Chapter Constitution
I. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Society of American Archivists Student Chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, also referred to and known as the SAA Student Chapter.
II. OBJECTIVES
A. To provide a means of communication among members sharing an interest in the documentation of the human experience.
B. To acquaint members with the objectives, ethics, and publications of the Society of American Archivists.
C. To develop and encourage interaction with other student groups to promote the mutual interests of the library and archives professions.
D. To provide a forum for professional members in the archival community to speak to students interested in the archives profession.
E. To encourage involvement in professional activities.
F. To provide a student forum for the expression of ideas relating to the activities of the Society of American Archivists and the archives community.
III. MEMBERSHIP
A. Members shall be currently enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
B. Members shall be members in good standing in the Society of American Archivists.
IV. DUES
There shall be no dues required for individual membership in this organization. All members shall be members in good standing of the Society of American Archivists organization.
V. OFFICERS
The officers of this organization shall be a President, Vice President and a Secretary. These officers, along with the faculty advisor, are responsible for the administration of the organization and serve as the chapter's executive committee. The President and Vice President shall serve terms no longer than one (1) year and shall be ineligible for reelection to the same position.
VI. GOVERNMENT
The government of this organization shall be vested in the selected officers. A faculty advisor shall be retained to serve an oversight function and to serve as an additional liaison between this organization and the Society of American Archivists.
VII. MEETINGS
Business meetings shall be held at the beginning of the Fall and Winter terms and as needed thereafter. Notice of each meeting shall be posted at least five (5) days before the date of each meeting.
VIII. RECORDS
The President of the organization shall be assigned to maintain and preserve the records produced over a term in an efficient and organized manner.
IX. PUBLICATIONS
When necessary or appropriate, the SAA Student Chapter shall announce meetings and activities, or shall contribute articles and items of general interest, to student and professional publications.
X. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by written petition signed by at least five (5) members of the organization who are members in good standing of the Society of American Archivists. Amendments may be adopted by a majority of members present and voting at the next business meeting. Copies of the proposed amendments shall be distributed to all members of the organization at least five (5) days before the business meeting at which the vote will take place.
XI. DISSOLUTION
In the event of dissolution of the SAA Student Chapter, the national Society of American Archivists shall be notified, in addition to the necessary University of Wisconsin-Madison governing bodies.
BY-LAWS
1. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
The President shall direct and coordinate the affairs of the SAA Student Chapter, preside at business meetings of the organization, serve as liaison between the SAA Student Chapter, the faculty advisor, and the Society of American Archivists. The President shall be responsible for preparing an annual report to be submitted to the Society of American Archivists. The President may prepare this report with the assistance of the Vice President and the Secretary. The Vice President shall be responsible for planning, formulating, and maintaining financial policies and submitting any proposals for the raising of funds to the President and general membership for approval. The Vice President shall also maintain the chapter's web presence. The Secretary shall record the minutes of any meetings, and post these minutes to the society's website or another platform which enables any interested parties to view these minutes.
The duties of officers may be reassigned in any manner seen fit as long as every member of the chapter 's executive committee agrees to those reassignments.
2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The election of officers shall be initiated during the last half of each Spring Term. Officers shall be nominated by the disbursement of nomination forms in which interested parties may be nominated by others or may nominate themselves. Elections shall be conducted before the end of the academic year. Elections may take place by any method the Executive Committee sees fit as long as all members of that committee are in consensus as to the proceedings of the election. Officers shall be elected by a majority of votes received. Tabulations shall be performed and announced prior to the last meeting of the chapter.
If the President position becomes vacant during the course of the year, the Vice President shall assume the Presidency, and the Secretary shall assume the role of the Vice President. A new Secretary shall be elected by the general membership. The respective persons who assume the President and Vice President roles are eligible for election to those positions at the next regular election and may serve up to one (1) full term as elected officers as permitted in Article V.
3. COMMITTEES
Standing committees, task forces, and other groups shall be created and terminated by the President with the advice and approval of the Vice President and after consultation with the faculty advisor. Each standing committee, task force, board, or other group shall have guidelines set forth in writing as to its purpose, size, reporting procedures, and duties and responsibilities.