Student OrgsGustavus Flute Choir

Article I: Organization Name

Section I: Name. This constitution establishes our organization at Gustavus Adolphus College, hereafter known as Gustavus Flute Choir.

Article II: Purpose

Section I: Purpose Statement. The mission of the Gustavus Flute Choir is to develop ensemble skills and social bonds between players through the preparation, performance, and appreciation of chamber music. Our purpose is to explore a range of musical styles, better our technical and artistic capabilities, and provide a welcoming space for flutists of all abilities to play music together.

Section II: Policy Agreement. Our organization is willing to abide by all Gustavus Adolphus policies and guidelines, especially relating to on or off campus activities which our club may sponsor or in which we may participate.

Article III: Membership

Section I: Membership. Any current Gustavus student with an interest in playing the flute is eligible for membership in the Gustavus Flute Choir. The organization is inclusive and welcomes participants of all skill levels and backgrounds. Membership is not restricted based on factors such as race, gender, age, religion, or academic standing. The primary criterion for membership is a passion for music and a willingness to contribute to the goals and activities of the Gustavus Flute Choir.

Section II: Process of Membership. In order to become a member of the Gustavus Flute Choir, one need only inform the (Co-)President(s) of their intent to join, preferred mode of communication, and ability to attend rehearsals. The (Co-)President(s) is/are responsible for adding prospective members to the membership roster and ensuring Flute Choir communications are sent to prospective members. 

Section III: Voluntary Member Withdrawal. Members of the Gustavus Flute Choir remain members until their graduation unless they terminate their membership through voluntary withdrawal. Any member of our organization can, at any time, voluntarily withdraw their membership from the organization by informing the (Co-)President(s).

Section IV: Non-discrimination. In keeping with Gustavus Adolphus policy of nondiscrimination, our organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, veteran status and physical or mental ability or disability.

Article IV: Officers

Section I: President or Co-Presidents. The (Co-)President(s) shall serve as leader(s) of the ensemble. They will be in charge of choosing music (along with the rest of leadership), communicating where and when rehearsals/performances take place, and coordinating access to said music, spaces for rehearsals/performances, and Gustavus-owned alto/bass flutes in storage. They will also be responsible for leading rehearsals, either through conducting or body language while playing, and presenting the ensemble at performances.

Subsection I: Co-Presidents must alternate rehearsal leadership unless they reach an alternative agreement. If no President can attend a given rehearsal, they must name a substitute ensemble leader (from among officers or broader membership, at their discretion) for the rehearsal to fulfill their duties. 

Subsection II: At least one President must be present at any given performance. In case of emergency, in which the (Co-)President(s) cannot be present at a performance, they must either cancel the performance or name a willing officer to lead the performance.

Section II: Vice President. The Vice President is an optional position that is elected only in the event that Flute Choir membership exceeds 20 members at the time of annual elections, and that already there exist two elected Co-Presidents. In the event that a Vice President is elected, their duties are to aid the Co-Presidents in communications with the broader membership and serve as default substitute ensemble leader for rehearsals and performances. (Co-)President(s) may delegate additional duties to the Vice President at their discretion. 

Section III: Treasurer. The Treasurer shall oversee finances, managing budgeting, expenditures, and financial records, ensuring responsible use of funds and transparent reporting to the organization.

Section IV: Secretary. The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining accurate records of officer meetings, handling correspondence among members, and documenting key organizational decisions. They play a crucial role in fostering communication and recording the activities of the organization. The Secretary also has the option to act as Social Media Manager. If desired, they may oversee the organization's online presence, curating content, managing platforms, and ensuring consistent, engaging communication with members and the broader community.

Section V: Risk Manager. The Risk Manager shall be tasked with identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks associated with the group's activities and events. They play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of members while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations and policies.

Article V: Advisor

Section I: Advisor. At least one advisor of the organization must be a member of the College faculty or staff. However, advisors are not granted decision-making or voting authority within the organization, as it is student-initiated and student-run. The role of the advisor is to oversee the Flute Choir and serve as a resource for officers to discuss and address any issues that may arise.

Article VI: Function/Operation

Section I: Nominations. Nominations for officers are held annually in the first week of April. Any active member is eligible to be nominated, and nominations can be received through self-nomination or at designated meetings via email or in person. Candidates may only run for one officer position in an election cycle. If nominated for multiple positions, candidates must inform the (Co-)President(s) of their preferred officer position before the second week of April so that any given candidate only appears once on the ballot. 

Section II: Elections. Officers are elected by a vote of active members. The election process involves officers meeting and discussing candidates. Elections will be held annually during the second week of April. 

Section III: Outcome. The winner is decided by a simple majority. The counting and verification of votes will be the responsibility of the (Co-)President(s).

Section IV: Terms. Officers will serve a term of 1 academic year. Any officer may hold their position continuously so long as they continue to win annual elections. 

Section V: Officer Impeachment. Officers can be impeached by a vote of two-thirds majority of active members, following a process that considers violations of the organization's bylaws.

Section VI: Voluntary Officer Resignation. Any officer can voluntarily resign at any time, providing proper notice to the other officers.

Section VII: Officer Succession. In the event of resignation or impeachment, responsibilities of a vacant officer position will be temporarily assumed by the (Co-)President(s) until a new officer is elected.

Article VII: Finance

Section I: Funding. Funding is only required for the purchase of sheet music for the group, and may be requested through the funding application to the Student Senate Finance Committee. All other supplies necessary for rehearsals and performances (e.g. music stands and flutes) are secured at no cost through an agreement with Instrumental Music Assistants (IMAs) in the Music Department. It is the duty of the (Co-)President(s) to maintain the agreement with IMAs and the duty of the Treasurer to request additional funds, if necessary, from the Student Senate.

Article VIII: Constitutional Amendments

Section I: Amendment Proposal. Amendments can be proposed by any elected officer within the organization. The proposal must be submitted in writing to the executive board for review and discussion during a designated meeting.

Section II: Procedures. Rules regarding the proposal of amendments are as follows: Amendments must be submitted in writing at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting, and the format should include the exact wording of the proposed amendment for discussion and voting by the executive board.

Section III: Voting. The amendments shall be voted on during a designated meeting, requiring a two-thirds majority approval from the members present for adoption.

Article IX: Method of Dissolution

Section I: Dissolution. The student organization may be dissolved through a vote by a two-thirds majority of active members. In the event of dissolution, clear procedures for disposing of assets and settling debts will be determined by the executive board and communicated to all members.