The U.G.H.S. Official Society Constitution
Constitution
Preamble
Whereas the primary goals of this society shall be to learn, to teach and to conserve.
Article I - Name
The name of this organization shall be the University of Georgia Herpetological Society, abbreviated UGHS.
Article II - Purpose
The purpose of the University of Georgia Herpetological Society shall be to provide opportunities for public service and outreach, as well as to serve as a conduit of knowledge, opportunity, professional growth and fellowship in the field of herpetology.
Article III - Membership
Membership shall be open to any interested party, including University of Georgia undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students, University of Georgia staff and faculty, and any non-affiliated citizens.
Membership shall not be denied to any person because of age, race, sex, religion, handicap, sexuality or national origin.
Article IV – Dues and Payment
$5.00 dues shall be required of regular members for participation in regular meetings. As required, additional fees may be leveled for participation in field trips, symposia, or other non-regular events, regardless of whether or not the society is required to disburse funds for the event.
Article V – Officers
The positions and responsibilities of the officers shall be as follows:
President – The duties of the president shall be to oversee the other officer positions, to be the primary liaison between the community and the society; to conduct and oversee meetings of the council and of the society in general; and to provide a strong moral backbone for the integrity of the society.
Vice President of Membership – The duties of the vice president of membership shall be to keep the membership roster and the listserv; to be the primary contact person for persons interested in membership; and to promote the authenticity and presence of the organization at organized events both on-campus and off.
Vice President of Outreach – The duties of the vice president of membership shall be to organize educational outreach programs for groups interested in herpetology, including schools, libraries, museums, educational or recreational organizations, and non-profit organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America; to organize the within-society structure of liaisons for these above organizations; to recruit and, if necessary, train, a corps of programmers to administer these programs; to secure a collection of animals that can be used in these programs; and to generally deal with society-other organization-related issues.
Vice President of Programming – The duties of the vice president of programming are to be in charge of all social activities; to organize and contact speakers and other presenters at meetings; to call meetings; to arrange field trips and other off-campus activities; and to contact the membership about meetings and events.
Treasurer – The duties of the treasurer shall be to manage the societies’ funds and raise funds for the society.
Webmaster – The duties of the webmaster shall be to manage and maintain the society’s website.
Faculty Advisor – The duties of the faculty advisor shall be to be the primary liaison between the University of Georgia administration and the society, and to handle mailing and official communication between the society and prestigious organizations such as other colleges and universities. The faculty advisor does not have a vote on the executive council, but may vote in popular elections.
All officers shall have the power to form committees of the membership of the society; to have access to the membership listserv; and to resign from their position given one month’s notice.
In the case of a vacancy, a general election shall be held to elect and, if necessary, appoint, a new officer. Otherwise, officers’ terms expire on the 15 th of August, at which time general elections will be held for all positions. For both general elections and elections to replace a vacancy, the candidate with a majority or the largest plurality of the popular vote wins. In case of a tie, the immediate past president casts the deciding vote.
By a 2/3 vote of the officers, minus the faculty advisor, an officer may be impeached.
Article VI – Meetings
Meetings shall be held once a month, on the last Tuesday of the month if possible. General meetings shall be called and the membership notified by the Vice President of Programming. Officers’ meetings can be called by any officer, including the faculty advisor.
Article VII – Quorum
To transact official business, 5/6 of the officers must be present. In a general meeting, if there is official business to be presented and voted upon, it is desirable that at least 50% of the membership be present; however, due to restrictions, the minimum quorum required shall be 30% for general membership.
Article VIII – Amendments
Amendments to any article of the constitution shall be permitted. A 5/6 ratification of the change must be approved by the officers, and afterwards a majority vote in the general membership, either at a meeting or by e-mail, must approve the amendment.
Article IX – Ratification
This document shall be ratified by 5/6 of the officers and by 50% of the membership.
By-Laws: University of Georgia Herpetological Society