THIS CONSTITUTION IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVISION

CONSTITUTION OF RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION (RHA)
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
BROOKINGS, SD

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this organization shall be South Dakota State University Residence Hall Association, hereafter referred to as RHA.

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ARTICLE II. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: RHA is a student run organization which promotes unity and leadership in the residence halls.

SECTION 1.
RHA will involve hall and complex residents in improving quality of the residence hall living and learning environment.

SECTION 2.
RHA will serve as an organization that supports community living within the residence halls.

SECTION 3.
RHA will establish and maintain open lines of communication between the residence halls through meetings, posting of minutes, and welcoming and encouraging attendance at general meetings.

SECTION 4.
RHA will provide a positive leadership experience for its active members.

SECTION 5.
RHA will promote through actions our appreciation for diversity, regardless of differences in race/color, religion/creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, sexual preference, age or ability.

SECTION 6.
It is the responsibility of the RHA members to know and abide by the Student Code of South Dakota State University.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

All students living in the residence halls are a member of RHA.

SECTION 1
Members shall enjoy all the rights, privileges, honor, limitations and restrictions bestowed upon them through the RHA Constitution, Department of Residential Life policies, and the SDSU Student Code.

SECTION 2
RHA will accept new members without regard to race/color, religion/creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, sexual preference, age or ability..

SECTION 3
Active members of RHA shall include the executive board, appointed RHA Liaisons from each residence hall government, and other residents who regularly attend general meetings.

SECTION 4
In-active members include students of the total membership that do not regularly participate in RHA meetings and events.

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ARTICLE IV: EXECUTIVE BOARD:The Executive Board is an elected group of students with the task of being the leadership team for RHA.

SECTION 1
The elected positions include President, Vice-President, NCC/Secretary, NCC/Treasurer, Programmer(s), and Public Relations Director.

SECTION 2
All executive positions shall be elected by a majority vote of the total membership.

SECTION 3
The term of office is for one calendar year, from April to April.

SECTION 4
All positions must be filled by residence hall students.

SECTION 5
All members of the executive board must be in good academic standing, maintaining at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

SECTION 6
All members of the executive board must be in good judicial standing with South Dakota State University.

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ARTICLE V. ADVISOR: The advisor to RHA is a full-time member of the Residential Life staff.

SECTION 1
The advisor shall be appointed by the Department of Residential Life.

SECTION 2
The advisor shall be ex-officio, a non-voting member to RHA.

SECTION 3

The advisor will serve the length of their employment with SDSU or until another advisor is appointed by the Department of Residential Life.

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ARTICLE VI. RHA MEETINGS:RHA will hold regular general and executive board meetings.

SECTION 1.
All RHA meetings shall be open to the public.

SECTION 2.
General meetings shall be held every other week during the academic school year, general meetings include all active members and any other students living in the residence halls that wish to participate.

SECTION 3
Executive board meetings shall be held the weeks opposite of general meetings during the academic school year.

SECTION 4
RHA meetings will be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.

SECTION 5
Time and location of meetings will be announced at the beginning of each semester.

SECTION 6
The executive board and advisor have the authority to call a special meeting and will notify the active members within 48 hours.

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ARTICLE VII. FINANCES: RHA has the charge of acting fiscally responsible and use its funds to promote and support the ideals of the organization.

SECTION 1
RHA shall be funded by annual fundraising efforts. The proceeds will be deposited into the RHA account with the assistance of the Department of Residential Life.

SECTION 2
RHA shall dispose of funds in conformity with the University and Department of Residential Life regulations, policies, and procedures.

SECTION 3
Expenditures must be passed by a vote of the active membership.

SECTION 4
A budget for the academic year will be developed and need to be passed by a vote of the active membership.

SECTION 5
The executive board has the authority to make expenditures of up to $50 without the need for active membership vote. The expenditure must be voted on and passed by majority vote of the executive board.

SECTION 6
Only the NCC/Treasurer and advisor my sign for disbursement of funds. The advisor will act in place of the NCC/Treasurer to keep the account in good standing during breaks and other times as deemed necessary by the executive board and advisor.

SECTION 7
The ultimate responsibility for financial obligations of RHA rests with its membership. The administering of funds, payment of bills, and record keeping is the responsibility of the NCC/Treasurer.

SECTION 8
Should RHA become inactive, the Department of Residential Life will decide what to do with any funds remaining in the RHA account.

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ARTICLE VIII. AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION: With changing times, the constitution of RHA may need to be changed/altered.

SECTION 1
Amendments to this constitution must be submitted in writing by an active member of RHA. The proposed amendment(s) must include details of the change proposed, rationale for the change, the current language of this constitution or standing rules.

SECTION 2
Proposed amendments must be presented at a general meeting to the active membership for discussion two weeks before a vote will take place.

SECTION 3
Proposed amendments must be voted on by the total membership.

SECTION 4
Amendments to the RHA Constitution shall take effect immediately upon approval of the majority vote.

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ARTICLE IX. REGIONAL AND NATIONAL AFFILIATION: RHA benefits from involvement in the regional and national level. Attendance at conferences, having a voice in regional and national matters, and leadership development happen through active participation.

SECTION 1
RHA shall maintain affiliation with the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH).

SECTION 2
By affiliation with NACURH, RHA will have membership in the regional affiliate MACURH (Midwest Association of College and University Residents Halls).

SECTION 3
RHA shall maintain membership through yearly dues and participation at the regional and national level.

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BYLAW I. MEMBERSHIP

A. All residents in the residence halls are automatically inactive members.

B. Members who attend meetings and functions shall be active members.

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BYLAW II. FINANCES

A. Dues are not collected and membership is free to residents of campus residence halls and complexes.

B. All disbursements of funds shall be approved by the Treasurer and must be approved by a majority of the members at the meeting when the expenditure is proposed.

C. Funds will be deposited in the University account at the Cashier's Office/Accounts Payable Office.

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BYLAW III. OFFICERS

SECTION 1. ELECTED OFFICERS

A. PRESIDENT

1. Preside and facilitate at all meetings of RHA.
2. Oversee RHA general functions.
3. Act as a role model/leader to the executive board and RHA.
4. Have a working understanding of all positions and have the big picture of this organization.
5. Be present at all regional and national conferences.
6. Act as an offical representative of RHA at any SDSU function.
7. Meet with the Director of Residential Life at least once a semester.
8. Attend at least one Hall Government meeting in each Hall/Complex per semester.
9. Vote only in the case of a tie.
10.Attend weekly executive board meetings.

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B. VICE PRESIDENT

1. Perform the duties of the President in his/her absence.
2. Oversee all RHA Committees.
3. Serve as a coordinator between RHA Executive Board and the Residence Hall Governments.
4. Attend at least one Hall Government meeting in each Hall/Complex per semester.
5. Attend weekly executive board meetings.
6. Has the right to vote in any RHA elections.

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C. NCC/SECRETARY

1. Fulfill the national office job description along with the other NCC.
2. Handle all communication from RHA to all region and nation member schools.
3. Setting up delegation for conference and coordinate teambuilding with the delegation.
4. Create (along with the President) and distribute agendas before all meetings.
5. Take and distribute minutes to all RHA members, central office staff; and other University offical offices.
6. Help with and attend all conferences. (i.e. No-Frills, Mini No-Frills, NACURH and MACURH)
7. Represent the University at all business meetings at all conferences.
8. Represent the University as a delegate to regional and national conferences.
9. Update SDSU's RHA of all regional, sub-regional and national happenings.
10.Keep membership in NACURH current.
11.Complete MC.
12.Attend weekly executive board meetings.
13.Has the right to vote in any RHA elections.

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D. NCC/TREASURER

1. Fulfill the national office job description along with the other NCC.
2. Account for all RHA funds, keeping a written record of expenditures.
3. Submit the financial books for annual audit with the Residential Life Accounting Assistant I.
4. Help with and attend all conferences. (i.e. No-Frills, Mini No-Frills, NACURH and MACURH)
5. Represent the University at all business meetings at all conferences.
6. Represent the University as a delegate to regional and national conferences.
7. Update SDSU's RHA of all regional, sub-regional and national happenings.
8. Keep membership in NACURH current.
9. Complete the National Information Center (NIC) Report.
10.Attend weekly executive board meetings.
11.Has the right to vote in any RHA elections.
12.Is responsible for proposing a budget.

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E. PROGRAM COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

1. Fulfill the national office job description.
2. Handle all program communication from RHA to all region and nation member schools.
3. Help with and attend all conferences. (i.e. No-Frills, Mini No-Frills, NACURH and MACURH)
4. Represent the University at all business meetings at all conferences.
5. Represent the University as a delegate to regional and national conferences.
6. Update SDSU's RHA of all regional, sub-regional and national happenings.
7. Attend weekly executive board meetings.
8. Has the right to vote in any RHA elections.

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SECTION 2. MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING, RESPONSIBILITIES THERE OF

A. All responsibilities of members and elected or appointed officials shall be carried out in the manner specified by this Constitution, Bylaws, the Department of Residential Life, and the SDSU Student Conduct Code.

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SECTION 3. FORFEITURE OF GOOD STANDING OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

A. Failure to abide by the Constitution and the Student Conduct Code shall be cause for forfeiture of membership in good standing.

B. Failure to maintain good academic standing with South Dakota State University shall be cause for forfeiture of membership in good standing.

C. Forfeiture of good standing by violation of the Constitution shall result in forfeiture of such rights and privileges tendered by this Constitution. Forfeiture shall be determined by the advisor(s).

D. Forfeiture of good standing by violation of the Student Conduct Code shall result in forfeiture of such rights and privileges tendered by this Constitution. Forfeiture shall be determined by the advisor(s).

E. Forfeiture of good standing shall include written notice by the advisor(s), a copy of which shall be maintained by the Secretary and advisor(s).

F. The executive may appeal the decision by responding in writing to the advisor(s) by the date specified in the written notice (5 class days). The appeal will be reviewed and a decision will be made by the advisor(s) and executive board.

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BYLAW IV. ADVISOR(S)

A. The advisor(s) shall provide recommendations and advise on University rules and regulations.

B. The advisor(s) are appointed by the Department of Residential Life.

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BYLAW V. COMMITTEES

A. Committees as deemed necessary by RHA shall be appointed by a majority vote of the total membership.

B. A committee may be terminated by action of the body it serves.

C. A committee chair must be an active member of RHA.

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BYLAW VI. ELECTIONS

A. Elections shall occur in November.

B. A majority of members in attendance is required for election.

C. Voters shall be members in good standing.

D. Secret ballots shall be used.

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BYLAW VII. METHODS TO AMEND THE BYLAWS

A. Proposed changes shall be presented at regular meetings. The changes will be voted on at the next meeting and will require two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership present to change the Bylaws.

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BYLAW VIII. VOTING

A. Each member present will be given one vote in the event the vote is involving general RHA issues, or personal opinion. In the event voting occurs relating to money issues, one hall being favored, or otherwise determined by the Executive Board, one vote will be issued to each of the six halls.

B. In the event that a Hall/Complex vote is called the RHA Representative will be the official voting member for their hall. The representative's vote shall be indicative of the desires of their hall and will not reflect the personal feeling of the representative.

C. A majority of the members present or two-thirds (2/3) is necessary to constitute a quorum.

D. The Constitution shall be ratified by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the total membership.

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BYLAW IX. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

A. Parliamentary Authority shall be Robert's Rule of Order. In the event this Constitution is in conflict with the parliamentary authority, this Constitution shall supersede the parliamentary authority.

B. In the event that this Constitution is in the conflict with (1) the South Dakota State University Student Codee and/or (2) the South Dakota State University Department of Residential Life regulations, either of the two (2) named authorities shall supersede this Constitution.

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THIS CONSTITUTION IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVISION

CONSTITUTION OF RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION (RHA)SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITYBROOKINGS, SD

CONSTITUTION OF RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION (RHA)
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
BROOKINGS, SD