Article I:  Title

The name of this organization shall be the South Asian Students Association (SASA) of Carnegie Mellon University.

 Article II:  Purpose

• To promote a sense of pride and community within the South Asian student population
• To provide a forum for social interaction amongst South Asian students and the greater campus community.
• To showcase the various cultural, historical, and ethnic values of South Asia to the greater campus community
• To provide opportunities for inter-collegiate activities and extracurricular involvement on campus.

 Article III:  Membership

• Open to all full-time, undergraduate Carnegie Mellon University students
• Rights and privileges:

            - Voting rights during electoral meetings and constitutional amendments

            - Participation rights in all organization activities

            - Electoral rights during the nomination process; running for office and voting

Article IV:  Structure and Organization

Section A:  Executive Board

The Executive Board of the South Asian Students Association will consist of the elected positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Relations Representatives, Graphics Designer, and an Intramural Sports Coordinator.

Section B:  General Body Meetings

For the purpose of all members and non-members to be aware of the activities planned within the South Asian Students Association.  The General Body Meetings will occur on a set day of the second week of every month within the academic calendar.

Section C: Terms of Office

All office positions last for a whole calendar year.  All new or re-elected officers will take office at the beginning of the spring semester; the term will end at the end of the fall semester in the following academic year.

Section D: Qualifications and Process for an Becoming an Officer

• Nominations begin during the November meeting and end a week before the December meeting. 

• Members can nominate only members for a position on the Executive Board.

• Another member must second members nominated

• Nominated members cannot be nominated for more than one position.                                  

• All candidates are allowed to decline before the deadline for nominations.

Section E: Election Process

• Only members are permitted to vote at the December General Body Meeting; however, the meeting is open to all.

• Each candidate will be given a maximum of five minutes to make a speech followed by a question and answer session (maximum of 3 questions for each candidate) made by members.  

• The election order will start with the candidates for IM Sports Coordinator, Graphics Designer, Public Relations Representatives, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and end with the Presidential candidates.

•  Each member will be given a ballot to vote.  All ballots will be collected at the end of the meeting and counted.  One random member (who is not a candidate or an officer) will aid 2 officers in tallying up the ballots.

• In the event of a tie, there will be a closed officers' vote.

Section F:  Committees

Committees can be formed by any officer and be must be approved by executive board members.  Committees consist of an organized group of  members interested in becoming actively involved by helping to organize events and activities. An elected executive board member must head all committees.

Article V: Officer Duties

President

• Fulfill all the objectives and interests of the organization

• Preside over all activities and events sponsored by the South Asian Students Association

• Act as official spokesperson on behalf of the members of the South Asian Students Association to the campus community

• Head and organize all executive and general body meetings

• Maintain relations and open communication with other  organizations both on and off campus

Vice President

• Perform the duties of the President in times of absence

• Assist the President in all endeavors pertaining to the organization

• Aid other executive board members in performing their duties or substituting during the absence of an officer

Treasurer

• Maintain all financial records pertaining to the organization

• Receive all membership fees and maintain a record of all paid members

• Request financing from Student Senate for reimbursements from the Student Senate Subsidy Account and for special funding of events (special allocations)

Secretary

• Collect and manage all non-financial information pertaining to the organization

• Maintain a distribution list of all members and interested students

• Disseminate news and information to officers, members, and other organizations through various outlets

Public Relations Representatives (2)

• Promote interest and awareness in the organization

• Promote events and activities pertaining to the organization to both members and the general campus community

Graphics Designer

• Design all flyers, poster, and signs that in any way promote the organization or its activities

IM Sports Coordinator

• Coordinate the organization's involvement in any intramural sports tournament

Article VI: Amendments

The old officers in collaboration with the new officers will review the constitution and call attention to necessary or recommended changes for the benefit of the organization and its members.  Approval of amendments must be made by at least 2/3 votes of members, which will be discussed at the first General Body Meeting of the New Year.