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*Updated: Constitution*
September 2006 I. The Residence Hall Association II. The Legislative Branch of RHA III. The Executive Branch of RHA IV. RHA Building Leadership Structure V. Ratification of, Enforcement of, and Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws PREAMBLE
We, the members of this organization, do ordain the Constitution of the Residence Hall Association of Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, as the Constitution for the members of the Residence Hall Association, in accordance with the rules and regulations of Missouri State University, the laws of the state of Missouri, and the laws of the United States of America.
The Residence Hall Association
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Residence Hall Association (RHA).
Section 2. RHA operates for the purpose of: A. Improving the quality of life for all residents. B. Serving as an active member of the university community. C. Serving as a communication link for residents. D. Providing leadership experiences and opportunities. E. Providing diverse programming for the resident population, both educational and social in nature.
Section 3. RHA membership shall consist of all students enrolled in Missouri State University (Missouri State) who reside in a facility designated as university housing under the administration of the Department of Residence Life and Services.
Section 4. It is the policy of Missouri State University and RHA not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status in employment or in any program or activity sponsored by the university. In addition, the university does not discriminate on any basis (including, but not limited to, political affiliation and sexual orientation) not related to the applicable educational requirements for students or the applicable job requirements for employees. It is also the policy of RHA not to discriminate on the basis of marital or parental status, or participation in constitutionally protected activities in its programs, benefits, services or aids.
Section 5. RHA shall maintain membership in the Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (MACURH), and the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH).
The Legislative Branch of RHA
Section 1. Organization of the Legislative Branch A. The legislative branch, which shall be known as the General Assembly, shall consist of representatives from each hall council. Halls shall be represented by one (1) representative for every fifty (50) residents, with numbers less than fifty (50) following mathematical rules for rounding, with a minimum of six (6) representatives per hall council. B. The residence halls and building associations represented in the General Assembly shall include the Apartment Association, Blair-Shannon House, Freudenberger House, Hammons House, Hutchens House, Kentwood Hall, Scholars House, Wells House, and Woods House.
Section 2. RHA Resident Activity Fee A. The Missouri State Board of Governors has authorized a RHA Resident Activity Fee. B. Funding shall be based on residence life occupancy on the fourth Monday of the academic year. C. RHA shall assess each resident twenty (20) dollars. D. The General Assembly shall receive a minimum of eleven (11) dollars per resident. E. The amount of $1250 shall be given to the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) for its use during the academic year. F. All unused apportionments shall be deposited in the RHA Resident Activity Fee fund at the end of the academic year. G. The Resident Activity Fee paid to RHA for all the Resident Assistants in the Department of Residence Life and Services shall be divided as follows. 1. The building United Council of Resident Assistants (UCRA) Fund (established in each residence hall) will receive seven (7) dollars for each RA who works in the building. 2. UCRA will receive the amount of thirteen (13) dollars per RA in the Department. 3. All unused apportionments shall be deposited in the RHA Resident Activity Fee at the end of the academic year.
Section 3. Requirements for the General Assembly A. A General Assembly Representative must reside in the hall he/she represents. B. General Assembly Representatives must be full-time students as defined by the university. C. Resident Assistants may not serve in more than one-third of the General Assembly positions available in any hall. D. General Assembly Representatives must not be on disciplinary probation. E. General Assembly Representatives must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
Section 4. Selection and Terms of Office of the General Assembly A. The building representative selections, which are run by the Hall Council advisors, shall be held during the first three (3) weeks of the Fall Semester. B. Terms of office shall be one (1) academic year, beginning the Fall Semester. C. Elections for the liaisons for Student Organization Funding Allocation Council (SOFAC) and the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) will be held in the spring. 1. Elections for SOFAC will be held during meeting following executive board elections. 2. Elections for the NRHH liaison will be held by NRHH. 3. Liaisons will hold their positions from the last meeting of the spring in which they are elected to the last meeting of the following spring. 4. SOFAC and NRHH liaisons will automatically be representatives for the building in which they live the following year. D. Elections for the Student Activities Council (SAC) and the Student Government Association (SGA) liaison will take place during the first meeting of the fall semester.
Section 5. Powers and Duties of the General Assembly A. A General Assembly Representative must take an oath of office upon accepting his/her seat. The oath shall read: I, (name), do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully execute the office of General Assembly Representative of (name of residence hall represented), and will, to the best of my ability, uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of the Residence Hall Association of Missouri State University. B. Each General Assembly member shall have one (1) vote. C. Each General Assembly member shall have the power to vote absentee on a motion currently under discussion. Absentee balloting may only take place after the General Assembly member has been present for part of the discussion. The General Assembly member should write either “Yes,” “No,” or “Abstain” next to the motion being considered on the agenda and turn this in to an executive board member before the General Assembly member leaves the meeting. If the motion is amended following the submission of the absentee ballot, the vote becomes nullified. D. The General Assembly must cast a majority of votes in the affirmative to conduct business and enact legislation. A majority vote is defined as one (1) more vote in favor of a motion than the combined votes in opposition and abstentions. E. The General Assembly may approve, by majority vote, an appointment to a position other than that of the President. F. The General Assembly may bring impeachment charges against an executive board member at a General Assembly meeting with a petition signed by at least twenty (20) percent of the General assembly members on the roll. The General Assembly shall hear the impeachment charges at the next General Assembly meeting. By a two-thirds majority vote, the General Assembly shall recommend continuance or dismissal from office.
Section 6. Meetings of the General Assembly A. The General Assembly shall meet weekly, excluding final exam periods and vacation periods, beginning the week following the selection of building representatives through the end of the spring semester. B. A majority of General Assembly Representatives on the roll shall constitute quorum needed to conduct business and enact legislation. C. Additional meetings of the General Assembly may be called on an emergency basis. In such cases the President will contact all General Assembly members via e-mail at least one (1) day prior to the emergency meeting. Section 7. Resignation and Removal from Office of General Assembly Representatives A. A General Assembly Representative may resign his/her position by providing a letter of resignation to the President. B. Recall of a General Assembly Representative may be initiated with a petition signed by at least five (5) percent of the hall residents. Recall shall be decided by an election, conducted by a General Assembly/executive board advisor within ten (10) school days after the petition is received by a General Assembly/executive board advisor, with recall enacted by a plurality of all votes cast by the residents in a secret ballot proceeding. The Executive Branch of RHA
Section 1. RHA Executive Branch Organizational Structure A. The executive branch shall include the executive board. The Executive Board shall consist of the following officers: Administrative Aide, Hall and University Enrichment (HUE) Coordinator, National Communications Coordinator (NCC), Internal Communications Coordinator (ICC), Leadership Development Coordinator (LDC), Programming Communications Coordinator (PCC) and President. B. The executive branch shall include standing committees, comprised of members of the General Assembly and chaired by the appropriate executive board coordinator. The standing committees shall consist of Administrative, Communications, Programming, Hall and University Enrichment, Bid, and Leadership Development. C. The executive branch shall include ad hoc positions, as created by the President.
Section 2. Requirements for the Executive Board A. Executive board officers must have a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours completed, in progress, or registered for. B. Executive board officers must be full-time students as defined by the University. C. Executive board officers must not be on academic or disciplinary probation. D. Executive board officers must maintain a 2.5 semester GPA and a 2.25 cumulative GPA. E. Executive board officers may not serve in any other positions in RHA. F. The President shall have been a member of the General Assembly or executive board for at least one (1) semester prior to taking office. G. Resident Assistants may not serve as executive board officers. H. Executive board officers must sign the executive board officer contract upon taking office.
Section 3. Elections and Terms of Office of the Executive Branch A. Elections shall be held within the first three (3) full weeks of April, regardless of quorum, with the exception of the National Communications Coordinator. B. An announcement of the election shall be made at the first General Assembly meeting held after Spring Break. C. Elections for the National Communications Coordinator-elect shall be held during the last meeting of the Fall Semester. D. An announcement of the National Communications Coordinator election shall be made two (2) weeks prior to the election. E. The NCC-IT shall complete an unpaid training period under the supervision of the current National Communications Coordinator and the RHA advisor beginning immediately upon election and running until the first day after the close of the NACURH Conference. E. Candidates for each position, regardless of semester, must be nominated at the meeting prior to elections or place his/her name into consideration at least one (1) week prior to elections through official notification of the President or General Assembly/executive board advisor. F. Elections shall be by secret ballot with the determination of selected officers decided by a plurality of all votes cast by General Assembly Representatives. G. In the event of a tie for the first place for any executive board position, a runoff election shall be conducted immediately after the end of normal balloting at the General Assembly meeting at which the elections are being held. H. Terms of office shall begin the first day after the close of the spring semester and run until the completion of the following spring semester. I. Executive board officers-elect shall be required to complete an unpaid training period prior to the fall semester, shall have no authority until their term begins, and must assist their outgoing counterparts in fulfilling the duties of the office. I. Executive board officers -elect and National Communications Coordinator- In Training shall be required to complete an unpaid training period prior to the fall semester, shall have no authority until their term begins and must assist their outgoing counterparts in fulfilling the duties of the office. J. If an executive board officer-elect resigns prior to the beginning of his/her term, a special election shall be required at the General Assembly meeting immediately following the resignation. The President, with the advice of the executive board and General Assembly/executive board advisor(s), may waive quorum requirements, if necessary. K. If the President-elect resigns prior to the beginning of his/her term, and the General Assembly is unable to meet, the Administrative Aide-elect shall act as the President until the beginning of the following fall semester.
L. If an Executive Board Officer-elect other than the President-elect resigns prior to the beginning of his/her term and the General Assembly is unable to meet because of the final exam period at the end of the spring semester, the President-elect shall have the power to appoint an individual to the vacant position.
Section 4. Powers and Duties of the Executive Branch A. Powers and Duties of the Executive Branch 1. An executive board officer must sign a contract and take an oath of office upon accepting one’s position. The oath shall read: “I, (name), do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully execute the office of (name of executive branch position), and will, to the best of my ability, uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of the Residence Hall Association of Missouri State University.” 2. Executive board members are official representatives of RHA at all events and meetings, which they attend. 3. All executive board officers excluding the President are entitled to vote by secret ballot on all issues. The President may vote only in the case of a tie. 4. Each executive board officer shall act as a liaison to an assigned building(s). a. Liaison activities include, but are not limited to, attending Resident Assistant staff meetings, attending hall council meetings and helping with programming. b. Each liaison is also responsible for creating and posting all RHA publicity within their building. 5. Each executive board officer shall be responsible for putting on either one social, educational or diversity program(s), alone or jointly, independent of the Programming Communications Coordinator, each semester. B. Powers and Duties of the Administrative Aide 1. The Administrative Aide shall record minutes and attendance of the General Assembly and executive board meetings. 2. The Administrative Aide shall set themes for each General Assembly meeting. 3. The Administrative Aide shall maintain records. 4. The Administrative Aide shall manage property, including office and storage space, and maintain inventory control, not limited to purchasing supplies. 5. The Administrative Aide shall make and maintain placards for voting procedures. 6. The Administrative Aide shall administer the Administrative Committee. 7. The Administrative Aide shall delegate responsibilities to committee members. 8. The Administrative Aide shall act as a resource to committee members 9. If the position of President becomes vacant, the Administrative Aide shall assume the position of President, depending upon a two-thirds majority vote of confidence by the General Assembly Representatives. If the Administrative Aide declines the position or des not receive the vote of confidence necessary, he/she will act as President until an election can be held to fill the vacancy. 10. The Administrative Aide shall uphold the powers and duties of the President in the absence or incapacity of the President to execute said duties. 11. The Administrative Aide shall be responsible for updating and amending the Constitution and Bylaws as needed. C. Powers and Duties of the Programming Communications Coordinator 1. The Programming Communications Coordinator shall administer the Programming Committee. 2. The Programming Communications Coordinator shall plan, publicize, and execute committee-suggested or legislatively enacted programs for all residents. 3. The Programming Communications Coordinator, along with the Programming Committee, shall act as resource and support to residents for campus-wide programming. 4. The Programming Communications Coordinator shall plan and execute events for the General Assembly. 5. The Programming Communications Coordinator shall delegate responsibilities to committee members. 6. The Programming Communications Coordinator shall act as a resource for committee members. 7. The Programming Communications Coordinator shall support programs and events planned by the other executive board officers. 8. The Programming Communications Coordinator shall serve as the Missouri State University voting representative in all programming business matters of MACURH and NACURH, Inc. 9. The Programming Communications Coordinator shall be responsible for submitting a monthly report to the Associate Director of Programming within the MACURH region. D. Powers and Duties of the National Communications Coordinator (NCC) 1. The National Communications Coordinator shall fulfill the duties required of him/her by the Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (MACURH) and the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH), Inc. 2. The National Communications Coordinator shall organize delegations for all regional and national conferences. 3. The National Communications Coordinator shall communicate with other NCCs on a regional and national level by participating in online weekly chats, posting on the NACURH forum, and other various means of communication. 4. The National Communications Coordinator shall prepare the National Information Center (NIC) Report and reaffiliation forms. 5. The National Communications Coordinator shall be responsible for using the NIC as a resource for information. 6. The National Communications Coordinator shall serve as the Missouri State University voting representative in all NCC business matters of MACURH and NACURH, Inc. 7. The National Communications Coordinator shall train the NCC-elect for the entirety of the spring semester. 8. The National Communications Coordinator shall attend all conferences and retreats as required by MACURH and NACURH, Inc. 9. The National Communications Coordinator shall be responsible for promoting and implementing programming for MACURH and NACURH, Inc. philanthropy projects. 10. The National Communications Coordinator shall administer the Bid Committee. 11. The National Communications Coordinator shall delegate responsibilities to committee members. 12. The National Communications Coordinator shall act as a resource to committee members. E. Powers and Duties of the Hall and University Enrichment (HUE) Coordinator. 1. The Hall and University Enrichment Coordinator shall administer the Hall and University Enrichment Committee. 2. The Hall and University Enrichment Coordinator shall work as a liaison to the university and other administrative departments, offices, and officials. 3. The Hall and University Enrichment Coordinator shall represent student interests and concerns in matters of Department of Residence Life and Services and University policy. 4. The Hall and University Enrichment Coordinator shall delegate responsibilities to committee members. 5. The Hall and University Enrichment Coordinator shall act as a resource for committee members. --- 6. The Hall and University Enrichment Coordinator shall create and distribute a phone number list within the first eight weeks of the fall semester. 7. The Hall and University Enrichment Coordinator shall be responsible for the RHA Olympics each spring. 8. The Hall and University Enrichment Coordinator shall be responsible for the holiday lighting competition each fall. 9. The Hall and University Enrichment Coordinator is responsible for creating and submitting proposals designed to increase the quality of living for on-campus students including, but not limited to, improvements in technologies and facilities. F. Powers and Duties of the Internal Communications Coordinator (ICC) 1. The Internal Communications Coordinator shall administer the Communications Committee. 2. The Internal Communications Coordinator shall maintain positive and active public relations with the University and administration for RHA. 3. The Internal Communications Coordinator shall maintain positive and active public relations within the RHA infrastructure. 4. The Internal Communications Coordinator shall delegate responsibilities to committee members. 5. The Internal Communications Coordinator shall act as a resource for committee members. 6. The Internal Communications Coordinator shall create and maintain current information on the RHA website. 7. The Internal Communications Coordinator shall be responsible for updating the three RHA bulletin boards. 8. The Internal Communications Coordinator shall create and distribute a monthly newsletter containing recent RHA issues. G. Powers and Duties of the Leadership Development Coordinator (LDC) 1. The Leadership Development Coordinator shall be responsible for the planning, staffing, implementation, and execution of all RHA leadership development conferences including, but not limited to, the RHA Fall and Spring Leadership Development Conference. 2. The Leadership Development Coordinator shall be responsible for the planning, implementation, and execution of all RHA appreciation and recognition banquets. 3. The Leadership Development Coordinator shall be responsible for all appreciation programs and recognition awards associated with RHA. 4. The Leadership Development Coordinator shall administer the Leadership Development Committee. 5. The Leadership Development Coordinator shall delegate responsibilities to committee members. 6. The Leadership Development Coordinator shall act as a resource for committee members. 7. The Leadership Development Coordinator shall be responsible for organizing information sessions in the spring to promote RHA Executive Board elections. 8. The Leadership Development Coordinator shall be responsible for administering the Five Paw Seal of Approval awards. H. The Powers and Duties of the President 1. The President shall administer RHA. 2. The President shall conduct meetings of the General Assembly and Executive Board. 3. The President shall be a non-voting member of all standing and ad hoc committees. 4. The President shall vote only in the case of a tie. 5. The President shall administer the oath of office to the General Assembly and Executive Board. 6. The President may cancel meetings of the General Assembly with the consent of a General Assembly/Executive Board advisor. 7. The President may cancel Executive Board meetings with the consent of the General Assembly/Executive Board advisor. 8. Additional meetings of the General Assembly and Executive Board may be called on an emergency basis by the President, with consent of a the General Assembly/Executive Board advisor. 9. The President may fill a vacant Executive Board position, other than President, by appointment, with the advice of the Executive Board and General Assembly/ Executive Board advisor. 10. Should there be a tie in the Executive Board runoff election, the President shall make the decision with the advice of the Executive Board and General Assembly/Executive Board advisor. 11. If an Executive Board Officer-elect cannot meet training requirements, the President, with the advice of the Executive Board and General Assembly/ Executive Board advisor, may provide alternate training methods. 12. The President shall be jointly responsible, with the Department of Residence Life and Services and the Department of Financial Services, for administration of the RHA Resident Activity Fee funding and funds acquired through fund-raising efforts. 13. The President shall provide recognition to the Executive Board and General Assemble members as needed. 14. The President shall serve as a contact for other student organizations. 15. The President shall delegate responsibilities to the Executive Board as needed. 16. The President may fill the Student Organization Funding Allocation Council (SOFAC) and Student Government Association (SGA) liaison positions should they become vacant during the summer, by appointment, with the advice of the Executive Board/General Assembly advisor.
Section 5. Meetings of the Executive Board A. The Executive Board shall meet weekly except for final exam periods, vacation periods, and summer term. B. Meeting times for Executive Board Meetings will be decided by President with the advice of the General Assembly/Executive Board advisor. C. Additional meetings of the Executive Board may be called on an emergency basis as per Article III, section 4, subsection H, clause 8.
Section 6. Resignation, Impeachment, and Removal from Office of Executive Board Officers A. An Executive Board Officer may resign his/her position by providing a letter of resignation to the President. B. An Executive Board Officer proved to be guilty of impropriety may be removed by impeachment. C. An Executive Board Officer who has charges of impeachment pending shall be temporarily suspended from office until impeachment proceedings are complete and a decision is rendered.
Section 7. Vacancies of and Appointments to Executive Board Positions A. If any Executive Board position, other than President, shall become vacant, it will be filled by appointment with the consent of the General Assembly, if in session. If the appointment fails, the President will call a special election at the next General Assembly meeting. Election guidelines, as stated in the Constitution and Bylaws, will be followed.
Section 8. The Standing Committees and their Duties A. The membership of the Administrative Committee shall consist of a minimum of two (2) General Assembly Representatives. 1. Assist with setting themes for General Assembly meetings. 2. Assist with keeping inventory. 3. Other duties as assigned by the Administrative Aide. B. The membership of the Communications Committee shall be a minimum of three (3) General Assembly Representatives. 1. Assist with the maintenance of bulletin boards. 2. Assist in writing and compiling the newsletter. 3. Assist with the maintenance of the website. 4. Other duties as assigned by the Internal Communications Coordinator. C. The membership of the Hall and University Enrichment Committee shall consist of the General Assembly Liaison from each building and general assembly members who are also serving as liaisons from Student Organization Funding Allocation Council, the Student Government Association, Student Activities Council and National Residence Hall Honorary. If circumstances should arise that an appointed member to this committee shall not be able to attend a meeting, he/she may appoint a designee from his/her building/organization in order to ensure that building’s representation on the committee. 1. Report programs and events occurring within their respective residence hall/organization to the general assembly. 2. Assist the Hall and University Enrichment Coordinator with research for proposals. 3. Other duties as assigned by the Hall and University Enrichment Coordinator. D. The membership of the Leadership Development Committee shall consist of a minimum of five (5) General Assembly Representatives. 1. Assist with making and distributing the appreciation gifts. 2. Assist with the planning and execution of the banquets. 3. Other duties as assigned by the Leadership Development Coordinator. E. The membership of the Bid Committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) General Assembly Representatives. 1. Assist in the writing of award bids for MACURH and No Frills. 2. Plan and prepare program proposals to be submitted at conferences. 3. Other duties as assigned by the National Communications Coordinator. F. The membership of the Programming Committee shall consist of the remaining General Assembly Representatives. 1. The programming committee shall be divided into four (4) subcommittees; Educational Programming, Social Programming, Community Service Programming, and Diversity Programming. 2. Each subcommittee will have a chairperson who will report to the Programming Communications Coordinator. 3. Each subcommittee will be responsible for programming within their area. 4. All members of the Programming Committee will be responsible for assisting with other duties as assigned by the Programming Communications Coordinator.
Section 9. Powers and Duties of the General Assembly/Executive Board Advisor A. The Advisor shall serve as a resource person to RHA who can give suggestions and opinions about RHA proceedings. B. The Advisor shall attend General Assembly meetings and meet on a weekly basis with the Executive Board. C. The Advisor shall host weekly one-on-one meetings with each member of the Executive Board. D. The Advisor shall proofread all written materials for grammatical and factual errors. E. The Advisor shall aid in the planning and execution of RHA programs when necessary. F. The Advisor shall offer guidance and support for RHA members when necessary. G. The Advisor shall be responsible for training the Executive Board before the Fall and Spring semesters. H. The Advisor may remove a General Assembly Representative from his/her position for failure to maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. I. Failure to comply with grade point average requirements may result in said Executive Board Officers being removed from their position by the Advisor.
RHA Building Leadership Structure
Section 1. RHA Hall Organizational Structure A. Hall Councils shall operate in Blair-Shannon House, Freudenberger House, Hammons House, Hutchens House, Kentwood Hall, Scholars House, Wells House, and Woods House. Sunvilla Tower, Kentwood South Apartments, Dogwood, and Elm Apartments will operate under the Apartment Association. B. Membership shall include a Chairperson, Administrative Aide, General Assembly Liaison, other General Assembly Building Representatives, and the residents at large.
Section 2. RHA Resident Activity Fee Funding of the Building Leadership Structure A. Each Hall Council shall be apportioned two (2) dollars and fifty (50) cents per hall resident per semester. B. Hall Councils shall retain their Fall Semester apportionment for Spring Semester. C. Each Hall Council semester apportionment shall be a minimum of six hundred (600) dollars. D. Each floor shall be apportioned two (2) dollars per floor resident per semester. Floor apportionments are reverted into the RHA General Assembly Fund at the end of each semester.
Ratification of, Enforcement of, and Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws
Section 1. The Constitution and Bylaws shall be effective upon its ratification by a majority vote of General Assembly members present, and upon approval by the Department of Residence Life and Services, the Office of Student Activities, and the Student Government Association.
Section 2. The Executive Branch with the advice and consent of the General Assembly shall enforce the Constitution and Bylaws. Failure to comply with this Constitution may result in sanctions.
Section 3. A bylaw shall be used to add to the meaning of the Constitution and Standard Operating Procedures without superseding the original intent. Any member of RHA may propose a bylaw. A two-thirds majority vote is required by the General Assembly for passage.
Section 4. A constitutional amendment shall supersede the section of the Constitution and which it amended. Any member of RHA may propose a constitutional amendment. The amendment must be submitted in writing at the previous regular meeting. A three-quarters majority vote is then required by the General Assembly to ratify. The amendment is subject to the approval of the Department of Residence Life and Services, the Office of Student Activities, and the Student Government Association. |
Copyright © 2005 Board of Governors, Missouri State University This site is maintained by the RHA Internal Communications Coordinator RHA@missouristate.edu Page Last Modified 10/31/2007 Accessibility EO/AA http://www.rha.missouristate.edu/files/constitution.htm |
