International Club Constitution

To provide a common ground of understanding between individuals of various ethnic origins at the University of Southern Indiana, through social, cultural, and educational activities. Members of the International Club will develop deeper understanding of international concerns, while fostering education and awareness programs about global perspectives at the University and in the community. Conversely, the International Club will assist international students in gaining a better understanding of American culture and adjusting to life in the USI community.

Memberships shall be open to anyone who pays the annual dues. Dues shall be set by the Executive Board and be approved by the Advisor. All students enrolled at the University of Southern Indiana shall be encouraged to be active members in the Club.

The officers of the International Club shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, , Social Coordinator, Intramurals Coordinator, Publicity Coordinator, and President Emeritus, who shall be elected by a ballot vote at the annul election meeting in April. These officers, together with the Club Advisor, shall constitute the Executive Board with the authority to transact the business of the International Club between meetings.

To be eligible for election to office, a member must be in good standing with the International Club. The member must be enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Southern Indiana and have attained at least twelve (12) semester hours of credit at said intuition. The member must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 at the beginning of the Fall semester, which must be maintained to hold office. One person is allowed to run for two offices, but can only accept one. No one person shall hold two offices.

Any officer desiring to resign shall submit a written letter of resignation to the Executive Board explaining the reasons for the action. The approved resignation shall become effective after the successor has been elected. An officer leaving the University of Southern Indiana permanently during his/her term of office shall notify the Club Advisor in addition to a letter of resignation.

Officers shall serve for one year (two semesters), however, if their office becomes vacant they shall be replaced by re-election, except in the case of the President. If the office of the President is vacant, the Vice President will carry out the Presidential responsibilities until the next annual election meeting, and a new officer will be elected to the position of Vice President.

At the second March meeting, nominations, in writing, will be taken for the offices of the Executive Board. A list of candidates will be prepared and distributed to all the members of the International Club. The election will held during the first April meeting. The vote shall be counted by at least two members of the out-going Executive Board who are not running for office in the current election. If there are not two members of the Executive Board not seeking re-election, then votes shall be counted by the Office of International Programs & Services.

International Club meetings shall be held twice a month from August to May each year. Officers shall give reports, and information regarding business conducted between meetings at these meetings.

In the second March meeting, a nominating committee will be set-up to receive nominations for the officer of the following year. This committee, headed by the Vice President, shall be responsible for producing and distributing the list of nominees of the offices of the Executive Board to all member of the International Club.

The annual election meeting shall be the first meeting in April of each year, at which time reports of the officers for the year will be read and new officers elected. All members should be present for this meeting.

The constitution and it’s by-laws may be amended, repealed, altered, in whole or in part and additional by-laws may be adopted by a majority of the votes cast by members at any meeting, provided that the proposed amendment was submitted in writing and discussed at the previous meeting (a majority shall constitute two-thirds of those members voting). All members shall be notified of all by-laws changes.

The International Club shall be served by a member of the faculty or administration of the University of Southern Indiana.

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and the Executive Board and shall maintain general supervision of the affairs of the Club and the Executive Board. He/She shall be an ex-officio member of all standing committees and may appoint committees as necessary. He/She shall act in official representation of the Club unless otherwise advised by the Executive Board. The President shall take primary responsibility for the execution of the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws.

The Vice President shall assume the duties of President in his/her absence. If the President is no longer able to perform his/her duties, the Vice President shall assume the Presidency. As Vice President, he/she shall be in charge of publicity for the recruitment of new members, as well as public relations for the Club. He/She will also serve as co-chairperson for the International Food Expo.

The Secretary shall keep a record of all meeting of the Club and Executive Board, which shall be an accurate record of all business transacted. He/She shall be in charge of maintaining the “Master Book of Club Business” to serve as a history and guide to future officers. In addition, he/she shall head all correspondence of the Executive Broad as well as maintain a list of names, addresses(e-mail and postal), and telephone numbers of all non-members, contacts and others with whom the Club does business.

The Treasurer shall receive all Club funds and deposit them into the Club’s account at the University of Southern Indiana. He/She shall pay out (bills, withdrawals, cash advances, and petty cash) only upon an order signed by the President, Treasurer, and Club Advisor, and in accordance with the rules of the USI cashier’s department. The Treasurer shall keep an audit of all Club accounts. In addition, he/she shall be chairperson of the fund-raising committee.

The Social Coordinator shall be in charge of all social activities sponsored by the Club for members and shall be co-chairperson of the International Food Expo. He/She shall also be in charge of announcements and correspondences with members of the Club regarding Club activities and events.

The Intramural Coordinator shall be in charge of coordinating both men’s and women’s intramural activities and sporting events on campus. He/She shall announce intramural related events and be in charge of organizing teams and participants for said events.

The President Emeritus is an honorary member of the Executive Board. He/She should be a former President of the International Club, serving as an advisor to the Executive Board. He/She shall assume the duties of President in the absence of both the President and the Vice President. He/She will have the same duties, responsibilities and rights as all other members of the Executive Board.

The duties of the Executive Board shall be to take all steps within the limits of this Constitution and By-Laws to further the objectives of the organization. In addition, they shall carry out the motions and resolutions passed by the general assembly, as well as, transact the business of the Club, subject to the approval of the membership.