Constitution

We, the members of SAACS, shall seek to stimulate the interest of students in chemistry as a profession and to build up in their minds, during their college years, a professional consciousness that will later guide them into organized activity for the advancement of chemistry as a science and a profession. <<back to top>>

Section 1. The name of the organization shall be Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, San Diego Mesa College Chapter. This organization shall also be officially called SAACS. <<back to top>>

Section 1.  The purpose of this Chapter shall be to afford an opportunity for students of a chemical science to become better acquainted and to secure the intellectual stimulation that arises from professional association.

Section 2.  To introduce undergraduate students to the profession of chemistry, to their responsibilities as chemists, and to the benefits of professional association with the ACS.

Section 3.  To encourage communication between students and the community of chemists as well as among students in Student Affiliates chapters.

Section 4.  To provide peer tutoring and mentoring to all students who have a general interest in chemistry. <<back to top>>

Section 1. A SAACS organization is hereby established.  SAACS shall function under its Constitution and By-Laws.  Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws shall be reviewed and approved by the Dean of the Office of Student Affairs prior to taking effect. <<back to top>>

Section 1.  New SAACS advisors and/or new club officers (minimum of three) are required to participate in a schedule club orientation and timely submission of a registration packet required for official recognition and active status.
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Section 1. Membership in SAACS is open only to regularly enrolled students as defined in District Procedure 3200.

Section 2. Membership in this organization as set forth in District Procedure 3200 shall be composed of the student representatives from approved and
pending Student Organizations of San Diego Mesa College.

Section 3. All official members on the SAACS shall be voting members.

Section 4. A President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected by SAACS each semester.

Section 5. An advisor shall be elected by SAACS each semester.

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Section 1. SAACS shall meet once monthly, to be determined at the first meeting of the semester, and decided which days are acceptable.  Special meetings are hereby authorized and explained in the By-Laws.<<back to top>>

Section 1. The chapter shall submit an annual report of its activities to the ACS in April.  This report will inform the national office of its yearly activities, enables the ACS to continually evaluate and revise the Student Affiliates program, and allows the national office to update its records.  The report will provide information for the yearly selection of outstanding and commendable chapters.

Section 1. This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all active members of SAACS.

Section 2.  Any amendments intended to be added to the Constitution of the organization must be submitted to the Officers.

Section 3.  Amendments submitted to the Officers will be proposed at the next general meeting.

Section 4.  The voting body must decide on amendments submitted at the next immediate general meeting of that body.

Section 5.  If passed, it will be immediately established as soon as possible and documented by the Officers and faculty advisor.

Section 6. Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws shall be reviewed and approved by the Dean of the Office of Student Affairs prior to taking effect.<<back to top>>

Section 1. Provision for the establishment of By-Laws to this Constitution is hereby authorized. <<back to top>>

Section 1. In the event this Constitution does not include a procedure or is not clear on an issue, the latest edition of Robert's Rule of Order shall become the authority. <<back to top>>

Section 1. Standing committees are hereby authorized in the By-Laws. <<back to top>>

Section 1. A Financial Code is hereby authorized in the By-Laws. <<back to top>>
 
 

By-Laws

Section 1. The purpose of this organization shall be to:

A. Stimulate the interest of students in chemistry as a profession and to build up in their minds, during their college years, a professional consciousness that will later guide them into organized activity for the advancement of chemistry as a science and a profession.

B. Foster the awareness of the responsibilities and challenges of the modern chemist.

C. Facilitate academic and professional development, science related experiences, and instill departmental spirit and professional pride.

Section 2. The mission statement shall be evaluated on a semester basis.

Section 3. The goals and objectives of SAACS shall be guided by its mission statement. <<back to top>>

Section 1.  All members must have a minimum have a grade point average of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for Mesa College courses completed.

Section 2.  All members must have an Associated Students benefit card.

Section 3.  There will be four (4) types of members.

 A. Student Affiliate Members

 B. Chapter Members

 C. Inactive Members

 D. Alumni Members

Section 4.  Student Affiliate Members

 A. Pay an affiliation cost as required by the American Chemical Society.

 B. Should be enrolled at Mesa College with at least one (1) unit.

 C. Have full voting rights.

  1. Student Affiliates may vote by proxy.
  2. Only one proxy is allowed per semester.

Section 5.  Chapter Members

 A. Have chosen not to pay dues to ACS.

 B. Have all rights of a Student Affiliate member but may not hold an office.

Section 6.  Inactive Members

 A. Have not been on time or have missed three (3) consecutive General  Meetings.

 B. Are not able to vote in elections.

 C. Are not able to hold an office.

 D. Are able to join activities after evaluation by the officers to assess if space  is available.

 E. May be reactivated after evaluation by the officers to assess their motives for being in the club.

Section 7.  Alumni Members

 A. Are members who transferred to another school and are not enrolled at  Mesa College.

 B. Are able to join activities after evaluation by the officers to assess if space is available.

 C. May not have voting rights.

 D. May not hold an office.

Section 8.  Non-members (non-Mesa College students, faculty, and/or staff) are able to join activities after evaluation by the officers to assess if space is available.

Section 9.  All members will receive a copy of the SAACS constitution, and are responsible for the information in it.<<back to top>>

Section 1. SAACS Members shall:

A. Represent the needs, opinions, and attitudes of the SAACS members from which he/she has been chosen and express the views and opinions of that population to the Associated Student governing body.

B. Develop goals and objectives, and a calendar of meetings for the semester.

C. Be in regular attendance which constitutes attending greater than eighty percent of all regularly scheduled meetings.

D. Serve on ad-hoc committees, and/or serve as chairperson of said committees.

E. Attend meetings as requested by the Associated Students.

F. Assist in preparation of the budget for the SAACS by established committee and to review expenditures. <<back to top>>

Section 2. The President or Interim-President shall:

A. Represent the students of the SAACS as put forth in District Manual 3200, Policies and Procedures for Student Organizations.

B. Participate in a schedule club orientation and timely submission of a registration packet required for official recognition and active status.

C. Prepare, with the aide of the SAACS membership, the annual report as put forth by the SAACS constitution.

D.  Submit the SAACS annual report to national office of the American Chemical Society.

E. Represent the SAACS at times and places where student representation is required.

F. Attend meetings as requested by the Associated Students.

G. Shall not hold any elected or appointed positions on any Student Organization or Associated Student governing boards.

H. Organize a formal nomination and election process for the elected positions at the beginning of each semester.

I. Serve as chairperson of the SAACS at all general and special meetings.

J. Call special meetings as the need arises.

K. Prepare an agenda for distribution 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

L. Appoint a chair designee in time of need.

M. Appoint committees to assist SAACS.

N.  Stay abreast of policy and procedures for fundraising as set forward by the Student Affairs Office.

P.  Will serve as the Interim-President between semesters until a new President is elected.

O. Keep SAACS informed of any action, business, position, and/or proposals of the Associated Student governing boards, San Diego Community College United Student Council, and Board of Trustees. <<back to top>>

Section 3. The Vice-President  shall:

A. Assume office of the President in their absence.

B. Participate in a schedule club orientation and timely submission of a registration packet required for official recognition and active status.

C. Be responsible for taking minutes if the secretary is absent.

D. Monitor the accuracy and completeness of the membership list and seeing that all members have an Associated Students benefit card.

E. Coordinate the membership recruitment campaign.

F. Monitor the progress of activities.

G. Interpret the by-laws should any questions arise.

I. Monitor the SAACS web page for completeness.

J. Work with the faculty advisor to secure a room at the beginning of the semester that will be used for all  meetings.

K.  Stay abreast of policy and procedures for fundraising as set forward by the Student Affairs Office.

Section 3. The Secretary shall:

A. Serve as recording secretary to record minutes and assume other secretarial duties as needed.

B. Participate in a schedule club orientation and timely submission of a registration packet required for official recognition and active status.

C. File with the Office of Student Affairs the appropriate annual registration packet to obtain official club recognition.

D. Submit official meeting minutes to the Office of Student Affairs before the last day of the semester.

E.  Stay abreast of policy and procedures for fundraising as set forward by the Student Affairs Office.
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Section 4. The Treasurer shall:

A.  Stay abreast of policy and procedures for fundraising as set forward by the Student Affairs Office.

B. Participate in a schedule club orientation and timely submission of a registration packet required for official recognition and active status.

C. Chair the Budget Committee.

D. Provide a monthly report on SAACS budget and expenditures. <<back to top>>

Section 5. The Advisor shall:

A. The advisor must be a member of ACS.

B. Represents the students of the San Diego Mesa College as put forth in District Manual 3200, Policies and Procedures for Student Organizations.

C.  The previous semester's advisor will serve as the Interim-President in the absence of an Interim-President or until an official President has been elected.

D.  The Advisor shall be nominated by the Officers and confirmed by a majority vote of members present as soon as possible after elections are held.

E.  Once the nomination for advisor is confirmed, the advisor must serve for at least the one-year.

F. An advisor may resign before two full terms due to extenuating circumstances.

G. It is the duty of the resigning advisor to find another staff member to fulfill  the remaining term.
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Section 1.  Elections

 A. Elections will be organized by the Interim-President.

Section 2.  Qualifications for candidacy

 A. Must be a Student Affiliate of the American Chemical Society.

 B. Candidates must in good faith state that they will become Student Affiliates members.  If elected, failure to pay your affiliation costs to the ACS may result in a recall of the elected position.

Section 3.  Elections for President, Vice-President, Secretary, then Treasurer shall be conducted as follows.

 A. The Interim-President shall present the candidates to the members.

 B. In front of the members, the candidates shall be allowed to speak openly and intelligently with reference to their respective assets and liabilities.

 C. After the discussion, the student affiliates and chapter membes shall elect the officer by  secret ballot if need be from any of the candidates presented.

 D. The candidates who garnered the highest number of votes shall be offered the position.

 E. After the election, runner ups may be nominated for a subsequent office position.

F. The order of positions for voting will be President, Vice-President, Secretary, then Treasurer.

Section 5.  Term of Office

 A. Officers shall serve a one-semester term.

 B. The elected officers shall take office on the first day of the fall semester.

 C. A current officer may hold an office the following semester, but not the  same office two semester in a row.

Section 6.  Vacancy of Office

 A. Should a vacancy occur in any office, that office shall be filled by  appointment of the President and approval of the Officers .

 B. The candidates appointed to the vacant office shall hold office for the  duration of the regular term.

Section 7.  Impeachment.

 A. Officers and members may be impeached for the following reasons:

  1. Blatant misconduct
  2. Gross violation of the Constitution.

  1. The officer or member in question will be considered and reviewed by   the officers.
  2. The officer or member in question will not be in attendance of that   meeting unless asked to do so.

 A. Any officer planning to withdraw from an office is required to call an Officers' Meeting two weeks prior to their last day.

 B. Must submit a letter of resignation explaining the reason(s) for resigning.

Section 1. Recall of the President shall be initiated by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire SAACS membership for excessive non-adherence or non-execution of duties outlined in Article II.  The recommendation shall be presented to a panel of no fewer than 3 students.  The panel shall be selected by the advisor responsible for SAACS.  The burden of proof for removal shall be on the SAACS.  The panel will make a final decision regarding the removal of the President.

Section 2. Recall of the advisor shall also be ratified with the above procedure.  The recommendation shall be presented to a panel of no fewer than 3 students.  The panel shall be selected by the Dean of Student Affairs.  The burden of proof for removal shall be on the SAACS.  The panel will make a final decision regarding the removal of the advisor.

Section 3. The removal of a SAACS member shall be initiated by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire SAACS for excessive non-adherence or non-execution of duties outlined in Article II.

Section 4. Vacancies are the be filled according the procedure in Article II. <<back to top>>

Section 1. Special meetings may be called by informing all member sites at least 72 hours in advance. <<back to top>>

Section 1. The President or Interim-President may appoint subcommittees as necessary.

Section 2. The committee chair is responsible for having a strong understanding of the constitution.

Section 3. The committee chair is responsible for reporting to SAACS when asked to do so. <<back to top>>

Section 1. There shall be no proxy voting on issues unless the proxy is in writing indicating the vote of the absent member.  The proxy must be given to the President or Interim-President before the meeting.

Section 2. A SAACS member, except the President or Interim-President, who is absent from three consecutive meetings will be recommended for disqualification from serving on the SAACS

Section 3.  The SAACS President or Interim-President shall vote only in the event of a tie.

Section 4. Attendance at general and special meetings will be recorded by the acting secretary to be noted in the minutes. <<back to top>>

Section 1. The By-Laws of finance shall be known as the Financial Code, established to define procedures for formation of budgets and financial transactions of the SAACS.

Section 2. The SAACS's funds may not be used to support any activities outside the scope of the SAACS; therefore, a budget committee will be established.

Section 3. SAACS funds may be extended for, but not limited to:

A. Supplies and equipment

B. Secretarial

C. Conferences and travel

Section 4. Expenditure of funds are as follows:

A. All purchases by the SAACS must follow the guidelines and policies adopted by the Office of Student Affairs.

B. All requisitions must be signed by both the President  or Interim-President, advisor of SAACS, and approved the Dean of the Office of Student Affairs.

C. An amount not to exceed $25 may be expended without SAACS  approval.

D. SAACS members may receive reimbursement for mileage to SAACS functions, or meetings where the President or their designee is required to be present.

E. Any expenditures not aforementioned must follow Office of Student Affairs policies and procedures.

Section 5. A copy of the SAACS budget shall be maintained in the faculty advisor's office. <<back to top>>
 
 

Section 1.  ASC Affiliation

A. Officers are required to join the American Chemical Society; amount of affiliation cost is determined by ACS.

Section 2.  Associated Student Benefit Card

A. Payment of Associated Student fees are required to hold office and/or to have voting power.
 

Section 1. The removal of a SAACS member shall be the responsibility of each member  (see Article III of the By-Laws).

Section 2. Vacancies are the be filled according the procedure in Article II. <<back to top>>
 
 

Section 1. These By-Laws may be amended by two-thirds majority vote of SAACS. <<back to top>>
 
 

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