Our Constitution

PREAMBLE

The Residence Hall Association at Southern Connecticut State University, as the largest organization representing on-campus students, is committed to providing a positive, approachable and effective forum for all students living on-campus. The Residence Hall Association strives to be the aware and involved voice of the SCSU residential community and seeks to develop a broader intellectual, social, and cultural on-campus environment. From this foundation, the Residence Hall Association trains and develops the next generation of student leaders.

ARITCLE I: NAME & AFFILIATION

SECTION 1 – ORGANIZATION

  1. The official name of this organization shall be “The Residence Hall Association of Southern Connecticut State University”, hereafter referred to as RHA.

SECTION 2 – AFFILIATION

  1. RHA shall be affiliated with the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) and with the North East Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (NEACURH).

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

SECTION 1 – FUNCTION

RHA is hereby established in order to:

  1. Serve as the voice of all students residing on campus, hereafter referred to as the resident student body;
  2. Function as the liaison between the resident student body and the staff/administration of the University;
  3. Function as a governing body implementing policy development and serve as a decision making organization while taking into consideration that the residents have an equal voice in policies and procedures;
  1. Recommend to the Office of Residence Life changes in its administrative policies for the betterment of the student body residing on campus;
  2. Create educational, social and recreational programming for the resident student  body;
  3. Thus, promoting the general welfare of the student population residing in on-campus housing.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

The membership of RHA shall consist of the Executive Board, Chairpersons, Voting Members, and General Members.

SECTION 1 – GENERAL MEMBERSHIP

  1. RHA membership shall be open to any current registered student living in a residence hall at Southern Connecticut State University.
  2. Members must be in good standing in regards to both academic and community standards as outlined by Southern Connecticut State University, including the Southern Connecticut State University Student Handbook and the Office of Residence Life On-Campus Housing Contract.

SECTION 2 – EXECUTIVE BOARD

  1. The RHA Executive Board shall consist of one President, one Vice President, one Secretary, and one Treasurer.
  2. These positions shall be elected into place with a majority vote by the body.

SECTION 3 – CHAIRPERSONS

  1. RHA Chairpersons shall consist of one Programming Board Chairperson, one Publicity Chairperson, one National Communication Coordinator (NCC), and one Advocacy Chairperson
  2. These positions shall be appointed by majority vote by the RHA Executive Board and are subject to an application process.
  3. A National Communication Coordinator In-Training (NCC IT) may be established during the spring semester to be the heir to the current NCC.

SECTION 4 – VOTING MEMBERS

  1. Voting members shall consist of the Executive Board, the Chairpersons, Programming Board members, and Hall Council Representatives with the exception of the RHA President who only has a vote in the occurrence of a tie.
  2. Programming Board members shall be individuals identified to the Secretary by the Programming Board Chairperson as a part of their board through a roster.
  3. Hall Council Representatives shall be no more than 4 and no less than 1 individuals appointed by their respective Hall Councils and identified to the secretary by their respective hall councils, with the responsibility of attending RHA body meetings.
  4. All voting members must maintain at least a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0.

SECTION 5 – NON-DISCRIMINATORY CLAUSE

  1. RHA adheres to a non-discriminatory clause on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, special needs and other appropriate non-discriminatory distinctions that may apply. This non-discriminatory policy applies and is not limited to membership, programs, activities and opportunities in the capacity to hold office.

ARTICLE IV: THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

SECTION 1 – ELEGIBILITY

  1. Candidates must reside in on-campus housing for the length of their term in office.
  2. Candidates must have completed a minimum of 1 academic semester as an active member of the general student body of RHA prior to being elected into office.
  3. Candidates may not hold title such as but not limited to President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer in their respective hall councils while on the executive board.
  4. Candidates must have and maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 2.5.

SECTION 2 – GENERAL DUTIES

  1. Attend all RHA Executive Board and Body Meetings
  2. Maintain at least 4 hours in the RHA Office per week while school is in regular session.
  3. Attend at least one Hall Council meeting per week to monitor development and efficiency.
  4. Submit to the members of RHA a tri-semester report; one at the second general body meeting of the semester, one at the seventh and one at the last general body meeting of the semester.
  5. Attend all RHA sponsored events as determined appropriate by the President.
  6. Represent and promote the general welfare of RHA.

SECTION 3 – DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT

  1. Call to order and preside over the RHA Body and Executive Board meetings.
  2. Establish an agenda for the RHA Body and Executive Board meetings.
  3. Appoint committee chairpersons when needed.
  4. Act as liaison between the Office of Residence Life, Division of Student Affairs, University and RHA.
  5. Be an ex-officio member of all committees.
  6. Be responsible along with the Vice President, for the planning and organizing of any RHA retreats.
  7. Receive a stipend once voted on by the RHA Body.

SECTION 4 – DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

  1. Assume the duties of the President in the event of the his/her absence
  2. Temporarily assume the position of President in the event of the President’s resignation or removal from office, until a new President of Residence Hall Association is selected according to RHA policy
  3. Oversee the duties of the Programming Board Chairperson.
  4. Be responsible along with the President, for the planning and organizing of any RHA retreats.
  5. Assist the President whenever possible in the performance of all RHA duties.
  6. Receive a stipend once voted on by the RHA Body.

SECTION 5 – DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY

  1. Keep and distribute minutes of all official meetings of the RHA Body and the RHA Executive Board.
  2. Take role and approve quorum.
  3. Maintain and update all non-financial records associated with RHA.
  4. Oversee the duties of National Communication Coordinator.
  5. Receive a stipend once voted on by the RHA Body.

SECTION 6 – DUTIES OF THE TREASURER

  1. Comply with the Financial Policy of the University.
  2. Be responsible for the payment of all bills incurred by RHA, and for the deposit of all receipts to the University Business and Accounts Payable offices in accordance with University policy.
  3. Serve as one of the RHA representative on the Student Activity Fee Allocation Committee also know as SAFAC.
  4. Maintain and update all financial records for RHA.
  5. Present written/oral reports on the financial status of RHA at each meeting.
  6. Oversee the Duties of the Publicity Chairperson.
  7. Receive a stipend once voted on by the RHA Body.

ARTICLE V: CHAIRPERSONS

SECTION 1 – ELEGIBILITY

  1. Candidates must reside in on-campus housing for the length of their term in office.
  2. Candidates may not hold the position of President or Vice President in their respective Hall Councils while an RHA Chairperson.
  3. Candidates must have and maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 2.3.

SECTION 2 – GENERAL DUTIES

  1. Attend all RHA Executive Board and Body Meetings.
  2. Report to their respective Executive Board Members
  3. Maintain at least 4 hours in the RHA Office per week while school is in regular session.
  4. Attend at least one Hall Council meeting per week to monitor development and efficiency.
  5. Submit to the members of RHA a tri-semester report; one at the second general body meeting of the semester, one at the 7th and one at the last general body meeting of the semester.
  6. Attend all RHA sponsored events as determined appropriate by the President.
  7. Represent and promote the general welfare of RHA.

SECTION 3 – DUTIES OF THE ADVOCACY CHAIRPERSON

  1. Work with RHA executive as well as Residence Life staff to address any and all residence concerns.
  2. Establish and maintain a resident advocacy committee to address concerns within the residence halls.
  3. Be an ex-officio member of the dinning services, parking committee and any other committee established that may affect resident students
  4. Receive a stipend once voted on by the RHA Body.

SECTION 4 – DUTIES OF THE PROGRAMMING BOARD CHAIRPERSON

  1. Organize and coordinate all meetings of the Programming Board.
  2. Give a weekly report to the Executive Board regarding the activities of the Programming Board.
  3. Organize and coordinate RHA activities and events.
  4. Receive a stipend once voted on by the RHA Body.

SECTION 5 – DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR

  1. Comply with all duties and responsibilities set by the NACURH NCC handbook
  2. Organize and coordinate delegations for all NACURH and NEACURH conferences attended by RHA.
  3. Represent RHA as a voting member in NCC board room.
  4. Responsible for the training of the NCC-IT
  5. Receive a stipend once voted on by the RHA Body.

SECTION 6 – DUTIES OF THE PUBLICITY CHAIRPERSON

  1. Coordinate and organize any publicity pertaining to RHA including the website, posters, social networking and all others deemed appropriate by the Executive Board.
  2. Attend all Programming Board meetings and work with the Programming Board Chairperson to promote RHA and its events.
  3. Receive a stipend once voted on by the RHA Body.

SECTION 7 – DUTIES OF THE NATIONAL COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR IN-TRAINING

  1. Term effective only for spring semester.
  2. Assist NCC in stated duties.
  3. Prepare for role as NCC to begin the following fall semester.

ARTICLE VI: ADVISORS

SECTION 1 – DUTIES OF THE ADVISORS

  1. RHA Advisors shall be appointed by the Director of Residence Life
  2. There shall be at least two Advisors to the RHA
  3. Advisors shall attend RHA Executive Board and Body meetings.
  4. Be an informational resource to all members of RHA
  5. Represent and promote the general welfare of RHA.


ARTICLE VII: ELECTIONS & IMPEACHMENT

SECTION 1 – ELECTION PROCEDURES

  1. Students wishing to be elected to an RHA office may nominate themselves or be nominated by an RHA member during the week ballots open.
  2. The elections will take place in the spring semester no later than May 4th but no earlier than April 8th.
  3. The RHA Advisors, along with a senior, non-returning RHA member, will collect the votes and the candidates will be notified by one of the RHA Advisors
  4. The candidates receiving the simple majority of the vote shall be declared the official winners.
  5. The term of office shall run from May 1st to May 1st of the following year.
  6. Consecutive terms are allowed provided that the proper election procedures are followed.


SECTION 2 – PROCEDURES FOR FILLING VACANT POSITIONS

  1. Those who wish to fill the vacancy may nominate themselves or be nominated by an RHA member at the next scheduled RHA meeting after the vacancy occurs
  2. Elections shall be held two (2) weeks following the vacancy.
  3. RHA advisors shall collect and count the ballots.
  4. The candidate receiving the simple majority of the vote shall be declared the official winner.
  5. The term shall run until the following May 1st.
  6. In the interest of time, vacancies may be filled by an executive board nomination and vote only when the university is not in regular session.
  7. If a chairperson’s position shall become vacant, then the appointment shall occur through original application process.

SECTION 3 – PROCEDURES FOR IMPEACHMENT

  1. Failure to fulfill the duties of the respective position as defined by this constitution may result in grounds for impeachment
  2. A complaint, in writing, must be filed with an RHA Advisor detailing the reason for impeachment.
  3. Upon the advisors review, the grieved officer shall be notified of said complaint.
  4. A meeting between RHA Advisors, the RHA Executive Board and the officer in question shall determine whether the impeachment will be brought to the body.
  5. It shall be brought to a body vote to see if there are grounds for impeachment.
  6. Once brought to impeachment vote, a simple2/3’s vote shall result in the impeachment of said RHA officer.


ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS

SECTION 1 – QUORUM

  1. Two thirds of the voting members must be in attendance to constitute quorum.
  2. In no case shall a vote take place when RHA is not in quorum.

SECTION 2 – MEETINGS

  1. The first RHA meeting shall be held by the second academic week each semester.
  2. RHA Executive Board and Body meetings shall be held weekly during the academic year except when the University is not in regular session.
  3. Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the President upon request of a majority of the representatives or a majority of the Executive Board.
  4. Meetings shall be run according to parliamentary procedure as stated in Roberts Rules of Order, Revised.

SECTION 3 – COMMITTEE MEETINGS

  1. The RHA President and/or Vice President shall oversee the activities of all committees
  2. RHA officers may create and hold committee meetings at any point to fulfill any of its duties.

ARTICLE IX: RHA AFFILIATES

SECTION 1 – NATIONAL RESIDENCE HALL HONORARY

  1. Once established, the SCSU Chapter of NRHH shall operate as its own organization and be recognize by RHA.
  2. The President of NRHH shall attend the last RHA meeting of every month to give an update to the RHA body of NRHH chapter happenings.
  3. RHA shall allocate a portion of their budget to NRHH based on its needs for that academic year.

SECTION 2 – HALL COUNCILS

  1. Shall consist of all active Hall Councils within the residence halls of Southern Connecticut State University.
  2. Must send appointed representatives to RHA body meetings.
  3. Must comply with RHA Budget policies regarding Hall Councils


ARTICLE X: BUDGET & SPENDING

SECTION 1 – BUDGET

  1. The Treasurer shall propose a budget to the RHA body by the third meeting of the fall semester to be voted on.
  2. Hall Councils shall receive their individual budgets from the treasurer by the third meeting of the semester
  3. Stipend amounts determined for each position within the budget must be brought to the body and passed by 2/3’s vote.
  4. Hall councils must maintain a minimum of 300 dollars from one semester to the next, and no more than 2000 dollars from the spring semester to the fall semester. Any excess shall be pooled into an account to be used by all Hall Councils.

SECTION 2 – SPENDING

  1. RHA shall operate by University Financial Policy.
  2. All expenditures not accounted for by the RHA budget shall be brought in front of the RHA body to be voted on.
  3. All expenditures made by the organization shall be accounted for by the Treasurer.
  4. Any monies left from the previous year shall carry over and be used by the Executive Board under emergency circumstances until the new budget has been passed.

ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS & RATIFICATION

SECTION 1 – AMENDMENTS

  1. Proposals must be made by RHA members in writing prior to a scheduled RHA Executive Board meeting.
  2. Copies of the proposed amendment shall be distributed to all RHA members and RHA advisors.
  3. Two-thirds majority vote is required for the amendment to be approved.
  4. Upon approval, the amendment is to take effect immediately.

SECTION 2 – RATIFICATION

  1. Ratification occurs upon a two-thirds majority vote by the RHA Body
  2. Upon ratification this constitution shall supersede and replace all previous constitutions of the Residence Hall Association.
  3. Any reading process begun under the previous constitution shall be heard according to that constitution.

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