Last Update: 5/8/2023

Constitution

JMU College Republicans

James Madison University

Article I - Name of Organization

The official name of this organization shall be JMU College Republican Club (with the allowance of the usage of “CRs” in an informal context)

Article II - Purpose of Organization

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote conservative and Republican principles and beliefs among the students at JMU and in surrounding areas, to recruit members to the club and of the Republican Party, to aid in the election of Republican candidates at all levels of government, to hold events and forums whether politically motivated or not in order to publicity, and to develop political skills and leadership abilities among club members and Republican students alike as preparation for future service to the Party and the country.

Article III - Organization Structure

Section I. Requirements for Officers

Officers must be full-time students at JMU and be a member of the organization. Officers must be in good standing with JMU and the organization. The term of office is from March to March.

Section II. Executive Board Positions

The officers of the club shall be the Chair, First Vice Chair, Second Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The officers and individual duties shall be:

Chair

Preside over all meetings for the club or for the officers.
Represent the organization on campus.
Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the standards set forth by JMU and Student Activities & Involvement.
Registering the organization each Spring with Student Activities & Involvement

Maintain communication with the organization’s advisor.
Maintain the organization’s Be Involved page, including updating officers and members on a regular basis.

First Vice Chair

Preside over meetings in the absence of the Chair.
Carry out responsibilities as assigned by the Chair.
Presides over appointed chair positions.

Second Vice Chair

Preside in the absence of the Chair and the First Vice Chair.
Shall carry out responsibilities as assigned by the Chair.
Presides over appointed chair positions.

Treasurer

Maintain accurate records of organization transactions.
Receive and distribute club funds upon authorization of the Chair.
Coordinate fundraising activities.
Ensure compliance with any governmental laws or regulations governing club finances.

Secretary

Maintain an accurate record of all organization meetings.
Maintain membership directory.
Correspond, when necessary, with University administration and other recognized organizations
Communicate with members of the club about weekly meetings and events.
Notify the club members about the weekly meetings in the most complete manner practical.

Section III. Elections

Elections of officers shall be held each March. Notice of elections shall be made at least three weeks prior to the election meeting. Elections will be done by secret ballot and the person receiving the majority vote for each position will be elected. If no candidate receives the majority vote, then the top two candidates will be placed on a new ballot. Voting members shall be club members present and have attended 3 meetings and/or social events within the semester unless excused by the Executive Board. Voting must also occur in person, with exceptions made by the Executive Board. Voting members must be in good standing with the organization and JMU.

Section IV. Officer Removal Process

Officers may be removed from the office by a 3/5 vote from the Executive Board and a 2/3 vote of eligible members. An officer may be impeached if the officer fails to uphold the duties of their office or if they engage in actions deemed inappropriate by the organization, including but not limited to; failing to fulfill job responsibilities, abuse of power in office, misuse of funds, or violation of JMU policy. The officer is permitted to speak before the Executive Board and the general body about the allegations made concerning their performance. The officer is not permitted to participate in the deliberation of the Executive Board regarding the charges. An individual removed from office still maintains general membership in the organization unless removed via the member removal process.

Section V. Position Vacancies

The position shall remain vacant until the next regularly scheduled meeting when an election to fill the vacancy shall be held. The election will follow normal procedures.

Article IV - Membership

Section I. Non-Discrimination Statement

Membership in this organization is open to all JMU students and will not be restricted on the basis of age, ability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, color, religion, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or political affiliation except in circumstances outlined in federal and state laws.

Section II. Eligibility

Students in good standing with the University (2.0 cumulative G.P.A) are eligible for membership after attending or participating in an organization event/meeting.

Section III. Selection Process

Students looking to join the organization may come to a meeting at any time they please.

Section IV. Member Expectations

Members are encouraged to participate in activities and service events as their schedule allows. Members and attendees are expected to behave in a respectful and appropriate manner in accordance with club expectations and the JMU Honor Code.

Section V. Member Volunteering

Members are highly encouraged to participate in campaigning events in accordance with the mission statement. Those seeking the recruitment of club member support for events such as door knocking, tabling, etc. shall disclose to the volunteers the benefits they are receiving.

Section VI. Member Removal Process

Membership will be revoked by 3/5 vote of officers plus 2/3 vote from the general membership if a member is in violation of membership requirements or engages in actions deemed inappropriate by organization standards. Expelled members shall not attend club meetings, social events, or campaign events.

Article V - Adviser

Section I. Policy No. 3101 (Faculty Advisers to Student Organizations)

The adviser shall be a full or part time faculty or staff member at James Madison University. The adviser will assume those responsibilities as outlined in this constitution and/or found in University Policy No. 3101 entitled “Faculty Advisers to Student Organizations.”

Section II. Adviser Selection

The faculty advisor will be appointed by the Chair and approved upon a ⅗ vote of the Executive Board. The faculty advisor term will last until the faculty advisor resigns or the Executive Board expels him by a 3/5 vote. The community advisor will be appointed by the Chairman and approved upon a ⅗ vote of the Executive Board. The community advisor term will last until the community advisor resigns or the Executive Board expels him by a 3/5 vote.

Section III. Adviser Role

The adviser shall serve as a resource to the organization and provide guidance to the executive board. The adviser may attend executive board and general body meetings as their schedule permits. The adviser should meet with the Chair as necessary.

Article VI - Meetings

Section I. Meeting Structure

The organization shall hold weekly meetings during the academic term except when holidays, examination periods, or other events make meetings impractical.

Section II. Quorum

A quorum is not necessary for meetings to take place.

Section III. Rules of Procedure

The organization follows Robert’s Rules of Order in all business meetings.

Section IV. Meeting Minutes

The taking of minutes is not required but can be taken by the secretary if decided upon so.

Article VII - Finance

Section I. Dues

The club shall make no rule making members pay dues to attend meetings. The club may ask for money when selling tickets to events and/or merchandise to its members. The Executive Board shall vote to determine the price of merchandise sold by the club by a 3/5 vote.

Section II. Use and Responsibility of Funds

Organization funds will be used to support projects that match the mission of the organization including, but not limited to, luxury goods, paying for annual banquets, and advertisement fees. Organization dues will not be used for projects or expenditures that do not conform to the organization's mission or that may put the organization at risk. The Treasurer shall maintain all financial records and shall cosign with the Chair for all organization transactions. The organization shall not donate any club funds to political campaigns.

Section III. The $30 Clause

The Chair may make expenditures of $30 or less with the approval of the Treasurer. Any purchase over $30 must have a ⅗ approval of the Executive Board before the time of the purchase.

Section IV. Bank Accounts

The organization maintains a bank account through CommonWealth One, located in The Union. The Chair, Treasurer, and Adviser are all listed on the bank account.

Article VIII - Hazing

JMU College Republicans, in keeping with JMU’s expectations for a positive academic and social environment, unconditionally opposes hazing. No individual member of our group or the group itself may engage in or plan any activity that may be defined as hazing.

JMU College Republicans opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule to its members or potential members. In addition, no individual nor recognized organization may, by physical or mental stress or by subtle or covert technique, impair, make captive, or destroy an individual's freedom of thought and choice.

J17-100 Hazing:  The university prohibits any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule in connection with or the purpose of initiation, admission into, or affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in a club, organization, or association, regardless of whether the students participated voluntarily in the relevant activity. Students directing, engaging in, aiding, or participating in, actively or passively, the forcing, compelling, requiring, encouraging, expecting, whether direct or implied, of individuals to participate in hazing activities shall be considered in violation of this policy. It is impossible to anticipate every situation that could involve hazing. Behavior listed below does not, and cannot encompass every circumstance that can be categorized as hazing. Further, this policy is not intended to prohibit customary athletic events, contests, and competitions that are sponsored by the institution or the organized and supervised practices associated with such events or activity or conduct that furthers the goals of a legitimate educational curriculum, extracurricular program, or military training program as approved by the University.

Hazing activities include but are not limited to; physical abuse; kidnapping, blindfolding, confinement, or binding and/or restricting movement; calisthenics or other strenuous physical activity used to harass, punish, or harm an individual; excursions; spraying, painting, or pelting with any substance; burying in any substance; nudity; servitude; exposure to uncomfortable elements; verbal abuse or harassment; wearing of apparel which is conspicuous or indecent; forcing consumption of any legal or illegal substance (e.g. food, liquid, beverage, alcohol, drug, or other substance); depriving of sufficient sleep; burning, branding, or tattooing; interrogation in an intimidating or threatening manner; misleading members in an effort to convince them that they will not become or remain members unless they complete tasks, follow instructions, or act in a certain way; misleading members into believing that they will be hurt during induction or initiation; carrying items that serve no constructive purpose or that are designed to punish or embarrass the carrier; requiring or suggesting obtaining, possessing items or completing tasks in an unlawful manner (i.e. scavenger hunts); any act that is designed to or likely to compromise the dignity of a member or prospective member, cause embarrassment or shame to a member or prospective member, cause a member or prospective member to be the object of malicious amusement, ridicule, or emotional strain, or cause psychological harm or substantial emotional strain; or any other activity which may result in physical injury or endanger the health or life of the individual being hazed.

An individual cannot consent to being hazed; a victim’s voluntary or willful participation in hazing activities will not be considered evidence that a violation of this policy did not occur. Section 18.2-56 of the Code of Virginia declares hazing illegal, establishes conditions for civil and criminal liability, and outlines the duties of the university when a student has been found guilty of hazing in civil or criminal court.

It is hereby incorporated as part of this constitution and will serve as a guide for action by the university and JMU College Republicans if there is an instance of hazing by this organization or any of the members of this organization. It will be the duty of the officers of JMU College Republicans to educate the membership of this policy.

Article IX - Risk Management

The executive board is responsible for overseeing the well-being of the organization, members and guests at activities and events sponsored by the organization. Violations of JMU policy, local, state or federal law at any meeting or event is strictly prohibited. Any violation should be reported directly to OSARP and/or Title IX.

Article X - Amendments

Club members may propose amendments but must first be considered by the executive board and would require a ⅗ vote. All members in good standing must submit proposed amendments to this Constitution at least two weeks prior to any meeting at which amendments will be considered. An amendment shall be adopted upon an affirmative 2/3 vote of those present and voting at a meeting.

Article XI - Ratification

This constitution shall become effective upon approval by 4/5 vote of the Executive Board and a 2/3 vote of the eligible members. Ratified constitutions must be uploaded to the Be Involved organization page in a timely manner after substantial amendments and submitted each year with Annual Organization Registration.

Article XII - Dissolution of Organization

Dissolution of the organization can be voted on with a ¾ vote by eligible members. Funds left by the organization should be donated back to the CRFV within 2 weeks of voting.

Article XIII- Appointed Positions

Section I. Number of Appointed Positions

The club may have appointed chair positions, including but not limited to, an Advertising Chair and a Social Media Chair. These Chairs will not have executive voting power.

Section II. Advertising Chair

The Advertising Chair will be appointed by the Chairman and approved upon a ⅗ vote of the Executive Board. The Advertising Chair’s term will last until the Advertising Chair resigns or a new Executive Board is elected. The Advertising Chair shall work to gain new members to the club; shall work with the Vice Chairs to create social events; shall work on voter registration within and outside of the club; shall work to get support for petitions that have been approved by the Executive Board; and shall oversee tabling for events involving the club.

Section III. Social Media Chair

The Social Media Chair will be appointed by the Chairman and approved upon a ⅗ vote of the Executive Board. The Social Media Chair will last until the Social Media Chair resigns or a new Executive Board is elected. The Social Media Chair shall be responsible for marketing and creating a positive image for the club; shall oversee social media activity for the club; shall work as a photographer of the club’s activities/meetings; and shall work with the Vice Chairs to create promotional designs for the club.