| Article I-Name
Section One:
This organization shall be known as the Society of Professional Journalists-The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chapter.
Article II-Purpose
Section One:
The purpose of this SPJ University Chapter shall be: 1) To provide and promote a better understanding of the functions of journalism and its values; 2) to stimulate and encourage journalistic professionalism through journalism education; 3) develop the individual abilities of its members; and 4) promote fellowship and free exchange of ideas.
Article III-Membership
Section One:
Membership shall be open to students from all academic disciplines currently registered for at least one course for credit within the University. The student shall be in good academic standing as defined by the University.
Section Two:
Application for membership must be in writing and accompanied by a check for the annual national and Chapter dues.
Section Three:
After approval, each applicant shall be notified of acceptance for membership by a letter, signed by the Chapter President and the Chapter’s Academic Advisor.
Section Four:
Any member may be removed at any time by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, without refund of dues paid, for reasons including but not limited to: failure to pay dues in full, disruption of club activities, violent behavior, acting on behalf of the Chapter without authorization or behaving in a manner that reflects negatively upon the Chapter.
Article IV- Finances
Section One:
Membership dues shall be $46.00 a year, payable in advance, which shall include the affiliation fee of $36.00 per year to the Society of Professional Journalists, (SPJ), and $10.00 for UWM Chapter dues.
Section Two:
Any member of the Chapter whose dues have been in arrears for one quarter shall be so notified by the Treasurer, citing the provision of this section. If such arrears are not paid within 30 days after such notification the delinquent member shall be notified again and granted 30 days grace. At the end of this period, if dues remain unpaid, his or her membership will be forfeited. Only members whose dues are paid shall be allowed to vote at Chapter elections.
Article V- Board of Directors
Section One:
The management of the affairs of this Chapter shall be vested in the Board of Directors.
Section Two:
The Board of Directors shall include the following elected officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section Three:
The Board shall set up a schedule of regular meetings of the Board of Directors within 30 days after the beginning of the academic year. The President with the approval of the other officers may call special meetings. Notice must be given a week advance of the meeting.
Section Four:
In the case of the death or resignation of any officer the Chapter President may immediately appoint someone to and serve as an interim officer until the annual election.
Section Five:
In order to be qualified to hold a position on the Board of Directors, each officer must be a member of the Chapter as defined in Article III.
Article VI-Duties of Officers
Section One:
The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Chapter and of the Board of Directors and shall preside over all meetings of the Chapter and the Board of Directors. The President is responsible for directing the overall operations of the Chapter, including delegating responsibilities of the officers and committees. The President shall appoint committees and chairpersons with approval by the Board of Directors. The President shall be the primary representative of the Chapter, unless otherwise delegated. The President shall prepare agendas for all meetings.
Section Two:
The Vice President shall be vested with all the powers and shall perform all the duties of the President in his or her absence. The Vice President shall assist the President in coordinating and directing committee activities and Chapter operations. The Vice President shall also serve as an analyst to the President by recommending goals, objectives, plans and programs. The Vice President will act as the Chapter liaison among the other chapters to unify the organization. The Vice President shall assist other officers with the completion of their duties as delegated by the President. The Vice President is responsible for maintaining the SPJ Chapter bulletin board.
Section Three:
The Secretary shall keep a true and accurate record of all proceedings of the Chapter and administer the appropriate distribution of these records. The Secretary is responsible for maintaining a detailed record of Chapter members. The Secretary shall be responsible for handling reservations for meetings. The Secretary shall serve as custodian of the Chapter’s charter and other permanent documents. The Secretary shall assist other officers with the completion of their duties as delegated by President.
Section Four:
The Treasurer shall receive and deposit in the name of the Chapter, in a bank or trust company, all money; issue receipts; make all authorized disbursement; and shall render periodic itemized statements to the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall have the responsibility of collecting Chapter and national dues as well as fees or funds from any Chapter special events or fundraisers. The Treasurer shall provide safekeeping for all Chapter funds and keep accurate financial records. The Treasurer shall assist other officers with the completion of their duties as delegated by the President.
Section Five:
The President shall delegate the responsibilities of promoting the Chapter.
Section Six:
The Board of Directors shall have charge of the general management of the Chapter; hear all grievances; authorize and audit all expenditures and approve all appointments.
Section Seven:
An officer(s) and/or any good standing member will make every effort to represent the Chapter at the 6th District Regional and National Conference.
Article VII- Committees
Section One:
The President may appoint such committees as necessary to conduct Chapter business. No committee shall have the authority to commit the Chapter on matters of policy or to create financial obligations. All committee plans and actions shall be subject to the approval of Board of Directors.
Article VIII- Meetings
Section One:
An annual meeting of the Chapter, for the purpose of election and installation of officers and other general business, shall be held in the spring of each year for the proceeding academic year’s term. Written notice of the same shall be sent to each member at least three(3) weeks prior. The date, hour and place of meeting, as determined by the Board of Directors, must be included in the notice.
Section Two:
Regular meetings may be held at such times and places as the Board of Directors may determine.
Section Three: Special meetings may be called by the President, by the Board of Directors or by written request by any ten(10) members in good standing, provided all members are notified in writing of time, place and purpose of the meeting at least seven (7) days in advance.
Section Four:
An annual meeting will be held for new and returning officers during the Fall Semester to discuss responsibilities, goals and duties of each officer for that academic year. The President of the Board of Directors will determine the date, time, and place.
Article IX-Quorum
Section One:
Twenty-five percent of the active members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Chapter.
Section Two:
1/3 of the Board of Directors shall constitute its quorum for the transaction of business.
Section Three:
A simple majority of any committee shall constitute its quorum.
Article X-Elections
Section One:
Elections shall be held at the annual meeting in spring and shall be by secret ballot. Only members in good standing (dues paid) shall be allowed to vote.
Section Two:
Elections shall be for a one-year term of office beginning on July 1st and ending on June 30th.
Section Three:
A plurality vote is required to elect officers to the Board of Directors. In the case of a tie vote for the Board of Directors, lot should decide the election.
Section Four:
In order to be placed on the ballot for the spring elections, candidates must be nominated by a member of the Board of Directors.
Article XI-Adoption of Bylaws
Section One:
This Constitution and Bylaws shall become the Constitution and Bylaws of the Society of Professional Journalists college chapter of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee by a majority vote of the members present, if a quorum, at any regular or special meeting, providing members have been given written notice at least one week (7 days) in advance.
Article XII-Parliamentary Authority
Section One:
Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, shall be the authority of this Chapter in all matters not covered by these bylaws.
Article XIII- Amendments
Section One:
The Constitution and Bylaws of the Chapter may be amended at any regular meeting of the Chapter by a majority vote of the members present at the meeting. A quorum must be present.
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