Constitution

COSNATS Constitution

This is a wikified version of the COSNATS constitution. The actual document on file can be found here.

Article I: Name and Purpose

Section 1

The name of this organization is Central Ohio Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (COSNATS).

Section 2

The purpose of this organization will be to educate and inspire. It is the goal of this organization to contribute to guidance toward the academic, intellectual, and social welfare of our members, to provide supplementation where the present education leaves off, as well as encourage public interest and support of vocal music. We are challenged to encourage the
promotion of vocal performances despite the seeming lack of societal interest. Unity and achievement are of the highest priority within this organization. We must waken within each other high ideals and a desire to achieve success in college and in our future careers. We must also remember that individually, we are each others best resources.

Section 3

The Central Ohio Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing will adhere to the rules and regulations established by the university.

Article II: Membership

Section 1

Members of the organization must be students, faculty, or staff members of a central Ohio university who share common interests, goals, and who are in agreement with the creed of this association.

Section 2

Consistent with federal and state laws, as well as university policies, this organization and its members shall no discriminate for or against any person by reason of age, gender, marital or parental status, race, creed or religion, color, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or physical handicap.

Section 3

The primary control of COSNATS rests with the student members.

Article III: Officers

Section 1

All officers must be students of a central Ohio university

Section 2

The offices held shall be president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer.

Section 3

All officers shall be elected by majority vote.

Section 4

All officers shall serve a one year term beginning with the last meeting of spring semester of each year.

Section 5

The general qualifications of officers and committee chairs are as follows:

Officers

• Must have exceptional organizational skills
• Will operate with the cooperation of all members
• Will train prospective officers for subsequent terms

Committee Chairs

• Establish regular meeting times
• Communicate committee objectives to members

Section 6

The responsibilities of the officers are as follows:

President

• Presides over meeting and motions
• Acts as the representative for the group and conducts himself/herself professionally within campus community as well as the community at large
• Has no vote except in case of tie
• Has a working understanding of Parliamentary procedure in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order
• Meets with secretary in advance to create agenda for meetings
• Meets regularly with the faculty advisors to discuss activities and concerns
• Contacts incoming students (freshman/transfer)

Vice President

• Presides over SNATS meetings in the absence of the president
• Assists the president in his/her duties
• Incorporates and maintains a network with other organizations of similar intent
• Stays aware of the treasurer’s activities and has access to the funds
• Keeps web-sites up to date and revises after every monthly meeting

Treasurer

• Responsible for maintaining an efficient bookkeeping system that will accurately reflect all income and expenditures
• Expenditures of more than five dollars must be approved by the board
• Gives monthly statements to the organization at each meeting
• Collects dues

Secretary

• Takes notes at all SNATS meetings
• Posts minutes within the following week
• Keeps up to date lists of all members; including accurate phone numbers and addresses (permanent, school, email)
• Keeps a record of attendance
• Sends out thank you letter and invitations to SNATS guests
• Maintains a contact list of the SNATS alumni
• Works with the president in setting the agenda for the following meeting
• Gives brief reports on mail and other communications sent/received

Program Director

• Keeps record of past events
• Establishes lists of possible events for each meeting and presents to membership
• Makes arrangements to plan activities
• Takes pictures of all group activities
• Collaborates with fundraiser for funding to raise money for planned events
• Creates publicity for events

Fundraiser

• Plans fundraising activities
• Informs members of upcoming fundraisers activities and of necessary involvement of members

Section 7

Officers shall be elected by secret ballot.

Section 8

Officers will serve term of one year; successive terms are acceptable.

Section 9

Election shall take place at the last meeting of the spring semester.

Section 10

Any voting member has the right to nominate.

Section 11

The holding of office shall be restricted to full or part-time students in good academic standing (cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above).

Article IV: Advisor

Section 1

The advisor must be a central Ohio faculty, academic, classified, or administrative staff member. The advisor shall be appointed by the organization.

Section 2

It is the advisor's responsibility to have sufficient knowledge of the National Association of Teachers of Singing as well as knowledge of the Central Ohio Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing to give necessary and proper guidance to this association as needed. The advisor shall be informed of all meetings of the Central Ohio Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. However, his or her attendance at the meetings will not be mandatory. The advisor shall be kept informed of the offices and membership of the Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

Article V: Meetings

Section 1

Meetings for the Central Ohio Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing will be held twice a month.

Article VI: Amendments

Section 1

In order to make an amendment to the constitution of the Central Ohio Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, previous notification must be given to the members in writing, with two-thirds affirmative vote of members necessary in order to adopt the change.

Section 2

The constitution and bylaws need to be reviewed and updated a minimum of once every three years.

Section 3

Bylaws may be established for this association when deemed necessary by its members. Bylaws must be submitted to the secretary in writing by any member of the association. The proposed bylaw or amendments to the bylaw will be submitted to the membership at large at the next regular meeting of this association by the secretary. A majority of the votes cast shall constitute approval for bylaws or their amendments. As with amendments, bylaws and their amendments are subjected to review by the appropriate ruling body of Ohio State University’s Dept. of Student Affairs. The present bylaws for the Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing are as follows:

• One-half of the membership of the Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing shall constitute a quorum necessary to transact business.
• Members are required to be in good academic standing.
• Membership may be held by faculty and staff, however, they will not have any voting power.
• Membership dues are set at __ dollars. Dues will be collected at the beginning of each term.
• All members are required to have a general knowledge of and an agreement with the Central Ohio Student Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and its creed.
• All members are required to donate their time for fundraising and other COSNATS activities.
• The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall serve as parliamentary authority.