Constitution
REVISED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005
I. NAME
The name of this chapter shall be Winona State University Chapter of the National Broadcasting Society. The official abbreviation of this chapter shall be WSU NBS.
II. PURPOSE
The purpose of this chapter shall be to encourage and reward scholarship and accomplishment among broadcasting students and high-level accomplishments in the art and science of broadcasting by both student and industry professionals. Also, to promote the advancement of broadcast education, to establish meaningful communication between student and professional broadcasters, and to foster integrity in the powerful instruments of radio, television, and film.
III. DEFINITION OF BROADCASTING
The word “broadcasting” as used is defined as the utilization of electromagnetic waves, video, and audio tape recordings, motion picture films prepared for use specifically in television, for widespread dissemination to the general public of information and entertainment.
IV. MEMBERSHIP
1. NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Student membership shall be limited to undergraduate and graduate WSU students currently enrolled at Winona State University. There are no requirements for a major/minor to be a member.
Privileges of Membership shall include the ability to purchase and display official insignia, participate in the National Convention, vote for and hold Collegiate or National office, and such other privileges as may be established by the National Council and/or the local chapter.
All National members of WSU NBS Chapter shall be expected to remain in good standing with the Society by meeting their financial and other obligations required of them by the National Council and the chapter. Chapter honorary membership may be awarded in accordance with guidelines established by the National Council and the chapter.
2. LOCAL MEMBERSHIP
Students must be enrolled as students of Winona State University. Students must agree to abide by the rules and constitution of the chapter.
Students must support chapter activities by taking part and, when requested, assisting in planning and/or carrying out plans. Students must agree to work towards qualifying for national membership. Local members cannot: vote in national, NBS elections; imply or state that they are national members of National Broadcasting Society.
The Society will treat all members fairly and requirements will be non-discriminatory. Failure to pay dues, misrepresentation of the chapter as determined by the executive council, and/or failure to participate in chapter activities will result in termination of membership.
V. EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
The Executive Council shall be composed of the executive officers of the Chapter, and shall have recommending and advising powers and such other duties as are stated within this constitution.
The Society will treat all council members fairly and requirements will be non-discriminatory.
VI. OFFICERS
1. PRESIDENT
The President shall be elected every year for a one year term and may succeed him/herself. He/she must be a member in good standing at the time of his/her election. The President shall be the presiding officer at all sessions of the Chapter, and at all sessions of the Executive Council. He/she shall have the power to appoint committees which may be deemed advisable for carrying on the work of the chapter. It shall be in his/her duty to see that the officers and committees of the chapter discharge their duties faithfully, impartially, promptly, and completely. He/she shall have further power and duties as may be prescribed by the members of the chapter.
2. VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice President shall be elected every year for a one year term and may succeed him/herself. He/she must be a member in good standing at the time of his/her election. The VP shall coordinate and carry out all professional/alumni activities on local, regional, national, and international levels. He/she shall compile a list of alumni. He/she shall keep the collegiate Chapters informed of the alumni. He/she shall keep the collegiate Chapters informed of the alumni in their area. He/shall assist with the acquisition of financial support from alumni and professionals of the various projects and services. He/she shall provide continuing information to alumni and professionals of all society activities. He/she shall assist with the acquisition of all non-financial support and assistance from alumni and professionals. He/she shall have such further powers and duties as may be prescribed by the members of the chapter.
3. SECRETARY
The Secretary shall be elected for a term of one year, and may succeed him/herself. He/she must be a member in good standing at the time of his/her election. The Secretary shall keep the official minutes of the sessions of the Chapter, and of the Executive Council. He/she shall keep members informed of changes in the Constitution, and be responsible for all communications and correspondence of the Chapter except such as pertain to other officers. He/she shall keep complete records of the membership of the Chapter.
4. TREASURER
The Treasurer shall be elected for a term of one year, and may succeed him/herself. He/she must be a member in good standing at the time of his/her election. The Treasurer shall keep and disperse all monies on behalf of the Chapter. He/she shall keep accurate books of account and furnish such reports or audits as may be required by the Chapter.
5. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
The Public Information Officer shall be elected for a term of one year, and may succeed him/herself. He/she must be a member in good standing at the time of his/her election. The Public Information Officer shall be responsible for the publications, as well as the preparation and maintenance of all chapter historical documentation. He/she shall have such further powers and duties as may be prescribed by the members of the Chapter.
VII. ELECTIONS
Barring the inaugural election of officers, elections for the next school year will be held on the last Tuesday of January. These new officers will be officers-elect and will not officially start in their position until two weeks after the National Convention. All officers shall be elected by a simple majority of the members in good standing of the chapter.
In an election without a simple majority decision, the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall participate in a run-off election. Candidates for chapter offices must be nominated and seconded by members in good standing. A vacated office shall be filled by a special election at the next meeting.
An officer may be removed from office by a two-thirds majority vote of the members in good standing. Any member elected or appointed to a National or Regional office or committee chair cannot hold any chapter office during the term of his/her National or Regional term of office. All candidates seeking National Office must file their intent to seek such office with the National Election Committee, and perform any other duties required of them as candidates in accordance with the rules established by the Election Committee.
VIII. MEETINGS
Chapter meetings shall be every Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. during the regular school year. If a special meeting is called, all members will be notified.
IX. FUNDING
Local dues are $10/year and national dues are $40/year. The treasurer will be the responsible party for keeping track of the budget. Funds will be held in an account in the WSU Business Office. In the event of the dissolution of the club, all funds will be returned to the Student Activities Fund Committee of the Student Senate for re-appropriation. The dissolving club may speak to the SFAC regarding the re-appropriation
X. AMENDMENTS
The constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of the members in good standing during a regular chapter meeting. The Constitution must be reviewed at the first regular meeting of each academic year. The amended constitution will then go before the WSU Student Senate for ratification. The NBS Constitution must be resubmitted for ratification to the WSU Student Senate at lest every two years.
XI. ADVISOR
The advisor for the chapter shall be Ajit Daniel. In his absence, Robin O’Callaghan will be the acting advisor. The advisor shall regularly attend the chapter meetings as well as maintaining contact with the executive council. In conjunction with the treasurer, the advisor shall keep track of the chapter budget. The advisor shall maintain current contact information with WSU Student Senate