Vietnamese-American Student Association (V.A.S.A.)

Constitution

Article I:  Name

The name is this association shall hereby be known as the Vietnamese-American Student Association (V.A.S.A.).

Article II:  Purpose
  • To promote understanding and preservation of the Vietnamese culture, history, customs, and traditions
  • To foster an environment in which diversity is readily recognized, accepted, and appreciated
  • To establish and maintain a unified community and voice for the Vietnamese students at Drake University
  • To act as a vehicle for communication, interaction, and cooperation between the Vietnamese students at Drake University and the Drake community
  • To initiate or participate in activities that encourage, promote, enhance, or uphold the Vietnamese culture and its rich traditions
  • To provide assistance and support to all Vietnamese students and minority students
Article III: Membership

Section 1: Membership shall be open to Drake students, faculties, staff and to those individuals who are interested in the Vietnamese culture.

Section 2: Membership shall be restricted to Drake students, faculties, and staff with a special exception to honorary members.

Section 3: All members are expected to be active and to partake in the activities that are initiated or sponsored by the association.

Section 4: All members are expected to follow the rules and regulations set forth by the University and the association. Membership revocation shall be determined through a hearing that shall consist of the concerning individual, the president, and other members of the cabinet. The decision of revocation shall be based on the severity of the violation and the situation in which the violation occurred.

Section 5: The organization shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality, gender, age or disabilities.

Article IV: Officers

Section 1: All officer positions shall be appointed by the president who is elected by the members
  • A. Any member who is interested in the presidential position can either self-nominate or be nominated by other members within the association.
  • B. All members of the association are qualified for nomination to the presidential position.
  • C. Election for the presidential position shall be held annually. The specific date of the nomination shall be determined by the current president of the association. Each member of the association shall be given one vote. In case of a tie, subsequent elections shall be held.
  • D. The term of office shall be one academic year.

Section 2: Duties of officers will be as followed:

  • A. The President
    • a. Acts as the organization's chief officer and representative/spokesperson
    • b. Presides over the meetings and facilitates the discussions during these meetings
    • c. Appoints officers to the various positions within the organization
    • d. Cooperates and works closely with all others officers within the organization
    • e. Assigns and delegates tasks and responsibilities to officers
    • f. Promotes and maintains good communication between officers so that V.A.S.A can function efficiently and effectively
    • g. Works with other officers to plan and coordinate all the activities and functions of V.A.S.A.
    • h. Ensures that the goals and mission of the organization are achieved
       
  • B. The Vice Presidents
    • a. Assist the president with his/her various duties and assume those duties when the president is not present or is unable to fulfill his/her role
    • b. Monitor the daily operations of V.A.S.A. and its internal affairs
    • c. Help to facilitate communication between V.A.S.A. and other Drake's organizations
    • d. Work with the president to look for ways to better the organization and to ensure that the objectives of the organization are achieved
       
  • C. The Secretary
    • a. Composes and maintains up-to-date records and documentation of all V.A.S.A.'s activities and functions
    • b. Ensures that all members are informed of the various activities and events
    • c. Maintains an updated directory of all members and their contact information
       
  • D. The Treasurer
    • a. Oversees and monitors V.A.S.A.'s financial matters, account, and transactions and informs the president of the organization's financial status.
    • b. Collects and maintains a record of the dues/fees
    • c. Promotes fundraising activities to ensure financial stability
       
  • E. The Webmaster
    • a. Designs, maintains, and updates the organization's web site.
       
  • F. Event Coordinator
    • a. Promotes, plans, oversees, and coordinates all V.A.S.A.'s activities and public functions
    • b. Delegates tasks and forms committees as necessary to perform the duties as specified in (a)

Section 3: All vacancies shall be filled as deemed appropriate by the president

Section 4: Any officer who fails to fulfill his/her responsibilities or violates the association's rules and regulations may be impeached. The impeachment hearing shall consist of all members of the cabinet and presided by the president.

Article V: Organizational Structure

Section 1: The executive council shall consist of the president, two vice presidents, a secretary, a treasurer, and an event coordinator. The duties of these officers are specified Article IV, Section 2

Section 2: The organization shall also consist of a webmaster and other committees as deemed appropriate and necessary by the president

Article VI: Advisors

The advisor position shall be restricted to a faculty or an administrative staff. The advisor shall be selected by the members of the cabinet although suggestions from all members are welcomed

Article VII: Meetings and Procedures

Section 1: The duration and frequency of meetings shall be determined by the president. The meetings shall be of two types: 1) board meeting which will only consist of officers 2) general meeting which will include all members

Section 2: Officers are required to attend all meetings if possible, and are required to notify the president in case of absence. All members are expected but not required to attend all meetings

Section 3: Decisions may not be deemed as valid unless a minimum of one-fifth of the members are present

Section 4: N/A

Article VIII: Finance

Section 1: Each member shall be required to pay a membership fee as determined by the president and the members of the cabinet

Section 2: All funds are directed as deemed appropriate by the president and treasurer. The association shall also follow the Drake University procedures, rules and regulations regarding receipt and expense of funds

Article IX: Non-Campus Affiliation

N/A

Article X: Amendments-Method of Adoption

Section 1: All members are allowed to propose amendments

Section 2: Amendments shall be adopted upon the receipt of a two-third vote during a general meeting

Article XI: Student Senate

The student senate must approve all changes to this constitution in the same manner as a completely new constitution



Drake University - Vietnamese-American Student Association (V.A.S.A.). Copyright © 2006-2010. All rights reserved.