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Davidson African Students Association Constitution

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization is The Davidson African Students Association (D.A.S.A)

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE 

The Davidson African Students Association is an association committed to nourishing cultural, intellectual, political, and economic awareness about the African continent. The goals of the association are:

1. To bolster awareness in the general Davidson community about African cultures and societies.

2. To reflect the wealth of African Heritage through performing arts.

3. To provide within the Davidson community an inviting environment for all students interested in African affairs.

4. To address issues affecting the lives of African students on the Davidson Campus by fostering a deeper awareness of issues on Africa

5. To support the college’s approved study-abroad programs in Africa.

6. To initiate and maintain ties with other African groups especially in the Charlotte area.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP 

Section One: Membership in this organization is open to any Davidson College student regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender or major.

Section Two: All African students will automatically be considered members of the association unless a student declines membership. If membership is declined, one will not be denied membership to the association at a future date. 

Section Three: There will be faculty and staff members of the college who will serve as advisors to the association.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS 

Section One: The Executive Board will consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Education and Public Affairs officer and Social Affairs Officer. 

Section Two: Officers will be elected in April by a simple majority vote of those present at the meeting. Any active member of the association is eligible to run for an elected office. Voting shall be by secret ballot and shall be open to only regular members. Those elected shall assume office two weeks after the elections and will serve for a full academic year. Any elected officer except for the president and the treasurer may resign from his/her position at any given time after submitting a letter of explanation to the president. With cases of poor leadership or flagrant violation of the constitution, 2/3 of the regular members may sign a petition requiring the removal of one or all elected officers. 

Section Three: Duties of each officer; 

President – Shall be responsible for convening and presiding at all general and executive meetings of the association; be the official representative and chief spokesperson of the association; direct and coordinate the activities of the executive council; create special and ad-hoc committees deemed necessary in carrying out his/her constitutional duties; and may delegate additional responsibilities to members of the association in relation to the affairs of the Davidson African Students Association.

Vice President – Shall assume all the duties of the President in his/her absence or when assigned to do so; be responsible for the administrative duties related to new membership; and serve as the association’s representative to any student organization at Davidson if required and inform the executive council and general body of the association about the activities of the other organizations.

Secretary – Shall keep records and handle all official correspondence; keep the proceedings of all general and executive meetings; and maintains an updated list of all members.

Treasurer – Shall collect and keep account of all monetary transactions of the association; present a report of the financial standing of the association at the beginning and at the end of every semester; and make periodic reports as the need arises.

Education and Public Affairs Officer – shall chair all meetings of the education and public affairs committee; recruit members of the association to work on the education and public affairs committee; and be responsible for coordinating all programs of the education and public affairs committee.

Social Affairs Officer – Shall chair all meetings of the social affairs committee; shall recruit members to work on the committee; and be responsible for organizing and coordinating all programs and activities of the social affairs committee.

ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES 

The Education and Public Affairs Committee – Shall consist of an elected officer, the secretary of the association and members from the general body; shall organize and coordinate seminars, symposiums, and discussion panels to help disseminate information on conditions and issues concerning Africa; shall keep regular contact with the African Diplomatic Missions regarding programs and activities of the association, and shall solicit assistance from the missions when the need arises and shall provide both the continuing and new African students services calculated to enhance their appreciation of the student life at Davidson.

The Social Affairs Committee – Shall consist of an elected officer and members of the association; organize and publicize social activities to promote good relations among members of the association and the entire Davidson community; sponsoring and encouraging entertainment events and/or activities; participating in traditional campus fairs as the International Festival and the like.

Advisory Board – Shall be members of the Davidson College Faculty or Staff; Members of the advisory committee shall serve for a period of one year and may terminate their appointment or continue to serve on the Board in subsequent years; they shall advise and counsel the association regarding its general affairs; shall cooperate with the executive committee in organizing activities and programs of the association; and shall attend meetings of the association periodically to acquaint themselves with the activities of the association.

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS 

A regularly scheduled organizational meeting will be held at least once a month. The executive Board will meet at least once a month. The advisory board will meet when needed. 

ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION 

Section One: All amendments require previous notice of one meeting before discussion and voting. 

Section Two: All amendments require 2/3-majority vote of those present for its adoption. 

Section Three: All amendments must be approved by the Executive and Advisory Boards upon recommendation of any of the members. 

Loss of Recognition

Recognition of a student organization may be revoked for: 

1. Failure to comply with the constitution and bylaws of the Davidson College Student Government Association.

2. Failure to comply with its own constitution and bylaws.

3. Failure to comply with Davidson College policies.

4. Irresponsible use of funds, including failure to comply with restrictions on the use of such funds, or failure to adequately document the expenditure of such funds. 

Recognition shall be revoked by two-thirds vote of the members of the Student Government Association present and voting.