SOGIS Constitution
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ARTICLE I - Name
The name of this organization shall be the Society for Geographic Information Science (hereafter, SOGIS). SOGIS is a student organization at Texas State University. This organization’s purpose shall be to educate students about the importance and many uses of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geographic awareness as well as provide GIS services to benefit our community.
ARTICLE II - Objectives
The objectives of the organization shall be:
ARTICLE III - Membership
ARTICLE IV - Officers
As per Texas State University regulations, a President, Vice President, and Treasurer are required for each student organization. All officers are required to maintain a GPA of 2.25 or above. Additional officers can be added as needed, per Organization Bylaws.
ARTICLE V - Voting
ARTICLE VI - Faculty Advisor
In the event that a new faculty advisor is needed, the selection of a new advisor may come from recommendations of previous advisors, active or past members, or the Geography Department. Once a candidate for Faculty Advisor has been selected, a majority vote is required to confirm the selection.
ARTICLE VII - Frequency of Meetings
The organization will meet monthly with a schedule to be determined by the board of officers.
ARTICLE VIII - Financial Obligation
The board of officers shall determine an appropriate amount for dues and fees, based on the needs of the organization, which will be approved by a majority of voting members.
In the event that the organization becomes defunct, any remaining monetary assets are to go to the Geography Department for the use of scholarships in GIS or closely related majors.
ARTICLE IX - Statement of Non-discrimination
This organization shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or veteran status. This policy includes, but is not limited to, recruiting, membership, organization activities, or opportunities to hold office.
ARTICLE X - Statement of Non-hazing
This organization will not conspire to engage in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or person collaborating with the organization.
ARTICLE XI - Statement of Compliance with Campus Regulations
This organization shall comply with all university and campus policies and regulations and local, state, and federal laws.
ARTICLE XII - Ratification
The ratification of this constitution, or any amendments of this constitution, requires at least a two-thirds majority vote of present members at the time of voting.
ARTICLE I - Name
The name of this organization shall be the Society for Geographic Information Science (hereafter, SOGIS). SOGIS is a student organization at Texas State University. This organization’s purpose shall be to educate students about the importance and many uses of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geographic awareness as well as provide GIS services to benefit our community.
ARTICLE II - Objectives
The objectives of the organization shall be:
- To promote awareness of the importance, usefulness, and versatility of GIS
- To provide GIS services to the campus and local communities for a mutual benefit
- The client receives services free of charge
- The members involved in the project may gain first-hand GIS and project management experience
- To provide opportunities for acquiring professional network contacts for organization members
- To provide a forum for members to showcase their work and receive objective feedback from peers and advisors
ARTICLE III - Membership
- Members and officers must be enrolled students at Texas State University
- Members are required to attend at least 2 meetings per semester
- Members are encouraged to participate in as many organization projects and activities as possible
- Membership is open to all Texas State University students, but voting and officer opportunities are reserved for majors or minors in Geography or relevant courses of study
- Faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and anyone not a current student at Texas State University (hereafter, non-students) may act as associate members, but may not vote or hold office
ARTICLE IV - Officers
As per Texas State University regulations, a President, Vice President, and Treasurer are required for each student organization. All officers are required to maintain a GPA of 2.25 or above. Additional officers can be added as needed, per Organization Bylaws.
- Installation of Officers
- Officer candidates must be qualified voting members, as defined in Article III, Section 2.
- Eligible members may apply to become an officer
- Vacant positions may be filled by the approval of the current board members and confirmed by a simple majority vote (half plus one) of the organization’s voting members present at the time of confirmation.
- Occupied positions may be challenged at the end of a long semester if
- The current occupant has served for at least one semester
- The applicant meets all qualifications of the position
- The applicant receives a simple majority vote in the event the incumbent wishes to stay in office
- Recall of Officers
- Officers are subject to recall for malfeasance in office. Malfeasance shall be defined as:
- An inability to perform the requirements of office
- Willfully disobeying Texas State University rules and regulations governing student organizations
- Breaching the Code of Student Conduct
- Mismanaging organization funds
- Other actions that adversely affect the organization as defined by the remaining officers in accordance with the advisor
- Recall procedures will be initiated at the request of at least five active members or the remaining officers
- A hearing will be conducted at a regular meeting for the presentation of evidence from all concerned parties provided that quorum (half plus one of all voting members) is reached and the advisor is present
- Those requesting the recall of officer(s) shall be given the opportunity to present their case
- Those officers being recalled shall be given the opportunity to question their accusers
- Those officers being recalled shall be given the opportunity to rebut the charges presented against them
- The organization will then have the opportunity to question those being recalled
- If the officer being recalled fails to appear at the hearing, he or she is forfeiting his or her position
- An officer can be removed with a two-thirds majority vote of active members present, cast upon the closure of the recall hearing.
- Officers are subject to recall for malfeasance in office. Malfeasance shall be defined as:
ARTICLE V - Voting
- This constitution and bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote, provided quorum has been reached
- Voting on amendments must be conducted after a minimum notice of 2 weeks
ARTICLE VI - Faculty Advisor
In the event that a new faculty advisor is needed, the selection of a new advisor may come from recommendations of previous advisors, active or past members, or the Geography Department. Once a candidate for Faculty Advisor has been selected, a majority vote is required to confirm the selection.
ARTICLE VII - Frequency of Meetings
The organization will meet monthly with a schedule to be determined by the board of officers.
ARTICLE VIII - Financial Obligation
The board of officers shall determine an appropriate amount for dues and fees, based on the needs of the organization, which will be approved by a majority of voting members.
In the event that the organization becomes defunct, any remaining monetary assets are to go to the Geography Department for the use of scholarships in GIS or closely related majors.
ARTICLE IX - Statement of Non-discrimination
This organization shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or veteran status. This policy includes, but is not limited to, recruiting, membership, organization activities, or opportunities to hold office.
ARTICLE X - Statement of Non-hazing
This organization will not conspire to engage in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or person collaborating with the organization.
ARTICLE XI - Statement of Compliance with Campus Regulations
This organization shall comply with all university and campus policies and regulations and local, state, and federal laws.
ARTICLE XII - Ratification
The ratification of this constitution, or any amendments of this constitution, requires at least a two-thirds majority vote of present members at the time of voting.
Article Amendments
Article VII-Frequency of Meetings was amended on 9/20/2016 to reflect changes in meeting frequency from bi-weekly to monthly.
Article VII-Frequency of Meetings was amended on 9/20/2016 to reflect changes in meeting frequency from bi-weekly to monthly.
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