Constitution

(Draft Adopted by M.S.C. on February 12, 2003; subject to the Approval of Student Government)

Article 1 - Name
The name of this organization shall be the Multicultural Student Coalition, hereafter referred to as the M.S.C.

Article 2 - Purpose and Objectives

1. The M.S.C. is a diverse group of students with the united purpose to promote better ethnic understanding, cultural awareness, and interracial appreciation not only on the Wilkes University campus but also in the community at large. Therefore, the organization is committed to the development of and the participation in programs, which instill racial, ethnic, or cultural understanding, awareness, and appreciation.
   
   
2. This purpose shall be carried out through the following objectives:
   1. To advance racial, ethnic and cultural understanding and cooperation through the exchange of ideas among its members.
   2. To promote interaction between students and professionals.
   3. To demonstrate, within the academic and professional environment, the practical value of Cultural diversity.
   4. To enhance the cultural development of individual members through the collective dissemination of information of value and interest to members.
   5. To enhance career opportunities for individual members.
   6. To advance the academic development of individual members through the exchange of cultural information.
   7. To advocate for an inclusive campus environment wherein the needs of the minority populations are taken into consideration.
   8. To strive for the highest ethical standards in carrying out these purposes.

Article 3 - Membership

1. Membership shall be open to all members of the student body, the faculty, and the staff of Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA.
2. Members "in good standing" shall be eligible to vote, hold office, and receive the benefits and services of membership in the organization.
3. Membership shall be forfeited or restricted upon review of the M.S.C. Executive Board for absenteeism, non-participation in club concerns, conduct unbecoming club purpose, or unethical standards. Membership can be reinstated upon review of the Executive Board and the approval of the General Membership.
4. Membership shall be for one year. The membership of any person is probationary until three (3) club functions have been attended. A membership in “good standing” is defined as someone not on probation.

Article 4 - Meetings

1. The executive Board shall hold a minimum of three (2) meetings per month. Executive Board meetings shall be open to the general membership.
2. The M.S.C. shall hold a minimum of two (2) meetings per month.
3. Dates and locations of meetings shall be established by the Vice President with the approval of the Board. Additional meetings may be called by the President and/ or Advisor with the approval of the Board.

Article 5 - Finances

1. Both the administration and fiscal years of M.S.C. shall begin June 1st and end May 1st.
2. The M.S.C. shall obtain its income from Student Government proposals, proceeds from fund raisers, or donations.
3. The Treasurer shall be directly responsible for the finances of the organization. The Treasurer shall maintain records of receipts and expenditures. The Treasurer shall issue reports of the account at each Executive Board Meeting and General Membership Meeting.
4. In the event of the dissolution of the M.S.C., its assets shall be transferred to Student Government and none of such assets shall revert to or be held for the benefit of any individual(s).

Article 6 - Amendments

1. This constitution may be amended at any general meeting by a two-thirds vote of the membership present, provided that:
   1. At least one-third of the M.S.C. membership is present.
   2. The proposed amendment has had the approval of the M.S.C. Executive Board.
   3. A copy of the proposed amendment(s) has been sent to each member at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting.
2. Amendments may be proposed to the Executive Board by any member at any time, either in person or in writing. The Board shall act on any proposed amendment within sixty (60) days of the submission of such amendment(s).

Article 7 - Government

1. Both the administration and fiscal years of M.S.C. shall begin June 1st and end May 1st.
2. Election of the officers shall be by ballot. The ballot shall be dispensed with when there is but one candidate for office.
3. Officers shall be elected to one-year terms but can be re-elected.
4. The duties of the officers shall be as follows:
   1. President - shall preside at all Executive Board and general membership meetings; shall appoint heads of the committees to carry out the business of the organization; shall appoint, with the approval of the Board, successor to elected members of the Board who vacate their positions for any reasons; shall recommend such action as deemed necessary for the benefit of the organization; and perform all other duties incidental to the office.
      
      This officer shall be the chair of the Fashion Show Committee.
      
      
   2. First Vice President-(instead of Vice President the 1st)- shall plan and organize all general membership meetings, subject to the review and approval of the Executive Board; shall preside at the meetings in the absence of the President; shall, with the approval of the Board, assume the duties of the President if the office is vacated for any reason; and shall perform all other duties relevant to the office.
      
      This officer shall be the co-chair of the Multicultural Awareness Committee.
      
      
   3. Second Vice President -(instead of Vice President/Membership) - shall maintain the membership roster; shall be responsible for the recruitment of new members; and shall represent the M.S.C. at Student Government meetings; and shall perform all other duties related to the office.
      
      This officer shall be the co-chair of the Multicultural Awareness Committee.
      
      
   4. Public Relations Officer -(instead of Corresponding Secretary) shall publicize all chapter events; shall maintain the M.S.C. bulletin board; and shall perform all other duties relevant to the office.
      
      This officer shall be the co- chairof the Dance Committee.
      
      
   5. Treasurer - shall keep the records of receipts and expenditures of the organization; shall submit financial reports to the Executive Board; shall disburse all fund(s) for the operation of the organization; and shall perform all other duties related to the office.
      
      This officer shall be the chair of the Black History Month Committee.
      
      
   6. Secretary - shall record minutes of the Executive Board and general membership meetings; shall be responsible for all correspondence and files of correspondence; and shall perform all other duties related to the office.
      
      This officer shall be the co-chair of the Dance Committee.
      
      
   7. Faculty Adviser(s) - shall serve as consultant(s) and counselor(s) to the Executive Board; shall oversee the operation of the M.S.C.

Article 8 - Elections

1. Election of all members of the Executive Board shall be held during an April meeting. New members shall take office as of May 1. In the event that this is not possible, with the approval of the membership, the previous officers shall continue to hold office until the new officers are able to assume their responsibilities.
2. Candidates for offices shall be nominated from the floor at the meeting preceding the elections. The members must cast ballots secretly, in writing, at that time. Candidates must be in good academic standing. Candidates must have at least one semester remaining before graduation.
3. If, for any reason, an officer is unable to hold office, selection of a replacement shall be made by the President or acting President and approved by the Executive Board.

Article 9 - Parliamentary Authority
Roberts' Rules of Order, Revised shall govern the conduct of all meetings of the M.S.C. and Executive Board, except as otherwise provided herein.

Article 10 - Non-discrimination
The M.S.C. does not discriminate because of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or handicap. Only the membership standards covered in Article 3 apply towards membership status in this organization.