By Laws
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Students at Davidson College, by virtue of the growing need for international awareness, need a forum to address international concerns and to foster greater cultural harmony. Hence, an official organization concerned with promoting international consciousness is necessary. This organization, the Davidson International Association (hereafter DIA), will not be solely for the benefit of foreign (non-U.S.) nationals, but the entire Davidson community. As a social organization, DIA promotes diversity, understanding, and international awareness in the Davidson community by virtue of students involvement in DIA activities. The organization serves to enhance the mutually beneficial relationship between DIA members and the Davidson community.
ARTICLE I: DIA MEMBERSHIP
A. All enrolled students of Davidson College are eligible to become members of DIA, including students from other schools studying at Davidson on educational exchange programs and Davidson college students at other universities during a specific length of study, but excluding those attending summer school sessions at Davidson unless they attend the college under a regular enrollment plan during the academic year.
B. All international students, as defined by the office of the Assistant Dean of Students for International Students and Bonner Scholars, are automatically considered to be members of DIA, unless a student declines membership. If a student declines membership, they are not to be denied membership to the DIA at a future date.
C. Hereafter all eligible members of DIA will be referred to as the DIA body.
D. The DIA body is represented by a senator in the Student Government Association thereafter mentioned as SGA. Members of the DIA body are affiliated with DIA, but are still considered as independents. Members who belong to two or more social organizations (as defined in Article II, B, b of the SGA Bylaws) including DIA may ONLY vote in the election of the senator for ONE of the organizations to which they belong.
ARTICLE II: REQUIREMENTS OF MEMBERS
All members of the DIA body are encouraged to be active participants in DIA. An active participant is defined as any person who is a member of the DIA Executive Board or a committee or council executive board member in either the Social, Service, Publicity, Policy or Awareness council or an active participant in any DIA event. Failure to become an active participant may result in the person losing any current or future privileges.
ARTICLE III: STRUCTURE OF DIA
The DIA is headed by an Executive Board, further described in the Article III: Section A, which is responsible for overseeing the accomplishment of DIA tasks. Under the Executive Board are five administrative councils (Social, Service, Publicity, Policy and Awareness) whose tasks are described in detail in Article III: Section B, Section C and Section D.
A. EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIA
1. COMPOSITION
The voting members of the Executive Board consists of the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, DIA senator, the chairpersons and secretary-treasurers of the social, service, publicity, and awareness councils, and the chairperson of policy.
2. PURPOSE AND POWERS
The DIA Executive Board is the official voice of the DIA. Its responsibilities to the DIA are met by:
a. Participating when appropriate in the formulation and implementation of college policy;
b. Advising and assisting each other and the DIA body abiding by the Davidson College, SGA, and DIA bylaws;
c. Appointing DIA members to campus-wide committees and advisory councils pursuant to Article V of these bylaws;
d. Providing and assisting in the supervising of DIA activities;
e. Approving the creation of new committees within any of the five councils by a vote of 2/3 of its total voting membership;
f. Submitting the annual budget for the DIA to the Activities Tax Council;
g. Allocating funds to the proper councils and committees of the DIA for activities, projects, or other DIA needs deemed essential;
h. Advising the president concerning any faculty or student appointments to any position;
i. If deemed necessary, approve the formation of any ad-hoc committees which will be headed by the vice president.
3. MEETINGS
a. The Executive Board normally meets once a week during the academic year at a time and place determined by its members.
b. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the president or upon request by three members of the Executive Board, submitted in writing to the president. Executive Board members must be informed at least thirty six hours prior to the convening of any special meeting.
c. Executive Board meetings are normally open to the DIA body. Upon motion of any voting member of the Executive Board passed by 2/3 of those members present and voting, the Executive Board may convene in executive session for consideration of any matter specified in motion.
d. The parliamentary authority is the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order, unless superseded by the DIA bylaws.
e. A quorum of the Executive Board is a majority of its total voting membership.
f. An agenda of all matters to be considered in the meetings is to be published twenty four hours prior to each Executive Board meeting and made available to the executive board members.
g. Only items appearing on the agenda may be considered at a meeting of the Executive Board, except by a vote of 2/3 of the members present, or unless approved by the president.
h. No proxy votes are allowed on any matter.
i. The definition of voting does not include abstentions, but those abstentions are noted in the minutes.
B. SOCIAL COUNCIL
1. COMPOSITION
a. The council consists of a chairperson, secretary/treasurer, and committee members. The committee will be headed by the council chairperson unless he/she appoints a head.
b. The chairperson and secretary/treasurer will be on the social executive council, hereafter SEC.
2. PURPOSE AND POWERS
The DIA social council is responsible for all DIA social functions. The SECs responsibilities to the DIA are met by:
a. Planning all DIA social and/or educational functions, i.e. Great Escape outings, Great Retreat outings, International Ball and any other social events or activities to be determined by the SEC;
b. Approving of all publicity related to social events for DIA;
c. Submitting an annual budget for the DIA social activities to the DIA Executive Board;
d. Proposing the creation of any new committee within the council to the DIA Executive Board. A committee may not be established without the approval of the DIA Executive Board. Subcommittees may be established by the council chairperson.
3. MEETINGS
a. The SEC meets on a regular basis during the academic year at a time and place to be determined by its members.
b. The committees meet at a time and place which is determined by its members.
C. POLICY COUNCIL
1. COMPOSITION
a. The council consists of a chairperson and committee members.
b. The chairperson and committee members will be on the policy executive council, hereafter PEC.
2. PURPOSE AND POWERS
The DIA policy council is responsible for the functioning of the DIA. It is both the legislative and the international students concerns branch of the DIA. The PECs responsibilities to the DIA are met by:
a. Together with the vice president and DIA senator, handling any constitutional issues that may arise;
b. Organizing and conducting all DIA elections;
c. Working with the vice president and DIA senator on SGA issues and serving as a voice for international student concerns on campus, i.e. minority issues, harassment;
d. Acting as the DIA liaison with any committees or organizations on campus other than the Student advisory Committee of the Dean Rusk Program which will come under the responsibilities of the Awareness council and service-related organizations which will come under the responsibilities of the Service council.
e. Acting as an DIA liaison with the Office of the International Students to solve various international-students-related problems.
f. Supervising proper implementation of the DIA bylaws, in accord with the SGA bylaws, at all times.
g. Supervising the maintenance of the DIA webpage and making sure DIA events that occur during the year are recorded on this site.
3. MEETINGS
a. The PEC meets on a regular basis during the academic year at a time and place to be determined by its members.
b. The committees meet at a time and place which is determined by its members.
D. AWARENESS COUNCIL
1. COMPOSITION
a. The council consists of a chairperson, secretary/treasurer, and committee members. The committee will be headed by the council chairperson unless he/she appoint a head.
b. The chairperson, secretary/treasurer, and committee members will be on the awareness executive council, hereafter AEC.
2. PURPOSE AND POWERS
The DIA awareness council is responsible for promoting global awareness on campus via organizing and co-sponsoring globally-related functions or social events. The AECs responsibilities to the DIA are met by:
a. Planning all DIA events that are related to promoting global awareness on campus. These social and/or educational functions include International Festival, International Film Festival, Solidarity Week and any future activities to be determined by the AEC;
b. Co-sponsoring cultural events with the Union Board Cultural Events Committee, South Asian Committee, the Dean Rusk Program, Black Student Coalition etc.
c. Acting as a liaison for DIA with the Student Advisory Committee of Dean Rusk Program in coordinating various activities and events.
d. Promoting DIA to the Davidson community by using various campus publications _______i.e. The Davidsonian.
e. Approving all publicity related to DIA awareness events.
3. MEETINGS
a. The AEC meets on a regular basis during the academic year at a time and place to be determined by its members.
b. The committees meet at a time and place which is determined by its members.
E. SERVICE COUNCIL
1. COMPOSITION
a. The council consists of a chairperson, secretary/treasurer, and committee members. The council chairperson will head the committee unless he/she appoints a head.
b. The chairperson and the committee members will be on the service executive council, hereafter SRC.
2. PURPOSE AND POWERS
The DIA service council is responsible for promoting and providing different service opportunities for DIA members. The SRCs responsibilities to the DIA are met by:
a. Organizing and coordinating fund-raising events related to community service with the help of the DIA Treasurer.
b. Acting as the DIA liaison with any service-related committee or organization on campus.
c. Informing DIA members of service opportunities on a regular basis.
d. Acting as the DIA liaison with the Service Coordinator, the Bonner Scholars Office, and any community service programs sponsored by Davidson College.
3. MEETINGS
a. The SRC meets on a regular basis during the academic year at a time and place to be determined by its members.
b. The committees meet at a time and place which is determined by its members.
F. PUBLICITY COUNCIL
1.COMPOSITION
a. The council consists of a chairperson, secretary/treasurer, and committee members. The council chairperson will head the committee unless he/she appoints a head.
b. The chairperson, secretary/treasurer and the committee members will be on the publicity executive council, hereafter PUC.
2. PURPOSE AND POWERS
The Publicity Council is responsible for all the publicity for DIA events. The PUCs responsibilities to the DIA are met by:
a. Taking charge of all publicity methods to advertise DIA events i.e. flyers, sidewalk chalk, Social Calendar, Union electronic board, golf cart propaganda.
b. Getting approval of the council chairperson in charge of each event before distributing the publicity.
c. Distributing all the propaganda efficiently and quickly with ample time before each event.
d. Proposing new ways for publicity for DIA events.
e. Working with each council chairperson to assist in any propanganda for an event
f. Working with the Policy Council to maintain the website updated with news on upcoming events.
3. MEETINGS
a. The PUC meets on a regular basis during the academic year at a time and place to be determined by its members.
b. The committees meet at a time and place which is determined by its members.
G. DUTIES OF FACULTY ADVISORS
Each academic year, the DIA Executive Board should appoint at least one or more faculty/staff advisors to assist and advice the president and the board on the handling of DIA administrative issues. The faculty advisors responsibilities to the DIA are met by:
a. To meet with the president and the vice-president on a regular basis to discuss about upcoming events and issues;
b. To advise the president and the DIA Executive Board when necessary on the constitutional and organizational issues;
c. To aid DIA with programming when possible;
d. To attend DIA meetings as a resource person when necessary;
e. To serve as a liaison with the faculty about appropriate academic issues;
f. To attend DIA Retreats when possible;
g. To attend DIA Executive Board meetings on request as a resource;
h. To serve as the resource person and link with the faculty members to the DIA president and the entire DIA Executive Board.
ARTICLE IV: JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION
A. THE STUDENT JUDICIAL SYSTEM
The student judicial system is prescribed in the Davidson College constitution and the code of disciplinary procedure, as amended.
ARTICLE V: OFFICES
A. TYPE OF OFFICES
1. Elected offices are positions chosen pursuant to Article V of these bylaws, by members of the DIA body. They are responsible to the DIA body.
2. Appointed offices are non-elected positions responsible to the DIA body, through the designated officers.
B. ENUMERATION OF ELECTED OFFICES OF THE DIA EXECUTIVE BOARD
1. PRESIDENT OF THE DIA
a. The president of the DIA is the chief executive officer of the DIA body to the faculty, administration, and the trustees. He/she oversees the execution of all DIA policies and is responsible to the DIA body.
b. The president normally presides over meetings of the DIA body and the DIA Executive Board, unless he/she designates a temporary chairperson, and may call special meetings of these bodies. The president has full floor and voting privileges.
c. The president, with the help and advice from the Executive Board, is responsible for the appointments of faculty advisors to the DIA Executive Board and for the appointment of DIA representatives to campus-wide organizations, meetings of the faculty, or the Board of Trustees. Any DIA presidential appointments must be approved by a vote of 2/3 of the members of the DIA Executive Board.
d. The president is elected annually from the rising sophomore, junior, or senior class members of DIA by the DIA body in accordance with Article VI of these bylaws.
e. The president may not chair any standing committee of Executive Board meeting of the social, service, publicity, policy or awareness councils.
2. VICE PRESIDENT OF THE DIA
a. The vice president of the DIA assists the president in the execution of his/her duties, as the president designates.
b. The vice president has full floor and voting privileges in the DIA Executive Board.
c. The vice president may not chair any standing committee or Executive Board meeting of the social, service, publicity, policy and awareness councils.
d. The vice president performs the duties of the DIA president upon the temporary disability or upon the request of the DIA president. In the event of the vacancy in the presidency, the vice president becomes president. In the event of a vacancy in the vice presidency, the DIA Executive Board elects a new vice president, pursuant to article VII, either from among its members or from the DIA body, who is qualified to hold that position. The new vice president assumes office immediately.
e. The vice president is elected annually from the rising sophomore, junior or senior class members of DIA by the DIA body in accordance with Article VI of these bylaws.
f. The vice president is also responsible for chairing any ad-hoc committees that are formed by the Executive Board.
3. SECRETARY OF THE DIA
a. The secretary of the DIA attends and takes minutes of all the DIA Executive Board meetings and DIA body meetings. He/she keeps an updated file of these minutes and sends a copy of all minutes to the DIA Executive Board members and anyone else who is in need of or requests a copy. He/she supervises the filing of all council secretary/treasurers. At the end of the semester, he/she collects minutes and other documents from these officers.
b. The secretary keeps attendance of executive board meetings.
c. The secretary maintains an updated list of all DIA members.
d. The secretary keeps a record of all DIA active committees and their projects.
e. The secretary works with the publicity committee to help with communicating all social and/or official business to the DIA body.
f. The secretary must ascertain if a quorum is present at the meetings of the DIA Executive Board and notify the president if a quorum is not present at any time.
g. The secretary has full floor and voting privileges in the DIA Executive Board.
h. The secretary may not chair any standing committee of the Executive Board meeting of the social, service, publicity, policy or awareness councils.
i. The secretary is the chief editor of the DIA newsletter or bulletin.
4. TREASURER OF THE DIA
a. The treasurer of the DIA maintains all financial records for the DIA.
b. The treasurer assists in the preparation and the submission of the annual DIA budget to the Activities Tax Council.
c. The treasurer has full floor and voting privileges in the DIA Executive Board.
d. The treasurer may not chair any standing committee or Executive Board meeting of the social, service, publicity, policy and awareness councils.
e. The treasurer will chair the fund raising committee and will actively organize any fund raising efforts or projects.
5. SGA SENATOR
a. The DIA senator will represent the DIA body in all official SGA functions including the weekly meetings.
b. If the DIA body exceeds two times X (as defined in Article II, B, c in the SGA bylaws), then two senators shall be elected. Each member of DIA should only vote once in their senator election, electing the two highest vote recipients.
c. The DIA senator has full floor and voting privileges in both the DIA Executive Board _______and the SGA senate.
d. The DIA senator is expected to report all events or topics discussed in the SGA meetings to the Executive Board except when the SGA goes into an executive session.
e. The DIA senator, together with the chairperson of the Policy council, is responsible for upholding the DIA bylaws. He/she ensures that any amendments on the bylaws do not violate the SGA and Davidson College constitution.
f. The DIA senator will voice international student concerns in the SGA.
C. ENUMERATION OF ELECTED OFFICES OF DIA COUNCILS
1. CHAIRPERSON OF THE SOCIAL COUNCIL
a. The social chairperson is responsible for all policies, activities and events _______involving the social council.
b. The chairperson normally presides over meetings of the SEC, unless he/she designates a temporary chairperson and may call special meetings of any social council committees or the SEC.
c. The chairperson is the social council representative to the DIA Executive Board. The chairperson has full floor and voting privileges.
d. The chairperson is elected annually from the rising sophomore, junior, or senior class members of DIA by the DIA body in accordance with Article VI of these bylaws.
e. The chairperson may not chair any standing committee or executive board meeting of the service, publicity, policy or awareness councils.
2. CHAIRPERSON OF THE POLICY COUNCIL
a. The policy chairperson is responsible for all policies, activities, and events involving the policy council.
b. The chairperson normally presides over meetings of the PEC, unless he/she designates a temporary chairperson, and may call special meetings of any policy council committees or the PEC.
c. The chairperson is the policy council representative to the DIA Executive Board. The chairperson has full floor and voting privileges.
d. The chairperson serves as parliamentarian at all DIA Executive Board meetings. The responsibilities of the parliamentarian include:
_____I) Familiarization with Roberts Rule of Order, the Davidson College _______constitution, the SGA bylaws and the DIA bylaws;
II) Notification of the president of any intended action which violated these regulations.
III) Attendance at DIA Executive Board meetings for advisement of the correct parliamentary procedure.
e. The chairperson is elected annually from the rising sophomore, junior or senior class members of DIA by the DIA body in accordance with Article V of these bylaws.
f. The chairperson may not chair any standing committee or executive board meeting of the social, service, publicity or awareness councils.
3. CHAIRPERSON OF THE AWARENESS COUNCIL
a. The awareness chairperson is responsible for all policies, activities, and events involving the awareness council.
b. The chairperson normally presides over meetings of the AEC, unless he/she designates a temporary chairperson, and may call special meetings of any awareness council committees or the AEC.
c. The chairperson is the awareness council representative to the DIA Executive Board meetings. The chairperson has full floor and voting privileges.
d. The chairperson is elected annually from the rising sophomore, junior or senior class members of the DIA body in accordance with Article VI of these bylaws.
e. The chairperson may not chair any standing committee or Executive Board meeting of the service, publicity, policy or social councils.
4. CHAIRPERSON OF THE SERVICE COUNCIL
a. The service chairperson is responsible for all policies, activities, and events involving the service council.
b. The chairperson normally presides over meetings of the SRC, unless he/she designates a temporary chairperson, and may call special meetings of any awareness council committees or the SRC.
c. The chairperson is the service council representative to the DIA Executive Board meetings. The chairperson has full floor and voting privileges.
d. The chairperson is elected annually from the rising sophomore, junior or senior class members of the DIA body in accordance with Article VI of these bylaws.
e. The chairperson may not chair any standing committee or Executive Board meeting of the awareness, publicity, policy, or social councils.
5. CHAIRPERSON OF THE PUBLICITY COUNCIL
a. The publicity chairperson is responsible for all policies, activities, and events involving the publicity council.
b. The chairperson normally presides over meetings of the PUC, unless he/she designates a temporary chairperson, and may call special meetings of any awareness council committees or the PUC.
c. The chairperson is the publicity council representative to the DIA Executive Board meetings. The chairperson has full floor and voting privileges.
d. The chairperson is elected annually from the rising sophomore, junior or senior class members of the DIA body in accordance with Article VI of these bylaws.
e. The chairperson may not chair any standing committee or Executive Board meeting of the awareness, service, policy, or social councils.
6. SECRETARY/TREASURER OF THE SOCIAL, SERVICE, PUBLICITY AND AWARENESS COUNCILS
a. One person is elected to the position of the secretary/treasurer of each of the four councils. Four different people are elected to fill the positions of secretary/treasurer for the four councils.
b. Each secretary/treasurer is responsible for attending and taking minutes for their councils executive board meetings. He/she keeps an updated file of these minutes and sends a copy of all minutes to the council board members and anyone else who is in need or requests a copy. At the end of the semester and/or the end of his/her term of office, he/she hands over the DIA secretary these minutes together with other documents.
c. Each secretary/treasurer maintains an updated list of all members, committees, and their projects for their council.
d. Each secretary/treasurer maintains all financial records, prepares and submits the annual council budget to the DIA Executive Board.
e. No secretary/treasurer can chair any standing committee or Executive Board meetings of the DIA or a council other than the one they have been elected to.
f. All secretary/treasurers of the committees, together with their council chairperson, will represent their council in Executive Board meetings with full floor and voting privileges.
D. POLICIES REGARDING APPOINTED OFFICES
Students or faculty members holding offices appointed by the DIA president or DIA Executive Board report to the DIA Executive Board upon request of the president of the DIA Executive Board.
ARTICLE VI: ELECTIONS
A. OFFICES AND OFFICERS
Elections for the offices of DIA president, DIA vice president, DIA secretary and DIA treasurer are held simultaneously with SGA and Union Board elections in the spring semester. Elections for the offices of social council chairperson, policy council chairperson, awareness council chairperson, DIA senator, social council secretary/treasurer, policy council secretary/treasurer and awareness council secretary/treasurer are held in the fall semester. All offices are elected by the DIA body.
B. ELIGIBILITY
1. No student is eligible for any DIA position elected after the first term of his/her senior year, unless he/she is running for a council secretary/treasurer position. Any rising members of the sophomore, junior, or senior class may run for any DIA position.
2. Only students who are a member of the DIA body may run for elected position.
3. A person may run for more than one position at any election.
4. There is no restriction on succession of office.
C. FILING PROCEDURE
1. The policy council is responsible for conducting adequate publicity regarding filing deadlines, election dates and eligibility requirements for all elected offices of the DIA.
2. A student must declare candidacy for an elected office of the DIA for which the student is qualified to run by signing the following statement in the DIA office:
By declaring my candidacy for the elective office __________, I agree to abide by the elections and campaign rules as described by the DIA bylaws and as delineated by the policy council. I am aware of the specific duties of this position and further understand that it represents a responsibility which I am prepared to fulfill to the best of my abilities.
3. The filing deadline for the election is 5 PM on the second or third Thursday of the Spring semester with no exceptions unless approved by majority vote of the DIA Executive council.
D. CAMPAIGN REGULATIONS
1. Within six hours after each filing deadline, the DIA president and the policy council chairperson conduct an all-candidates meeting. At this meeting, candidates are informed of all election procedures, including campaign expense limitations, method of voting, and other election rules. Failure to attend the all-candidates meeting ordinarily results in the forfeit of candidacy, unless (A) policy council chairperson is notified of reasonable cause of absence prior to the meeting or (B) within 24 hours of the meeting, the candidate talks to the policy council chairperson to make necessary arrangements for candidacy.
2. No candidate for elected positions may receive from any source, including his own funds, or spend for any campaign purpose, an amount in excess of $20.00. Any material provided the candidate by the DIA under the provisions of these bylaws is excluded from this total. Any candidate who exceeds these limits or who refuses to fully disclose his expenditures, as judges by the policy council, shall be disqualified from the election for which he/she has filed.
3. The policy council will publish a list of all candidates running and the duties of each position within 48 hours after the candidates meeting. This is to be announced at the candidates meeting before the election.
E. ELECTION PROCEDURES
1. All election results are publicized, conducted, and the results are published by the policy council. The council may change election dates for reasonable cause and with reasonable notice, and may make supplementary rules which it deems necessary.
2. All elections of the DIA are to be secret written ballot at the polling places designated by the policy council. Run-offs are to be held when the need arise. If necessary, elections may last longer than the above-stated time interval provided that the decision made by the DIA Executive Board prior to elections.
3. A student seeking office must receive a simple majority of the votes cast for that office to be elected. If no majority is obtained on the first ballot, there will be a run-off.
4. Election results are posted by the policy council either through voice mail, e-mail or other means of publication. Vote totals are included only if directed by the DIA president, and only after an election is completed. Any candidate wishing to see his/her vote totals may do so. Recounting of votes is left to the discretion of the policy council chairperson and the DIA president.
5. Absentee ballots may be obtained from the chairperson of the policy council beginning 72 hours after the filing deadline for the election. Absentee ballots must be submitted to the policy council by 8:00 AM of the day of election.
6. A quorum of 1/2 of the DIA body is required. A majority vote is needed for election _______of a candidate.
F. RECORDS
1. The policy council conducts the counting of ballots and certifies an election as valid when the council is satisfied that all votes have been counted and that no infractions have been committed.
2. Complete records of each election, referendum, and bylaws amendment are _______maintained in the DIA files.
G. UNOPPOSED CANDIDACY
If only one candidate files for an elected position of the DIA, the Executive Board must confirm the candidates election. The sole criterion for confirmation is that the candidate meets the eligibility requirement for the position in question.
ARTICLE VII: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
A. IMPEACHMENT OF AN ELECTED DIA OFFICIAL
1. Any elected official of the DIA may be impeached upon probable cause for unethical conduct, failure to perform duties, or other violation of these DIA bylaws.
2. Twenty percent of the DIA body or three members of the DIA Executive Board may impeach any elected official. Impeachment consists of drawing up a list of specific allegations signed by the accuser, and presenting this petition, in hand, to the DIA Executive Board.
3. In the event of any impeachment, the DIA Executive Board designates one of the accusers to bring charges to the DIA Executive Board.
4. Within 48 of DIA Executive Board action, the board informs, in writing, by hand, the accused of the impeachment.
B. IMPEACHMENT OF ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENTEEISM
1. An elected official absent from any three Executive Board meetings per semester _______is in jeopardy of impeachment.
2. The secretary informs the DIA Executive Board of any such attendance records _______and the board determines whether such a case should be brought to trial.
3. In the event of an impeachment by the DIA Executive Board, the accused must be notified, in writing, by hand, by the board, at least 24 hours prior to the convening of the trial meeting attended by the DIA Executive Board and the accused.
C. PROCEDURES FOR REMOVAL FROM ELECTED OFFICE
1. The trial meeting will normally convene no sooner than 72 hours and no later than seven days following impeachment notification.
2. Charges are enumerated by an appointed Executive Board member and discussed, with the accused being given the opportunity to present his/her own case.
3. The DIA president rules on all matters on the procedure.
4. Removal from office must rest upon proof, beyond reasonable doubt, through evidence presented to the DIA Executive Board. A unanimous vote for conviction constitutes removal.
5. Unless reasonable cause is presented, in writing, in hand, to the DIA president, the trial will proceed as schedule, whether the accused is present or not.
6. If, at any time, the DIA Executive Board determines that there has been a possible honor code violation, the case is immediately referred to the Honor Council.
7. If a student is convicted by the Honor council, the student is automatically removed from office, unless the sanctions invoked do not affect his/her status as a fully participating student. If the student is acquitted by the Honor council, or if his/her status as a fully participating student is unaffected, his/her removal trial continues where previously halted.
8. No student may be tried more than once for the same offense.
D. RECORDS
1. Records of impeachment and removal from trials are maintained in the DIA files. The DIA secretary is responsible for these files.
2. Trial records must be certified by the DIA president.
E. RESIGNATION
Any elected or appointed official of the DIA may resign his/her position effective, at any time, by submitting a written statement of his/her intention to the DIA Executive Board.
F. VACANCIES IN OFFICE
In the event of a vacancy in an elected or appointed office, with the exception of he DIA presidency, the DIA Executive Board will appoint a new member to fill the vacancy until the time of the next election.
ARTICLE VIII: FINANCES
A. DIA FUNDS
1. Under the direction of the DIA treasurer, an annual budget is determined. A proposed budget for the following academic year and a line-item financial record, from the previous year, are submitted to the Activities Tax Council (ATC). The fiscal year for receiving funds from the ATC is from the first day of freshmen orientation in the fall through the day before freshmen orientation the next fall. The ATC will announce the allocations for the coming year by May 1st.
2. Only the DIA Executive council may disburse funds from the DIA treasury. Funds may only be used in accordance with their appropriation.
a. In order that emergency allocations be made as the occasion arises, the DIA president of DIA treasurer may, without prior DIA Executive Board approval, disburse up to $50.00 at any one time, providing that they inform the DIA Executive Board and invite its approval when the body meets.
b. Neither the president nor the treasurer may disburse more than $50.00 at any one time without prior approval and/or direction.
3. The DIA Executive Board may also receive funds from the SGA treasury. A request for any such funds should be presented at least three weeks prior to any pertinent scheduled event.
B. RECORDS
The DIA treasurer is responsible for keeping an annual financial record in the DIA files. The financial records of the DIA Executive Board, the social, policy and awareness councils are open to inspection by members of the DIA body.
ARTICLE IX: ADOPTION, AMENDMENT, AND REFERENDUM
A. ADOPTION
These bylaws will be adopted in the following manner:
1. They are considered approved by the DIA Executive Board upon a 2/3 vote of its entire voting membership in a roll call vote.
2. Next, they are considered approved by the DIA body upon a simple majority vote of those voting in a DIA referendum. A quorum of 2/3 of the DIA body is required. This referendum will be held not less than five and not more than fourteen days following final DIA Executive Board approval of these bylaws.
3. Next, these bylaws are considered approved by the SGA, must be ratified by a 2/3 vote of the DIA Executive Board.
4. Prior to implementation, these bylaws, as approved by the SGA, must be ratified by a 2/3 vote of the DIA Executive council.
5. These bylaws take effect no sooner than the Spring semester of the 1995-96 academic year. Adoption of these bylaws constitutes a repeal of any previous DIA constitution or bylaws.
B. AMENDMENTS
1. Amendments may be proposed by a written petition signed by ten percent (10%) of the DIA body and presented to the policy council chair, or by a majority of the DIA Executive Board present and voting, or by a majority of the constitution committee members. The referendum is held not less than five and not more than fourteen days following the receipt of a petition, or the DIA Executive Board or constitution committee vote.
2. Unless specifically designated otherwise, amendments take effect the day after _______adoption.
3. These bylaws must, in every case, be consistent with the Davidson College constitution, the Trustee bylaws, the faculty bylaws, and the SGA bylaws. Amendments to these bylaws are subjected to SGA approval.
C. REFERENDUM
1. Upon written petition signed by ten percent (10%) of the DIA body and delivered to the policy council chair, or upon majority vote from the DIA Executive Board or the constitution committee, the policy council will conduct an DIA referendum on any matter. A quorum of 1/2 of the DIA body is required. A majority vote of those voting is sufficient to pass an issue (other than an amendment) in referendum.
2. In addition, the DIA body may nullify any act of the constitution committee by a 2/3 vote in the referendum
3. Any referendum will be held no less than five and no more than fourteen days after the chairpersons receipt of a petition or after an DIA Executive council or constitution committee vote.
Downloadable Files
Updated 2011 DIA By-Laws Document | |
File Size: | 40 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Sample Excel Spreadsheet DIA International Festival Detailed List of Countries, Tables & Performances 2010 | |
File Size: | 10 kb |
File Type: | xlsx |
DIA Sample International Festival Country Plan Powerpoint 2010 | |
File Size: | 887 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Old Dia Logo | |
File Size: | 98 kb |
File Type: | gif |
DIA High Resolution Logo for Banner | |
File Size: | 729 kb |
File Type: | png |
DIA Sample International Festival Country Plan 2010 | |
File Size: | 548 kb |
File Type: | png |