SOCIETY FOR GEOSPATIAL SCIENCES (SGS),
FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY CHAPTER OF
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING (ASPRS)
CONSTITUTION

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Article I. Name

The name of this organization shall be the Society for Geospatial Sciences, Florida State University Chapter of the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, a registered student organization, herein referred to as SGS.

Article II. Purpose

Section 1. SGS shall promote the knowledge and understanding of the geospatial sciences.

Section 2. The Society is dedicated to serving the academic and professional objectives of its members, aiding in the development of individuals with the characteristics fundamental to the successful pursuit of a career in the geospatial industries.

Section 3. SGS shall promote the involvement and recognition of the Florida State University by integrating students, faculty and professionals from the local to the national level.

Section 4. SGS shall serve the official student chapter of the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) at the Florida State University.

Article III. Membership

Section 1. Membership Statement

SGS membership shall be comprised of two membership classifications, active member and associate member. An active member must be a Florida State University student who is also a member of ASPRS. Active members are eligible to vote and hold office. An associate member must be a Florida State University student who has an interest in the geospatial sciences. Associate members are not eligible to vote or hold office until they advance to SGS active membership status.

Section 2. Recruitment

Recruitment shall take place throughout the year and membership is open at all times.

Section 3. Revocation

Membership may be revoked without mutual agreement for non-participation, misconduct, or violations of any provisions of the Constitution. The member will be notified in writing of the possible revocation at least 5 business days prior to the vote and will be permitted to address the SGS membership in his or her defense prior to the voting for removal. Membership can only be revoked upon a 2/3 majority vote of the active membership. In the event of a tie, the faculty advisor shall be the deciding vote.

Section 4. Appeal Process

Any student whose membership is revoked will have five (5) business days to appeal the revocation. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the President and Secretary, and must include any relevant information that has not already been presented. The President will then submit the appeal to the appeals committee. This committee shall consist of the faculty advisor, three (3) officers and three (3) active members. The committee will render a final decision at the next general meeting or in five (5) business days, whichever occurs first.

Section 5. No university student may be denied membership on the basis of race, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, disability, or the inability to pay dues. No hazing or discrimination will be used as a condition of membership in this organization

Article IV. Officers

Section 1. Officers and Selection

SGS shall be governed by an Executive Board consisting of a President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a Communications Officer. The membership shall conduct a nomination of officers at the last membership meeting of the spring semester. Nominated candidates shall then be eligible to address the membership before a vote. Officers shall be instated with a 2/3 vote of active members. The President office shall be the only exception, which will be assumed at the beginning of the new term by the existing President-Elect. Any active member is eligible for an officer position. These new officers shall be installed and assume their offices at the beginning of the new term, summer semester, and serve for one year.

Section 2. President

The President shall conduct all meetings and shall serve as the primary representative for SGS. The president is responsible for leading the organization in a positive and productive direction and for encouraging spirit and motivation among the membership. The President shall coordinate with ASPRS and the ASPRS Florida Region, and assure that SGS adheres to the bylaws of the national ASPRS. The President shall be responsible for assuring that all information, contacts and objectives maintain the property of SGS and shall be passed on to the President-Elect at the end of the president’s term. The term of the President shall be one year thereafter.

Section 3. President-Elect

The President-Elect shall perform the duties of the president in his/her absence. The President-Elect is responsible for conducting a membership drive each Fall and Spring semester.

Section 4. Vice President

The Vice President shall oversee planning for activities and projects of the organization and oversee any ad hoc committees created by the membership and approved by the Executive Board.

Section 5. Secretary

The Secretary shall keep records of all meetings and activities of SGS. He/she shall take attendance at all events and shall be responsible for advertising upcoming meetings, events and information related to the organization.

Section 6. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall maintain all financial records and administer all accounts of the organization. The Treasurer shall create a budget each semester and make monthly reports to the organization.

Section 7. Communications Officer

The Communications Officer shall maintain all internet communications, advertisements, websites, groups and web-logs initiated by the SGS membership and/or officers.

Section 7. Resignation and Removal

If a member is not able to complete his/her term in office for any reason, a resignation must be submitted in writing two weeks prior to the following membership meeting. A new officer will be appointed to complete the term by the organization Executive Board. If need arises to remove a member from office, fifty percent of the membership plus one or more persons must come to a consensus of that need, and replace the officer within one month through the use of nomination and election.

Article V. Advisor

The advisor shall be an active member of ASPRS and registered with the national Society as faculty advisor for SGS, FSU Chapter of ASPRS. The advisor position has no term limit other than he/she must be a current FSU faculty member. The advisor shall serve as a mentor to the organization providing guidance to the officers and members.

Article VI. Finances

No university student may be denied membership due to inability to pay dues. If a member is not able to pay dues, other arrangements will be made.

Article VII. Publications

The President and President-Elect must approve all non-routine communications.

Article VIII. Amendments

Amendments or issues not specifically addressed in this constitution may be decided with a 2/3 vote of the active membership. A quorum of over 50% is required for voting.

Article IX. Bylaws

This Constitution enables the SGS Officers to determine a set of Bylaws under which it desires to conduct its affairs. Bylaws may be amended by a quorum vote of the Officers. All active members shall have the power to initiate or repeal any Bylaw provision.

© 2007 Society for Geospatial Sciences