Preamble

We, the students interested in Conflict Transformation, Resolution, and Analysis, as well as Peace building at the Monterey Institute of International Studies (MIIS), adopt and approve this Constitution in order to formerly establish the Conflict Resolution Association (CRA) of Monterey Institute.

Article 1 – Name

1.01 The name of this club shall be Conflict Resolution Association.

Article 2 – Mission

2.01 The purpose of the Conflict Resolution Association at the Monterey Institute of International Studies shall be 1) to promote knowledge on conflict resolution (CR) studies, 2) to stimulate interest in CR field beyond that presented in the classroom, 3) to practice the mediation and facilitation skills, and 4) to inform the students with the possibilities of using the CR knowledge in future careers.

Article 3 – Membership

3.01. Membership shall be open to all MIIS students and must comply with federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, handicap, age, sexual orientation, or political or religious affiliation. Compliance with these laws means that membership, benefits, and the election of officers will not be made on the basis of these factors.
3.02. CRA shall maintain a membership of at least TEN (10) fully matriculated MIIS students.
3.03. Other members of the MIIS community (defined as current faculty, staff, administrators and alumni) may attend the Organization’s meetings and activities
3.04 The membership shall be free of charge
3.04. Membership in CRA shall be determined by attendance at two consecutive meetings of the CRA
3.05. All Members shall have equal rights and privileges with respect to membership, holding an office, and participating in the election of the Officers of CRA.

Article 4 – Advisors

4.01 The proposed advisor(s) will be elected by the members of the CRA
4.02 Appointment and/or removal of an advisor will be at the discretion of the student membership of the CRA
4.03 The Assistant Dean of Student Services will be responsible for supervision of a faculty or staff person within his or her role as club/organization advisor

Article 5 – Officers

5.01 The officers of the CRA shall be a President and a Vice-President.

Article 6 – Duties of Officers

The duties of the officers shall be as follows:
6.01 The duties of the President shall be to convene and conduct all meetings of the organization at all public occasions, to maintain the relations necessary to enable all business of the organization to be properly and effectively carried out, and to appoint all standing and special committees.
6.02 The duties of the Vice-President (VP) shall be to actively coordinate and supervise organizational committees, to assume the role of the President in all organizational functions in the event of the absence of the President.
6.03 The Vice-President shall also act as a Treasurer and be in charge of all funds of the Club. The VP shall report the financial conditions of the club to the President and the Office of Student Services at the end of the Fall and Spring Semesters.

Article 7 – Quorum and Meetings

7.01. A quorum shall exist at any Meeting of the Membership where at least FIFTY percent (50%) of the Members are in attendance.
7.02. Actions requiring a vote may only take place when a quorum is present. The Secretary shall record the votes and announce the outcome. They shall also maintain records related to the vote including
procedures for voting and the vote count.
7.03. General Meetings of CRA shall be held at least two times per semester at such time and place to be determined by the President.

Article 8 – Voting and Elections

8.01. Each Member shall have ONE (1) vote.
8.02. There shall be no absentee or proxy voting with respect to any matter.
8.03. All motions require an affirmative vote of a simple majority of the Membership to be effective.
8.04. Elections shall be held at least FOUR (4) calendar months before the end of Spring Semester each school year. At the beginning of each Spring Semester, candidates may present themselves for consideration for the offices, which are present in the previous Fall Semester. Candidates must nominate themselves at least FIVE (5) business days prior to the election in order to be considered a valid candidate. Each candidate will present his or her candidacy by formally notifying the Vice-President. There can be an unlimited number of candidates for a single office. No Member will be able to present them for more than one office.
8.05. Issues of Impeachment shall be outlined herein. Impeachment shall be considered the willingness of Members to remove an acting President or Vice-President from their position prior to a formal election or the end of their term. In order for Impeachment to be brought to a Vote, it must be motioned by a four-fifths majority of all active Members.

Article 9 – Amendments

9.01. This Constitution may be amended or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Members of the CRA.
9.02. Any amendment to this Constitution shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes.
9.03. The Constitution on file in the Office of Student Services shall be the official Constitution of SEGP.