Charter and By Laws

CONSTITUTION OF THE SMU STUDENT CHAPTER OF ACM

ARTICLE I - NAME

This organization shall be called the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Student Chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).


ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

The Chapter encompasses the purposes and ideals of the National Association as a scientific and educational organization dedicated to advancing the art, science, engineering, and application of information technology by fostering the open interchange of information and by promoting the highest professional and ethical standards.


ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibity.
Any full-time or part-time student of Southern Methodist University subscribing to the purposes of the Chapter will become a member upon acceptance of the application for membership and the payment of dues in accordance with the Bylaws.

Section 2. Resignation.
A member may at any time file a resignation in writing with the Secretary, and it shall become effective as of the date it is filed.

Section 3. Admonition, Suspension, and Expulsion.
A member may be dropped or suspended for nonpayment of dues as provided in the Bylaws. A member of the Chapter may be admonished, suspended or expelled for demonstrating lack of integrity, or for other reasonable cause after a hearing of the case before the Executive Committee and by affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of all members of the Executive Committee. A former member of the Chapter who was expelled from membership can become a member only after approval of the application by an affirmative vote of at least three-fourths of all members of the Executive Committee.


ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

Section 1. Titles and Limitations on Authority.
The officers of the Chapter shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and/or a Treasurer. Each officer of the Chapter shall be bound by any action taken by the Executive Committee or the Chapter, and shall have such additional authority and duties as may be conferred by the Bylaws or resolution of the Executive Committee.

Section 2. The President.
The President shall act as chair of the Executive Committee and shall appoint the chairs of all other committees, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 3. The Vice-President.
In the temporary absence or incapacity of the President, the Vice-President shall act as chair of the Executive Committee. In the absence of both President and Vice President, the Executive Committee shall elect a President pro-tem from among its membership to act for a period to be determined by the Executive Committee.

Section 4. The Secretary/Treasurer.
The Secretary/Treasurer shall ensure that records are kept of all proceedings, actions and meetings of the Chapter and the Executive Committee, and that the votes and minutes thereof are recorded in a book or books to be kept for that purpose. The Secretary/Treasurer shall conduct the correspondence of the Chapter and shall give due notice of all meetings of members and of the Executive Committee. The Secretary/Treasurer shall provide for the maintenance of a list of all members of the Chapter, clearly designating those entitled to vote, and such list or a copy thereof shall be made available for inspection by the members at all meetings of the Chapter where votes of the members are taken. The Secretary/Treasurer shall provide for custody of the original of this Constitution and of the Bylaws, and of the amendments thereto.The Secretary/Treasurer shall ensure that accurate accounts are kept by the Chapter, that dues and other sums are collected, that all properly approved bills are paid, and that financial statements and budgets are prepared. The Secretary/Treasurer shall render to the Executive Committee, as required, an accurate account of all transactions and of the financial condition of the Chapter.


ARTICLE V - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. Composition and Authority.
The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, the Vice-President, the Secretary/Treasurer, the Past President and other members of the Chapter as prescribed by the Bylaws.
The Executive Committee shall be bound by any action taken by the Chapter. The Executive Committee shall appoint representatives of the Chapter for specific purposes. The President shall call a meeting of or cause questions to be presented to the Executive Committee upon the request of any member of the Committee.


ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS

Section 1. Location and Frequency.
Meetings shall be held, at minimum, on a bi-monthly basis. This chapter may hold meetings only in places that are open to all members of the Chapter.

Section 2. Election Meeting.
The annual election meeting shall be held during the Spring semester of every year. After the nominations are closed, the voting members present shall vote. A majority of the votes cast for any office is necessary for election to that office.

Section 3. Quorum.
A quorum of this chapter for the conduct of business shall consist of ten voting members or a majority of the voting members of this chapter, whichever is smaller.


ARTICLE VII - DISBURSEMENT AND DUES

Section 1. Disbursements.
Disbursements from the treasury for Chapter expenditures shall be made under the authorization of the Executive Committee and be included in the minutes of that meeting.

Section 2. Dues.
Annual dues shall be established upon recommendation of the Executive Committee and approved by a majority vote of the voting members present and voting at any chapter meeting.


ARTICLE VIII - BYLAWS

Bylaws may be adopted or amended by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all voting members. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to interpret the Bylaws.


ARTICLE IX - AMENDMENTS AND PROCEDURE

This Constitution may be amended by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the voting members. Proposed amendments to this Constitution shall be submitted to members for ballot upon the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the members of the Executive Committee or upon petition of one percent of the members.
The Secretary shall renumber the articles and sections of the Constitution and Bylaws as may be occasioned by amendments of insertion and deletion.


ARTICLE X - DISSOLUTION

In the event of revocation of the charter of the Chapter, all the assets of the Chapter shall be transferred to the Association for Computing Machinery.

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