This organization shall be known as the “Animal Sciences Graduate Student Association” at the University of Florida. Hereinafter referred to as “ASGSA”.
Section 1. Objective: The objective of this organization shall be to coordinate graduate student activities and programs which further the professional and social development of the graduate students in the Department of Animal Sciences and related fields at the University of Florida.
Section 2. Programs:
Section 1. Full Membership: Membership shall be limited to registered graduate students of the University of Florida in the Department of Animal Sciences or a related field. Full members may hold office and vote.
Section 2. Associate Membership: Faculty, staff, the spouses of members, and other students may be associate members. Associate members may not hold office or vote.
Section 3. Dissociation and Hazing: Members are free to leave and dissociate without the fear of retribution or harassment. Hazing is not practiced nor condoned by ASGSA.
Section 4. Rules and Regulations: The ASGSA and its members shall adhere to the Student Guide and other laws, rules and regulations governing the University of Florida and its students at all official functions. Members of ASGSA also agree to uphold the bylaws of the organization.
Section 5. Nondiscrimination Statement: The ASGSA shall in no way discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or lifestyle.
Section 1. Regular Meetings: Will be established by the membership at the beginning of each semester. The ASGSA will plan to meet at least one time per month during the fall and spring academic semesters.
Section 2. Special Meetings: The executive committee has the authorization to call for additional meetings with a two (2)-week notice.
Section 3. Quorum: Quorum is the membership present at a regular or special meeting.
Section 4. Minutes Procedure: Minutes will not be read at the meeting if members have been sent a copy forty-eight (48)-hours prior to the regular meeting.
Section 5. Parliamentary Authority: The rules contained in the current edition of Robert Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern ASGSA in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws and special rule guidelines ASGSA may adopt.
Section 6. Executive Committee Meetings: The officers shall meet at least twenty-four (24)-hours prior to a regular meeting to plan the agenda.
Section 1. Tax Status: The ASGSA operates as a non-profit and non-commercial organization.
Section 2. Funds: All monies shall be utilized for ASGSA operating cost and activities.
Section 3. Dues: The ASGSA will not charge membership dues.
Section 1. Executive Committee: The executive committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Chair and Professional Development Chair.
Section 2. Officer Elections:
Section 3. Nominations and Voting: Nominations shall be given orally by members at the regular meeting prior to officer elections. At the next regular meeting, after nominations from the floor are closed, nominees shall have the opportunity to give presentations. The members shall then vote by closed ballot. The faculty advisor will tally votes.
Section 4. Order of Elections: The order of elections with sliding slate shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Chair, and Professional Development Chair.
Section 5. Non-majority Results: In the event that the vote for an officer does not produce a majority winner, a second ballot will be taken including consideration of all candidates for the position involved. Should the second ballot again produce a non-majority result, the name of the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes shall be withdrawn and another vote taken. This shall continue until the required officer is elected.
Section 6. Impeachment of Officers: Should one-third (1/3) of the members of the executive committee feel that an elected officer should be removed from office, they shall submit such motion, including all charges against the officer, to the membership in writing. Should a majority vote approve such motion, a date for recall proceedings shall be set, not sooner than seven (7) days or later than twenty-one (21) days from the date of impeachment. The President shall appoint a member to perform the duties of the office until the recall proceeding.
Section 7. Recall Proceeding: The membership shall be empowered to vote on the recall of an elected officer at the scheduled recall proceeding. Recall shall be two-thirds (2/3) vote. If the recall is approved, then officer elections shall be held to fill the unexpired term.
Section 8. Officer Duties:
Section 1. Faculty Advisor(s): Up to two (2) faculty members shall be elected to serve as faculty advisors.
Section 2. Selection of Advisor(s): The faculty advisor(s) shall be selected during the meeting that officers are elected. Faculty elections shall be held in the same manner as officer elections. Advisor terms are at the discretion of ASGSA membership.
Section 3. Advisor(s) Duties: The faculty advisor(s) will serve to advise club members of proper decorum and procedure in regards to club business. The faculty advisor(s) will serve as a liaison between the graduate students and faculty members of the Department of Animal Sciences.
Section 1. Required Vote: These bylaws may be amended or suspended in whole or part by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.
Section 2. Amendment Procedure: Proposed amendments, suspensions in whole or part, or revocation relating to the bylaws must be presented in writing to the membership two (2)-weeks prior to the regular meeting at which voting would occur.