Constitution - The Success Network

CONSTIUTION

PREAMBLE:

We, the students of The Pennsylvania State University, Abington campus, recognizing the deep-seated need for genuine connections and guidance in our journey of personal and professional development, hereby establish The Success Network. This organization, rooted in the belief that every individual, irrespective of their history or situation, deserves the chance to have both a friend and mentor, seeks to be more than just a club. We pledge to foster an environment that radiates hope, camaraderie, and unwavering support. Through The Success Network, we offer a sanctuary where students from diverse backgrounds unite with a shared vision of growth, understanding, and mutual aid. In upholding this Constitution, we not only commit to the guiding principles of our network but also remain steadfast in our adherence to the guidelines and policies set forth by The Pennsylvania State University, Abington campus.

ARTICLE I - ACCESSIBILITY OF THE CONSTITUTION FOR THE SUCCESS NETWORK

1.1 Upon request, a copy of the Constitution for The Success Network shall be provided to the requester

ARTICLE II - ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS' ROLES & POSITIONINGS FOR THE SUCCESS NETWORK

2.1 The Elected Board Member Roles, or positions, within The Success Network will be as follows:

2.1.1 President/Director of The Success Network

Serve as the chief executive officer of the network.

Preside over all events and meetings.

Convene and oversee the agenda for all events.

Spearhead initiatives, events, programs, and projects aligned with the club's objectives.

Act as the primary representative for The Success Network in interactions with affiliated groups, the University administration, and the wider community.

Ensure familiarity with and attendance at all relevant university meetings and Mandatory Student Organization Trainings.

Oversee the planning and execution of all activities through each board member.

Identify and engage suitable guest speakers aligned with the club's objectives.

Ensure student recommendations regarding desired professional speakers are considered and integrated.

Possesses the authority to relieve board members of their positions if it is determined that they are not fulfilling their designated responsibilities to the expected standard.

2.1.2 Vice President of The Success Network

Support the President by acting as the primary support for the president, stepping in when the president is unavailable or needs assistance.

Assist in the planning, organization, and execution of club events, activities, and initiatives.

Engage with members, understand their concerns, and relay feedback to the board for consideration.Has the ability to remove anyone off the board if he believes that they aren't living up to their duties and is lacking

Act as a mediator during any club disputes or disagreements, working towards amicable solutions.

Assist the secretary in keeping records of meetings and other essential club documents.

Regularly update oneself on issues, trends, or developments that might affect the club and its operations.

Build and nurture relationships with other clubs, organizations, and entities that align with the club's goals.

All future plans discussed among the board and potential ideas must remain confidential.

2.1.3 Secretary of The Success Network

Schedule and notify members about upcoming meetings, ensuring timely communication and maximum attendance.

Maintain and organize all official club documents, including the constitution, membership lists, and correspondence.

Assist in drafting and disseminating official club communications, announcements, and newsletters.

Maintain an up-to-date roster of all club members, including contact details, and any relevant notes.

Assist in collecting feedback from members after events or initiatives to help in continuous improvement.

Work closely with other board members to ensure administrative alignment with club activities and initiatives.

Ensure discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive club information or member details.

All future plans discussed among the board and potential ideas must remain confidential.

2.1.4 Treasurer of The Success Network

Prepare, present, and manage the club's annual budget in collaboration with other board members.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including ledgers, receipts, invoices, and reimbursement forms.

Regularly provide financial updates to the club leadership and members, ensuring transparency in all monetary matters.

Oversee the collection of membership dues and other fees, ensuring timely and complete collection.

Ensure timely payments for club expenses such as event venues, vendors, and equipment.

Safeguard the club's finances against fraud, loss, or theft. This may include managing bank accounts, cash boxes, and electronic payment platforms.

Ensure that the club's financial operations comply with university regulations and any relevant local, state, or federal laws.

Review and approve or decline expense requests from members based on the budget and club's financial health.

Set aside and manage emergency or contingency funds for unforeseen expenses or opportunities.

Coordinate with the President and Vice President, providing a confirmed date by which these purchases will be completed, and what is going to be purchased

All future plans discussed among the board and potential ideas must remain confidential.

2.1.5 Marketing Director of The Success Network

Ensure that the club's brand identity is consistently and effectively communicated across all channels.

Develop and execute marketing and promotional strategies to raise awareness and drive engagement with The Success Network.

Oversee the creation of marketing materials, including brochures, posters, and digital content.

Collaborate with event organizers to market club events, ensuring high attendance and engagement.

Build and maintain relationships with media outlets for press coverage and promotions.

Curate and disseminate promotional content for each event hosted by the organization, and subsequently publish visual documentation of the occasions.

Design and distribute informational brochures for strategic placement throughout the educational institution.

Publish posts that help the club via Instagram, Linkedin, Engage, etc.

All future plans discussed among the board and potential ideas must remain confidential.

2.1.6 Event Coordinating Officer

Spearhead the conceptualization, planning, and execution of all club events, ensuring alignment with the club's objectives.

Identify and secure suitable venues for events, considering factors such as location, capacity, and amenities.

Oversee all logistical aspects of events, including equipment rentals, catering, transportation, and seating arrangements.

Coordinate dates and times for events, avoiding clashes with other significant institutional or club activities.

Lead and coordinate with a team or committee responsible for various aspects of event planning and execution.

Compile reports detailing the outcomes, attendance, and financial aspects of events.

Ensure that all events comply with university regulations, local ordinances, and any other relevant guidelines.

Secure all necessary provisions, including food, beverages, and materials, well in advance of the event's commencement. Punctuality is paramount

All future plans discussed among the board and potential ideas must remain confidential.

2.1.7 Staff/Faculty Advisor of The Success Network

Ensure that the club's activities and operations are in compliance with university regulations and policies.

Offer insights and advice in the strategic planning of the club's activities, events, and initiatives.

Facilitate connections between the club and other clubs, departments, or external entities beneficial to the club's objectives.

Step in to mediate and resolve conflicts or disputes within the club, ensuring a harmonious environment.

All future plans discussed among the board and potential ideas must remain confidential.

ARTICLE III - ELECTORAL PROCESS AND RIGHTS TO SUFFRAGE

3.1 Electoral Board Elections will be:

3.1.1

Should a member be unable to attend, they may submit an absentee ballot to the official responsible for tallying votes during the academic week preceding the election. However, such votes will only be counted on the actual election day.

3.1.2

Should a member face an unforeseen emergency preventing their attendance at the election and have not previously cast an early ballot, they may submit their vote on the day following the election, prior to the announcement of results.

3.1.3

All members must receive a form allowing them to select the position for which they wish to contend

3.1.3.1

The election shall take place a minimum of three days after distributing the form, guaranteeing all members an opportunity to reply.

3.1.3.2

The election shall be conducted during a regular general meeting.

3.1.3.3

During the election's general meeting, each candidate is required to present their case for consideration.

3.2

Members eligible to vote for Electoral Board positions must either:

3.2.1

Have attended a predetermined number of meetings throughout the year, as established by the Elected Board members before the commencement of any events.

3.2.2

Engage actively in yearly activities, either in the planning or execution of events.

3.2.3

Registered with The Success Network on Engage.

3.3

Elections shall be conducted solely for the positions of President and Treasurer. The President and Treasurer may fill other roles through a comprehensive interview process.

3.3.1

The faculty or staff advisor is required to be in attendance during the interview proceedings.

3.3.2

No position can be filled without the advisor's input regarding the candidate.

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION FOR THE SUCCESS NETWORK

4.1

Active member status is granted to individuals who:

4.1.1

Attendance at the majority of Fall or Spring semester meetings, or significant contributions in terms of activity or labor to support the organization, qualifies an individual for active member status.

4.1.2

Voluntarily joining the organization and formally enrolling in Soul Harmony.

4.1.3

Enrolled at The Pennsylvania State University, Abington campus

4.2

Only currently enrolled students at Penn State Abington are recognized as members of the organization. All others, including alumni, friends, family, faculty, staff, etc., are deemed guests. While guests are invited to open events, they cannot hold officer roles or manage the organization's funds. Membership is open to all students at The Pennsylvania State University, Abington campus, who maintain good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. (Note: Some organizations might have a higher GPA requirement.)

ARTICLE V - OPERATIONS

5.1

General Meetings will be held once or twice a month. The Executive Board will determine the dates and locations for these meetings.

5.1.1

The Secretary and Marketing director should send out meeting notifications at least 3 days in advance of the scheduled date.

5.1.2

Advisors are not required to attend meetings, but they are welcome to do so if they choose.

5.1.3

If a meeting is to be canceled or rescheduled, the Secretary must provide at least 24 hours' notice.

5.1.3.1

If a 24-hour notice cannot be provided, the email must contain a valid reason for the short notice.

5.2

Advisor must have a sort of Business/Entrepreneurship interest

5.2.1

Advisors are chosen through a majority vote by the Executive Board.

5.2.2

The organization must always have an advisor. This advisor will be a full-time faculty or staff member from the Pennsylvania State University, University Park campus, and will be selected by the organization members.

ARTICLE VI - FINANCES/ALLOCATION OF FUNDS

6.1

This organization will fund its operations and activities through sources like SIFB, SGAC, and any potential fundraising events.

6.1.1

The Treasurer and/or President are responsible for submitting all required forms to secure funding for events, meetings, and other activities

6.2

The Treasurer is responsible for maintaining all submitted spreadsheet records. They must have a dedicated folder for approved, denied, and tabled funding requests that can be accessed easily. Furthermore, the Treasurer must diligently monitor how allocated funds are used to ensure the organization adheres to its budget.

6.2.1

Officers are able to spend $10,000 in the span of the semester without membership approval/intervention.

6.3

For any uniforms or clothing provided to general members for showcases, participating members are required to cover at least 25% of the individual merchandise cost.

ARTICLE - VII NEW MEMBERSHIP & RECRUITMENT

7.1

The Success Network is required to attempt to recruit new members every semester and or every opportunity given

7.1.1

All new members will receive comprehensive information during recruitment, encompassing, but not limited to, the following disclosures:

7.1.1.1

New Membership Manual (if applicable)

7.1.1.2

Schedule of New Member Events and Activities (if applicable)

7.1.1.3

A list of responsibilities (if applicable)

7.2

All members, from new recruits to long-standing participants, have the right to opt out of any activities without repercussions due to personal or religious beliefs, individual values, or moral reservations as defined by the individual.

7.3

Interactions between members, including new members, will adhere to the guidelines set by university policies and comply with local, state, and federal laws.

ARTICLE VIII - ARTICLE OF AMENDMENTS

8.1

Any active member can propose amendments by submitting them in writing to the Secretary via email.

8.1.1

The Secretary must notify the President and Vice President upon receiving the proposed amendment.

8.2

The Secretary is required to share the proposed amendment(s) with all Executive Board Members for deliberation at the subsequent scheduled meeting, which should be at least one week after the proposal was made.

8.2.1

If a week is not feasible, the Secretary may request an extension for the proposed date from the Elected Board members and suggest a more appropriate timeline.

8.3

Following the initial discussion, the amendment can be subjected to a vote using a fair voting procedure, incorporating feedback from the advisor.

8.4

Amendment(s) must be passed with a majority vote, given approval from the advisor

ARTICLE IX - REMOVAL OF GENERAL MEMBERS

9.1

Any General Membership member not meeting their responsibilities or duties can be relieved of their position by the President.

9.1.1

A member who has been removed can appeal to the Secretary, who will then arrange a hearing for the said member.

9.1.2

In the result of a hearing, the member in question is allowed to plead their case to

the Executive Board

9.1.3

The decision regarding the member's removal status will be made based on a majority vote by the Executive Board in conjunction with the staff/faculty advisor.

ARTICLE X - EXECUTIVE BOARD IMPEACHMENT AND REMOVAL PROCESS

10.1

If any Executive Board member neglects their role responsibilities, they may be subject to removal from their position.

10.2

Only students can initiate impeachment proceedings. Any member of the Executive Board, a General Board member, or a Special Member may inform the Soul Harmony President and/or Vice President in writing about an individual's perceived failure to fulfill their duties.

10.3

Upon receiving the notification, The Success Network President and/or Vice President will consult with the board and may choose to take any of the following actions, although they are not obligated to do so

10.4.1

The Success Network President and/or Vice President must issue a warning letter to the individual, detailing the observed negligence and setting forth expectations for corrective action.

10.4.2

Begin the procedure for a hearing to propose the removal of The Success Network officer by the Impeachment Board. The Success Network President and/or Vice President will oversee this meeting with impartiality.

10.4.2.1

Should a hearing take place, The Success Network and/or Vice President will detail the perceived negligence. The Success Network officer in question will then have the chance to present their side and address the concerns raised.

10.4.2.2

The Impeachment Board will be: The Success Network Advisor in a non-voting capacity, one Executive Board member (other than the President and Vice President), and two members from the general membership.

10.4.2.2.1

If there's only one advisor or an odd number of advisors, an additional Executive Board Member can step in to balance the board.

10.4.2.3

The officer's removal requires a majority vote from the Impeachment Board.

10.5

Before initiating the process to remove an officer from their position, a warning letter must be sent via email.

10.6

Before proceeding to a hearing, an individual will be presented with the opportunity to resign from their role. Should a resignation occur, The Success Network President and/or Vice President will inform the rest of board, detailing the allegations raised, the individual's response to the warning letter, and the rationale behind the decision.

10.7

If the impeachment process takes place, an email must be sent to the officer being removed, notifying them of their position's vacancy. This communication should also be shared with the Executive Board, Advisor, and the Director of Organization Affairs.

ARTICLE XI - RESIGNATION

11.1

When stepping down from an Elected Board Position, please inform the Student Engagement And Leadership (S.E.A.L) team, the current Elected Board Members, and the Advisors about your decision to resign.

11.2

Please provide a formal resignation letter detailing your reasons for stepping down and transferring authority within the organization. This letter should be addressed to all Elected Board members and the staff/faculty advisor for record-keeping and communication to relevant entities.

11.3

Return any property and keep everything confidential

ARTICLE XII - PENALTIES &EXCOMMUNICATION STATUS

12.1

The Success Network at The Pennsylvania State University, Abington campus, adheres to all federal laws, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, and other relevant legislations. We do not engage in unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

12.2

The Pennsylvania State University, Abington campus, holds in high regard values such as respect, communication, community, and diversity. Soul Harmony and its members are entrusted with exemplifying these ideals. Any member whose behavior deviates from these principles may face expulsion from the organization. Reasons for such removal can encompass actions like discrimination, harassment, illegal activity, sexual assault, violence, and other abusive behaviors.

12.3

Members alleged to have behaved contrary to the values of the University or the Constitution of The Success Network at The Pennsylvania State University, Abington campus, may be subject to removal.

ARTICLE XIII - DISSOLUTION OF THE SUCCESS NETWORK OF THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE, ABINGTON CAMPUS

13.1

The Success Network at The Pennsylvania State University - Abington can be dissolved upon receiving a two-thirds majority vote from both Active Contributing Members and the current Elected Board members. It should be noted that Elected Board members also have the privilege to vote alongside the Active Contributing Members in the popular voting process.

13.2

In the event of the complete dissolution of The Success Network at The Pennsylvania State University - Abington, any remaining funds in the unrestricted account, after settling outstanding debts and claims, will be contributed to a reputable organization committed to supporting the music community.