SMU College Republicans

Constitution of the Southern Methodist University College Republicans

I. Name of Organization: College Republicans

II. Statement of Purpose:

a. SMU College Republicans exists as a part of the Texas Federation of College Republicans, a chapter of the College Republican National Committee. Its mission is to be the leading Conservative voice on SMU’s campus and foster political dialogue by providing opportunities for education and activism to SMU students.

III. Membership to College Republicans:

a. Active membership is open to all members of the SMU student body regardless of sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or national origin.

     i. These individuals will become active members by joining the organization on Orgs@SMU and Facebook and remain active members by attending meetings and events.

b. Associate membership will be extended to those non-SMU students who wish to join the organization and to those outside donors and supporters of the organization. This will assist in the fundraising process and the further integration of the organization in the DFW community.

     i. These individuals will have the same privileges as active members, but will not have the right to vote or run for the SMU College Republicans Executive Board or hold any appointed positions designed to be specific to this organization’s mission on SMU’s campus.

IV. Executive Board:

a. Positions:

     i. President

1. The President will manage chapter activities, including chapter meetings and events, oversee other Executive Board members, the Senate Liaison, and Political Committee, and lead efforts to expand the organization’s membership and voice in the SMU and DFW communities.

     ii. Vice President

1. The Vice President will assist the President, manage the details of chapter events, and oversee the Social Committee.

     iii. Treasurer

1. The Treasurer will manage chapter finances, oversee the Fundraising Committee, prepare the annual budget, and represent the organization before the SMU Student Senate Finance Committee.

     iv. Secretary

1. The Secretary will manage chapter documentation, communications, take membership attendance at chapter meetings and oversee the Social Media Coordinator.

b. Voting:

     i. Once elected, the President will propose directorship appointments and committee allocations and personnel. To be confirmed, these appointments must be approved by a majority of the remaining Executive Board members.

V. Committees & Coordinators:

a. Senate Liaison

     i. The Senate Liaison will represent the interests of the organization before the SMU Student Senate and keep the membership current on chamber activities and decisions.

b. Political Committee

     i. The Political Committee will be comprised of the President, Vice President and 3 Political Directors.

     ii. The Political Directors will be appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Executive Board in accordance to Article IV Section b.

     iii. The Political Directors are responsible for working with the President and Executive Board in facilitating and maintaining connections with the local GOP and other conservative groups.

     iv. The Political Directors will manage the Community Organizing Committee.

c. Community Organizing Committee

     i. The Community Organizing Committee will be responsible for mobilizing any political volunteer/response efforts and ensuring that there is a student presence at political events that the organization is invited to attend.

     ii. The Community Organizing Committee will report to the Political Directors who will manage this Committee in accordance to the goals and objectives set forward in the Political Committee.

d. Social Committee

     i. The Social Committee will be comprised of the President, Vice President, 2 Social Directors, and volunteers who are appointed to the Social Committee by the President and confirmed by the Executive Board.

     ii. The Social Directors will report directly to and be managed by the Vice President.

     iii. The Social Directors are responsible for planning and coordinating social events aimed at building the culture of the organization and encouraging fellowship among members. They will be aided by volunteers appointed to the committee.

     iv. The Social Committee will lead efforts in promoting, planning and executing large scale events.

e. Social Media Coordinator

     i. The Social Media Coordinator will work with the Secretary to manage the organization’s social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) to expand the reach of the organization and promote its meetings, events, and fundraising efforts.

f. Fundraising Committee

     i. The Fundraising Committee will be comprised of 2 Fundraising Directors responsible for working with the Treasurer to raise funds and build and maintain relationships with donors.

VI. Nominations and Appointments:

a. Executive Board:

     i. All active members can be nominated and/ or nominate themselves to run for the Executive Board if they meet the following requirements:

1. They have attended at least one-third of all chapter meetings and events throughout the academic year.

2. They have paid their dues.

     ii. Nominations will be accepted via online sign-up up to 72 hours before the date of elections.

     iii. Active members may be nominated for up to two positions.

b. Committees & Coordinators:

     i. All active members may be appointed to a committee or coordinator position, contingent upon their acceptance of the appointment. 

     ii. The President will make appointments following an election, which must then be confirmed by a majority of the Executive Board.

VII. Executive Board Elections:

a. The Executive Board will be elected during an April chapter meeting.

     i. All nominees will have the opportunity to give a speech under 5 minutes and respond to up to 3 questions from the chapter.

     ii. The speeches will be presented in reverse alphabetical order of last name in the following positional order: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary.

     iii. Voting will be done by paper ballot and candidates will leave the room while votes are counted.

     iv. Votes will be counted by the current president unless he/she is a nominee, in which case an active member will be chosen by the current Executive Board to count.

     v. Any nominee running for two positions will only be allowed one opportunity to speak to the chapter and answer their questions.

b. The Executive Board’s term will begin on the date of elections and end on the date of the following year’s elections.

VIII. Impeachment:

a. Executive Board

     i. Any member of the Executive Board may be impeached by a two-thirds vote of active members at a chapter meeting.

     ii. A motion to impeachment may be introduced by any active member.

     iii. If impeachment occurs, an interim election must be held within two weeks.

b. Committees & Coordinators

     i. Any individual directors, committee members, or coordinators may be removed through the voting process of the Executive Board.

IX. Meetings:

a. Executive Board meeting time and frequency will be decided by the Executive Board.

b. Committee & Coordinator meetings will be decided by a majority of the committee members.

c. Chapter meeting time and frequency will be decided by a majority of the Executive Board.

X. Constitutional Ratification and Amendment Process:

a. This constitution will be ratified by a two-thirds vote of active members and will take effect immediately upon ratification.

b. This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of active members at any chapter meeting.

     i. Amendments may be proposed by any active member and must be read as they will be included in the constitution.