By Laws

FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
Master of Social Work Student Association (MSWSA)
CONSTITUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION

ARTICLE I
NAME
 

1. The name of the organization shall be the Master of Social Work Student Association (MSWSA) of Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC.

ARTICLE II
PURPOSE

1. The purpose of the organization is to assist state, county, and local government in the implementation of social, economic, and political services that enhances the social functioning of individuals, groups and organizations.

2. To unite social work majors and others interested in the profession together in an organization that will provide support for members as a group, and provide services to the community and the student body.

3. To promote student development, self-assessment, and continued evaluation of the MSW Program at Fayetteville State University.

4. To maintain all communication with other social work agencies and provide opportunities for MSW students.

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP

1. The membership of the organization shall consist of students enrolled in the Master of
Social Work Program at Fayetteville State University and Alumni Members. There will be annual dues of $10.00.

2. MSWSA will not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, nature origin,
physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, and age.
 

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS

1. The officers of the MSWSA shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. There will be two faculty advisors for this organization. The advisors will follow guidelines of the university and promote cooperation and harmony among officers and the members.

2. Election of officers shall be held during the spring semester (April) of each year. Individuals receiving a majority of the votes cast for a particular office shall be declared elected, shall take office at the next regular meeting, and shall serve for a period of one year with the right of succession. Voting by proxy is not permitted. Each member has one vote.

3. Nomination of officers will be accepted from the floor during the April meeting.

a. Termination of an officer will be the responsibility of the executive board,
voting by secret ballot. Termination may be for failure to attend meetings, failure to serve in the interest of the organization, or for cause based on personal conduct.

b. In the event of the resignation of a member of the executive board, the
president will call for a special election to elect a replacement. In the event the president resigns, the vice president shall assume duties of the president for the remainder of the term.

4. The President shall:

• Preside over all meetings.
• Represent the organization in relations with other organizations on the campus, and shall be its general  spokesperson in regards to university activities.
• Appoint committees.
• Serve as Chief Administrator for the organization.
• Keep all by-laws up to date.

5. The Vice President shall:

• Assist the president in carrying out the business and functions of the organization.
• Serve in the capacity of president when the president is absent.
• Oversee committee chairpersons for each assigned committee.
• Maintain a record of all community service activity and hours.
• Rule on points of question concerning parliamentary procedures during business meetings.

6. The Secretary shall:

• Prepare an agenda for meetings at the call of the president.
• Record minutes of all meetings and transactions of the organization except those of a financial nature, which fall under the purview of the treasurer.
• Maintain files of minutes and new members
• Notify members of unannounced meetings of the organization.
• Be responsible for external correspondence, with the guidance of the faculty advisor(s).

7. The Treasurer shall:

• Be responsible for safekeeping of all funds of the organization.
• Prepare finance reports for each meeting and maintain adequate financial records.
• Collect dues in the amount of $10.00 from each member annually.

8. Limitation of authority: No officer or group of officers acting without the knowledge
of the executive board and the faculty advisor(s) may enter into contracts, oral or written, in the name of the organization. The funds of the MSWSA will not be expended without authorization or concurrence of the executive board.

 

ARTICLE V
COMMITTEES
 

1. Special committees may be appointed at the discretion of the president.

2. The following committees will be established at the beginning of the fall semester: Activity Committee, Community Service Committee, and Fundraiser Committee.

a. Activity Committee: Responsible for the promotion and organizing of social functions. The goal is to build fellowship and networking within the social work profession. Also, responsible for special events.

b. Community Service Committee: Develop and implement service projects that coincide with the MSWA ethics and will benefit the surrounding Fayetteville area.

c. Fundraiser Committee: Responsible for the development of creative and beneficial means to gain monies that will assist the organization’s purpose.

3. The committee chairperson may serve one term, but may be reappointed. New chair election will take place in the fall (September).
 

ARTICLE VI
MEETINGS AND QUORUM

1. Regular meetings of the MSWSA shall be held at least once each month. The officers will meet as needed on a separate date from the open organization meeting time.

2. Quorum: For the purpose of conducting business of the organization, a quorum shall consist of the members present and voting at a meeting.

 

ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENT

1. The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at a meeting previously announced for the purpose of amending the Constitution.