CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

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ARTICLE I -- NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Benedict College Pre-Health Club (BCPHC).

ARTICLE II -- STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Benedict College Pre-Health Club is a campus organization designed to convey information and provide unique opportunities to undergraduate students enrolled in Benedict College with interests of pursuing health professions and health related professions.

ARTICLE III -- MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Requirements for Membership
All individuals enrolled at Benedict College pursuing undergraduate studies are eligible for membership. Students should have some interest in a health related career or profession and attend at least four (4) meetings per school year.

Section 2. Payment of Dues
Dues for membership will be payable in advance by the end of the sixth week into the new semester. Members who fail to pay dues by the stated deadline will be notified by the Secretary (in consultation with the treasurer). Persons who fail to comply within 2 weeks of notification will be considered ineligible for membership until dues are paid.

Section 3. Privileges of Membership
a. All members of this organization will have access to information aimed at improving their pre-health experiences at Benedict College. This information may include increased awareness of Health related standardized exams, shadowing/volunteering opportunities and such information as outlined in the objectives of the presiding committee. 
b. All members as recorded on the membership list for the current semester, will be able and encouraged to run and vote for offices.
c. Becoming a member of The Benedict College Pre-Health Club enables students to have access to opportunities as well as a means of contacting fellow students with similar interests through congregation and exchange of information.

ARTICLE IV -- OFFICERS

Section 1. List of Officers
This organization shall include:
a. President
b. Vice-President
c. Secretary
d. Recording Secretary
e. Treasurer
f. SGA Representative/Activities Coordinator
g. Miss Pre-Health Club

Section 2. Qualifications of Officers
All of the officers must be members of the organization and have a strong commitment to the health professions. There are no age/class/major restrictions on officers.

Section 3. Duties of Officers
General: All officers should be familiar with the Constitution and have an undated notebook containing an organizational handbook as well as any other information pertinent to their position.

1. The President shall oversee the general operations of the club. That person shall moderate club meetings, serve as a general liaison between the Advisor(s) and members, oversee and maintain the integrity of elections, and coordinate any other activities necessary for the smooth operation of the organization. That person should also be familiar with the Benedict College organizational student handbook and, along with the Advisor(s), be kept informed of all major club decisions.
2. The Vice President shall share in the management of the organization in association with the President. This individual will preside in the absence of the President at organizational activities. The Vice President shall work in collaboration with the President to ensure that the goals of the organization are met and shall keep account of respective committees of the organization, in so doing the Vice President will act as the liaison between the membership and the President.
3. The Secretary shall be the chief record keeper of the group. This person will review all correspondences including, but not limited to fliers, memos and letters, and shall keep an updated record of all meetings. Accurate records of the membership are to be maintained and he/she is responsible for tracking members in collaboration with the treasurer.
4. The Recording Secretary shall be the chief scribe of the organization. He/she shall record the minutes of each meeting and make them available to the Secretary. She shall also compose fliers and other forms of correspondence as needed and shall report to the Secretary.
5. The Treasurer is responsible for the organization of all fund-raising activities, collection of membership fees, as well as the group's transactions. This individual will maintain the group's accounts, endorse all approved transactions and keep accurate records of such activities.
6. The SGA Representative shall act as spokesperson of the organization, presenting the group's thoughts and concerns to the SGA. This individual shall also be responsible for securing dates and venues for planned activities with the Office of Student Activities.
7. Miss Pre-Health Club shall be the representative queen of the organization. She shall also fulfill duties according to the needs of the committee upon her consent.

ARTICLE V -- ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1. Time of Elections
The President, committee members and/or Advisor(s) shall establish the exact date for elections. Elections shall be held in spring semester of the following academic year. A special election can be held to fill a vacant position until the end of that academic year.

Section 2. Election Procedures
Nominations shall be held on the day of elections. All voting for officers shall be done by a majority vote, usually a show of hands. There will be no mention of an absentee ballot, it is not allowed. During the elections, the current president will count the number of hands and will announce the newly elected officers for the next year. The individual with the most votes will be elected to office. All persons on the roster are considered members of the organization and have voting rights.

ARTICLE VI -- MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular Meetings
There shall be at least one general meeting every two weeks per semester for this organization. The exact date will be set by the first general meeting in the semester (as agreed upon by the majority) and will be conveyed to the Advisor by the Secretary. Committee members will meet weekly as set by the officers on the first committee meeting for the semester.

Section 2. Special Meetings
At any time, a special meeting can be called by agreement of all officers and the advisor(s). At any point of time, the Advisor(s) can get around the officers and call a meeting without their approval. However, we must realize that this is not the normal method for calling meetings.

ARTICLE VII -- QUORUM

Definition of a Quorum: Minimum number needed to transact business at an assembly
Section 1. The Necessity of a Quorum:
A quorum shall consist of all officers, the advisor(s) and at least 50% of the members (officers are also included in the count).
A quorum shall be required for the election of officers for he upcoming academic year, for amending the Constitution and for the general bi- monthly meetings. The dates of which shall be scheduled by committee members on the advice of the advisor and in accordance with a 2/3-majority vote of club members.

ARTICLE VIII -- FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

Section 1.  Financial Disbursement
The financial disbursement of funds for any Pre- Health Club related activities must be approved by majority vote. The Pre-Health Club Advisor, the President and the Treasurer will authorize all financial transactions.  In the event of an emergency, the Officers will unanimously approve the expenditures of funds.

ARTICLE IX -- AMENDMENTS:

Section 1. Amendment meetings
President or Vice President may call special amendment meetings. Amendments may also be looked at during the regular scheduled meeting term for officers.

Section 2. Amendment process
At an amendment meeting, any officer may introduce an amendment and open discussion on it; members may have say as well. Amendments must be ratified via the same voting procedure and must be approved by 2/3 of the voting body.

Written: October 2005

Amendment I  The Parliamentarian

The Parliamentarian shall advise the presiding officer and other officers, committees, and members on matters of parliamentary procedure. He/she shall also oversee elections and fulfill duties according to the needs of the committee upon his/her consent.

Amended: December 2006

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