of Student
Activities will be a permanent sponsor, with the school President selecting the other two
from six nominees submitted by the Executive Cabinet.