Student OrgsGustavus Adolphus Ornithology Club

Constitution of the Gustavus Ornithology Club

Article I: Name
The name of this organization shall be the Gustavus Ornithology Club, hereinafter referred to as "the Club."

Article II: Purpose
The purpose of the Gustavus Ornithology Club is to foster an interest in and understanding of ornithology (the study of birds) among undergraduate students. The Club seeks to:

1. Provide educational opportunities related to bird biology, behavior, ecology, and conservation.
2. Facilitate birdwatching and field trips for members to observe birds in natural habitats.
3. Promote awareness of bird conservation issues and support related initiatives.
4. Foster a community of students with shared interests in ornithology.
5. Organize talks, workshops, and other events to broaden knowledge and appreciation of birds.
6. Gather to enjoy each other’s company and support one another in a collegial endeavor.

Article III: Membership

1. Eligibility: Membership is open to all undergraduate students who express an interest in ornithology, regardless of prior knowledge or experience.
2. Active Members: To maintain active membership status, members must attend at least one meeting or event per semester and participate in Club activities.
3. Membership Dues: At this time, The Club will not establish dues or fees. In the event, dues might be needed; we will discuss our options as a group and proceed appropriately upon group discussion and approval.
4. Non-Discrimination: Membership shall not be restricted based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Article IV: Officers and Their Duties

1. President: The President shall:
   • Preside over all Club meetings and events.
   • Represent the Club to the College administration, external organizations, and the public if necessary.
   • Ensure that the Club operates in accordance with its mission and constitution.
   • Coordinate with other officers to plan and oversee Club activities.
2. Vice President: The Vice President shall:
   • Assist the President in carrying out their duties and act as President in the event of the President’s absence.
   • Oversee the planning and execution of Club events, including field trips, meetings, and workshops.
3. Secretary: The Secretary shall:
   • Keep records of all meetings, including minutes and attendance.
   • Maintain an up-to-date list of Club members.
   • Handle communication with members, including sending out meeting notices and event updates.
4. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall:
   • Will have limited duties in regard to finances, since there will be no fees to collect, or budget to maintain.
   • Be available to help with the general administration of the Club and help the other Officers to fulfill their duties.
5. Risk Manager: The Risk Manager shall:
   • Be responsible for identifying potential risks and developing a plan to mitigate them. The Risk Manager needs to keep everyone involved safe and center on having fun.

Article V: Meetings

1. Frequency: The Club shall meet at least once a month during the academic year generally in the Melva Lind Interpretive Center at the Gustavus Arboretum when space is available for a reservation. Otherwise, we will meet in the Nobel Hall when necessary.   To facilitate the very busy schedules of all participants, we will gather on either a Saturday or Sunday morning, which will also facilitate the best time for bird watching.    
2. Quorum: A quorum shall consist of at least 50% of active members for a meeting to conduct official business.
3. Decision-Making: Decisions shall be made by a simple majority vote of active members present at a meeting, unless otherwise specified in this Constitution.

Article VI: Elections

1. Eligibility: Any active member who has been part of the Club for at least one semester is eligible to run for office.
2. Election Process: Elections for all officer positions shall be held at the end of the spring semester or at a time determined by the executive board. Voting shall be by secret ballot.
3. Term of Office: Officers shall serve for a term of one year, beginning at the start of the fall semester.
4. Vacancies: If an officer’s position becomes vacant, the executive board shall appoint a replacement to serve until the next election

Article VIII: Finances

1. At this time, in the Clubs early infancy, we do not anticipate any fees or costs due to be associated with the Club.
2. Should changes to this plan be warranted? We will decide as a club what the next steps should be regarding dues and/or fees. 

Article IX: Amendments

1. Proposal: Any active member may propose an amendment to this Constitution.
2. Approval: An amendment shall be adopted if it receives a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote from the members present at a meeting.
3. Notice: Members must be given at least one week’s notice prior to the meeting in which the amendment will be voted on.

Article X: Dissolution
In the event that the Club is no longer able to fulfill its purpose, the members may vote to dissolve the Club. Upon dissolution, any remaining assets shall be donated to a charitable organization focused on ornithology, wildlife conservation, or a related cause, as determined by the membership.

Article XI: Ratification
This Constitution shall be ratified by a majority vote of the founding members present at the first meeting and shall take effect immediately thereafter.