Constitution
for
GLBT Unity
ARTICLE I: GENERAL
Section 1: PREAMBLE
In order to promote awareness and education about the lesbian, bisexual, gay and
transgender communities within and outside Anoka Ramsey Community College, we hereby
ordain this organization in support of the bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender students at
Anoka-Ramsey Community College.
Section 2: ORGANIZATIONAL TITLE
The official name of this organization shall be "GLBT [Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and
Transgender] Unity."
Section 3: STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
GLBT Unity: Empowering Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender individuals, building
community and ending oppression.
Section 4: STATEMENT OF NON-PROFIT STATUS
GLBT Unity shall operate as a non-profit organization.
Section 5: RELATIONSHIPS TO ANOKA-RAMSEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
GLBT Unity shall abide by the applicable rules and policies of Anoka-Ramsey
Community College pertaining to student organizations.
Section 6: ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
GLBT Unity shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of sex, race,
color, age, level of disability, socio-economic status or background, religious or spiritual
beliefs or lack thereof, assistance status, veteran status, marital or familial status, gender
identification, sexual orientation, affectional preference, national origin or residential status.
ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: STUDENT MEMBERS
A. Membership in GLBT Unity shall be open to all interested students.
Membership rosters should list first names only and the provision of other
identifying information (such as telephone numbers or last names) will be voluntary.
All membership lists will be kept confidential.
B. In accordance with college policies, no acts of harassment toward any member
of the college community by members, potential members, or guests will be
tolerated during any group meeting or activity. Individuals who would attend GLBT
Unity meetings or activities for the purpose of harassment or disruption will be
reported to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action.
Section 2: AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Interested members of the community are invited to become nonvoting affiliate
members of GLBT Unity as guests of current members.
Section 3: FACULTY ADVISOR(S)
A minimum of one active faculty member shall serve as the advisor for GLBT
Unity. The advisor should serve as a liaison between the group and the college
administration and faculty. The specific role and function of the advisor can be negotiated
jointly between the advisor and group members but the advisor should always be kept
informed by the group of the group's activities.
ARTICLE III: OFFICERS
Section 1: OFFICERS OF THE ORGANIZATION
The officers of this organization shall form the Executive Committee and consist of
two Co-Chairs, a Treasurer, and a Secretary. The two Co-Chairs must have gender parity
and the organization will actively strive to have gender parity in the Executive Committee
as well.
Section 2: DUTIES OF THE OFFICES
A. The Co-Chairs jointly facilitate meetings and events and may delegate these and
other duties to others as deemed necessary.
B. The Treasurer handles all financial transactions of GLBT Unity, maintains
thorough and accurate records of all transactions, and produces an annual financial
report for GLBT Unity.
C. The Secretary maintains minutes of GLBT Unity meetings and activities.
Section 3: REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING AN OFFICER
All officers must be currently enrolled students at ARCC, and be registered for at
least six credits.
Section 4: ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
A. Officers are elected at a GLBT Unity Meeting during the fourth to seventh
weeks of Spring Quarter. The date of elections will be set by the current co-chairs.
Notice of upcoming elections will be announced at least three weeks in advance of
elections. The regular term of office is for one year, beginning with the start of
Summer Session I.
B. No person shall hold more than one office at a time.
C. Officers may be removed by resignation or by a two-thirds vote of the current
group membership.
Article IV: MEETINGS
Section 1: Scheduling
During the academic year, GLBT Unity Meetings shall occur at least twice a month
on a specified day. These meetings shall be announced no later than 24 hours in advance
of the scheduled meeting time. The meetings may be held on or off campus if the situation
deems appropriate. This would include, but not be limited to: a special event or outside
activity.
Section 2: Decision Making
A. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of members with voting rights plus
the officers.
B. Decisions will be made binding only in quorum.
C. Votes are commonly taken by voice vote. If the outcome of a vote is uncertain
or is challenged, then a role call vote will be made by all voting members.
ARTICLE V: FINANCES
Section 1: Non-profit Status
The organization shall not provide monetary gain, incidentally or otherwise, to its
Officers or membership except as payment for body approved activities.
Section 2: Use of financial Assets
The financial assets of the organization shall be used for the work of the GLBT
Unity, or activities Co-Sponsored by GLBT Unity.
Section 3: Dissolution of GLBT Unity
Unless otherwise specified by the officers at the time of dissolution, the following
rules must be followed:
A. Financial assets shall be used to settle any outstanding debts the organization
may have.
B. All financial records shall be given to the President of the Student Senate upon
completion of the dissolution process.
C. Any mailing lists or membership lists remaining at the point of dissolution shall
be destroyed.
ARTICLE VI: AMENDING THIS CONSTITUTION
Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed in writing by any body member at
a GLBT Unity Meeting. The proposal shall be presented to the membership for reading at
the next meeting. Immediately following the reading there shall be a question and answer
period for discussion. Providing a quorum is present, the Constitution may then be
amended by a majority vote of the body of members.
ARTICLE VII: BI-LAWS
The Organization shall also abide by all applicable Bi-Laws that it may make and
ratify for itself.
RATIFYING THIS CONSTITUTION:
Constitution Ratified on May 16, 1994.
Constitution Amended on April 10, 1995.
Constitution Amended on October 27, 1995.