Constitution of EmXchange

Preamble 

We, the members of EmXchange, do hereby establish this Constitution in order that our purpose be realized to its fullest extent. 

Article I - Name 

The name of this organization will be EmXchange, henceforth referred to as EmXchange. 

Article II - Purpose 

EmXchange is established for the expressed purpose of creating an informal, graduate-student-led space to network and connect with the graduate student body across departments, integrating on-campus and remote programs. EmXchange understands and is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities of abiding by Emerson College policies. 

Article III - Membership 

Active membership shall be limited to graduate students officially enrolled at Emerson College. Voting membership is limited to currently registered graduate students. EmXchange openly admits students to its membership and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, personal appearance, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. 

Article IV - Officers 

EmXchange will be governed by the following means: 

Members of the Transformational Leaders Graduate Fellowship (TLF) will serve as the leaders of EmXchange. Incoming graduate applicants can apply for the TLF, and TLF membership is determined by Emerson staff. EmXchange is a democratic organization where all first-year fellows will serve as “co-chairs.” The co-chairs are responsible for all executive and operational tasks, including organizing and running events. Second-year fellows will serve as “advisors.” Advisors will support the co-chairs, attending executive and GSO meetings. At least two co-chairs and two advisors will be present at EmXchange events and member meetings. The role and duties of the faculty/staff advisor shall be assigned to the TLF faculty/staff advisor and shall include providing counsel to the organization’s officers. The executive officers of EmXchange will be currently registered graduate students. 

Article V - Operations 

1. Voting Eligibility 
   • Those members meeting all requirements of active membership as outlined in Article III will be granted voting privileges. 
2. Election Process 
   • No election process is needed, as EmXchange is a GSO handed from one TLF cohort to the next in succession as part of the TLF program. 
3. Removal 
   • Any officer of EmXchange in violation of the Organization’s purpose or constitution may be removed from office by the following process: 
     1. A written request by at least three members of the Organization 
     2. Written notification to the officer of the request, asking the officer to be present at the next meeting and prepared to speak 
     3. A two-thirds (⅔) majority vote is necessary to remove the officer 
4. Meetings 
   • All meetings will occur on a regular basis at a time selected by EmXchange and will follow the procedure set forth below: 
     • Co-chair introductions
     • Membership introductions
     • Ice-breaker activity
     • Networking discussion (optional breakout rooms)
     • Any other business put forward by the members of the club
     • Closing activity
     • Dismissal by co-chairs 

Article VI - Finances 

EmXchange will request a budget from the Graduate Student Association (GSA) for the effective operation of the organization each scholastic year. 

Article VII - Amendments 

The constitution is binding to all members of EmXchange, but the constitution is not binding unto itself. 

Amendments to the constitution may be proposed in writing by any voting member of EmXchange at any meeting at which ⅔ of the voting members are present. 

These amendments will be placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting of the executive council or other officer grouping. 

Proposed amendments will become effective following approval of a two-thirds (⅔) majority vote of active members. 

Article VIII - Registration Renewal 

EmXchange will apply to the Graduate Student Association for registration on an annual basis.