Constitution Nsu

CONSTITUTION OF NEPALESE STUDENT ASSOCIATION (NeSA) SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY BROOKINGS, SD Article I. Name Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Nepalese Student Association and it shall also be called ‘NeSA’. Article II. Statement of Purpose Section 1.

The purpose of NeSA shall be to: 1. Promote understanding, friendship, integrity, and cooperation amongst NeSA members at SDSU. 2. Sustain, promote and exchange Nepalese language, literature, culture and arts through various activities. 3. Promote discussions on topics of national and international areas of interest amongst its members as well as members of other organizations. 4. Provide peer counseling and advising to Nepalese students at SDSU. 5. Plan and coordinate social and cultural activities with other organizations. 6. Participate in community activities outside of SDSU. 7. Arrange special functions to commemorate various Nepalese holidays and festivals. 8. Provide information and assistance to new and prospective Nepalese students.

Section 2. It is the responsibility of NeSA to uphold the Student Code and the educational mission of SDSU.

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Article III. Membership Section 1. Membership shall be open to all interested enrolled students and/or faculty and staff of SDSU. The Nepalese Student Association shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability. Section 2. Faculty, staff, honorary, community, or alumni may be members but have no voting privileges; can not hold office; or compete in collegiate competition. Section 3. Students must comprise 50 percent plus one of the total membership. Section 4. All voting and non-voting members will be placed in the General Assembly. Section 5. The membership fee shall be decided by the elected Executive Board members upon approval from two-thirds members in General Council Body. Article IV. Finances Section 1. The ultimate responsibility for financial obligations of NeSA rests with the membership. •

On-Campus Account

Section 1. Monies deposited and expended through the University’s Accounting and Cashiers Office following their guidelines. Section 2. Any funds remaining in on-campus accounts of inactive NeSA for a period of eighteen (18) months will be transferred to Activity Account #719350-5151 – Special Programs, Student Activities. •

Off-Campus Account

Section 1. Ninety percent of funds shall be deposited in First Bank and Trust.

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Section 2. All funds shall be expended only with the approval of the Executive Committee. Section 3. All checks must be signed by the Treasurer and President of the organization. Section 4. The fiscal year shall be January 1 to December 31. Section 5. At least two (2) months prior to the end of each fiscal year, the President shall appoint an Audit Committee of at least two members. This committee shall examine and verify the records of income, expenditures, and current balance, and shall report to the membership regarding the financial status of the organization. Section 6. The Advisor shall work with the officers of the organization to monitor the financial transactions of the organization. Section 7. The ultimate responsibility of financial obligations rests with the student membership of the organization. Section 8. The Treasurer shall be responsible for filing any necessary tax information, including an annual return. Section 9. In the event that the organization becomes inactive, all funds shall be returned to the Office of Student Activities to be deposited in Activity Account #719350-5151 – Special Programs, Student Activities. The NeSA’s Advisor or the Director of Student Union & Activities may authorize this transfer. Article V. Officers Section 1. President, Vice-president, Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected as described in Bylaws. Section 2. Officers elected shall be enrolled student having good academic back ground with GPA not less than 2.00. Section 3. Webmaster and Activity Coordinator shall be appointed as described in Bylaws. Section 4. Duties of officers shall be as described in Bylaws.

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Article VI. Executive Board Section 1. Nepalese Student Association Executive Board shall consist of an elected President, Vice-President, Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer. Section 2. Faculty advisor (and co-advisor) shall be an Executive Board member. Section 3. Executive board shall welcome new Nepalese students and farewell outgoing Nepalese students. Article VII. Advisor(s) Section 1. Nepalese Student Association will have an advisor registered with the Office of Student Activities. Section 2. One primary advisor and/or one co-advisor will be nominated by the Executive Board and approved by the General Council Body as described in Bylaws. Section 3. The primary advisor shall be a full time member of the faculty or staff at the SDSU. Section 4. The co-advisor shall be a member of the faculty or staff at the SDSU but may not be full time. Section 5. Duties and responsibilities of Advisors shall be as described in Bylaws. Article VIII. Meetings Section 1. General Assembly should be held at a time and place announced by the NeSA Secretary in the preceding meeting and by written letter through e-mail and/or mail to each member. Any changes shall be notified by official e-mail or mail to each member. Section 2. The first General Assembly of each academic session shall occur no later than six weeks of the first day of classes. Section 3. The Executive Board shall meet at least twice an academic semester and no less than once in summer session.

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Article IX. Constitution Amendment Section 1. The Executive Board shall not have the right on its own to amend the constitution. Section 2. Amendments to the constitution of the NeSA can be processed only through a formal written request by simple majority members of NeSA General Council. Section 3. Amendments brought forward to the Executive Board must be officially sent by mail or e-mail to all members of the NeSA at least two weeks before General Assembly. A two-thirds vote of members present in General Council Body shall be needed to approve any amendments. Article X. Right to Access Section 1. No member of NeSA shall have right to take unto him/herself, for whatever purpose, the name, the emblem, or the belongings of the organization. Section 2. To use NeSA name, emblem, or the belongings of the organization for personal purpose, a written request must be presented to Executive Board at least 7 days earlier. Section 3. Executive Board has the right to permit or to deny a request to use NeSA name, emblem, or the belongings of the organization for personal purpose. Decision must be provided no later than 2 days after receiving formal request. Section 4. Decision regarding the use of NeSA name, the emblem, or the belongings of the organization shall be notified by an email to all NeSA members immediately. Section 5. The decision shall not be in effect if the two-third voting members file, within 3 days after notification by Executive Body, against the decision to the Executive Board.

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Article XI. Definitions •

“Students” - as defined by the University

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“Academic Semester” – implies fall and spring semesters.

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“General Assembly” – total members of NeSA including Active and Inactive members.

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“General Assembly Meetings”- meetings held throughout the academic semester and summer semester by all NeSA members.

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“General Council”- consists of all active voting members of General Assembly of NeSA.

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“General Council Body” – total active voting members present during NeSA meeting.

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“Executive Board Meetings” - meetings held throughout the academic semester and summer semester by officers.

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“Executive Board or Body” - consists of all officially elected and/or appointed posts held by members.

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“Academic Year” – Beginning of Fall semester to ending of Summer Semester.

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“Simple majority” – consists of 50 percent plus one of members present.

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