Constitution

ASO Constitution

Article I: Name of Organization

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Los Angeles Mission College Associated Student Organization, hereafter referred to as the ASO.

 

Article II: Purpose

Section 1. The purpose of this organization is to provide students the opportunity of participation and development of leadership skills, as follows:

A. To assist in the promotion and development of individual student organizations.

B. To provide student representation in all areas, including, but not limited to issues affecting students and the community.

C. To provide an opportunity for students to involve themselves in campus community related events.

D. To ensure that the integrity of the organization is upheld at all times.

Section 2. Preamble:

A. We, as campus community members comprising the ASO, serve to benefit the student body. In our actions, we seek to strengthen and embolden the honorable image of campus public service for our fellow students. Through our support of academic achievement, public activism, and social service, we strive to build a campus that is focused on the needs of students. Through our individual and collective integrity, we shall stand alongside, not overhead, our fellow students and campus community members; demonstrating in our words and deeds the honorable, moral character that we should be seeking to maintain in ourselves. We will not lie, cheat, steal, or otherwise compromise the integrity of this organization.

 

Article III: Membership

Section 1. Membership in the ASO shall consist of the following:

A. Registered students of Los Angeles Mission College who have paid the ASO fee for the current semester.

B. Faculty and staff members who have paid the ASO fee each semester as adjunct membership.

Section 2. Privileges:

A. Only student members of the ASO may hold office upon having both qualified according to Article VII of this Constitution, and successfully followed the regulations imposed through official ASO election rules.

B. Members of the ASO may receive any benefits offered through the ASO benefit list, which shall be updated each semester

C. Members of the ASO may join any ASO chartered student organizations.

Article IV: Governmental Organization

Section 1. The ASO Council shall be the governing body of this organization and shall consist of the Executive Board and the Senate.

Section 2. The Executive Board shall be elected as stated under Article VIII, Section 1 and consist of the following:

A. President

B. Vice President

C. Treasurer

D. Executive Secretary

Section 3. The Senators shall consist of the following members who shall be appointed by the Executive Board and confirmed in a session by the Senate.

A. Social Activities

B. Publications

C. Recruitment

D. Funding and Marketing

E. Political Affairs/Community Relations

F. Inter-Club Council (ICC)

G. Educational Services

H. Health and Campus Security Services

I. Technology

J. Parliamentarian

K . Historian

L. Athletics

Section 4. The Executive Board and the Senators, together form the ASO Council. The Senate and the Executive Board will meet to legislate.

Section 5. Terms of office for Executive Board members shall consist of one year with a limit of two years, or as authorized by Board Regulations.

Section 6. Terms of office for Senators shall be for two (2) consecutive semesters, with a limit of two years, or as authorized by Board Regulations.

Section 7. All vacancies on the ASO Council shall be filled in accordance with Article VI, Section 3.

Article V: Organizational Structure

Section 1. The organizational structure of the ASO shall consist of the following:

A. A Council consisting of all elected and appointed members.

B. Inter-Club Council (ICC) as established under Article XI.

C. Standing Committees, as specified in the Bylaws.

D. Special Committees, as specified in the Bylaws.

Article VI: Duties and Powers

Section 1. The duties and powers of the members of the Executive Board are as stated:

A. The President shall:

1. Serve as Chairman of the Senate and preside over all Senate meetings. Exercise general supervision over all Associated Student Organization Activities.

2. Be a liaison between the administration and the Senate.

3. Attend meetings as required:

a. Attend student government district wide meetings as called by the student member of the Board of Trustees.

b. Attend meetings of the California Community College Student Government Association, Area Region 7.

c. Attend campus committees, which include the College Council and Student Affairs, and College Foundation Committees.

4. Exercise the power to appoint and dissolve as necessary with the consent of the Executive Board.

5. Perform other related duties:

a. Supervise the activities of the Executive Board.

b. Assist Senators with their projects.

c. Post and maintain regular office hours.

d. Promote the image and principles of the ASO.

e. Sign letters or documents necessary to carry out the will of the ASO Council.

f. Will serve solely as a tie-breaker during Senate votes, and can call for motions, but cannot directly move for legislative action.

B. The Vice-President shall:

1. Preside at meetings of the Senate in absence of the President, exercising all the powers and duties of the President.

2. Chair and preside over all meetings of the Inter-Club Council (“ICC”), but not to vote except to break a tie or to establish a quorum.

3. Coordinate all ICC events and facilitate club activities held on campus. Schedule dates for organized club day activities.

4. Succeed to the office of the President, if the office should become vacant before the expiration of the term. Act as an aide to the President, carrying out such duties as the President assigns in accordance with the position.

5. Inform all club representatives to the ICC of their rights and responsibilities. Maintain close contact with faculty members who serve as club advisors.

6. Plan a year-end recognition party for members of the ICC and present leadership certificates.

7. Oversee attendance records of the ICC, and notify Executive Board members of violation by letter.

C. The Treasurer Shall:

1. Represent the Associated Students in all financial matters concerning student funds.

2. Maintain a record of the budget of the Associated Students as allocated and a record of the remaining unallocated funds.

3. Serve as chair of the Finance Committee (Article XII, Section 4 of this Constitution).

4. Give a brief report or summary of the budget expenditures, remaining balances and shall call attention to any usual items at each council meeting. Furnish a detailed report to any ASO Council member upon request.

5. Verify and sign all requisitions for the disbursements of funds of this association according to the budget of the Student Council and subject to the policies governing expenditures as governed by the Board Rules and Administrative Regulations of the Los Angeles Community College District, and any applicable laws.

6. Serve as a regular voting member of the Council and guide the Council with sound financial decisions.

7. Implement, as efficiently as possible, the decisions of the Council.

8. Keep accurate records of all ASO expenditures and keep all members of the Council aware of their budget status.

9. Meet with the College President, the ASO President, or College Fiscal Administrator as necessary to resolve budget problems.

10. Convene a Finance Committee meeting before the end of the spring semester to allocate funds for the upcoming academic year and additional meetings as needed. Distribute and collect, for the Business Office, any necessary budget request forms from clubs, departments and programs.

a. Review each request in terms of the overall budget allocation, determine a recommended allocation, and prioritize any non-funded items. Allow sufficient time for deliberations and review of statements of interested parties. In each area, determine the percentage of the budget the committee wishes to allocate. Evaluate each individual request to determine where the money would be spent.

b. Distribute a copy of the proposed budget for the upcoming school year to each member of the Council for approval, once the Finance Committee has approved the proposed budget. The distribution should be far enough in advance to allow each member of the Council not only to familiarize themselves with the budget but to review the Finance Committee's recommendation of each item under their area of responsibility with the students and faculty members who administer the affected program.

c. Make himself/herself available to any member of the Council who wishes to discuss the Finance Committee's recommendation on any specific item in the budget in the hope that specific questions can be answered prior to the budget being formally submitted to the college administration for final approval. In this process, the Treasurer should:

i. Endeavor to meet with as many faculty members who administer ASO funds as is feasible during budget preparation, in the interest of maximum communications between the Finance Committee, the Council and departments administering ASO funds.

ii. Recognize that despite how hard the Finance Committee may attempt to impress upon individuals requesting funds that they should itemize and explain each request, there will still be some requests that are, if not unreasonable, hard to understand.

iii. Ensure that the money is used in the best interest of the ASO and that only through full understanding of all alternatives can the budget truly reflect the best interests of all the students.

iv. Make every effort to obtain adequate information for the Finance Committee to make informed judgments concerning financial matters

D. The Executive Secretary shall:

1.Make a weekly report as to the attendance of Council members at these meetings.

2. Maintain a master calendar of events scheduled to be held during the given six month semester.

3. Coordinate the scheduling of any events, in order to prevent scheduling conflicts.

4. Be responsible for all official correspondence for the Council as a whole.

5. Collect mail from the Office of Student Services and campus mailroom and distribute it to the designated club or council mailboxes.

6. Prepare all correspondence using the following guidelines:

a. Use ASO stationery including envelopes for all letters.

b. Use modern (block) business letter format.

c. Prepare all correspondence by members of Executive Board and/or Council to be signed by that member.

d. Obtain the required signature of the ASO advisor or Dean of Student Services on any correspondence relating to inter-school matters, requesting information or material, or indicating school or ASO policies.

e. Indicate the following on inter-school correspondence:

To: Person’s name and position

From: Person’s name and position

7. Act in a recording secretary capacity in the following manner:

a. Type the agenda and make copies prior to ASO Meetings. Prepare and post the agenda on the ASO bulletin board 72 hours prior to the meeting.

b. Distribute copies of the agenda and minutes to Senators and the ASO advisor, either in mailboxes or at Council meetings.

c. Record accurate minutes during meetings.

Section 2. Senators:

A. Senator, Social Activities: Shall ensure that all social activities on campus are carried out properly.

B. Senator, Publications: Shall oversee the publication of the ASO Newsletter (resources for its publication shall be derived from advertisement and ASO reserves as needed). Shall act as a liaison between the ASO and the school newspaper staff.

C. Senator, Recruitment: Shall be in charge of the recruitment of members to the ASO council by establishing and maintaining contacts with students through means of publication, classroom visitation, etc. Shall also be in charge of putting out an ASO table for club day and High School Day.

D. Senator, Fund Raising and Marketing: Shall organize all fund raising activities. Shall assist committees in fund raising. Shall conduct and coordinate all research for student discounts at local business. Shall create benefits list. Shall create and maintain the Eagle Card and ensure that the Eagle Cards are fully stocked in the business office at all times.

E. Senator, Political Affairs and Community Relations: Shall be the liaison between the ASO and the surrounding community. Shall organize and coordinate all ASO community related activities and functions that take place off-campus. Shall coordinate and inform the ASO of all political issues that affect the student body at large, through press conference, rallies, and any other means necessary. Shall write a weekly ASO newsletter article on current events.

F. Senator, Inter-Club Council: Shall assist in the formation of new clubs and shall serve as secretary of the Inter-Club Council. Shall assist in the writing of club constitutions and the completion of club packets. Shall serve as chair in the event of the director’s absence and appoint a secretary in this instance.

G. Senator, Educational Services: Shall coordinate and organize educational workshops. Shall serve as the ASO representative on the Curriculum Committee.

H. Senator, Health and Security Services: Shall act as the liaison between the ASO and the campus security office. Shall inform them of all upcoming campus events. Shall coordinate and organize all functions related to health awareness issues. Shall act as the ASO representative on the Student Health Services Committee.

I. Senator, Technology: Shall be responsible for the creation and maintenance of all ASO web pages. Shall create fliers for all ASO events.

J. Parliamentarian: Shall ensure proper parliamentary procedure at all Council meetings. Shall be familiar with the latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised Edition, and shall ensure this Constitution be enforced at all times. Shall also be familiar with the Brown Act.

K. Historian: Shall keep records of all ASO activities and ASO newsletters. Shall create a photo album and year book, which both must be created by the end of May.

L. Senator, Athletics: Shall act as a liaison between the Athletic Department and the ASO. Shall write a weekly news report for the ASO newsletter. Shall inform the council of all upcoming athletic events.

Section 3. Vacancies:

A. All vacancies on the ASO Council shall be filled by Executive Board vote. Approval by three of the four Executive Board members are required for the appointment. The appointment is then subject to confirmation by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Senate.

B. In the event an Executive Board position other than the President is vacant, then the President is responsible for bringing before the council a candidate for confirmation by the next consecutive ASO meeting. This matter cannot be tabled. The candidate must be confirmed pursuant to subsection A of this section.

C. Should the office of ASO President become vacant for any reason, the Vice President shall become President, assuming not only the duties and powers of the office but also the title.

D. In the event that both the office of the ASO President and Vice President become vacant, the Treasurer will assume all the powers and duties of the ASO President for a period of time not to exceed twelve (12) school days (Mon-Sat). He/she shall then appoint an interim Vice-President. During that time, a special election before the ASO council shall be held by roll call for the office of President and Vice President.

E. Any ASO Council member wishing to resign shall deliver a letter of resignation to each ASO Executive Board member. Resignation will take effect at the next ASO meeting from delivery of the letter of resignation, unless prior to the next ASO meeting, said member delivers a letter of revocation to each ASO Executive Board member.

Article VII: Qualifications for office on the Council

Section 1. All candidates running for office must meet the following basic requirements:

A. Be a paid ASO member.

B. Have a current and overall 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

C. During the semester of holding office, must be enrolled in at least five (5) units. Dropping below five (5) units will disqualify the student from office.

D. A student cannot be a candidate for office if the requirements for the
A. A. degree or 80 units of college work will have been completed prior to the semester in which the office will be held.

Section 2. Additional qualifications for the President and Vice President shall consist of the following:

A. Have a current and overall 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

B. Completed 12 units at Los Angeles Mission College prior to taking office.

C. Be enrolled in five (5) units during semester office is to be held.

Article VIII: Elections

Section 1. All members of the ASO Executive Board shall be elected by secret ballot by a simple majority of ballots cast by the student body.

Section 2. Elections for Executive Board members shall be held during the Spring Semester no later than the 30th of April.

Section 3. A Committee on Elections shall be formed no later than the 21st of February, and a chair appointed by the ASO President for the purpose of regulating campaigning and the election process prior to elections.

Section 4. All postings announcing elections shall be placed at each campus bulletin board and banners hung around the campus no later than February 28th.

Section 5. All candidates shall be given written guidelines, rules and regulations to adhere to during any elections, including LACCD Administrative Regulation E-102, the LACCD Student Code of Conduct, Policy for Posting Material, Policy for Free Speech Area, and rules set forth by ASO regulations.

Section 6. Any candidate who violates any written guidelines, rules and regulations of said committee shall be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the ASO Council.

Article IX: Impeachment

Section 1. Any of the following may constitute grounds for impeachment for an ASO Council member:

A. Having three (3) unexcused absences from an official ASO Council meeting.

1. An unexcused absence is defined as one of the following:

a. Missing a scheduled meeting without calling, e-mailing, or otherwise notifying the Executive Board.

b. Missing a scheduled meeting and contacting the Executive Secretary, yet not being able to substantiate the cause for the absence.

c. Missing a scheduled meeting without calling due to an emergency and failing to submit substantiating evidence to the Executive Secretary per Section 2(a) (below).

2. An excused absence is defined as one of the following:

a. Emergency events, provided substantiating evidence is submitted to the Executive Secretary by the second consecutive meeting following the return of the absent Council member. An “emergency event” is defined as an automobile accident, fire, or something of this magnitude, which prevents the Council member from notifying the Executive Secretary prior to the Council member’s absence.

b. Hospital visits, either emergency or otherwise, provided an official note from the doctor seen is submitted to the Executive Secretary.

c. Wakes or funerals, provided documentation verifying the attendance of the Council member is submitted to the Executive Secretary.

d. Weddings and religious holidays, provided requests are submitted at least two (2) weeks in advance of the event (except when provided for by law).

B. Failure to actively fulfill one’s duties as a position holder in the ASO.

C. Gross misconduct while carrying out ASO related activities, in violation of the student code of conduct.

D. Acting in a manner which contradicts the spirit of this constitution, as reflected in the Preamble.

Section 2. Any Council member may initiate impeachment proceedings by a Bill of Indictment.

A. The bill of indictment shall be discussed during a closed session of the Executive Board within two (2) weeks from the date of delivery of said bill of indictment.

1. A determination concerning the validity of the indictment citations will be presented by the President, or a selected representative during the ASO meeting that takes place two weeks after the Bill of Indictment is presented.

2. In the event that the Executive Board does not return on the second week with a verdict, then the burden of the decision shall fall on the Senate.

B. The Council will vote by roll call following the Indictment’s validatity being confirmed. (to be done at the same meeting, and cannot be tabled).

C. With a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Council for impeachment, the impeachment carries.

Article X: Meetings and Procedures

Section 1. The meeting time and place of the ASO Council shall be every Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in the ASO conference room, unless otherwise changed with the approval of a simple majority vote of the ASO Council.

Section 2. Special meetings of the ASO Council called for a specific purpose(s) may be initiated by the ASO President, or by the written notification of any three (3) Council members, which must be delivered to the ASO President, and publicly posted according to the procedures and protocols laid forward in the Brown Act.

Section 3. All official meetings of the ASO Council shall be conducted by a quorum defined as fifty percent (50%) plus one (1).

Section 4. No meeting of the ASO Council is official unless the ASO advisor or his/her designee is present:

A. If the ASO advisor, for what ever reason, is unable to attend, then he/she may appoint a designee to attend in his/her absence.

Section 5. Votes on motions before the ASO Council are to be done by open vote, except in instances or a stipulated secret ballot as stated in accordance with the Brown Act.

Section 6. The current edition of "Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised" shall be the parliamentary authority for all meetings and procedures of the ASO Council, except where the Brown Act applies.

Section 7. Proxy voting shall not be allowed at any time.

Section 8. The Executive Board and Senate members all count towards a quorum. Quorum is defined as the attendance of fifty percent plus one (50% + 1) of the entire ASO Council for ASO meetings.

Section 9. Attendance:

A. An ASO Council member, regardless of specific branch of service, is allowed no more than two (2) unexcused absences. Three or more such absences will result in action as per Article IX of this constitution.

B. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Two (2) tardies will be counted as one unexcused absence. If tardiness constitutes an individual’s third unexcused absence, Article IX (pertaining to unexcused absences) will apply as if the person had actually been absent.

1. There will be a five minute grace period for every meeting. If a Council member arrives subsequent to this deadline, this individual will be counted as tardy. The time will be counted by the ASO council room clock.

C. Personal time is excusable if requested. A Council member may not utilize personal time more than two occasions during a single semester.

1. A request for use of personal time must be submitted to the Executive Secretary at any time, and if approved, will count as attendance for one week’s meeting.

Article XI: Inter-Club Council

Section 1. The Inter-Club Council shall be defined as a standing committee of the ASO Council, and shall coordinate between each individual club on campus. The Vice-President shall act as a liaison between club presidents and the ASO Council. The Inter-Club Council shall provide each charted club on campus a means by which it can advance its cause, voice, opinions, and purpose.

Section 2. The membership of the Inter-Club Council (“ICC”) shall consist of:

A. The ASO Vice President, who shall serve as council chair.

B. The Inter-Club Council Senator, who shall serve according to the duties laid out in Article VI, Section 2(I).

C. All the club presidents or appointed representatives of charted clubs and organizations comprising the ASO.

Section 3. The ASO Vice President shall serve as the chairperson of the ICC and his/her vote shall only be used in breaking a tie, or when said vote constitutes a quorum.

Section 4. The duties of the representatives shall be to represent his/her club by attending ICC meetings and act as liaison between club members and the ASO Council.

Article XII: Revenues and Finances

Section 1. The membership fee for the ASO shall be seven dollars ($7.00) per semester.

Section 2. Revenue may be derived from any other sources as may be determined by the ASO Council. The ASO shall not directly or indirectly engage in any activity which may impugn or reflect unfavorably on the good name of the ASO or the college of which this organization is a part.

Section 3. All disbursements shall be made solely by voucher check, which shall show the payee, the items of service rendered or materials purchased, and the amount of payment.

Section 4. The power of the budget shall be vested in a Finance Committee, whose responsibility shall be to:

A. Hear all financial matters referred to them by the Council.

B. Consider items presented by the College President, Dean of Student Services, ASO Treasurer, and ASO President.

C. Prepare the ASO budget for the ASO Council’s approval (in accordance with the manner and time prescribed by the Administrative Regulations and procedures regarding the administration and management of ASO funds.

Section 5. The Finance Committee:

A. The Finance Committee shall be composed of:

1. The Treasurer, who shall serve as council chair

2. The ASO President

3. The Chief Fiscal Administrator (who serves as an ex-officio member with no vote)

4. A member of the ASO Council appointed by the ASO President

5. The Dean of Student Services (or representative)

6. One teaching faculty member appointed by the College President

B. The Finance Committee must have at least three members present and three voting to enact budget changes.

Section 6. Finance Committee Minutes:

A. Minutes shall be kept of all finance committee meetings and include the names of members present and absent, the date, time and place of the meeting, a record of actions taken. Minutes shall be taken by the Chief Fiscal Administrator. Copies of the minutes shall be distributed to the members of the Finance Committee and the ASO Secretary within five (5) working days of each meeting.

Section 7. The Associated Student Organization's budget shall outline and control in detail the entire student financial program.

A. The Finance Committee shall submit the proposed budget, prepared on a line item basis, to the ASO Council for approval.

Section 8. If at any given time the ASO Council wishes to transfer funds from the ASO Reserves to any other operating accounts, it may do so, but may not exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the balance of the reserves account at the beginning of the fiscal year.

Article XIII: Amendments

Section 1. Amendments shall be proposed by either:

A. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the ASO Council; or

B. An initiative by ten percent (10%) of the student body.

Section 2. Such proposed amendments, upon approval, shall be effective one week following its adoption.

Article XIV: Executive Parking

Section 1. All members of the ASO Executive Board shall receive free parking in the staff parking for as long as they:

A. Remain in office.

B. Maintain the guidelines for their office as mentioned in Article VI and Article VII.

Article XV: ASO Workshops

Section 1. All members of the ASO are encouraged to sponsor and participate in public workshops that raise awareness and promote cultural sensitivity & diversity amongst student leaders. These workshops shall include, but are not limited to: sexual harassment, racial stereotypes, etc. Workshops shall be arranged by the Executive Board and the ASO advisor.

Article XVI: ASO Council Stipend

Section 1. ASO Executive Board members and officers will be awarded the following stipend amounts after holding office for one (1) year, or half of their normal stipend after holding office for only one semester. If there are vacancies on the Council after the spring semester is over, then the stipends of vacant offices revert to the ASO general operating budget. (according to E-Reg 92 bylaws):

A. ASO President 14.00%.

B. ASO Vice-President 10.80%.

C. ASO Executive Secretary 7.60%.

D. ASO Treasurer 7.60%.

E. Social Activities Senator 5.0%.

F. Recruitment Senator 5.0%.

G. Political Affairs and Community Relations Senator 5.0%.

H. Parliamentarian 5.0%.

I. Publishing Senator 5.0%.

J. Fundraising and Marketing Senator 5.0%.

K. Educational Senator 5.0%.

L. Technology Senator 5.0%.

M. Historian 5.0%.

N. Inter Club Senator 5.0%.

O. Health and Security Senator 5.0%

P. Athletics Senator 5.0 %

Section 2. In the event of turnover, stipends may be issued on a pro-rationed basis, as determined by the ASO Advisor. Pro-rationed amounts must be proportionate to all members and calculated on a quarter-year (i.e. half semester or eight (8) weeks) basis. To receive a stipend a member of the ASO government must have served a minimum of four weeks. Any member impeached is ineligible for a stipend.

Article XVII: Committees

Section 1. Once a committee has been formed by the ASO Council, that committee chairman is now free to make decisions concerning the committee with the vested power and consent of the Council.

A. The committee has the authority to organize and coordinate events within its charge. In terms of budgetary needs, the committee will have to request funds through the ASO through established procedures.

Article XVIII: Interview Process for Non-Elected Officials

Section 1. In the first week of May, the newly elected Executive Board shall advertise via bulletin board and classroom visitation the openings for Senator positions.

Section 2. Interviews shall be held during the third week of May. A decision must be made by the end of May as to who, if any, will hold Senator positions.

A. Any Senators appointed after this deadline fall under the rules of the Vacancies Section of Article IV.

Changes have been made to meet the demands of E-Reg. 22 - Revised 3/12/08