Last updated-12/15/07
Constitution of the
Seahawk Chess Club
Article I. Official Name
The official name of the
Article II. Affiliation
The Seahawk Chess Club is affiliated with the Wilmington Chess Club but is currently not affiliated with any state, national, or international organizations.
Article
The Seahawk Chess Club will provide enjoyment to any chess player regardless of experience. The club is also open to those who are eager to learn how to play the game, in which lessons will be available. The club will also provide opportunities to participate in tournaments and other competitive aspects of chess.
Article IV. Adherence
The Seahawk Chess Club will adhere to all University rules, regulations, and policies, as well as to all local, state, and federal laws.
Article V. Membership
Section 1. General Requirements
Students, faculty and staff members of UNCW can become official members of the Seahawk Chess Club. The general public can become official members with the approval of the President. There is an up-front semester membership fee in which all of the money will be used for the growth and benefit of the club. This money is collected by the President and is predetermined at the beginning of each semester by the Executive Board.
Section 2. Non-exclusionary Membership Clause
The Seahawk Chess Club practices an open membership policy for members of the University community without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. Membership and participation in this student organization is also open without regard to gender, unless exempt under Title IX. Membership in this organization may be limited to the individuals who affirm the belief of the stated mission of this organization which is directly reflected in the purpose and objectives as stated in this constitution.
Section 3. Categories of Membership
Section 4. Qualification and Privileges
Only Student Members are allowed to vote and hold office. Anyone is welcome to come to regular meets, including non-members (a small fee is enforced after first visit). Non-members and Non-Student Members may not attend special meetings which include college visits, Executive Boards meetings, etc. unless approved of by the President. All members are encouraged to come every regular meeting, but since there is a member fee, all members are allowed to come and go as they please.
Section 5. Removal Procedures
Violation of any University rules, regulations, and policies, as well as to all local, state, and federal laws will result in loss of membership. Removal will also occur if any member fails to uphold the purpose and objections of the club as stated in Article
Article VI. Advisor
Section 1. Qualifications
Advisor selection will be based upon his or her commitment of dedication to the club and must be approved by the Executive Board. The Advisor must have a general knowledge of chess and be willing to work with the club’s Executive Board. If the Executive Board feels that the advisor is no longer contributing to the wellbeing of the club, the Executive Board may revoke the advisor’s position.
Section 2. Responsibilities
The advisor must meet at least once a month with the club’s Executive Board or one of its Executive Board members. The advisor must act as a liaison between the club and the UNCW administration. The advisor is encouraged to come regularly to all of the club’s meetings but is not required. Advisor term length last one year starting in the fall semester but may be renewed an unlimited number of times.
Article
Section 1.
Meetings will typically be held once a week and will be posted on the club’s website. Specials meeting may occur and will be notified via e-mail and during the previous meeting.
Section 2.
The President will conduct meetings. During that time, he or she will give the members the opportunity at any time during the meet to let the members and non-members voices be heard fairly and equitably.
Section 3.
Quorum to vote is 50% plus one of the active members.
Article VIII. Officers
Section 1. Title and Duties. Officers include the President and Vice President which make up the Executive Board.
President-The President provides overall leadership and direction, acts as treasurer, and acts as a supervisor during club meetings. The President is also in charge of renewing the club upon each Fall semester to insure the club longevity.
Vice President-The Vice President shall assist the President in the governing of the club’s affairs and shall assume the duties of the President in the event of the President’s absence.
Section 2. Removal
Officers who fail to carry out their duties may be removed by a majority vote by the Student-Members. The Officer up for removal will be notified in writing of the club’s intent during a regular meeting and will be given the right to express grievances up until the next club meeting and prior to the Executive Board’s vote. Once the vote is scheduled, an announcement will be made to all the Student Members.
Article IX. Elections
Section 1.
Only Student Members are eligible to serve on the Executive Board. All officers must be voted in by the voting members during the second club meet. Executive position will last one year (Summer-Spring) but can be re-newed an unlimited number of times with accordance to Article V, Section 4.
Section 2.
Candidates will be allowed to introduce themselves and share ideas with members during the second meet of the spring semester. The third meet will have voting cards with a drop box for elections and the fourth meeting will have the election winners posted.
Article X. Finances
The President must approve all finances of the club’s expenses. The President and the Vice President shall be the only two members allowed to access the club’s account. The Executive Board will determine the membership fee of the club at the beginning of each semester. All money must be documented and stored into the club’s account.
Article XI. Amendments
Section 1. Proposed Amendments
Voting members have the right to propose new amendments to this constitution at any time. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Executive Board of the Seahawk Chess Club. The Executive Board will determine if the proposed amendment should be added to the club’s Constitution.
Section 2. Presentation
If any club member suggests in writing that any amendment is unnecessary or needs to be re-written and state how it could be better, the Executive Board will gladly review the statement. A decision by the complete Executive Board is required to change amendment. Given that a proposed amendment is approved of by the Executive Board, the new amendment must be presented at the following meeting.
Section 3. Ratification
All the members of the Executive Board must agree upon the ratification before it is official.
Article XII. Nonprofit Clause
The Seahawk Chess Club is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, or scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distribution to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
No part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure to the benefit of its members, directors, officers, or other persons except that the organization shall be authorized to and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the exempt purposes of the organization.
In the event of dissolution, the residual assets of the organizations will be turned over to one or more organizations with similar purposes or to one or more organizations described in section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.