Viking Expeditions
- Constitution -
Viking Expeditions ARTICLE I – NAME The name of this organization at Cleveland State University shall be Viking Expeditions.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE Viking Expeditions is a student-led service-learning initiative created for the purpose of providing Cleveland State University students with opportunities to expand their world view through leadership and service. Viking Expeditions shall seek to foster lifelong friendships and a lifelong commitment to service, while also meeting the needs of the global community. ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP Section 1: Membership shall be open to all currently enrolled and registered Cleveland State University students who attend at least two (2) organizational meetings per semester. Students do not have to be members of Viking Expeditions to be eligible to participate in service events or trips. Section 2: It is the policy of this organization that there shall be no discrimination in any project, program, or activity because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, handicap or disability, disable veteran, Vietnam era-veteran or other protected veteran status. Section 3: Membership shall carry full speaking and voting privileges on items of organizational business.
ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS Section 1: The officers shall consist of a President, Vice President, Administrative Chair, Finance Chair, Local Service Chair, Logistics Chair, and Public Relations Chair. The officers shall be responsible for all administrative duties of the organization, while maintaining all rights associated with membership. The elected members shall form the Executive Committee. Section 2: The President shall establish and maintain operations of the organization; call meetings; serve as official liaison to University Administration; answer for all actions of other officers/members; determine the themes each trip will address; and maintain external relations pertaining to Viking Expeditions which may include (but is not limited to) Break Away and Collegiate Challenge. Section 3: The Vice President shall work with the Executive Committee members to create a yearlong calendar; assure that all deadlines are met; coordinate mandatory pre-trip training and post-trip reflection in collaboration with the Site Leaders; foster progress within the organization; recruit, train, and mentor site leaders; and assist the President with all administrative duties and assume those duties in their absence. Section 4: The Administrative Chair shall keep accurate and detailed records of all meetings and affairs; transmit all official organization correspondences; coordinate preparation and distribution of information/ materials; update the Viking Expeditions manual; and respond to email inquiries. Section 5: The Finance Chair shall receive and distribute organization funds in accordance with University
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and State of Ohio regulations; make financial reports at appropriate meetings; coordinate fund-raising activities; work alongside the Department of Student Life and General Fee Advisory Committee to compose a budget; and coordinate (with the Logistics Chair) the budget for each individual trip which may include (but is not limited to) line-items such as food, fuel, housing, staff, tee shirts, and transportation. Section 6: The Local Service Chair shall coordinate all service within the greater Northeastern Ohio region pertaining to Viking Expeditions; coordinate monthly service activities focused on the local issues in partnership with local organizations; assist in the planning and facilitation of CSU service days; and coordinate service among groups on campus. Section 7: The Logistics Chair shall partner with the President to determine locations and themes of each trip; communicate with potential service sites; maintain service site relationships; confirm participation and reservations; develop alternatives in the event of cancellation; coordinate details of the trip which may include (but is not limited to) food, fuel, housing, and transportation; regularly update membership of changes; and evaluate service sites and partnered organizations for future trips. Section 8: The Public Relations Chair shall create and maintain all social media which may include (but is not limited to) blogs, CSU Greenroom, Facebook, Twitter, and website; design, implement, and maintain a marketing plan in accordance with the Viking Expeditions calendar and planned trips; recruit participants for Cleveland State University days of service, local service days, and service trips; utilize all available methods of advertising which may include (but is not limited to) banners, brochures, campus mailbags, flyers, and painting the rock; coordinate marketing events such as information sessions, orientation, and student organization fairs; assist in filling vacancies on trips; and portray Cleveland State University and Viking Expeditions positively on all service trips. Section 9: In addition to the Executive Committee there shall be a ratio of two (2) Site Leaders per ten (10) participants (or at minimum two Site Leaders per trip) and one (1) Site Leader per ten (10) participants for local service trips. Site Leaders shall be required to submit an application with essays. Applicants may also be asked to attend an interview session or submit recommendations or references upon request. The Executive Committee and organization advisor(s) shall select the best applicants. In the event that there is an insufficient number of eligible or qualified candidates, Executive Committee members may serve as Site Leaders. Site Leaders are expected to abide by all rules and regulations set forth for participants. Site Leaders shall attend mandatory training prior to all trips; work collaboratively with the Vice President to develop participant training and post-trip reflection; and assist Logistics Chair in coordinating elements of the trip (based on needs). During service trips the Site Leaders shall motivate trip participants; delegate responsibilities on service sites (such as cleaning, cooking, and logistical tasks); plan and facilitate reflection and teambuilding exercises; coordinate daily transportation needs; work with participants to arrange entertainment both on site and within the community being served; manage conflicts, issues, or problems that arise; contact University staff when appropriate; maintain open communication and healthy relationships with partnering organizations while on trips; and uphold the policies of Cleveland State University, Viking Expeditions, and the respective trip organizations. Section 10: The elected officers and site leaders must meet all requirements for holding office as stated in the CSU “Student Organizations: Policies, Procedures and Guidelines” document.
ARTICLE V – OFFICER SELECTION Section 1: Eligible candidates for the Executive Committee shall have, at the time of application, 8 hours and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 for undergraduates and law students and 3.0 for graduate students. All candidates for Executive Committee shall maintain throughout the term of office 12 hours per semester and a 2.50 grade point average as an undergraduate and 8 hours and a 3.0 grade point average per semester for graduate and law students. Section 2: The annual selection process will be held between the 10th and 13th weeks of the spring semester. The
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term of office begins on the first day of the 14th week of the spring semester and will end on the same day of the following year. Section 3: Applications will be made available by the Executive Committee for a period of three weeks. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview session or submit recommendations or references. At the conclusion of the 13th week of the spring semester, the selection committee will convene to review the applications. The selection committee shall be composed of at least one (1) representative from the following bodies: the active membership, Executive Committee (out-going member), Department of Student Life, advisor(s) of Viking Expeditions, and the Student Government Association. The selection committee will choose from qualified applicants the new Executive Committee. Section 4: The order of succession is as follows: (1) President, (2) Vice President, (3) Administrative Chair, (4) Finance Chair, (5) Local Service Chair, (6) Logistics Chair, and (7) Public Relations Chair. Section 5: Vacancies occurring in a selected office shall be filled within three weeks. The order of succession is followed to fill a vacant position, acknowledging that an officer may decline the option to succeed. Subsequent to pursuing the order of succession, any vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by using the selection process as outlined in Article V, Section 3.
ARTICLE VI – APPOINTMENTS The President may appoint, with a majority vote from the Executive Committee, such positions (e.g. associates) as may contribute to the successful operation of the organization. The establishment of new Executive Committee positions shall require constitutional revision per Article XIII.
ARTICLE VII – REMOVAL FROM OFFICE AND/OR MEMBERSHIP Removal from office and/or membership may occur by a 2/3 vote of active members present at an official meeting. Removal can transpire for failure to carry out the prescribed duties of an office or for actions which violate the purposes or policies of the organization. Written charges must be submitted to the Executive Committee who will notify the member in question within three (3) days. The Executive Committee must be provided at least one (1) week of notice prior to a pending removal vote. Prior to removal vote, the member in question must be offered an opportunity to respond to charges at a specified general membership meeting. Voting for removal is conducted by secret ballot at an official meeting held within two (2) weeks from the date charges were received by the Executive Committee. The member in question must be notified within two (2) days of the vote.
ARTICLE VIII – ADVISOR Section 1: The Viking Expeditions Advisor(s) shall be a full-time faculty or staff member of the Department of Student Life or his/her designee. The Advisor shall possess a commitment to Cleveland State University, community service, and service-learning. Section 2: The length of term for the Advisor(s) shall be contingent upon the individual’s employment at Cleveland State University, interest in supporting Viking Expeditions, and organizational support for the Advisor(s). Section 3: The role of the Advisor(s) is to provide guidance, oversee operations, and assist students in all aspects of Viking Expeditions. The Advisor(s) may be called upon to lend their expertise on the matter of servicelearning.
ARTICLE IX – MEETINGS Section 1: General Membership meetings shall be held at least once per month, with additional meetings called by the President as needed. At least one week of notice regarding additional meetings must be given to all
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organization members. The official means of notifying members shall be agreed upon at the first meeting of each semester. Section 2: Meetings of the Executive Committee will take place twice per month, with additional meetings being called by the President as needed. At least three (3) days of notice regarding additional meetings must be given to all Executive Committee members. The official means of notifying Executive Committee members shall be agreed upon at the first official Executive Committee meeting. Section 3: No formal/official business may be conducted at a General Membership or Executive Committee meeting without a simple majority of members.
ARTICLE X – SERVICE FUNDING COMMITTEE (Applicable upon General Fee status recognition) Section 1: Viking Expeditions shall act as the umbrella funding organization for all recognized CSU student organizations seeking to perform service in the community. Viking Expeditions shall be available to advise organizations on service opportunities in consultation with the Center for Leadership and Service. Viking Expeditions shall work to foster collaboration among student organizations. Viking Expeditions shall provide funding to recognized CSU student organizations to aid them in performing their community service. Section 2: The Service-Funding Committee shall be responsible for drafting and maintaining financial guidelines, in accordance with CSU policy, for the allocation of funds to recognized active student organizations for the purposes of performing community service and conducting general service-learning. The ServiceFunding Committee shall include at least 4 of the 7 members of the Viking Expeditions Executive Committee, organization advisor (or designee) and may include the Student Government Association Treasurer and additional voting members to be appointed by the Viking Expeditions President. The Service-Funding Committee shall provide a recommendation for allocation to the Viking Expedition general members. A simple majority vote of active members present at an official meeting shall be required to ratify said recommendation. Two week notice must be given to general members prior to a vote being held
ARTICLE XI – OPERATIONS MANUAL The Viking Expeditions Operations Manual shall exist as a separate procedural document from this Constitution. It is explicitly stated that the contents of this Constitution supersede the Viking Expeditions Operations Manual in cases of conflict between the two documents. The Operations Manual may include miscellaneous detail, procedural policy clarification, updated Service Funding Committee Guidelines, and position descriptions. The Operations Manual may be revised with a 2/3 vote of active members present at an official meeting. Two week notice must be given to general members prior to a vote being held. Revisions of the Operations Manual shall not be defined as constitutional change, and will not require approval from the Faculty Senate Student Life Committee or the Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE XII – FUNDING Section 1: Membership dues may be charged. The amount to be charged for each semester or year, as well as payment deadlines, will be determined at the first meeting of the Fall Semester.. Membership dues are collected by the Finance Chair. Section 2: The organization may undertake fund raisers for purposes that support the mission of the organization. All fund raising shall be conducted in accordance with University policies. Section 3: Trip costs are an individual responsibility, but can be offset by group fundraising opportunities and subsidized funds from the university.
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ARTICLE XIII – CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION Section 1: Any revision of this constitution – including change of organizational bylaws – shall be approved by a 2/3 vote of active members present at an official meeting. Section 2: Once approved by the membership, any constitutional revision – including change of bylaws – shall be submitted to the CSU Faculty Senate Student Life Committee for final approval.
ARTICLE XIV – JURISDICTION This organization is subject, as a recognized student organization, to the rules, regulations, and policies of Cleveland State University and the laws of the State of Ohio. The rules, regulations, and policies of Cleveland State University shall hold precedence over all rules, regulations, and policies applying to the organization, including those of national associations with which Viking Expeditions is affiliated. Date of Approval by Faculty Senate Student Life Committee: _________
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Viking Expeditions ARTICLE I – NAME The name of this organization at Cleveland State University shall be Viking Expeditions.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE Viking Expeditions is a student-led service-learning initiative created for the purpose of providing Cleveland State University students with opportunities to expand their world view through leadership and service. Viking Expeditions shall seek to foster lifelong friendships and a lifelong commitment to service, while also meeting the needs of the global community. ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP Section 1: Membership shall be open to all currently enrolled and registered Cleveland State University students who attend at least two (2) organizational meetings per semester. Students do not have to be members of Viking Expeditions to be eligible to participate in service events or trips. Section 2: It is the policy of this organization that there shall be no discrimination in any project, program, or activity because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, handicap or disability, disable veteran, Vietnam era-veteran or other protected veteran status. Section 3: Membership shall carry full speaking and voting privileges on items of organizational business.
ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS Section 1: The officers shall consist of a President, Vice President, Administrative Chair, Finance Chair, Local Service Chair, Logistics Chair, and Public Relations Chair. The officers shall be responsible for all administrative duties of the organization, while maintaining all rights associated with membership. The elected members shall form the Executive Committee. Section 2: The President shall establish and maintain operations of the organization; call meetings; serve as official liaison to University Administration; answer for all actions of other officers/members; determine the themes each trip will address; and maintain external relations pertaining to Viking Expeditions which may include (but is not limited to) Break Away and Collegiate Challenge. Section 3: The Vice President shall work with the Executive Committee members to create a yearlong calendar; assure that all deadlines are met; coordinate mandatory pre-trip training and post-trip reflection in collaboration with the Site Leaders; foster progress within the organization; recruit, train, and mentor site leaders; and assist the President with all administrative duties and assume those duties in their absence. Section 4: The Administrative Chair shall keep accurate and detailed records of all meetings and affairs; transmit all official organization correspondences; coordinate preparation and distribution of information/ materials; update the Viking Expeditions manual; and respond to email inquiries. Section 5: The Finance Chair shall receive and distribute organization funds in accordance with University
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and State of Ohio regulations; make financial reports at appropriate meetings; coordinate fund-raising activities; work alongside the Department of Student Life and General Fee Advisory Committee to compose a budget; and coordinate (with the Logistics Chair) the budget for each individual trip which may include (but is not limited to) line-items such as food, fuel, housing, staff, tee shirts, and transportation. Section 6: The Local Service Chair shall coordinate all service within the greater Northeastern Ohio region pertaining to Viking Expeditions; coordinate monthly service activities focused on the local issues in partnership with local organizations; assist in the planning and facilitation of CSU service days; and coordinate service among groups on campus. Section 7: The Logistics Chair shall partner with the President to determine locations and themes of each trip; communicate with potential service sites; maintain service site relationships; confirm participation and reservations; develop alternatives in the event of cancellation; coordinate details of the trip which may include (but is not limited to) food, fuel, housing, and transportation; regularly update membership of changes; and evaluate service sites and partnered organizations for future trips. Section 8: The Public Relations Chair shall create and maintain all social media which may include (but is not limited to) blogs, CSU Greenroom, Facebook, Twitter, and website; design, implement, and maintain a marketing plan in accordance with the Viking Expeditions calendar and planned trips; recruit participants for Cleveland State University days of service, local service days, and service trips; utilize all available methods of advertising which may include (but is not limited to) banners, brochures, campus mailbags, flyers, and painting the rock; coordinate marketing events such as information sessions, orientation, and student organization fairs; assist in filling vacancies on trips; and portray Cleveland State University and Viking Expeditions positively on all service trips. Section 9: In addition to the Executive Committee there shall be a ratio of two (2) Site Leaders per ten (10) participants (or at minimum two Site Leaders per trip) and one (1) Site Leader per ten (10) participants for local service trips. Site Leaders shall be required to submit an application with essays. Applicants may also be asked to attend an interview session or submit recommendations or references upon request. The Executive Committee and organization advisor(s) shall select the best applicants. In the event that there is an insufficient number of eligible or qualified candidates, Executive Committee members may serve as Site Leaders. Site Leaders are expected to abide by all rules and regulations set forth for participants. Site Leaders shall attend mandatory training prior to all trips; work collaboratively with the Vice President to develop participant training and post-trip reflection; and assist Logistics Chair in coordinating elements of the trip (based on needs). During service trips the Site Leaders shall motivate trip participants; delegate responsibilities on service sites (such as cleaning, cooking, and logistical tasks); plan and facilitate reflection and teambuilding exercises; coordinate daily transportation needs; work with participants to arrange entertainment both on site and within the community being served; manage conflicts, issues, or problems that arise; contact University staff when appropriate; maintain open communication and healthy relationships with partnering organizations while on trips; and uphold the policies of Cleveland State University, Viking Expeditions, and the respective trip organizations. Section 10: The elected officers and site leaders must meet all requirements for holding office as stated in the CSU “Student Organizations: Policies, Procedures and Guidelines” document.
ARTICLE V – OFFICER SELECTION Section 1: Eligible candidates for the Executive Committee shall have, at the time of application, 8 hours and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50 for undergraduates and law students and 3.0 for graduate students. All candidates for Executive Committee shall maintain throughout the term of office 12 hours per semester and a 2.50 grade point average as an undergraduate and 8 hours and a 3.0 grade point average per semester for graduate and law students. Section 2: The annual selection process will be held between the 10th and 13th weeks of the spring semester. The
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term of office begins on the first day of the 14th week of the spring semester and will end on the same day of the following year. Section 3: Applications will be made available by the Executive Committee for a period of three weeks. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview session or submit recommendations or references. At the conclusion of the 13th week of the spring semester, the selection committee will convene to review the applications. The selection committee shall be composed of at least one (1) representative from the following bodies: the active membership, Executive Committee (out-going member), Department of Student Life, advisor(s) of Viking Expeditions, and the Student Government Association. The selection committee will choose from qualified applicants the new Executive Committee. Section 4: The order of succession is as follows: (1) President, (2) Vice President, (3) Administrative Chair, (4) Finance Chair, (5) Local Service Chair, (6) Logistics Chair, and (7) Public Relations Chair. Section 5: Vacancies occurring in a selected office shall be filled within three weeks. The order of succession is followed to fill a vacant position, acknowledging that an officer may decline the option to succeed. Subsequent to pursuing the order of succession, any vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term by using the selection process as outlined in Article V, Section 3.
ARTICLE VI – APPOINTMENTS The President may appoint, with a majority vote from the Executive Committee, such positions (e.g. associates) as may contribute to the successful operation of the organization. The establishment of new Executive Committee positions shall require constitutional revision per Article XIII.
ARTICLE VII – REMOVAL FROM OFFICE AND/OR MEMBERSHIP Removal from office and/or membership may occur by a 2/3 vote of active members present at an official meeting. Removal can transpire for failure to carry out the prescribed duties of an office or for actions which violate the purposes or policies of the organization. Written charges must be submitted to the Executive Committee who will notify the member in question within three (3) days. The Executive Committee must be provided at least one (1) week of notice prior to a pending removal vote. Prior to removal vote, the member in question must be offered an opportunity to respond to charges at a specified general membership meeting. Voting for removal is conducted by secret ballot at an official meeting held within two (2) weeks from the date charges were received by the Executive Committee. The member in question must be notified within two (2) days of the vote.
ARTICLE VIII – ADVISOR Section 1: The Viking Expeditions Advisor(s) shall be a full-time faculty or staff member of the Department of Student Life or his/her designee. The Advisor shall possess a commitment to Cleveland State University, community service, and service-learning. Section 2: The length of term for the Advisor(s) shall be contingent upon the individual’s employment at Cleveland State University, interest in supporting Viking Expeditions, and organizational support for the Advisor(s). Section 3: The role of the Advisor(s) is to provide guidance, oversee operations, and assist students in all aspects of Viking Expeditions. The Advisor(s) may be called upon to lend their expertise on the matter of servicelearning.
ARTICLE IX – MEETINGS Section 1: General Membership meetings shall be held at least once per month, with additional meetings called by the President as needed. At least one week of notice regarding additional meetings must be given to all
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organization members. The official means of notifying members shall be agreed upon at the first meeting of each semester. Section 2: Meetings of the Executive Committee will take place twice per month, with additional meetings being called by the President as needed. At least three (3) days of notice regarding additional meetings must be given to all Executive Committee members. The official means of notifying Executive Committee members shall be agreed upon at the first official Executive Committee meeting. Section 3: No formal/official business may be conducted at a General Membership or Executive Committee meeting without a simple majority of members.
ARTICLE X – SERVICE FUNDING COMMITTEE (Applicable upon General Fee status recognition) Section 1: Viking Expeditions shall act as the umbrella funding organization for all recognized CSU student organizations seeking to perform service in the community. Viking Expeditions shall be available to advise organizations on service opportunities in consultation with the Center for Leadership and Service. Viking Expeditions shall work to foster collaboration among student organizations. Viking Expeditions shall provide funding to recognized CSU student organizations to aid them in performing their community service. Section 2: The Service-Funding Committee shall be responsible for drafting and maintaining financial guidelines, in accordance with CSU policy, for the allocation of funds to recognized active student organizations for the purposes of performing community service and conducting general service-learning. The ServiceFunding Committee shall include at least 4 of the 7 members of the Viking Expeditions Executive Committee, organization advisor (or designee) and may include the Student Government Association Treasurer and additional voting members to be appointed by the Viking Expeditions President. The Service-Funding Committee shall provide a recommendation for allocation to the Viking Expedition general members. A simple majority vote of active members present at an official meeting shall be required to ratify said recommendation. Two week notice must be given to general members prior to a vote being held
ARTICLE XI – OPERATIONS MANUAL The Viking Expeditions Operations Manual shall exist as a separate procedural document from this Constitution. It is explicitly stated that the contents of this Constitution supersede the Viking Expeditions Operations Manual in cases of conflict between the two documents. The Operations Manual may include miscellaneous detail, procedural policy clarification, updated Service Funding Committee Guidelines, and position descriptions. The Operations Manual may be revised with a 2/3 vote of active members present at an official meeting. Two week notice must be given to general members prior to a vote being held. Revisions of the Operations Manual shall not be defined as constitutional change, and will not require approval from the Faculty Senate Student Life Committee or the Board of Trustees.
ARTICLE XII – FUNDING Section 1: Membership dues may be charged. The amount to be charged for each semester or year, as well as payment deadlines, will be determined at the first meeting of the Fall Semester.. Membership dues are collected by the Finance Chair. Section 2: The organization may undertake fund raisers for purposes that support the mission of the organization. All fund raising shall be conducted in accordance with University policies. Section 3: Trip costs are an individual responsibility, but can be offset by group fundraising opportunities and subsidized funds from the university.
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ARTICLE XIII – CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION Section 1: Any revision of this constitution – including change of organizational bylaws – shall be approved by a 2/3 vote of active members present at an official meeting. Section 2: Once approved by the membership, any constitutional revision – including change of bylaws – shall be submitted to the CSU Faculty Senate Student Life Committee for final approval.
ARTICLE XIV – JURISDICTION This organization is subject, as a recognized student organization, to the rules, regulations, and policies of Cleveland State University and the laws of the State of Ohio. The rules, regulations, and policies of Cleveland State University shall hold precedence over all rules, regulations, and policies applying to the organization, including those of national associations with which Viking Expeditions is affiliated. Date of Approval by Faculty Senate Student Life Committee: _________
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