Section 1:

This organization shall be known as “The Caribbean Students Organization,” or C.S.O.

ARTICLE  II

Section 1:

It shall be the objective of this organization to promote the diversity and uniqueness of the Caribbean culture while promoting unity through respect for said diversity.

Section 2:

It shall be the objective of this organization to educate the university population about the Caribbean, Caribbean cultures, their peoples, and their culture.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1:

Membership shall be open to all currently enrolled students, and alumnae of the University of Houston.

Section 2:

Membership in this organization shall not be discriminated on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, or handicap.

Section 3:

Upon satisfying the following:

(a)

Payment of dues in the amount of $10 per year and,    

(b)

Attendance of three C.S.O. general meetings per semester, or one C.S.O sponsored, or co-sponsored event per semester, general members shall be considered active members.

Section 4:

Only active members will be eligible to vote in C.S.O. elections and by-elections.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 1:

The executive officers shall consist of, one president, one vice-president, one secretary, one treasurer, and one public relations officer.

Section 2:

Officers of the C.S.O should:

(a)

Have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5 and may no be on scholastic or conduct probation during his/her term in office.

(b)

Be currently enrolled at the University of Houston, and been active members of the organization for at least one semester.

(c)

The president of C.S.O. must be a native of the Caribbean or be of Caribbean parentage.

Section 3:

Officers may be elected to a second term of office but may not serve in the same position for more than two years.

Section 4:

An officer may be removed from office if a vote of NO CONFIDENCE is passed against him/her by a simple majority vote of those present at a regular bi-weekly general meeting.

Section 5:

Officer resignations shall take effect after a minimum of two weeks written notification has been presented to the organization’s general meeting.

ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES

Section 1:

Executive officers shall create committees as deemed necessary by executives.

Section 2:

Active members may suggest the creation of committees only by conferring with an officer.  It is then up to that officer to confer with the other executives.  

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS

Section 1:

Regular meeting shall be held at least twice per month in the University Center.

Section 2:

Special meetings may be called at anytime and place agreed to by a majority of active members, or by executive consensus.  

Section 3:

General meetings may be scheduled on a more regular basis with the agreement of a majority of active members.

ARTICLE VII – ELECTIONS/BY ELECTIONS

Section 1:

The officers of C.S.O. shall be elected during the month of January of each year, and shall take office at the beginning of the spring semester of the said year.

Section 2:

By-election of officers may be held with a minimum of two weeks notice.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION

Section 1:

This constitution may be amended by a simple majority vote of active members present.

Section 2:

The rules of this constitution may be waived for a meeting, or a portion thereof by a simple majority vote of active members present.

ARTICLE IX – BY-LAWS

Section 1:

Duties of officers shall consist of:

(a)

President:  The President shall be the Chief Executive of the organization and shall preside at all general meetings.  He/she shall direct all necessary transactions and monitor all organizational plans.  He/she shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating in which he/she takes no part.  He/she shall sign all written instruments and co-sign all promissory notes.  The President or other presiding officer shall not vote except for a voting deadlock.  Upon recommendations of officers the President shall appoint committee chairpersons.  Special emergency actions may be taken by the President in accordance with need, interest, and particular issues that are important to the Organization, providing a speedy decision is needed.  All such actions shall be reported at the earliest general meeting.

(b)

Vice-President:  The Vice-President shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the president and shall be ready to assist the president at any time, for duties assigned by the president.  The Vice President shall preside at all special and committee meeting.  In addition he/she shall be made responsible for any specific task, assigned by the President or the organization, which has clear objectives and timetable for accomplishment.

(c)

Secretary:  The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all proceeding of the membership.  The secretary shall read the minutes of prior general meetings, and summary list of all actions taken by committees meetings.  The Secretary shall also read the minutes of prior officers’ meeting.  The Secretary shall amend to all correspondence, act as custodian for all current organization records and files, keep up-to-date membership lists and attendance records, and serve notice of meetings, of committees and of membership.  Said officer shall accept the nominating ballots for all elections and shall have charge of all records except current financial.

(d)

Treasurer:  The Treasurer shall keep a faithful and up-to-date record of all monies received and disbursed and report same to each regular meeting.  The Treasurer shall be someone who is “bondable” he/she shall be prepared to give a detailed report at any time to the officers of the organization he/she shall submit the financial records of the organization to the president two weeks before the term of his/her office expires.  He/she shall cooperate with the Audit Committee and request an audit before turning the books over to the new Treasurer.  He/she shall bring the checkbook to each regular meeting and secure the necessary signatures and complete checks for all expenditures authorized at each regular meeting.  The Treasurer shall propose a balanced budget to the officers reflecting contemplated income and disbursements for the ensuing year.  In the absence of the President and Vice President, the Treasurer shall preside over the proceedings of general and committee meetings.