Chapter Application Process

FORWARD

Dear Colleague,

Welcome to the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) and congratulations on choosing to charter a new ISBD Society in your region. This manual is intended to assist you in the development of a regional society supporting the mission and goals of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). Some of you may have been members of the ISBD for years, others for only a short time. In either case, you are aware of a strong tradition and organization which continues to share information on bipolar disorders research, diagnosis and treatment throughout the world. Providing guidelines, while offering you latitude in your approach, this manual sets out the requirements to be followed in order to become an ISBD Regional society.

The project you are about to undertake will be valuable in further encouraging and uniting the community of people who demonstrate a continued interest in the field of bipolar disorders. Your efforts will not only improve the quality of living for those affected by this life-long illness within your community and region, but will also greatly enrich your own life. Your affiliation with the ISBD and using the ISBD name means you represent a far larger body of people than only those in your community, state, region, or country. As an international organization, ISBD continues to grow. We are glad you have chosen to affiliate with ISBD and we encourage the development of your regional society. We want you to appreciate the fact that you are creating a unique organization, and your regional society can make a valuable contribution to your community.

Establishing a regional society requires motivation and persistence. The ISBD Staff and Regional society Development Committee will be available to support you during the initial development of your society, and after your regional society has been granted full regional society status. If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact us at 412-605-1412 for assistance.

Overview

The following information outlines the process to become a recognized ISBD Regional Society from the start to finish. From the time you initiate the process below, it will take a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 5 months to complete this process. Your timeliness in completing the steps below will determine the time frame for this process.

Step 1: Review the enclosed “Protocols for ISBD Regional Societies” document.

Step 2: Complete the enclosed application

Step 3: Draft and submit constitution for your regional society to the ISBD

Once steps 1-3 are completed, the ISBD regional society development committee will review your application and by-laws in conjunction with the ISBD Executive Committee within 30 days of receipt. If upon review any questions arise, ISBD may request clarification or amendment as necessary to proceed. Within 30 days of receipt of the application, ISBD will inform your regional society of acceptance or rejection of the application.

If your application is accepted you will need to complete the following items within 90 days.

• Apply for Incorporation for your regional society through the appropriate state or equivalent local governing body The organizers of a new regional society must contact their state’s or country’s Secretary of State Office or other appropriate administrative branch to request incorporation papers. The ISBD will not reimburse developing regional societies for expenses incurred in obtaining incorporation status.
• Apply for Tax Exempt Status for your regional society through the appropriate state or equivalent local governing body
• Forward Articles of Incorporation, Tax Exempt determination and any other appropriate documentation identifying your group as a recognized legal entity in your country/province to the ISBD office
• Submit a physical address/location or information for Society secretariat, including name of principle administrative contact, phone, email, web address and any other pertinent info for communication.

Within 30 days of receipt of all legal documentation and contact information above, your regional society will be designated a recognized Regional Society of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders and will be announced at the subsequent Annual General Meeting of the ISBD.

Benefits of Regional Society Affiliation

The International Society for Bipolar Disorders is an international organization for those persons, both professional and lay, concerned with bipolar disorders. The Society’s success comes from its leadership, committed ISBD members, and its regional societies throughout the world. Below are examples of services and benefits of being an affiliated ISBD Regional society.

Regional Society Membership. Your involvement provides opportunities to network with like-minded professionals in your area, an opportunity to develop local educational programs in the field of bipolar disorders and a source of collegial support.

Biennial ISBD Conference. This biennial conference is conducted every-other year (in opposing years to the International Conference on Bipolar Disorder held in Pittsburgh) in a variety of different geographical areas. This conference is an opportunity for members to share research, experiential programs, patient advocacy related programs and clinical practice. It is at these conferences where regional society members have the opportunity to network and review concerns and issues at a regional or state level.

GLOBAL Newsletter. The ISBD Global is the official newsletter of ISBD. Articles and matters of interest to the general membership are published here. In addition, this newsletter provides the opportunity for each ISBD regional society to disseminate information concerning their regional society’s activities.

Networking. Affiliation with ISBD provides regional societies with a large network of similar organizations that can offer mutual assistance to one another year round and may be utilized to set up multi-site studies and share data. With a common reference point in ISBD, regional societies have access to information, resources, and events.

Leadership Opportunities. Several ISBD officers and members of the board of directors have held leadership positions in their regional societies. We encourage regional society officers to become actively involved on an international level. Regional societies provide local, regional and national visibility, not only for those who are in regional society leadership positions, but for other members as well.

Financial Opportunities. After a regional society has obtained a tax exempt status, there are opportunities to seek financial assistance from local, regional and national foundations. These foundations are able to provide money to those organizations which have special tax-free status. Opportunities such as these can mean financial assistance to your regional society to develop new projects or design programs which otherwise may not be within financial reach of your organization.

Assisting with Regional Society Recruitment. ISBD Headquarters can assist ISBD Regional societies in gaining new members. This is done by identifying current ISBD members in your area and also by periodically providing names and addresses of those who become new members throughout the year.

Assisting with Identifying Speakers and Consulting on Regional Society Conferences and Workshops. The staff at the ISBD is available to assist regional societies when they are preparing to conduct conferences, workshops, or training programs by providing them with a list of speakers and materials.

Affiliation with an International Organization. Each regional society, once approved, is recognized in ISBD literature as being an official regional society of the ISBD. Your regional society will join a “family of others” who also believe in the goals and objectives set out by ISBD.

Protocols for ISBD Regional Societies

In order to enhance communication between the international organization and regional societies, the following responsibilities are to be fulfilled by newly formed regional societies. Fulfillment of these responsibilities represents your commitment to your regional society and to the ISBD.

BY_LAWS: Please include the following statement in your Society’s Constitution

Article __. Affiliation with ISBD

• The <Insert your regional society name>, is affiliated with the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD).
• <Insert your regional society name> is free to govern itself under the guidelines set forth in these by-laws, and in the absence of provisions in these by-laws, the society agrees to be governed by ISBD Constitution and by-laws.
• <Insert your regional society name> will meet with ISBD once a year in conjunction with the ISBD main meeting, ICBD in Pittsburgh, or other location to be agreed upon by the ISBD and <Insert your regional society name>.
• The <Insert your regional society name> will provide an annual report to ISBD no more than 60 days after the close of the regional society’s budget year.
• Use of the ISBD Logo will be at the discretion of ISBD and upon review of any material, both hardcopy and electronic, that will contain the Logo.
• <Insert your regional society name> will coordinate meetings with the ISBD and will make every attempt to anticipate and avoid potential conflicts.

Bipolar Disorders Journal

• <Insert your regional society name> will pursue a competitive bid from the Bipolar Disorders Journal when seeking publication of abstracts, guidelines, translations or any other special issues or supplements
• <Insert your regional society name> will inform the ISBD and the editors of the Bipolar Disorders Journal prior to any negotiations with the publisher regarding the publication.
• <Insert your regional society name> will support membership in ISBD as the principle route for access to the Society’s official Journal.

Regional Meetings

Regional Societies are welcome to use the ISBD logo, previous conference lists, and ISBD membership lists to help in the recruitment of potential delegates for local meetings. ISBD members may also be helpful contributing to your meeting as invited speakers, planning committee members, etc.

In return for assistance offered to Regional Society meetings, ISBD will require a percentage contribution back to the International Society for Bipolar Disorders equal to 10% of the net profit in the event that the meeting realizes a net profit equal to or greater than 10% and less than 30% of the total sponsorship and exhibition revenue raised for the meeting, 15% of the net profit if equal to or greater than 30% but less than 50% total sponsorship and exhibition revenue, and 20% if net profit is equal to or greater than 50% sponsorship and exhibition revenue.

Guidelines for Corporate Relationships: In accordance with the high ethical standards set by the Society, Regional Societies are strongly encouraged to draft and submit to the ISBD a set of guidelines for corporate relationships that maintain editorial control over the scientific content of any information produced as part of a corporate/externally funded arrangement.

Board and Officers: Board and Officer positions are unpaid. Regional society Officers/Board Members must maintain membership in the ISBD to encourage strong leadership in your regional society and to enhance communication between both organizations.

Membership: Dues for Regional Society membership shall be established by board action of the Regional Society.

• Any reduction in ISBD dues for regional society members will be set in conjunction with ISBD
• Processing of ISBD membership dues at regional society functions/events/etc. will be coordinated with ISBD Staff.
• All regional society only dues will be collected and processed by the regional society
• Regional society will share membership list with ISBD to promote Society meetings, educational products, positions statements, etc.

External Affiliation: The ISBD encourages regional societies to develop active collaborations with the regional consumer organizations or societies that are involved in providing support and dedicated to improving the care and treatment for those with mood disorders.

Statement of Reciprocity: In the spirit of fostering international collaboration, the ISBD and its regional societies agree to mutually promote and support the membership, meetings, and education materials (as appropriate) of both organizations through

• reciprocal website linkage [ISBD will reserve webspace for reporting on regional society activities]
• cross-participation of ISBD and Regional society members on Committees of both organizations
• cross- contributions from Society and Regional society to official organizational newsletters
• Participation in Organizing committees of the ISBD biennial meeting if held in your region

Regional society Resources: Please visit the ISBD website at www.isbd.org/Chapters.htm for Regional society resources, including

• A copy of the ISBD Constitution
• Forms for requesting ISBD membership lists
• Templates for Annual Regional society Reports
• Secure server to process ISBD membership dues through your regional society
• Etc.

APPLICATION for AFFILIATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR BIPOLAR DISORDERS

Please complete these forms and send to the ISBD main office within 30 Days of Receipt.

Send all information to:

International Society for Bipolar Disorders, c/o Chad Daversa

PO Box 7168 / Pittsburgh, PA 15213

We, the undersigned, would like to form a regional society and request that our regional society be formally affiliated with the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). We recognize ISBD as a professional international organization whose mission is to foster ongoing international collaboration on education and research with an objective to advance the treatment of all aspects of bipolar disorders that result in improvements in outcomes/quality of life for those with bipolar disorder and their significant others. Therefore, we are forming this regional society with the intention of upholding ISBD's mission as stated above and have read and agree to all conditions in the “Protocols for ISBD Regional societies” sheet included with this application

We further certify that our regional society of ISBD will be established and will function according to the Constitution, structure, policies, purposes and principals of ISBD while operating as a financially, legally and administratively independent arm of the Society, and in accordance with this agreement neither party shall have any claim on the other, nor make any pretense to represent the other, in the transaction of any business in furtherance of the goals and objectives of the respective organizations.

Official Regional society Representative Signature Date

Recognized name of the regional society of ISBD;

The "_____________________(Insert name of region) Society for Bipolar Disorders: A regional society of ISBD.” Your name, and if possible your logo, should both reflect your connection to ISBD

Geographical area to be covered by your regional society:____________________________________________________
_________________________________________

Mission, Goals and Objectives of your regional society (Attach a separate sheet as necessary): ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
__________________________________________

Is your group already registered as a Charity, Foundation, Society or otherwise incorporated under any local law? 
yes ___ no ___

If you answered yes, please include the following attachments with your group’s application

• A copy of your group’s registration, incorporation or other determination letter
• A copy of your group’s history, mission statement, objectives, by-laws
• A copy of any printed publications or materials currently distributed by your group
• Your group’s current organizational structure, including officers, board members, paid employees, etc.
• Your group’s current membership roster

Application Cont’d

Statement of Purpose: (Please attach on a separate sheet of paper) Briefly describe why you/your group would like to affiliate with ISBD as an official Regional society.

Proposed ISBD Regional Society Officers

Please provide contact information, as well as details of board, officer, or editorial positions in other mood disorder related professional organizations as indicated in “Other Affiliations” below.

President (principal contact)

Name: 
Address: 

Phone: 
E-mail: 
Other Affiliations:

Vice President

Name: 
Address: 

Phone: 
E-mail: 
Other Affiliations:

Treasurer

Name: 
Address: 

Phone: 
E-mail: 
Other Affiliations:

Secretary/Recruitment Coordinator

Name: 
Address: 

Phone: 
E-mail: 
Other Affiliations:

Application Cont’d

Five (5) ISBD Members in your area

You need at least five (5) names of individuals in your area who are paid Voting ISBD members, excluding yourself, in order to petition for regional society status. The ISBD Voting membership fee is $90 annually for countries in Area 1, $120 for countries in area 2, and $150 for countries in Area 3, all U.S. currency. If you do not currently have a total of 5 ISBD members, other than yourself, contact the ISBD Office at dinaw@isbd.org for a list of all ISBD members in your selected area.

Include Name, Phone No., Email, and ISBD ID#

Name:
Phone: 
E-mail: 
ISBD Member ID#:

Name:
Phone: 
E-mail: 
ISBD Member ID#:

Name:
Phone: 
E-mail: 
ISBD Member ID#:

Name:
Phone: 
E-mail: 
ISBD Member ID#:

Name:
Phone: 
E-mail: 
ISBD Member ID#:

REGIONAL SOCIETY REPORT

File the following report with ISBD at least once annually following Attach additional pages as necessary

Date:_____________

Chairman:____________________________________________________

Board Officers:

____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

Board Members:

Membership Report: Include total membership, % of ISBD members, membership by country, region, state, retention rates, etc.

Financial Report: summary compiled by Treasurer

Meeting Report: Include report on recent meetings (i.e. delegate numbers, exhibitors, scientific program, highlights, etc.), as well as details for future meetings.

Website Statistics: if available, may include web services, number of hits, visits, countries visiting, length of visit, most popular pages, most popular search terms, etc.

Constitution Amendments: List by Article and section

Other Society Updates: as relevant to your Society

Completed Chapter Programs (Inc. Description) Date
____________________________________________ ___________
____________________________________________ ___________

Ongoing Chapter Programs (Inc. Description) Date 
____________________________________________ ___________
____________________________________________ ___________

Future Goals Date
____________________________________________ ___________
____________________________________________ ___________

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

This Is Only A Sample.
However, You May Use This As A Guideline
To Draw Up Your Chapter’s Constitution And Bylaws

Please complete these forms and send to the national office by JANUARY 30, 2006. Any forms postdated after January 30 will not be considered at the 2006 Annual Convention. The charter will be presented at the House of Delegates during the annual convention and upon approval, will gain chapter status.

Send all information to:
American Medical Student Association, c/o Recruitment Department
1902 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191

CHARTER OF THE (Your University) INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER OF
THE AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this organization shall be the American Medical Student Association, hereafter referred to as AMSA (Your University) International Chapter.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSES

The purposes of this organization shall be:

• To provide an environment that supports the creative ideas of physicians-in-training.
• To promote, encourage and maintain a cohesive relationship with the student and non-student organizations of (Your University) International Chapter.
• To serve as a forum for discussion of health issues and develop a policy agenda for physicians-in-training.
• To affect change in the medical education process and to make it more responsive to the needs of students and society.
• To maintain its status as an independent organization.
• To maintain its primary identity as an organization for physicians-in-training.
• To maintain its primary identity as an organization for physicians-in-training.
• To maintain its primary identity as an organization for physicians-in-training.
• To maintain its primary identity as an organization for physicians-in-training.
• To maintain its primary identity as an organization for physicians-in-training.
• To maintain its primary identity as an organization for physicians-in-training.
• To maintain its primary identity as an organization for physicians-in-training.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

A. Eligibility
Students enrolled at the (Your University) who are either current national international members of AMSA or in the process of applying to national AMSA, and have paid current chapter dues shall be considered active members of AMSA (Your University) International Chapter. Members of above named organization shall be accepted without discrimination on basis of race, religion, national origin, disability, sex, sexual preference, age, creed, marital status, parental status or veterans status. Furthermore, it is understood that members of the above organization will not, at any time, engage in hazing.

B. Privilege of Membership
Members shall have the right to attend all meetings and participate in all AMSA-sponsored activities.

C. Dues
AMSA National dues are currently set at U.S. currency: $45 annually for international mailing addresses; OR $65 for 1stand 2nd-years or $45 for 3rd- and 4th-years for domestic mailing addresses. The dues for membership to AMSA (Your University) International Chapter shall be determined by the AMSA officers of (Your University). Local chapter dues shall be ($$$$) dollars a semester and are subject to change by the executive committee. Dues will be referred to the penalty for nonpayment in Article III, Section D.

D. Financial Obligations
Penalty for non-payment: Any eligible member that fails to pay dues will lose membership status and benefits.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

A. Titles
The officers of an executive board of an AMSA international chapter shall include: president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, sergeant at arms and any other positions the chapter wishes to create.

B. Elections
The officers may be nominated and elected by ballot at the last regular meeting in April. A majority vote of the members present shall be necessary to elect. When there is only one nominee for an office, there may be a vocal vote. All officers shall take office immediately at the close of the meeting in which they are elected.

C. Eligibility Any member of AMSA (Your University) International chapter shall be eligible for election provided that he/she:

• Qualified under the (Your University)'s International chapter Golden Rule.
• Is a member of national AMSA and the AMSA (Your University) International chapter for at least one semester prior to the election.
• Has met with the executive board to understand the details of the desired position.

D. Vacancies of Offices
If any office shall become vacant except for the presidency, the president shall, at the earliest possible date thereafter, order a special election for the purposes of filling such office. The member thus elected shall immediately enter his/her duties and shall hold office until the next regular election. The vice president would assume the role as acting president if the president were to leave.

E. Duties of the Officers
1. The Presidentshall:

• Preside at all general membership and special meetings.
• Appoint committees and serve as ex-officio (non-voting) of said committees.
• Assist treasurer in the preparation of a budget for his/her term of office by June 1.
• Carry out assignments and instructions to the office of the president.
• Serve as a chapter delegate to the International Members Caucus at AMSA's National Annual Convention each March (or select a surrogate if he/she chooses not to attend).

2. The Vice Presidentshall:

• Be an aide to the president.
• In case of the absence or disability of the president, assume the duties of the president.
• Oversee the coordination of all projects.

3. The Treasurershall:

• Present a budget and a tentative schedule of suggested fund-raising activities for the finance of the chapter with approval needed by the president and the executive committee to the membership by June 1.
• See to the day-to-day expenditures of the chapter.
• Make sure the chapter does not assess any liabilities.
• Oversee the fund-raising committee on behalf of the chapter.
• See to the best of his/her abilities that money used on behalf of the chapter is used wisely and in a manner, which suits the purposes of the chapter.

4. The Secretary/Recruitment Coordinatorshall:

• Keep a written record of all meetings (general membership meetings, executive, etc.) in order to provide the chapter with a record of issues discussed, problems posed, ideas raised and of the people who participated in the group discussion for benefit of the chapter and its members.
• Recite or resummarize the record of minutes for approval by the membership.
• Keep a current list of active members.
• Record minutes to be "open" to all members.
• In case of absence, have a substitute appointed that day by any member of the executive committee.

5. The Sergeant at Armsshall:

• Call all local international chapter meetings to order, and shall adjourn each said meeting.
• See to it that all activities taken by the chapter are in accordance with the bylaws of the constitution.
• See to it that all members are given the chance to speak and to be heard at general membership meetings.
• Supervise elections and see that they are carried out as set forth in the bylaws in a fair and just manner.
• Oversee the impeachment process.

F. Removal of Officers
Officers can be removed from office by a majority or two-thirds vote.

G. Voting Powers of Officers
Officers retain voting rights. However, the president often votes only in the event of a tie.

H. Duties of the Directors
Attend all director meetings and hold the position in the best interest of the organization.

I. Removal of Directors
Any director can be removed of his/her title if the executive board comes to a vote of two-thirds or greater. A replacement will be appointed immediately.

J. Election of Directors
Out going directors will choose candidates to fill the positions, who will then be interviewed by members of the executive board. All candidates can be denied the position. The executive board can then continue to search for a director.

ARTICLE V. MEETINGS

A. Time and Place
At least four general membership meetings shall be held from September through April; the place and hour to be determined by the officers.

B. Types of Meetings
The various meetings of the organization, as defined in the bylaws, include:

• General membership
• Annual election meetings
• Special meetings
• Officer meetings

C. Quorum
Quorum for general membership, annual election and special meetings shall be those active members present, provided proper notice is given, as defined in the bylaws. Quorum for officer meetings shall consist of 50 percent of the voting members.

ARTICLE VI. FINANCES

All finances shall be controlled by the president and treasurer only. There must be a budget each year as proposed by Article IV. All funds must be spent on organizational purposes only. The transfer of power of controlling all funds shall be done one week after the new officer has been appointed.

ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES

Committee chairs must have a written report of committee progress by each general membership meeting. The following must be presented in the committee reports:

• Committee name.
• Committee chairperson.
• A list of people who helped your committee complete each goal.
• A list of goals accomplished since the last meeting.
• A list of goals that were not completed, and an explanation of why and what action will be taken.
• A list of goals you plan to accomplish by the next meeting.
• Indication of any announcements that need to be made at the general meeting.
• Indication if you need to have a written report provided to your committee members. Provide a copy of the report. Members can join as many committees as they wish, but must be active in at least two or else face penalties provided by the executive committee.

• The executive committee must present a calendar of annual goals at the beginning of the year to the general members.
• The fund-raising committee must seek projects to finance the chapter.
• The publication committee shall promote and publicize the chapter. They must also comply with the Golden Rule “Advertising and Signs” section.
• The projects/activities committee will work closely with the vice president and must present a tentative calendar of suggested activities.
• The speakers committee must recruit guest speakers to address the chapter.
• F. The following committees shall run in the best interest of the chapter:
  • Health outreach committee
  • National liaison committee
  • Public relation committee
  • Social committee
  • Hospital volunteers committee
  • Health career convention committee
  • Any other newly formed committees
• New committees can be appointed at any time by the executive committee.

ARTICLE VIII. ADVISOR

The advisor of AMSA (Your University) International Chapter shall be a non-voting member of the executive committee. He/she must have a sincere interest and commitment to the welfare of the chapter. The advisor must be a faculty or staff member of (Your University).

ARTICLE IX. EXTERNAL AFFILIATIONS

The (Your University) International Chapter of the American Medical Student Association, is affiliated with the national American Medical Student Association. International AMSA (Your University) is governed by AMSA laws as well as its own. International AMSA (Your University) is free to govern itself under the guidelines set forth. International AMSA (Your University) will meet with AMSA once a year at the Annual Convention. The American Medical Student Association is located at the following address:

1902 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
1-800-767-2266 / members@www.amsa.org

ARTICLE X. AMENDMENT

This constitution may be amended at any general membership meeting of the organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present, provided that the amendment proposed had been submitted in writing to the president and posted in a conspicuous location for at least two weeks prior to the meeting. All amendments, additions and/or deletions to the constitution of the above named organization shall be adopted only after a vote of two-thirds of the members present. Additional articles and amendments may be included only if they are in consonance with the (Your University) International chapter and AMSA regulations and policies. These must be filed with the (Your University) International chapter Office of Student Affairs and AMSA national office within one week of adoption.

ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION

In the event of dissolution of the above named organization, all unspent (Your University) International chapter funds shall remain the property of AMSA (Your University) International chapter. All privately obtained funds shall be donated to a non-profit organization.

BYLAWS OF THE (Your University)
INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER OF
THE AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE I. FEES AND DUES

AMSA national at the (Your University) international chapter shall levy local dues, which shall be set at ($$$$) per semester, levied at the time each student joins AMSA. The privileges are outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE II. MEETINGS

• Ample notification shall be given to all local members regarding meetings held by the executive and publicity committees.
• General membership meeting shall be held at the set location(s).
• C. Annual election meeting: The annual election meeting shall be held by the beginning of April and shall be executed by the president and sergeant at arms. Only active members may vote. Candidates receiving a simple majority of the votes shall be declared victorious.
• D. Special meetings can be called by any member of the executive board or any five members of the general membership. The purpose of any special meeting shall be stated in the announcements of the general meetings.
• E. Executive board meetings:
  • The executive board shall be required to meet in the second week of each month.
  • The executive board shall consist of the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, sergeant at arms and any other positions the chapter wishes to create.
  • Quorum at the executive board meetings shall consist of 50 percent of the voting members of the executive board.

ARTICLE III. APPOINTED OFFICERS

At the request of the executive board, the International Trustee advisor shall be an affiliate member of international AMSA (Your University), and an ex-officio member of the executive board. The advisor shall oversee the executive board and general membership of the organization on matters relevant to the purposes set forth in these bylaws.

ARTICLE IV. ELECTIONS

Nomination shall be taken two weeks before election day by ballot and made public for everyone’s awareness. If the nominee chooses to accept the nomination he/she will give a 5-minute speech on the day of election. The annual election meeting shall be held at the general membership meeting in April. Persons may not nominate or second themselves. If only one name is submitted for a position, the vote may be taken vocally. In other events, names shall be written on ballots and counted immediately. Candidates receiving a simple majority of votes cast shall be declared winner. At least two-thirds of the votes must be attained to win a run-off. Executive board members are not allowed to vote in elections, and only the president is allowed to break ties. The newly elected members of the executive board must meet with the previous executive board members for transition of chapter functions.

ARTICLE V. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

The rules contained in the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall guide this organization in all cases, which are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the Bylaws and special rules of order the organization may adopt.

ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS

Amendments to these bylaws may be adopted at any general membership of the organization by a majority vote, provided the amendment proposed has been submitted in writing to the president and is posted at least two weeks prior to meeting.

ARTICLE VII. REFUNDS

A member will receive a refund of a semester’s local membership dues only after the second official meeting of the semester of the complaint. The refund, if approved by president and the treasurer, will be given at the end of the semester.