Penn State's Free Wheelchair Mission's Constitution
Date of Origin: July 22, 2010
I. Purpose
A. The purpose of this organization is to support the nonprofit organization Free Wheelchair Mission and raise money in order to provide wheelchairs to those in need.
B. To advocate for those less fortunate who are in need of mobility.
II. Membership
A. The majority, one person over fifty percent, of this organization must be active undergraduate members.
B. Membership will consist of Active and Associate Members.
o 1. Currently registered students are eligible to hold Active Membership within this
organization.
o 2. All other members including faculty, staff, and community members are eligible to
hold Associate Membership.
C. There must be 10 active members for any undergraduate or graduate organization at all times.
D. Only active members are permitted to vote in elections, hold office positions, or solicit funding for this organization.
E. All members, new members, and recruits reserve the right to abstain participation from any event based on religious beliefs, personal values, or moral reserve as stated by the member.
F. Any member unable to attend a meeting due to course conflict, exams, or a medical condition will not be counted as a meeting missed with notification prior to the meeting.
o Any discrepancies will be handled with legitimate evidence and Executive Board
Approval.
G. New Members
o New members and recruits are entitled to:
§ A copy of the Constitution
§ A list of upcoming meetings and events
§ A list of responsibilities
§ A copy of the University’s Hazing Policy as prescribed by the Policies and Rules of Student Organizations
H. Membership Removal
o The club reserves the right to discharge any member who does not abide by the
policies of the organization with a super majority vote of attending members.
I. Mediation Procedures
o If any violations of the constitution or conflict between members within the
organization occur, the highest ranked officer not involved in the conflict with possible
assistance of the advisor will prepare an informal mediation procedure.
o The mediator’s responsibilities are as follows:
§ Arrange a separate meeting from the planned FMW’s meetings
§ Explain their rule as a neutral mediator and the objectives and rules for the meeting
§ Allow each party to express their views entirely
§ Retrieve any information or evidence (photos, emails, etc.) that may advance in a
resolution
§ As a neutral party, you may not suggest a resolution but leave the responsibility to
the involved parties.
§ Further, help set goals to reach a win-win resolution
III. Officers
A. Only full-time, officially registered active members are eligible to serve as appointed or elected officers in Penn State’s Free Wheelchair Mission.
o Full-time members are those that attend the majority of the meetings for the year and
actively participate in the club’s events.
B. President
o The President is the Chief Executive Officer of Penn State’s Free Wheelchair Mission .
o Is responsible for all actions of the club
o Must lead all meetings except for extraordinary circumstances
o Set and comprise the agenda to be discussed at body and executive meetings
§ Voting may occur for which issues are passed onto the body meetings
o Oversee all other Executive Officers and Committee Chairman
o Has the power to call emergency Executive Board meetings to order
o Will appoint Executive Officers if a vacancy occurs and take over their position until
the position is filled
o Has the power to approve starting committees, documents, etc.
o Attend any meetings calling for a FWM representative or appoint someone to attend
in his/her place
o Has access to any funds with the Treasurer’s permission through the Associated
Student Activities (ASA) account.
o Must carry out any duties proven necessary for the success of the organization.
C. Vice President
o Is responsible for the President’s duties when he/she is unavailable.
§ In the event of impeachment, resignation, or incapacitation, the vice president will
assume the office of presidency.
o May assist any other Executive Officers with their duties if requested.
o Is in charge of all Committee Action
§ Must oversee all committee chairs.
o Will call to order all meetings.
D. Treasurer
o Should keep a correct balance of the club’s budget.
o Will be in charge of all club funds through the Associated Student Activities office.
o Will keep a running total of the amount of money fundraised every year.
§ This total will be kept current and revealed at every meeting.
o Has the responsibility to submit a budget if necessary.
o May set budgets for any fundraisers or other committee activities.
E. Secretary
o Is responsible for keeping meeting minutes for the year.
o Must have an updated list of attendance incase of a dispute of membership.
o Will keep meeting minutes up to date with the webmaster.
o Will remind all members and new members about upcoming meetings and events.
F. Public Relations Head Officer
o Responsible for the marketing of Penn State’s Free Wheelchair Mission.
o Should seek group’s opinion on marketing decisions.
o Get approval from President for all materials.
o Will defer any tasks to other active members if necessary.
o Will consult President if new committees are needed.
G. Committees
o Committees will be created in order to divide and conquer special needs within FWM.
§ Committees must be lead by a Chairman.
§ The Chairman must seek executive board approval before any actions are taken.
o Committees may be created on an as-need basis throughout the year with approval
of the President.
o Committees must give a report at body meetings when it is necessary.
IV. Meetings
A. Meetings will occur a minimum of eight times per academic year.
B. The executive board will be responsible for the scheduling, change of date, or cancellation of any body meetings.
C. Before each body meeting, the executive board must be in contact with each other to discuss any information to be included within the meeting.
o Active or Associate members may also propose information via contact of the Executive Board or Committee Chairman who may be in relation to the subject matter.
D. Members must be notified at the beginning of each semester with the tentative dates of meetings. As soon as the information is obtained, the meeting schedule and room locations should be distributed.
E. If a new body meeting is scheduled, members must be notified within five days before the scheduled date.
IV. Voting
A. Ten active members, not including the executive board, will constitute the quorum for the proceedings of voting, elections, and other unstated items.
B. For amendments, a two-thirds vote must be met to enact the change.
C. For elections, fifty percent plus one member will constitute the majority for any voting matters.
V. Finances
A. All FMW’s funds must be handled through the Associated Student Activities (ASA) office.
B. Off-campus accounts are strictly prohibited.
C. Payment of dues is not a necessary condition for membership status.
D. Officers are allowed to spend a maximum of $15.00 without membership approval. However, all charges must be documented with the current treasurer and it is highly recommended to obtain permission before spending.
VI. Elections
A. Nominations will occur during the second to last meeting of the academic year, and will be open for a week after nominations.
o The current Secretary will be in charge of collecting all nominations throughout the
week.
o A member is limited to two nominations.
B. Elections will be held at or before the final meeting.
C. The meetings in which nominations and elections will be held will be broadcasted at the beginning of the spring semester.
D. A neutral person must conduct the election that is not an official candidate.
E. Each candidate must be given time for a speech to tell the club why they are qualified for their position.
o After each speech, the candidate will immediately enter a question and answer
session with their audience.
F. All opposing candidates may not be present during speeches and questions.
G. After each category up for election has voiced their platform, the anonymous votes are casted for the candidates.
H. Votes are collected and tallied by the neutral person, and the results are announced.
I. If a tie is to occur, the audience is to vote again.
VII. Amendments to the Constitution
A. Any active member may propose an amendment to the Constitution.
B. In order to proceed in proposing an amendment, the active member should contact a member of the Executive Board in order to be added to the agenda for their proposal. At the next body meeting, the President will conduct a vote in which the active members will vote on the proposed amendment.
C. A two-thirds vote must be met in order for the amendment to be passed.
D. All amendments are subject to approval by the Office of Student Activities.
E. If passed, amendments will take effect at the start of the next scheduled body meeting.
VIII. Accessibility of this Constitution
A. The constitution will be available to anyone upon request.
B. The constitution will be posted on the website.
IX. Parliamentary Authority
A. Any cases not specifically covered by this constitution will be directed to the Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised by Sarah Corbin Roberts.
X. Advisor
A. The Free Wheelchair Mission’s advisor must be a full-time faculty or staff member at The Pennsylvania State University and chosen by the student organization.
B. The Penn State’s Free Wheelchair Mission, with the best interest of the organization in mind, will pick an advisor.
o A full Executive Board agreement is then needed to accept the advisor’s nomination.
o The President along with any other available officers will contact the advisor and ask
to advise the club.
XI. The Free Wheelchair Mission Headquarters
A. This organization is not a section of Free Wheelchair Mission, but an independent organization.
o They assume no responsibility for this club’s action.
B. The President must maintain contact with a member of the original Free Wheelchair Mission.
C. It is the club’s responsibility to remain respectful of FWM’s mission, purpose, and all of the organization’s policies.
D. We are an organization representing Free Wheelchair Mission and must act in accordance.
****Check with Secretary or President for any official updates. Subject to change under PSU Student Affairs Guidelines.
A. The purpose of this organization is to support the nonprofit organization Free Wheelchair Mission and raise money in order to provide wheelchairs to those in need.
B. To advocate for those less fortunate who are in need of mobility.
II. Membership
A. The majority, one person over fifty percent, of this organization must be active undergraduate members.
B. Membership will consist of Active and Associate Members.
o 1. Currently registered students are eligible to hold Active Membership within this
organization.
o 2. All other members including faculty, staff, and community members are eligible to
hold Associate Membership.
C. There must be 10 active members for any undergraduate or graduate organization at all times.
D. Only active members are permitted to vote in elections, hold office positions, or solicit funding for this organization.
E. All members, new members, and recruits reserve the right to abstain participation from any event based on religious beliefs, personal values, or moral reserve as stated by the member.
F. Any member unable to attend a meeting due to course conflict, exams, or a medical condition will not be counted as a meeting missed with notification prior to the meeting.
o Any discrepancies will be handled with legitimate evidence and Executive Board
Approval.
G. New Members
o New members and recruits are entitled to:
§ A copy of the Constitution
§ A list of upcoming meetings and events
§ A list of responsibilities
§ A copy of the University’s Hazing Policy as prescribed by the Policies and Rules of Student Organizations
H. Membership Removal
o The club reserves the right to discharge any member who does not abide by the
policies of the organization with a super majority vote of attending members.
I. Mediation Procedures
o If any violations of the constitution or conflict between members within the
organization occur, the highest ranked officer not involved in the conflict with possible
assistance of the advisor will prepare an informal mediation procedure.
o The mediator’s responsibilities are as follows:
§ Arrange a separate meeting from the planned FMW’s meetings
§ Explain their rule as a neutral mediator and the objectives and rules for the meeting
§ Allow each party to express their views entirely
§ Retrieve any information or evidence (photos, emails, etc.) that may advance in a
resolution
§ As a neutral party, you may not suggest a resolution but leave the responsibility to
the involved parties.
§ Further, help set goals to reach a win-win resolution
III. Officers
A. Only full-time, officially registered active members are eligible to serve as appointed or elected officers in Penn State’s Free Wheelchair Mission.
o Full-time members are those that attend the majority of the meetings for the year and
actively participate in the club’s events.
B. President
o The President is the Chief Executive Officer of Penn State’s Free Wheelchair Mission .
o Is responsible for all actions of the club
o Must lead all meetings except for extraordinary circumstances
o Set and comprise the agenda to be discussed at body and executive meetings
§ Voting may occur for which issues are passed onto the body meetings
o Oversee all other Executive Officers and Committee Chairman
o Has the power to call emergency Executive Board meetings to order
o Will appoint Executive Officers if a vacancy occurs and take over their position until
the position is filled
o Has the power to approve starting committees, documents, etc.
o Attend any meetings calling for a FWM representative or appoint someone to attend
in his/her place
o Has access to any funds with the Treasurer’s permission through the Associated
Student Activities (ASA) account.
o Must carry out any duties proven necessary for the success of the organization.
C. Vice President
o Is responsible for the President’s duties when he/she is unavailable.
§ In the event of impeachment, resignation, or incapacitation, the vice president will
assume the office of presidency.
o May assist any other Executive Officers with their duties if requested.
o Is in charge of all Committee Action
§ Must oversee all committee chairs.
o Will call to order all meetings.
D. Treasurer
o Should keep a correct balance of the club’s budget.
o Will be in charge of all club funds through the Associated Student Activities office.
o Will keep a running total of the amount of money fundraised every year.
§ This total will be kept current and revealed at every meeting.
o Has the responsibility to submit a budget if necessary.
o May set budgets for any fundraisers or other committee activities.
E. Secretary
o Is responsible for keeping meeting minutes for the year.
o Must have an updated list of attendance incase of a dispute of membership.
o Will keep meeting minutes up to date with the webmaster.
o Will remind all members and new members about upcoming meetings and events.
F. Public Relations Head Officer
o Responsible for the marketing of Penn State’s Free Wheelchair Mission.
o Should seek group’s opinion on marketing decisions.
o Get approval from President for all materials.
o Will defer any tasks to other active members if necessary.
o Will consult President if new committees are needed.
G. Committees
o Committees will be created in order to divide and conquer special needs within FWM.
§ Committees must be lead by a Chairman.
§ The Chairman must seek executive board approval before any actions are taken.
o Committees may be created on an as-need basis throughout the year with approval
of the President.
o Committees must give a report at body meetings when it is necessary.
IV. Meetings
A. Meetings will occur a minimum of eight times per academic year.
B. The executive board will be responsible for the scheduling, change of date, or cancellation of any body meetings.
C. Before each body meeting, the executive board must be in contact with each other to discuss any information to be included within the meeting.
o Active or Associate members may also propose information via contact of the Executive Board or Committee Chairman who may be in relation to the subject matter.
D. Members must be notified at the beginning of each semester with the tentative dates of meetings. As soon as the information is obtained, the meeting schedule and room locations should be distributed.
E. If a new body meeting is scheduled, members must be notified within five days before the scheduled date.
IV. Voting
A. Ten active members, not including the executive board, will constitute the quorum for the proceedings of voting, elections, and other unstated items.
B. For amendments, a two-thirds vote must be met to enact the change.
C. For elections, fifty percent plus one member will constitute the majority for any voting matters.
V. Finances
A. All FMW’s funds must be handled through the Associated Student Activities (ASA) office.
B. Off-campus accounts are strictly prohibited.
C. Payment of dues is not a necessary condition for membership status.
D. Officers are allowed to spend a maximum of $15.00 without membership approval. However, all charges must be documented with the current treasurer and it is highly recommended to obtain permission before spending.
VI. Elections
A. Nominations will occur during the second to last meeting of the academic year, and will be open for a week after nominations.
o The current Secretary will be in charge of collecting all nominations throughout the
week.
o A member is limited to two nominations.
B. Elections will be held at or before the final meeting.
C. The meetings in which nominations and elections will be held will be broadcasted at the beginning of the spring semester.
D. A neutral person must conduct the election that is not an official candidate.
E. Each candidate must be given time for a speech to tell the club why they are qualified for their position.
o After each speech, the candidate will immediately enter a question and answer
session with their audience.
F. All opposing candidates may not be present during speeches and questions.
G. After each category up for election has voiced their platform, the anonymous votes are casted for the candidates.
H. Votes are collected and tallied by the neutral person, and the results are announced.
I. If a tie is to occur, the audience is to vote again.
VII. Amendments to the Constitution
A. Any active member may propose an amendment to the Constitution.
B. In order to proceed in proposing an amendment, the active member should contact a member of the Executive Board in order to be added to the agenda for their proposal. At the next body meeting, the President will conduct a vote in which the active members will vote on the proposed amendment.
C. A two-thirds vote must be met in order for the amendment to be passed.
D. All amendments are subject to approval by the Office of Student Activities.
E. If passed, amendments will take effect at the start of the next scheduled body meeting.
VIII. Accessibility of this Constitution
A. The constitution will be available to anyone upon request.
B. The constitution will be posted on the website.
IX. Parliamentary Authority
A. Any cases not specifically covered by this constitution will be directed to the Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised by Sarah Corbin Roberts.
X. Advisor
A. The Free Wheelchair Mission’s advisor must be a full-time faculty or staff member at The Pennsylvania State University and chosen by the student organization.
B. The Penn State’s Free Wheelchair Mission, with the best interest of the organization in mind, will pick an advisor.
o A full Executive Board agreement is then needed to accept the advisor’s nomination.
o The President along with any other available officers will contact the advisor and ask
to advise the club.
XI. The Free Wheelchair Mission Headquarters
A. This organization is not a section of Free Wheelchair Mission, but an independent organization.
o They assume no responsibility for this club’s action.
B. The President must maintain contact with a member of the original Free Wheelchair Mission.
C. It is the club’s responsibility to remain respectful of FWM’s mission, purpose, and all of the organization’s policies.
D. We are an organization representing Free Wheelchair Mission and must act in accordance.
****Check with Secretary or President for any official updates. Subject to change under PSU Student Affairs Guidelines.