Black Student Union Constitution

We, the students of the Benedictine University, hereby establish this student organization in order to promote, educate, and exemplify the unique diversity of the Benedictine community with special focus on the cultural heritage of the Black population by recognizing the importance of cooperation and uniting to share and address common problems, goals and aspirations.

I. Name and Purpose A. The name of this organization shall be the Black Student Union, abbreviated as BSU. B. The purpose of the Black Student Union is as follows: i. To promote the development of cultural enrichment through education and activities that reflect the diverse interests of the student body at Benedictine University with a special focus on Black culture ii. To establish a diversely comfortable environment that provides the Benedictine community with both academic and social support iii. To open channels of communication that allows students to express concerns and develop future plans for the diversity of the Benedictine community iv. To increase unity amongst the student population at Benedictine University v. To provide for the Benedictine community entertainment and positive programs that involve Black culture II. Nondiscrimination A. This organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, political ideologies or affiliations, marital status, or veteran status. III. Membership A. Membership in this organization is open to enrolled students at Benedictine University. B. Members are allowed to vote, hold office, and submit any comments or concerns to the Student Representative without fear of retribution, retaliation, or harassment. C. The Executive Board, Executive Cabinet, and the General Body will be considered members of the Black Student Union. D. Non-students, alumni, spouses, faculty, and staff may be auxiliary members of the Black Student Union; they may not vote or hold office. E. All members and auxiliary members are free to dissolve membership without fear of retribution, retaliation, or harassment. F. Members are expected to maintain guidelines in accordance with the Black Student Bylaws.

IV. The Executive Team A. The Black Student Union shall consist of an Executive Team of members elected by the General Body. The Executive Team will consist of the Executive Board and the Executive Cabinet. i. The Executive Board will consist of four (4) officers who will be responsible for all actions of the Black Student Union. a. b. c. d. President Vice President Secretary Treasurer

ii. The Executive Cabinet will consist of three (3) officers who will assist the Executive Board with the affairs of the Black Student Union. a. Historian b. Student Representative c. Publicist B. The Executive Board duties are as follows: i. President a. Provide leadership and guidance to the organization. b. Preside over all BSU General Body and Executive Team meetings and coordinate agendas for all meetings. c. Serve as the liaison between the Black Student Union and the Benedictine University administration. d. Call special meetings of the General Body and the Executive Board when necessary. e. Create special committees with approval of Executive Board and appoint chairpersons for special committees. f. Assume duties of any office vacancy. g. Assume any necessary duties not designated to other officers in this Constitution. h. Provide for the orderly transfer of all documents/files at the end of his/her term to the student activities office and newly elected BSU officers. ii. Vice-President a. Be responsible for maintaining event calendar. b. Maintain order and govern all Black Student Union meetings. c. Oversee all committees and report all ideas and actions of these committees to the Executive Board. d. Assist fellow board members with projects and assignments.

e. Preside over General Body and Executive Team meetings in absence of the President. f. Succeed the President in the event of resignation or removal of office. iii. Secretary a. Maintain an attendance roster for all BSU meetings. b. Maintain an accurate record of all Executive Team and General Body meetings. c. Expedite the transfer of all files and records of the BSU to student organization office. d. Notify all members of regular meetings and dates of voting. e. Reserve the right to appoint an assistant with Executive Board approval. iv. Treasurer a. Maintain an accurate Black Student Union financial record. b. Maintain communication with Executive Board and Advisor(s) for approval of all expenses of the Black Student Union. c. Present the budget request to the student organization office. d. Assume the duties of the Secretary in his/her absence. e. Present financial report to the Executive Board and Advisors once a month. C. The Executive Cabinet duties are as follows: i. Historian a. Maintain the official hard-copy of the Constitution and provide each member or auxiliary member of the Black Student Union with reproductions of the Constitution upon request. b. Properly introduce suggested constitution and bylaws amendments to the General Body. c. Be responsible for photographing all BSU events. ii. Student Representative a. Tally votes during all voting procedures and elections unless seeking an elected position. b. Serve as the liaison between the Black Student Union and the Benedictine students. c. Encourage member participation and reports concerns and/or comments of members to Executive Board. iii. Publicist a. Maintain accurate communication with the community about upcoming events. b. Be sure all advertisements are submitted to the Student Activities Office for approval and displayed on campus at least one week before the event date.

c. Maintain social networking websites. D. The Executive Cabinet may be required to perform additional necessary duties directed by the Executive Board. E. When necessary, new offices shall be added by a two-thirds vote of the General Body or at the discretion of the President with a simple majority vote of the General Body. V. Committees A. The Black Student Union shall consist of two standing committees each headed by a chairperson elected by a simple majority vote of active members. B. The two standing committees shall be: Fundraising and Community Affairs. i. The Fundraising committee will be responsible for helping coordinate fundraising activities. ii. The Community Affairs committee will be responsible for helping coordinate all activities/events involving BSU and the Benedictine community. C. The Vice President will be responsible for overseeing all activities of the committees. D. Committees are permitted to submit project ideas to the Executive Board for approval. E. Special committees shall be created by the President on an as-needed basis. VI. Advisors A. The Black Student Union shall be partnered with no more than two advisors in accordance with the student organization policy of Benedictine University. B. Advisors shall: i. Be present during any votes for the removal of an Executive Board member. ii. Help resolve any disputes among members. C. Advisors may, at their discretion: i. Submit any ideas to the Executive Board. ii. Speak on voting matters. VII. Amendments

A. This Constitution may be amended by the Executive Board and active members with a 2/3 majority vote with at least 80% of active members present. B. Any active member may submit amendment requests to the Executive Board. C. If approved, amendments will be brought before the General Body within seven days of approval.

D. An updated Constitution will be made available to the Black Student Union members within seven (7) days of any amendment.