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Constitution and Bylaws GSAU

Constitution and Bylaws of the Graduate Student Association at the University of Houston-Downtown

Preamble: We, the graduate students of the University of Houston-Downtown, in order to promote academic excellence, foster a sense of community, and advocate for the rights and interests of graduate students, establish this Constitution and Bylaws for the Graduate Student Association (GSA).

Article I: Name and Purpose Section 1: Name The name of this organization shall be the Graduate Student Association (GSA) at the University of Houston-Downtown.

Section 2: Purpose The purpose of the GSA shall be to:

  1. Represent and advocate for the rights and interests of graduate students at the University of Houston-Downtown.
  2. Promote academic and professional development opportunities for graduate students.
  3. Foster a sense of community among graduate students through social, cultural, and recreational activities.
  4. Collaborate with other student organizations, faculty, staff, and administration to enhance the graduate student experience at the University of Houston-Downtown.

Article II: Membership Section 1: Eligibility Membership in the GSA shall be open to all currently enrolled graduate students at the University of Houston-Downtown. Membership shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Section 2: Rights and Responsibilities All members shall have the right to:

  1. Participate in GSA meetings, events, and activities.
  2. Vote in GSA elections and referendums.
  3. Run for elected positions within the GSA.
  4. Access resources and support provided by the GSA.

All members shall have the responsibility to:

  1. Abide by this Constitution and Bylaws.
  2. Act in a respectful manner towards fellow members and the university community.
  3. Attend meetings and actively contribute to GSA activities.

Article III: Officers Section 1: Positions The officers of the GSA shall consist of:

  1. President
  2. Vice President
  3. Administrative Affairs Director
  4. Financial Director
  5. College Representatives

Section 2: Election and Term of Office Officers shall be elected by the GSA membership through a democratic process. Elections shall be held annually, and officers shall serve for one academic year.

Section 3: Duties and Responsibilities

  1. President:
    • Preside over GSA meetings.Represent the GSA in university-wide meetings and events.
    • Coordinate the activities of the GSA.
    • Serve as the primary liaison between the GSA, SGA and university administration.
    • To perform other such duties as the membership or Constitution may specify
  2. Vice-President
    • Assist the President in their duties.
    • Assume the responsibilities of the President in their absence.
    • Oversee committees and special projects.
    • To perform other such duties as the membership or Constitution may specify
  3. Administrative Affairs Director:
    • Keep accurate records of GSA meetings.
    • Maintain a roster of GSA members.
    • Handle correspondence on behalf of the GSA.
    • To prepare agendas and to record minutes of meetings of this organization;
    • To handle all correspondence of this organization not under the preview of the President;
    • To pick up all mail received at the Student Leadership and Involvement Office at least once a week, in addition to any other location at which mail for this organization may be delivered;
    • To update and maintain all files of this organization;
    • To maintain an accurate list of the membership of this organization;
    • To assume the office of Vice-President in his/her absence, vacancy, resignation, or dismissal;
    • To perform other such duties as the membership or Constitution may specify
  4. Financial Director:
    • Manage the financial affairs of the GSA.
    • Maintain accurate records of income and expenses.
    • Prepare financial reports for GSA meetings.
    • To represent this organization when requesting funds from the Activities Funding Board?
    • To conduct any fundraising activity;
  5. College Representatives
    • To represent the students from their program;
    • To serve on committees;
    • To vote on proposals introduced by whomever concerned.
    • To perform other such duties as the membership or Constitution may specify.
  6. The Number of College Representatives from each college is determined by the number of graduate programs offered by the University.

Article IV: Meetings Section 1: General Meetings

The GSA shall hold regular general meetings at least once per month during the academic year. Additional meetings may be called as necessary.

Section 2: Quorum

A quorum for general meetings shall consist of at least one-third of the total membership.

Section 3: Voting Decisions made during general meetings shall be determined by a simple majority vote, except for amendments to this Constitution and Bylaws, which require a two-thirds majority vote.

Article V: Committees The GSA may establish committees to address specific areas of interest or concern. 
Committees shall be formed by volunteers from the membership and approved by a majority vote during a general meeting.

Article VI: Amendments This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote during a general meeting. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which they will be considered.

Article VII: Ratification This Constitution and Bylaws shall be ratified by a majority vote of the GSA membership.

Bylaws: The GSA may adopt additional bylaws to further define its operations and procedures. Bylaws must be consistent with this Constitution and may be amended by a simple majority vote during a general meeting.