Revised October 11, 2007

Article I - Name

                The name of this organization is the University of Missouri Herpetological Society.

Article II - Purpose

                The purpose of this organization is "to expand and deepen public and personal knowledge of reptile natural history and conservation through education, outreach, and hands-on experience."

Article III - Legalities

                Our first priority is to abide by all regulations described by the University of Missouri, in addition to all federal, state, and local laws. 

Article IV - Non-Discrimination

                This organization will not discriminate on the basis of color, race, religion, nationality, ancestory, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of any U.S. military branch.    

Article V -  Membership

                Membership will be open to any currently enrolled student or employee of the University.  Meetings will be open to the public, but membership will not.  The President and Treasurer will determine fees for being in the club.  NO SOCIETY MEMBER CAN MAKE A PROFIT OFF OF SOCIETY FUNDS!

Article VI - Removal of General Members

                Should a general member of this society prove to be liability to the safety/wellbeing of an animal, the public, the society, or the University, the Executive Board can elect to take the individual in question to trial.  Both parties of the argument will be given five minutes to present their stories/evidence before the general membership.  After both parties have presented, the general membership will vote as to whether or not the individual questioned will be able to maintain membership.   To successfully vote someone out, two-thirds of the entire membership must be present to vote.  Removal of General Members is not to be taken lightly, as all members are representatives of the University and also of the society itself.  In addition, NO movement to remove a member can be made on the basis of color, race, religion, nationality, ancestory, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of any U.S. military branch.

Article VII - Election of Officers

                1). All officers are elected until their graduation, or resignation.

                2). One-half of all the membership must be present at the election.

                3). All officers must have a minimum 2.2 GPA, and be registered for at least 6 credit hours
                     through the University of Missouri.                                   

                4). Newly elected officials assume office immediately following the election meeting. 

Article VIII  - Executive Board

                1). All elected officers shall serve on the Executive Board.

                2). Elected positions include:

                                a). President - presides over meetings, the Executive Board, and presentations.

                                b). Vice President -  assumes presidential role when President is absent, assists with presidential duties.

                                c). Secretary - responsible for all clerical work, including membership directory.

                                d). Treasurer - responsible for financial record keeping, grant proposals, etc. 

                                e). Membership Representative - keeps Executive Board informed of the membership's status and moral. 

Article IX - Removal of Officers

                Any member can make a movement to remove an officer provided there is evidence to support the removal.  Three-fourths of the TOTAL membership MUST BE PRESENT at the removal meeting, and three-fourths of those present must be in favor to vote the officer out .  If someone makes the movement to remove an official, they must also provide the name of someone else willing to fill the position and also why that person is more qualified than the officer in question.  Assuming the existing officer is voted out under the aforementioned guidelines, than the proposed officer is to be voted on immediately.  Voting the replacement into office requires the guidelines provided in Article VII.  Others interested in the replacement position can also step forward to run at that time as well.

Article X - Advisor 

                 All rules to elect the advisor are the same as electing new board members  and the advisor holds their position until 
                 retirement, resignation, or removal from the University faculty. 
                    

Article XI - Amendments to the Constitution

1). Any member of the organization may present amendments to the constitution at any    meeting.  After reading the proposed change, the proposal will be voted on.  It will require a simple majority from at least three-quarters of the entire general membership to pass.

2). Amendments to the constitution must be approved by the Coordinator of Student Organizations before becoming effective.