The Constitution 

  The Constitution 

Article One - Club Name and Mission Statement

The mission of Latinos Unidos is to share our history, culture, and goals with one another through education and leadership. The main focus is to unite and collaborate with the diverse cultures present at Joliet Junior College. Emphasis is also placed on enriching the college experience through campus activities and community involvement. We believe the richness of our cultural identity will aid us in achieving our academic and societal goals. We believe that the problems that beset our communities can be effectively resolved by our collective efforts. We commit ourselves to use our skills, and knowledge in order to contribute to the welfare of our people, our society, and the world in general.

Article Two - Membership

Section I

This club shall be a student run club with Co-Advisor guidance and is open to Joliet Junior College students who are willing to explore and share our culture. Members are encouraged to attend mandatory meetings, participate and organize club activities. Each member will earn points for attending meetings, participating, and organizing club activities.

Section II

Respect is a fundamental principle of this organization. We recognize the cultural and ethnic diversity of our community. Therefore, all members will be respectful to each other.

Section III

This club abides by the Joliet Junior College student code of conduct.

Article Three - Meetings

Section I

General membership meetings are held once a week for an hour. Members with class may leave when needed.

Executive board meetings, however, are held separately once a week. 

Section II

 Officers and Advisors determine schedule of meetings.

Section III

 Issues requiring membership vote need a simple majority rule to be passed.

Article Four - Club Positions

Officers must be able to be active in the club's activities. Officers will be assigned to attend Collegiate Club Council (CCC) meetings.

Section I – Elected Executive Positions

 The elected officer positions for Latinos Unidos are:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Historian
• Chair, Community Affairs
• Chair, Academic Activities

Section II - Duties

Officers must support, and be active in, the club's activities.  Club agendas will be written/created/developed by officers.  Members can request that items be added to the agenda before meetings.  These items will be noted under new business and may be referred to the executive committee for action by the club President.  

 Specific officer duties include the following:

President:  Will preside over meetings and assist other officers with their duties. The President, is a non-voting member. In the case of a tie, the President will act as a tie breaker. Will prepare agenda and distribute.

• Vice President:  Will preside over meetings in absence of the President and function as a liaison with on -and -off campus organizations. Shall assist other officers with their duties as needed. 
• Secretary:  Shall keep attendance, minutes, prepare and send mailings. In addition he or she shall keep contact information updated and on file.
• Treasurer:  Responsible for maintaining club financial records, and the collection and deposit of funds.  The treasurer is also responsible for the completion of all financial forms and related correspondence.
• Historian:  Responsible of collection of the history of the club to date.  This includes keeping an accurate record of all events and archiving information on each event as needed. Responsible for updating the LU website.
• Community Affairs Chair:  Will identify and coordinate community service opportunities for the club as directed by the executive committee.
• Academic Activities Chair:  Will identify and coordinate academic activities for the club as directed by the executive committee.
• Collegiate Club Council Representative: Will represent Latinos Unidos at every CCC meeting by presenting and reporting information to and from the club.

Advisors (non-voting):  Roles are listed in the OSA survival guide.

 Article Five – Nominating, Electing, Appointing, and Removing Officers

Section I

Officers must be Joliet Junior College students and be nominated and elected by club members. Candidates shall make their presentations at a regular schedule club meeting. The term of office for these positions is from the beginning of Summer semester to the end of the Spring semester. Candidates must meet qualifications as listed below.

Section II – Nominations

Candidates for office must be Joliet Junior College students and be self-nominated or nominated by club members.

1. Names will placed on the ballot only when the nominee has agreed to serve if elected.  The eligibility of candidates will be determined by Advisors.

Section III – Qualifications - Requirements for Nomination and Election

1. Officers must be Joliet Junior College students in good academic standing (2.0 GPA or above).  Students may self-nominate or be nominated by club members.
2. Candidates shall make their presentations at a regular schedule club meeting.
3. The term of office for these positions is from the beginning of summer semester to the end of the spring semester.
4. Elections will take place in April.  Elections must be completed by the last regularly scheduled general membership meeting of the Spring semester.
5. A simple majority of active Latinos Unidos members (anyone who is a Joliet Junior College student and who has attended general membership meetings) may vote for officers.
6. Secret ballots will be used.  Students may cast ballots for a week prior to/ and at the last scheduled General Membership Meeting in April.
7. For the election, an advisor will maintain a record of active LU students that vote.  Students must initial the list twice (once when receiving the ballot and after casting their vote). 
8. Voting must be done in secret and on-site (either at the Advisor’s office or at the last regularly scheduled meeting in April).
9. LU Advisors are responsible for the supervision of the election process and for the counting and verification of votes.

The term of office for these positions is the beginning of the summer semester to the end of the spring semester of the following school year.  

Officers must adhere to the mission and goals of Latinos Unidos and:

a.   Become familiar, and comply with, applicable JJC Office of Student Activities policies and procedures.

b.   Become familiar with the Student Code of conduct. Violation of the code may lead to removal from office.

c.   Maintain a 2.0 Cumulative GPA to qualify for nomination and election. 

d.   Attend leadership training seminars coordinated by JJC staff.

e.   Support, and participate in, club activities.

f.   Become familiar with, and use as needed, Roberts Rules of Order, in conducting meetings.

Section III – Inability to serve, procedures to replace

If an officer is unable to fulfill his or her responsibilities, a special election may be held, or the responsibilities assumed by a member of the executive committee.

A vacancy may be temporarily assumed by the following chain of command:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Historian
• Chair, Community Service
• Chair, Academic Activities
• CCC, representive

Section IV - Removal from office

A person can be removed from office based on their performance. 

1. Violations of the code and the inability to fulfill duties as required may lead to removal from office and must be discussed with Club Advisors.
2. An appeal can be made of their removal to the Director of OSA. 
3. Confidentiality will be exercised at all times to protect all parties involved.

Article Six - Standards of Behavior

Section I – Expectations

Students who are officers and members of Latinos Unidos are expected to adhere to Joliet Junior College Code of conduct  at all times, especially when in attendance at meetings, events, or field trips.  Members and officers are reminded that they represent the club and college; they must behave accordingly.

Section II – Violations of the JJC Student Code of Conduct

In the event that an officer or member of Latinos Unidos violates the Joliet Junior College Code of Conduct while conducting club business, the matter will be referred to an Advisor for action.  The Club Advisors can issue a written warning.  If a second offense occurs, the Club Advisors will refer the offender directly to the Dean of Students.  Confidentiality will be exercised at all times to protect all parties involved  

Article Seven - Point System

Section I

Students will be given points for attendance and participation in club activities. The point system may entitle students to paid trips and other privileges.  

Section II

The Vice President and the Club Advisor must record all attendance of meetings and events.

Article Eight - Amendment Process

Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by an announcement at general meetings. Adoption of these amendments occur with simple majority vote.

Article Nine - Ratification

The constitution will be ratified by a simple majority vote. It will be reviewed and revised as needed.