SCAVMA Constitution

Article I 
Name and Authorization

Sect. 1 The name of this organization shall be the University of Missouri Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Sect. 2 The Student Chapter shall operate under an official charter granted by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Article II
Objectives

Sect. 1 To promote a spirit of friendly relations among the students enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Sect. 2 To provide additional opportunities for its members to gain professional knowledge as well as increased understanding of professional ethics and conduct.

Sect. 3 To demonstrate the virtues of organized effort.

Sect. 4 To enhance the character of its members by the recognition of creditable efforts and by the discouragement of unworthy activities.

Sect. 5 To allow its membership the opportunity to participate in programs offered to the Student Chapter by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Sect. 6 To act as a divisional governing body within the University Student Governing System, representing all students who are enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Article III
Membership

Sect. 1 Students enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine may become members of the Student Chapter.

Sect. 2 "Active" members must contribute to the financial support of the Student Chapter by: fulfilling the obligations to the concession stand, payment of dues, and regular attendance at its meetings and its activities.

Sect. 3 Any individual, not previously a member of the Student Chapter during the entire period of his eligibility, who desires membership must pay back dues, and restitution to the concession stand for years of eligibility at Missouri.

Sect. 4 Distinguished veterinarians and other prominent persons may be selected for honorary membership in the Student Chapter.

Article IV
Officers

Sect. 1 The officers of the Student Chapter shall be a president, a vice president, a secretary, a treasurer, and a deputy treasurer.

Sect. 2 Office Nominees

(a) "Active" Student Chapter members only shall be considered as nominees for Student Chapter officers.

(b) Nominees for the office of Student Chapter president shall be members of the Junior Class.

(c) The nominees for the office of Student Chapter secretary shall come from the first year class.

(d) The nominees for the office of Student Chapter vice president shall come from the second year class.

Sect. 3 All Allied Veterinary Organizations seeking funding from the Student Chapter must meet the following requirements:

(a) Have a constitution that has been read and approved by the Executive Board of the Student Chapter.

(b) All members must also be members of the Student Chapter.

(c) Present their proposals to the Finance Committee prior to the November Executive Board meeting.

Sect. 4 All nominations shall be made from the floor at the regular November Chapter Meeting. Only those nominations made from the floor of the November Chapter Meeting shall appear on the ballot for voting in December. Any active members may present nominations.

Sect. 5 Voting shall be by secret ballot with a simple majority necessary for election. Absentee ballots shall be sent, by the Election Committee, to active members on Free Blocks, and given ten (10) days for their return.

Sect. 6 The Election Committee shall be responsible for distribution, collection, and counting of the ballots at the annual election of officers.

Sect. 7 "Active" Student Chapter members only shall be privileged to vote.

Sect. 8 The term of office for each officer shall be one year or until his successor assumes the duties of the office.

Sect. 9 Duties of the officers (see By Laws).

Sect.10 When the Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer shall be absent from any meeting due to a segmented curriculum free time opportunity, he shall appoint another active member to serve in that respective office during his absence. The appointment must be approved by the Executive Board.

Sect.11 When the President shall be absent from any meeting due to a segmented curriculum free time opportunity and the elected Vice President will be present, the President shall appoint another active member to serve as Vice President while he is away. The appointment must be approved by the Executive Board.

Sect.12 When the President and Vice President shall both be absent from any meeting due to a segmented curriculum free time opportunity, they shall appoint another active member to serve in the respective office while they are away. The appointment must be approved by the Executive Board.

Article V
Meetings

Sect. 1 The annual schedule of Student Chapter regular meetings, including dates, times, and locations shall be determined by the Program Committee with approval of the Student Chapter.

Sect. 2 Special meetings may be called at any time by the Student Chapter President, with approval of the Executive Board. The time, location, and intent of special meetings shall be adequately publicized before the meetings.

Sect. 3 Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the meetings of the Student Chapter in all cases in which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the Constitution and By Laws of the Student Chapter.

Sect. 4 Any individual, member or non member of the Student Chapter, is welcome to attend Student Chapter meetings.

Article VI
Amendments

Sect. 1 The Constitution may be amended by an affirmative vote of two thirds of the members present at a regular Student Chapter meeting.

Sect. 2 Proposed constitutional amendments may be presented at any regular Student Chapter Meeting after having been presented at an Executive Board Meeting. Final action on the proposals shall not be taken prior to the following regular Student Chapter Meeting.

Sect. 3 The Student Chapter Secretary shall advise the AVMA Executive Vice President of any amendments to the Constitution. Such amendments must be approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association before they are effective.