Article 1: Name
The name of the organization shall be "American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association- University of Florida Student Chapter."
Article 2: Objectives
The objectives of this organization shall be:
1. To advance holistic veterinary medicine.
2. To provide veterinary students with educational opportunities in holistic veterinary medicine and related subjects.
3. To make available to student chapter members an affiliation with the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.
4. To enhance leadership characteristics in its members through organization as a student club.
5. To promote camaraderie among veterinary students with an interest in holistic veterinary medicine.
6. To act as a liaison between practicing holistic veterinarians and veterinary students at the University of Florida.
Article 3: Membership
1. To be a member in good standing, the following standards must be met:
a. A member must be a veterinary student currently enrolled in classes at the University of Florida.
b. Members must be current on their annual dues.
c. Members must attend at least one club meeting per semester.
2. The Chapter may elect honorary members.
3. Membership shall not be restricted on the basis of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability.
Article 4: Officers
1. The officers of the Chapter shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
2. The officers shall be chosen in accordance with the bylaws.
Article 5: Amendments
1. Proposed amendments shall be presented in writing to the Chapter at a regularly scheduled meeting prior to the meeting at which final action is to be taken.
2. Passage of an amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Chapter at a meeting in which a quorum is present.
Article 6: Relations with the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
1. The Chapter shall operate under an official charter granted by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.
2. The Chapter shall be self-governing in all matters not in conflict with the provisions of this constitution.
Article 1: Term of Office
The term of office for all officers shall be one calendar year from January 1 through December 31.
Article 2: The President
1. The president shall be the chief executive officer of the Chapter.
2. Duties:
a. The president shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter.
b. The president shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.
c. The president shall appoint members to all committees.
d. The president shall explain the objectives of the student Chapter to the first year class at the beginning of each fall semester.
Article 3: The Vice-President
1. Duties:
a. The vice-president shall act as chairperson of the program committee and shall be responsible for scheduling facilities for Chapter meetings and other club activities.
b. The vice-president shall preside at Chapter meetings in the absence of the president and shall take over the responsibilities of the president should he or she be unable to complete their term of office.
Article 4: The Secretary
1. Duties:
a. The secretary shall determine the number of members in attendance and record the minutes of the Chapter meetings.
b. The secretary shall post the minutes of each Chapter meeting at least one week prior to the next Chapter meeting.
c. The secretary shall be responsible for maintaining a permanent file of the Chapter's business.
Article 5: The Treasurer
1. Duties:
a. The treasurer shall be the sole custodian of the cash resources of the Chapter. He or she shall keep a detailed account of these funds and make such disbursements as the Chapter may direct.
b. The treasurer and the president shall be the sole purchasing agents of the Chapter.
c. The treasurer shall be responsible for collecting dues and other funds and issuing receipts.
d. The treasurer shall file a written report at the end of their term detailing the past year's transactions.
Article 6: Class Representatives
1. The Chapter will elect four class representatives, one from each class present at the veterinary school.
2. Duties:
a. The class representative shall act as a liaison between their class and the Chapter.
b. The class representative shall be responsible for advising their class of Chapter activities and presentations.
Article 7: Faculty Advisor
1. At least one faculty advisor shall be selected by the Chapter.
2. The faculty advisor shall serve as a non-voting advisor to the Chapter and as a liaison between the Chapter and faculty.
3. A faculty advisor's term of office shall be one calendar year and may be renewed by the Chapter.
Article 8: Elections
1. All officers shall be elected by ballot in accordance with customary parliamentary procedures.
2. All officers and class representatives shall be elected by written or oral ballot at the last meeting of the fall semester and shall assume the responsibilities of their position at the first meeting of the spring semester.
3. Officer nominations shall be made at the meeting immediately prior to the meeting at which elections are to take place.
4. Only Chapter members in good standing shall have voting privileges.
5. Fifty percent of membership shall be considered a quorum for the election of officers or the passage of amendments to the constitution. If a quorum is not present at an election meeting, written ballots shall be distributed to the membership for collection and tabulation.
6. A majority vote shall be required for election.
Article 9: Meetings
1. Meetings shall occur at least monthly during the school year.
2. Special meetings may be called at any time by the president and shall be announced at least 48 hours in advance.
3. Twenty-five percent of the membership of the Chapter shall be considered a quorum for the transaction of business or the election of class representatives of faculty advisors.
4. A majority vote shall be required to pass a motion.
Article 10: Order of Business
1. Order of business:
a. Call to order.
b. Number in attendance.
c. Reading of the minutes.
d. Programs.
e. Treasurer's report.
f. Committee reports.
g. Unfinished business.
h. New business.
i. Nominations or elections of officers.
j. Appointments.
k. Announcements.
l. Adjournment.
2. The president, with the approval of the members present, may modify the order of business.
3. In any matter where both the Constitution and By-Laws do not provide instruction, the Chapter shall employ 'Roberts Rules of Order' as a guide. The vice-president or another appointed member will serve as parliamentarian in cases of dispute.
Article 11: Committees
1. The president shall appoint the chairperson of any committees deemed necessary by the Chapter and shall be responsible for filling vacancies as they may occur.
2. Committee members shall be volunteers.
3. Program committee
a. The vice-president shall serve as chairperson of the program committee.
b. The program committee shall consist of the vice-president and volunteers.
c. Members of the program committee shall be responsible for planning programs and other activities determined by the membership.
4. Other committees may be formed as deemed necessary by the Chapter membership.