State University of New York at Stony Brook
LUGSB (Linux Users' Group @ Stony Brook)
Constitution
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this organization shall be LUGSB or (Linux Users' Group @ Stony Brook) and this shall be the name used to register the organization with the Department of Student Union and Activities. The organization may, at its pleasure, change its name by a vote of the membership. Any such change to the name shall be noted at the Department of Student Union and Activities.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
The primary purpose of LUGSB is to promote the use of Linux, Open Source, and Free (as in freedom) Software among the members of the Stony Brook community. A second purpose is to provide an environment open to all who wish to learn how to use, and understand free software.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
a. All members must be currently registered, matriculated students of SUNY Stony Brook.
b. No person shall be denied membership or office because of sexual orientation, national origin, race, sex, physical disability, or religious beliefs.
c. The right to vote on motions is reserved to members who have attended atleast one (1) other meeting during any given semester. The right to vote at elections is reserved to members who have attended atleast two (2) other meetings during any given semester.
d. Members have the right and responsibility of overseeing the officers and ensuring that they operate in accordance with the goals and principles of the organization.
ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS
Section 1
All nominees for organization board positions must have a minimum cumulative index of 2.0 and if elected, must maintain a cumulative index of at least 2.0, and must be registered for the semester(s) during which they are to serve. All officers shall serve for one year and may be re-elected for one additional year as long as they maintain a cumulative index of 2.0 and are registered each semester.
Section 2
a. The President shall be the official representative of the organization, he/she shall also be a non-voting ex-officio member of all committees of the organization, except the election committee.
b. The President shall have the power to convene and preside over the meetings of the executive board and the general membership and prepare the agenda for the meetings of the executive board and the general membership. The President shall further perform such duties as may be necessary and proper in the fulfillment of his/her office, subject to the approval of the executive board.
Section 3
The Vice-President shall be required to see that standing committee chairpersons are fulfilling their duties. The Vice-President shall further perform such duties as may be necessary and proper in the fulfillment of his/her office, subject to the approval of the executive board. If the President is unable to perform his/her duties (due to impeachment, leave of absence or resignation), the Vice-President shall assume the position of President. A new Vice President will be elected in a special election called by the President if a vacancy occurs in this office.
Section 4
a. The Treasurer shall keep detailed record of all monies allotted to the organization. The Treasurer shall also submit all payment requests.
b. Each month the Treasurer shall perform such duties as may be necessary and proper in the fulfillment of his/her office, subject to the approval of the executive board. The Treasurer shall assume the position of Vice-President in the event that the Vice-President is unable to perform his/her duties (due to leave of absence, resignation, or assumption of the presidency). A new treasurer will be elected in a special election called by the President if a vacancy occurs in this office.
Section 5
The Secretary shall take minutes and attendance of all meetings. A new secretary will be elected in a special election called by the President if a vacancy occurs in this office.
ARTICLE V – EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1
a. The members of the executive board shall be the President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.
b. The total membership of the executive board shall not exceed members of the organization.
Section 2
All executive board meetings shall be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order (latest Edition), except where expressly provided for in this constitution.
Section 3
The President shall be the chairperson and presiding officer of the executive board.
ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS
Section 1
This organization shall hold at least one general membership meeting each month.
Section 2
All meetings must have an agenda.
Section 3
The president must convene a meeting within a reasonable amount of time if such a meetings is initiated by a majority vote at a regular or special meeting.
ARTICLE VII – ELECTIONS
Section 1
No person shall seek the position of President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer unless he/she has been a member of this organization for one semester prior to the semester when he/she would assume office.
Section 2
a. All officers must be elected by majority vote during the annual Student Government Senate election period. Elections must be held no later than May 1st. New officers will assume their positions on June 1st.
b. Nominations shall be accepted from the floor at a meeting prior to the election.
c. Election shall be by majority vote of the members present.
d. Votes are not revealed during voting but votes cast are listed after the election is over. The ballots shall be kept secret even after the vote is over.
ARTICLE VIII – IMPEACHMENT
Section 1
Any officers of the club may be brought up on impeachment charges if he/she is acting detrimentally to the organization or he/she has significantly disregarded the major responsibilities of his/her office.
Section 2
If a list of charges signed by three-quarters (¾) of the officers is submitted to the President, he/she must call for an impeachment proceeding. If the President is being brought up on charges, the petition shall be submitted to the Vice President. Upon receipt of the petition, the President shall suspend the officer and prevent him/her from exercising all powers and voting rights pending the outcome of the impeachment proceedings.
Section 3
If a list of charges signed by two-thirds (2/3) of the members is submitted to the President, he/she must call for impeachment proceedings.
Section 4
After proper impeachment proceedings, the officer(s) so charged may be impeached by a three-quarter (¾) vote of group members. If impeachment passes, the officer shall be removed from his/her position.
Section 5
Special Elections:
a. Upon impeachment of
President, the Vice President assumes the Presidency and a special election is held for Vice President within a one month period.
Other officers, a special election will be held within a one month period.
ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS
Section 1
Amendments to this constitution may be introduced from the floor and must be submitted to the Secretary in writing at a general membership meeting.
Section 2
All known members shall be notified through email, and a notice must be placed on the club webpage at least five (5) school days prior to a vote on a proposed amendment.
Section 3
A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members is necessary for the passage of an amendment.
ARTICLE X – RESTRICTIONS
LUGSB shall wholly abstain from any political or labor affiliation or endoresements for any public office.
ARTICLE XI – DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution of this group, all accrued funds shall be given to a non-profit organization to be determined at the time of dissolution.
CREDITS
This Document was originally written by Mark Drago.
Parts of this document have been adapted from the constitutions of SBCS (Stony Brook Computing Society) and LILUG (Long Island Linux Users' Group), as well as from the by-laws of Software in the Public Interest, Inc.