The University of Tennessee at Martin

College Republican Chapter Constitution

 

Preamble

 

Believing in the courage, faith and vision of the framers of the United States Constitution in establishing the abiding American principles of human rights and liberties, and further believing that students have a special responsibility to dedicate themselves to the perpetuation of these rights and liberties, we the College Republicans of The University of Tennessee at Martin do hereby associate ourselves and declare the following as our organizational Constitution.

 

Article I

  Name and Affiliation

 

SECTION 1.  The name of the organization shall be The University of Tennessee at Martin College Republicans, hereinafter referred to in this document as the College Republicans.

 

SECTION 2.  The University of Tennessee at Martin College Republicans shall be the recognized campus affiliate of the Tennessee Federation of College Republicans, and of the College Republican National Committee, and shall be subject to and abide by the Constitutions, Bylaws, and Resolutions thereof to the extent said documents are not inconsistent with state or University guidelines.

 

Article II

  Purposes

 

SECTION 1.  To make known and promote the principles of the Republican Party among members of The University of Tennessee at Martin campus and community.

 

SECTION 2.  To aid in the election of Republican candidates at all levels of government.

 

SECTION 3.  To encourage and assist in the organization and active functioning of the Republican Party at local, state, and national levels.

 

SECTION 4.  To develop political skills and leadership abilities among Republican students as preparation for future service by them to the Party and community.

 

Article III

  Membership

 

SECTION 1.  Any student enrolled at The University of Tennessee at Martin who subscribes to the organization’s purposes and agrees to abide by this Constitution is eligible for membership.  The College Republicans abhor discrimination in whatever form and do not discriminate against any person based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age or disability.  Membership application information may be obtained from the Secretary. 

 

SECTION 2.  Semester dues are required for College Republican membership.  The Executive Board will set the amount annually at its first meeting following elections.

 

SECTION 3.  University faculty and staff are encouraged to participate in the organization’s activities but will not be eligible for membership.  At least one interested faculty or staff member will be elected as the organization’s official adviser at the first general meeting of the Fall Semester of each year.  

 

Article IV

  Officers and Executive Board

 

SECTION 1.  The officers who will represent The University of Tennessee at Martin College Republicans shall be President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  These student officers will collectively constitute the College Republicans Executive Board and will take such actions as are appropriate, necessary and proper for the functioning of the organization and not inconsistent with this Constitution.  The Executive Board may appoint such ad hoc committees, and the chairs associated therewith, as it deems necessary to effectuate its charge.

 

SECTION 2.  All officers will be elected at the first general College Republican meeting of the Fall Semester of each year and will serve—so long as they are students in good standing at the University—until their successors are elected.  The times and dates of each general and Executive Board meeting will normally be publicized at least one week—and never less than 48 hours—in advance.

 

SECTION 3.  Nominations of candidates for College Republican offices will be made from the floor by any member in good standing.

 

SECTION 4.  Officers will be elected by a majority of those present and voting.

 

SECTION 5.  Officer vacancies will be filled from the membership by the Executive Board at its first meeting following the occurrence of the vacancy.  A student selected to fill a vacancy will serve in that office until the next annual election.

 

Article V

  Impeachment of Officers

 

SECTION 1.  Any officer who, during his or her term in office, has demonstrated disloyalty to the Republican Party, negligence or incompetence in the performance of his/her prescribed Constitutional duties, or willfully impeded the College Republican program, may be removed from office.

 

SECTION 2.  Specific impeachment charges must be approved by an absolute majority of the officers on the Executive Board, excluding the officer being impeached, at a meeting of the Executive Board.  If the charges are approved, a vote on removal will be conducted at the next meeting of the membership.  The officer in question will have the right to present his/her defense, and removal will require a two-thirds vote of those members present.

 

Article VI

  Approval and Amendments

 

SECTION 1.  A two-thirds vote of those members present will be required to approve this Constitution as well as any amendments thereto.

 

SECTION 2.  This Constitution, and any amendments that may be approved by the membership,  must be submitted to the Office of Student Affairs consistent with University policies.

 

Article VII

  Parliamentary Authority

 

SECTION 1.  The parliamentary rules contained in the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the College Republicans in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with this Constitution.