WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
RESIDENCE HALL ASSOCIATION
CONSTITUTION
- PREAMBLE -
We, the students residing in the residence halls at West Chester University, seeing a need to promote the unification of resident students for the express purpose of representing these hereby establish this constitution of the West Chester University Residence Hall Association.
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of the organization shall be the Residence Hall Association (RHA) of West Chester University, herein known as RHA.
ARTICLE II – Purpose
The purpose of this organization is to be the representative government for the resident students. This body will strive to present balanced social, cultural, recreational and academic programming for all residence hall students. In addition, it will, as necessary, discuss, evaluate, and make recommendations on matters of policy to the Director of Residence Life, the Dean of Students, and the Vice President of Student Affairs. To make residence hall living an enjoyable experience for all, to have students get actively involved on campus. To facilitate and promote the active involvement of the student body. To create a more fulfilling experience for the Residence Hall students.
ARTICLE III – Membership
All students living in the residence halls are members of RHA regardless of sex, race, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability.
ARTICLE IIII – Organizational Structure
· Section A: The Executive Board
1. The Executive Board will consist of the duly elected Executive Director, Special Programs Chair, Executive Business Manager, and Executive Secretary/NCC.
2. The ranking of the executive officers: Executive Director; Executive Business Manager; Special Programs Chair; then Executive Secretary/NCC.
· Section B: The Board of Presidents
1. Board of Presidents (BOP) shall consist of one (1), duly elected President from each residence hall and the Executive Board.
The BOP’s responsibilities encompass approving the budget requests from each of the eight (8) residence halls when appropriate, planning all campus programming for the resident students, recommending new policies and procedures to the department of Housing and Residence Life, establishing goals and objectives for the organization, supervising goals and objectives for the organization’s yearly budget,
2. and making recommendations, when necessary and appropriate, to the RHA General Assembly.
3. The BOP meets on a weekly basis. Its meeting shall be restricted to members only with the exception of invited guests.
4. The Executive Director shall have the option of appointing temporary positions on the BOP with the BOP’s approval.
5. Proxies that are filling in for those members of the BOP must be approved by the Executive Director.
· Section C: The General Assembly
1. The General Assembly shall consist of one (1) duly elected President, Vice President, Treasurer, Program Coordinator, Assistant Program Coordinator and Secretary from each hall and the Executive Board.
2. The General Assembly shall hear all business brought before it by the BOP, its general membership and its invited guests. Such business shall consist of the recommended new housing policies and/or procedures, the development of programs for the residents, issues of general student concern, etc.
3. All RHA General Assembly members may only have 2 non-proxies absences per semester and only 3 proxy absences.
4. The standing committees of General Assembly shall consist of:
a) Vice Presidents Committee: The Vice Presidents are members of this committee. This is an advisory committee for removal procedures, making recommendations to the Executive Director. This committee shall also be responsible for constitutional revisions. It is chaired by the Executive Director.
b) Finance Committee: The Finance Committee is composed of all the Hall Council Treasurers and is chaired by the Business Manager. The purpose of this committee is to discuss the weekly allocation requests that have been approved by each Hall Council. The committee then votes on all requests and forwards any recommendations to the BOP and, when appropriate, the General Assembly for final approval.
c) Program Committee: The Program Coordinators and Assistant Program Coordinators are members of this committee. It is chaired by the Special Programs Chairperson. The responsibilities include the development, coordination and implementation of such major campus activities as Candlelight Dinner and Spring Weekend.
d) The Secretary will take attendance during his or her report.
e) All attendees must stay until at least 7:05 p.m.
5. The General Assembly meetings will be held bi-weekly. Additional meetings may be called by the Executive Board.
6. Quorum:
a) Each residence hall is eligible to have (6) votes cast by its voting members.
b) There can be a total of fifty-one (51) votes. A majority is needed to override a decision of the BOP.
c) Quorum is based on active membership and is twenty-seven (27) when all positions are filled.
7. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Director, by six (6) General Assembly Members.
8. All officers are required to attend or send a proxy to all RHA-sponsored events.
· Section D: The Hall Council
1. In each residence hall there shall be a Hall Council which consists of the following duly elected members: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Program Coordinator and Secretary. The line of succession in outlined above.
2. In addition, there shall be at least one representative from each floor/wing at the Hall meetings.
3. The Hall Council shall hear all business brought before it by its recognized constituents and invited guests. Such business shall consist of the approval of floor and hall budgetary requests, the implementation of programs for hall students, issues of general concern, etc.
4. Each hall council shall meet weekly.
5. All hall council business must be passed by simple majority of the voting members.
ARTICLE V – Anti-Vandalism
· Section A: Definition
The Anti-Vandalism campaign is designed to promote an awareness of damage prevention in each Residence Hall. It is intended to provide an awareness of current vandalism, its expense, prevention and effects on the individual as well as the entire hall population.
· Section B: Implementation
1. Each hall will hold at least one Anti-Vandalism campaign per semester, dictated by the state of vandalism in the residence hall (i.e. if there is no vandalism, campaign can be proactive; if there is a large amount of vandalism, campaign should be fierce, etc.)
2. The main objective is to educate the residents as to the effects on the hall environment, cash fund, and project pride.
3. The campaign shall include at lease one Anti-Vandalism awareness program or bulletin boards, banners and windows.
4. Halls will be awarded project pride points for Anti-Vandalism programs, contests, bulletin boards, banners and windows.
5. Vandalism will be deducted in the form of 20%.
ARTICLE VI – Project Pride
· Section A: Definition
Project pride is designed to provide incentives for participation in hall activities, hall government and campus wide programs. It is a point system, which rewards halls for programming and promotion of educational, social and service activities and also serves as a deterrent of vandalism in the halls.
· Section B: Goals
1. To develop a sense of unity within each hall and develop a sense of community throughout the Residence populations.
2. To promote respect for the halls and to prevent vandalism.
3. To facilitate increased interaction among students living in the Residence Halls.
4. To provide better living environment in the halls.
· Section C: Guidelines
1. Project Pride will follow the guidelines set forth by the Special Programs Chair in the most updated “Project Pride Guidelines” packet.
2. Project Pride will be totaled each semester.
3. Three halls which have earned the most points will be awarded monetary prices of three hundred (300), two hundred (200) and one hundred (100) dollars respectively.
4. Winners will be announced at the Candlelight Dinner in the fall and the Induction Dinner in the spring.
5. These three halls will have no longer than one semester to spend the money in items beneficial and accessible to the residents.
ARTICLE VII – The Executive Director
· Section A: Qualifications
1. Candidates must have been a member of General Assembly for at least one year and must have reached the level of Sophomore by the time he/she takes office.
2. Candidate must be a member in good standing with RHA as evidenced by good attendance at both General Assembly and committee meetings.
3. Candidate must be in good academic standing with cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and must maintain good academic standing throughout his/her period of service.
4. Candidate must not be on any type of judicial probationary status.
5. Candidate may not be a Resident Assistant or a Desk Assistant during term of office (no waivers accepted).
· Section B: Duties
1. Preside over the weekly BOP meetings
a) Develop an agenda.
b) Work with the residence hall Presidents to establish goals.
c) Educate oneself to Robert’s Rules of Order (Parliamentary Procedure) in order to facilitate proper meeting conduct.
2. Preside over all RHA General Assembly meetings:
a) Develop an agenda.
b) Follow rules from number one (1) above as applicable.
3. Serve as the representative of the on-campus student body:
a) Remain informed and updated on all policies, procedures and events which may significantly affect the RHA constituency.
b) Attend or appoint a representative to attend all social and organization meetings/committees as required by the administration.
4. Supervise the activities of all the Spring Weekend Committees and attend to all problems that may arise.
5. To work with the Special Programs Chair organizing
a) Family Weekend Event
b) Sibling Weekend
c) Fruit Basket Assembly
6. To work with the Executive Secretary organizing
a) Candlelight Dinner
b) Induction Dinner
7. Develop a working relationship with each residence halls’ Resident Director and Hall council; and attend one (1) meeting per residence hall per semester.
8. Develop and maintain a close working relationship with the RHA advisor; establish regular meetings.
9. Other business:
a) Maintain accurate records of all RHA business.
b) Complete RHA correspondence as necessary.
c) Make recommendation on removal proceedings.
d) Attend leadership workshops.
e) Assist in assembly and distribution of fruit baskets.
f) Meet any additional requirements as outline in the RHA Constitution; or as deemed necessary.
10. Establish and maintain fifteen (15) office hours per week (10 in office, 5 out of office).
· Section C: Remuneration
The Executive Director shall receive no less than minimum wage in a continuum at fifteen (15) hours per week for a period of thirty-two (32) weeks.
ARTICLE VIII – The Special Programs Chairperson
· Section A: Qualifications
1. Candidate must have been a member of General Assembly for at least one year and must have reached the level of Sophomore by the time he/she takes office.
2. Candidate must be a member in good standing with RHA as evidenced by good attendance at both General Assembly and Committee Meetings.
3. Candidate must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and must maintain good academic standing throughout his/her period of service.
4. Candidate must not be on any type of judicial probationary status.
5. Candidate may not be a Resident Assistant during term of office (no waiver accepted).
· Section B: Duties
1. Preside over the as needed program coordinator meeting.
a) Develop an agenda.
b) Work with the residence hall Program Coordinators and Assistant Program Coordinators to establish goals.
2. Attend weekly BOP and General Assembly meetings.
3. Remain informed and updated on all policies, procedures and events which may significantly affect the RHA constituency.
4. Serve on any standing committee organized within the University as a representative of RHA (i.e. Homecoming, Welcome Week, etc.). However, these committees may also be represented by the Executive Director and/or a member of BOP or General Assembly.
5. Project Pride
a) Present the Project Price/Anti-Vandalism system to the Program Coordinator and Assistant Program Coordinator of each residence hall and assure clear understanding of these programs.
b) Distribute and collect weekly Project Pride sheets.
c) Tabulate Project Pride points weekly for each residence hall.
d) Tabulate vandalism deductions monthly for each residence hall.
e) Assist in judging all Project Pride events.
f) Get plaques for those halls who receive 1st, 2nd and 3rd for Project Pride placement.
6. Family Day Event
7. Spring Weekend
a) Preside over the following committees:
1) Carnival
2) Gala
3) Advertising
4) Bands
5) Other
b) Finalize details for each event.
c) Supervise all activities and attend to all possible problems that may arise.
8. Sibling Weekend
a) Chair the event.
b) Beginning in the fall semester arrange meetings as needed with residence halls.
c) Finalize details for each event.
d) Supervise all activities and attend to all possible problems that may arise.
9. Fruit Basket Assembly
a) Select a fundraising company with the approval of the BOP.
b) Each semester determine the time, date and place for the preparations and distribution of the fundraising company.
c) Maintain a friendly correspondence with the fundraising project (s).
d) Establish and administer a system for recording, preparing and distributing the fundraising project(s).
e) Attend to all problems and complications that may arise and determine a feasible solution.
f) Finalize all details.
10. Develop and maintain a close working relationship with the RHA advisor; establish regular meetings.
11. Other business
a) Attend leadership workshops.
b) Assist in assembly and distribution of fruit baskets.
c) Meet any additional requirements as outlined in the RHA Constitution; or as deemed necessary.
d) Establish and maintain fifteen (15) office hours per week (10 in office, 5 out of office).
· Section C: Remuneration
The Special Programs Chairperson shall receive no less than minimum wage in a continuum at fifteen (15) hours per week for a period of thirty-two (32) weeks.
ARTICLE IX – The Business Manager
· Section A: Qualifications
1. Candidate must have been a member of General Assembly for at least one year and must have reached the level of Sophomore by the time he/she takes office.
2. Candidate must be a member in good standing with RHA as evidenced by good attendance at both General Assembly and Committee meetings.
3. Candidate must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and must maintain good academic standing throughout his/her period of service.
4. Candidate must not be on any type of judicial probationary status.
5. Candidate may not be a Resident Assistant during term of office.
· Section B: Duties
1. Preside over the as needed Finance Committee meetings:
a) Develop an agenda.
b) Work with the residence hall Treasurers to establish goals and budgets.
2. Attend all weekly BOP and bi-weekly General Assembly meetings.
a) Validate and sign all purchase orders as requested.
b) Prepare monthly account balances.
c) Give semester financial report on status and anticipated revenue.
3. Remain informed and updated on all policies, procedures and events which may significantly affect the RHA constituency.
4. Spring Weekend
a) Preside over the following committees financially
1) Carnival
2) Advertisement
3) Band Extravaganza
4) Gala
5) Other
b) Submit a summary of expenditures from Spring Weekend.
5. Candlelight Dinner
a) Must attend the candlelight and induction dinners at the end of each semester.
6. Develop and maintain a close working relationship with the RHA advisor; establish regular meetings.
7. Fruit Basket Assembly
a) Select a fundraising company with the approval of the BOP.
b) Each semester determine the time, date and place for the preparations and distribution of the fundraising company.
c) Maintain a friendly correspondence with the fundraising project(s).
d) Establish and administer a system for recording, preparing and distributing the fundraising project(s).
e) Attend to all problems and complications that may arise and determine a feasible solution.
f) Finalize all details.
8. Other Business
a) Prepare following year budget packet for BOP and General Assembly.
b) Attend leadership workshops.
c) Assist in assembly and distribution of fruit baskets.
d) Meet any additional requirements as outlined in the RHA Constitution; or as deemed necessary.
e) Type and update creditors list.
9. Establish and maintain fifteen (15) office hours per week (10 in office, 5 out of office).
· Section C: Remuneration
The Business Manager shall receive no less than minimum wage in a continuum at fifteen (15) hours per week for a period of thirty-two (32) weeks.
ARTICLE X – The Executive Secretary/NCC
· Section A: Qualifications
1. Candidate must have been a member of General Assembly for at least one year and must have reached the level of Sophomore by the time he/she takes office.
2. Candidate must be a member in good standing with RHA as evidenced by good attendance at both General Assembly and Committee Meetings.
3. Candidate must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and must maintain good academic standing throughout his/her period of service.
4. Candidate must not be on any type of judicial probationary status.
5. Candidate may not be a Resident Assistant during term of office.
· Section B: Duties
1. Regulate the Secretaries of each residence hall.
2. Attend all weekly BOP and bi-weekly General Assembly meetings.
a) Take roll and minutes.
b) Type and duplicate the agenda and minutes for each meeting.
c) Maintain a file of the minutes from every meeting.
3. Be the official National Communications Chairperson (NCC) to NACURH.
a) Write one (1) NCC newsletter to the other active universities and colleges in NACURH per semester.
b) Coordinate, attend and head the delegates to the Mini, Regional and National conferences.
4. Present the Director of Residence Life with the weekly minutes to be presented to the Resident Director and Graduate Assistant of each residence hall.
5. Remain informed and updated on all policies, procedures and events which may significantly affect the RHA constituency.
6. Develop and maintain a close working relationship with the RHA advisor; establish regular meetings.
7. Candlelight Dinner
a) Determine the time, place and date.
b) Arrange catering, decorations and entertainment.
c) Administer a reservation plan (i.e. tickets, invitations, etc.)
d) Write invitations for all major events sponsored by RHA (i.e. Candlelight Dinner, Induction Dinner, etc.).
8. Induction Dinner
a) Determine time, place and date.
b) Arrange for catering, decorations and entertainment.
c) Be responsible for developing and completing the awards, certificates and agenda for inductions.
9. Other business:
a) Type any RHA memos.
b) Attend leadership workshops.
c) Assist in assembly and distribution of fruit baskets.
d) Meet any additional requirements as outlined in the RHA constitution; or as deemed necessary.
10. Establish and maintain fifteen (15) office hours per week (10 in office, 5 out of office).
· Section C: Remuneration
The Executive Secretary/NCC shall receive no less than minimum wage in the continuum at fifteen (15) hours per week for a period of thirty-two (32) weeks.
ARTICLE XI – The President
· Section A: Qualifications
1. Candidate must have been a Hall Council officer for at least one semester.
2. Candidate must be in good standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
3. Candidate must be in good standing with RHA as evidenced by a good attendance at all General Assembly, Hall Council and committee meetings.
4. Candidate must be a resident of the hall he/she is serving.
5. Candidate may not be a Resident Assistant.
6. Candidate must be free of any judicial probationary status.
· Section B: Duties
1. Preside at all Hall Council meetings.
a) Develop an agenda for each meeting.
b) Monitor the hall budget.
c) Work with your hall council to develop goals for the year and develop and implement means for achieving these goals.
d) Implement Project Pride and Anti-Vandalism program.
e) Educate oneself to Robert’s Rules of Order (Parliamentary Procedure) in order to facilitate proper meeting conduct.
2. Attend weekly BOP meetings and bi-weekly General Assembly meetings.
3. Attend all GA meetings every other week.
4. Conduct a weekly hall officers meeting when it is convenient for the Hall Council.
a) Update the officers on what is happening in RHA.
b) Best time, right before the Hall Council meeting.
5. Provide direction and support for his/her officers; help each other to understand the responsibilities of his/her position and be aware of the constitution.
6. Serve as a representative for at least one other organization or committee with approval of the board (i.e. CAOS, IOC, UAB, etc.)
7. Co-chair a Spring Weekend committee.
8. Develop and maintain a working relationship with your Resident Director and hall staff (i.e. R.A.’s, D.A.’s, etc.).
9. Communicate regularly with the Executive Director.
10. Other Business:
a) Inform staff of building problems and suggest a means of improvement.
b) Represent resident students on all issues directly affecting residence hall life.
c) Attend leadership workshops and inform all officers of their requirement to attend.
d) Assist in assembly and distribution of fruit baskets.
e) Meet any additional requirements as outlined in the RHA Constitution, or as deemed necessary.
11. Time commitment: 8-10 hours per week.
a) Two (2) hours in the RHA office.
1) Task Assignment to be determined by Executive Board each semester.
b) Miscellaneous.
ARTICLE XII – The Vice President
· Section A: Qualifications
1. Candidate must be in good standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
2. Candidate must be a resident of the hall he/she is serving.
3. Candidate must be free of any judicial probationary status.
· Section B: Duties
1. Be in charge of hall fundraising and finding hall representatives for food service meetings.
2. Attend all RHA General Assembly meetings.
a) Be aware of Parliamentary Procedure.
b) Preside in the event that the President cannot attend the meetings.
3. Attend all Vice Presidents’ committee meetings.
4. In the event that the office of the President becomes vacant, the Vice President will assume the position until a general election can be held.
5. Be an active member of a Spring Weekend committee.
6. Develop and maintain a working relationship with your Resident Director and hall staff (i.e. R.A.’s, D.A.’s, etc.).
7. Other Business:
a) Represent resident students on all issues directly affecting residence hall life.
b) Attend all leadership workshops.
c) Assist in assembly and distribution of fruit baskets.
8. Time commitment approximately five (5) hours per week.
ARTICLE XIII – Treasurer
· Section A: Qualifications
1. Candidate must be in good standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
2. Candidate must be a resident of the hall he/she is serving.
3. Candidate must be free of any judicial probationary status.
· Section B: Duties
1. Maintain accurate financial records for the hall.
a) Develop a hall budget for the Fall and Spring semesters.
b) Manage all financial policies and procedures for allocation of all hall funds.
2. Attend all Hall Council and hall officer meetings.
a) Give an update of hall’s financial status.
3. Attend all RHA General Assembly meetings.
4. Attend as needed Finance Committee meetings and hand in requests and discuss all expenditures.
5. Be an active member of a spring Weekend committee.
6. Develop and maintain a working relationship with your Resident Director and hall staff (i.e. R.A.’s, D.A.’s, etc.).
7. Other Business:
a) Represent resident students on all issues directly affecting residence hall life.
b) Attend leadership workshops.
c) Assist in assembly and distribution of fruit baskets.
8. Time commitment approximately five (5) hours per week.
ARTICLE XIIII – The Program Coordinator
· Section A: Qualifications
1. Candidate must be in good standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
2. Candidate must be a resident of the hall he/she in serving.
3. Candidate must be free of any judicial probationary status.
· Section B: Duties
1. Work on programs and activities within the hall.
2. Assist in implementation of Project Pride and Anti-Vandalism standings.
3. Attend all Hall Council meetings.
a) Give an update on programs throughout campus.
b) Give an update on Project Pride and Anti-Vandalism standings
4. Attend all RHA General Assembly meetings.
5. Attend as needed General Assembly meetings.
6. Be an active member of a Spring Weekend committee.
7. Develop and maintain a working relationship with your Resident Director and hall staff (i.e. R.A.’s, D.A.’s, etc.).
8. Other Business:
a) Represent resident students on all issues directly affecting residence hall life.
b) Attend leadership workshops.
c) Assist in assembly and distribution of fruit baskets.
9. Time commitment approximately five (5) hours per week.
ARTICLE XV – The Assistant Program Coordinator
· Section A: Qualifications
1. Candidate must be in good standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
2. Candidate must be a resident of the hall he/she is serving.
3. Candidate must be free of any judicial probationary status.
· Section B: Duties
1. Work on programs and activities within the hall.
2. Assist in implementation of Project Pride and Anti-Vandalism programs.
3. Handle all RHA advertising within the hall (i.e. appoint people and make sure it gets done).
4. Attend all Hall Council and hall officer meetings.
5. Attend all RHA General Assembly meetings or find an appropriate proxy.
6. Be an active member of Spring Weekend and a committee.
7. Develop and maintain a working relationship with your Resident Director and hall staff (i.e. R.A.’s, D.A.’s etc.).
8. Other business:
a) Represent resident students on all issues directly affecting residence hall life.
b) Attend leadership workshops.
c) Assist in assembly and distribution of fruit baskets.
9. Time commitment approximately five (5) hours per week.
10. One APC meeting with PC and Special Programs Chair every other week.
ARTICLE XVI – The Secretary
· Section A: Qualifications
1. Candidate must be in good standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
2. Candidate must be a resident of the hall he/she is serving.
3. Candidate must be free of any judicial probationary status.
· Section B: Duties
1. Attend all Hall Council and hall officer meetings.
a) Take roll and minutes.
b) Handle all hall council correspondence.
2. Attend all RHA General Assembly meetings.
3. Attend all Secretary meetings when scheduled.
4. Submit weekly, a copy of Hall Council minutes to the Executive Secretary and the Special Programs Chairperson.
5. Be an active member of Spring Weekend, and an active member of a Spring Weekend committee.
6. Develop and maintain a working relationship with your Resident Director and hall staff (i.e. R.A.’s, D.A.’s, etc.).
7. Other business:
a) Represent resident students on all issues directly affecting residence hall life.
b) Attend leadership workshops.
c) Assist in assembly and distribution of fruit baskets.
8. Time commitment approximately five (5) hours per week.
ARTICLE XVII – The Advisor
1. The candidate for RHA Advisor shall be recommended by the Dean of Students.
2. The Advisor shall be designated by the BOP and must have the approval of the General Assembly.
3. The Advisor shall attend all meetings of all BOP, General Assembly, and any others deemed necessary and appropriate.
4. The Advisor shall be familiar with all RHA policies and procedures.
5. The Advisor shall have budgetary approval for all expenditures.
6. The Advisor shall meet weekly with the Executive Board.
ARTICLE XVIII – Voting
· Section A: Board of Presidents
1. Votes may be cast by the duly elected President, the Business Manager, the Executive Secretary, and the Special Programs Chairperson
2. The Executive Director shall vote only in the event of a tie.
· Section B: The General Assembly
1. Votes may be cast by the duly elected President, Vice President, Treasurer, Program Coordinator, Assistant Program Coordinator and Secretary of each residence hall.
2. The Executive Director shall vote only in the event of a tie.
ARTICLE XVIIII – Elections
· Section A: The Executive Board
The Executive Board shall be elected in the following manner:
1. Candidate(s) must submit an application to the presiding Executive Board and Advisor.
2. With the approval of the presiding Executive Board and Advisor the candidate(s) is presented to the BOP.
3. The BOP then votes for approval of the candidate(s) is presented to the General Assembly that evening.
4. General Assembly Election Guidelines
a) All the candidates will remain outside the room until it is their turn to present themselves.
b) Each candidate will be given 5 minutes for a speech and a 5 minute question and answer with GA.
c) Each General Assembly will cast one vote.
5. The candidate who receives simple majority vote shall be the Executive Officer.
6. The newly elected Executive Officer shall assume office after May graduation and hold that office for one year.
· Section B: The Residence Hall Officers
1. RHA Elections shall be taken two different times.
a) The following officers will be elected in the Spring and assume office after May graduation:
- President
- Vice President
- Treasurer
- Program Coordinator
b) The following officers will be elected in the Fall and serve until the following Fall elections:
- Assistant Program Coordinator
- Secretary
2. Election Guidelines
a) The BOP shall determine the dates and times for RHA officer nominations and elections and verify all results.
b) Elections will take place within one week of the closing of nominations.
c) Candidates must meet requirements of RHA membership and be present to accept nominations.
d) It is the Hall Council’s responsibility to advertise elections four (4) days prior to polling.
e) There shall be no campaigning or advertisements at the polling area. All posters must be fifty feet away from voting.
f) Elections must take place over a two-day period with a total of four (4) hours, two (2) hours during the evening.
g) In case of only a single candidate running for a hall officer position, a ¾ vote by the hall government is required. If a ¾ vote is not obtained, hall wide elections shall be held.
h) If a hall-wide election is taking place and only one candidate is running for a position, that person’s name must appear on the ballot.
i) Voting shall be by single ballot and only in times specified in letter “g” above. Students must present their ID along with signing his/her name and social security number when voting.
j) In the event of a tie there will be a run-off vote between the tied candidates. The time of the run-off will be determined by the highest-ranking officer with the approval of the Executive Director.
k) All elections shall be verified by the Resident Director and/or the Graduate Assistant or the Executive Director (i.e. one or the other must be present when ballots are being counted).
· Section C: Waivers
A person who does not meet all of the qualifications for nominations and elections as stated in Articles VII – XVII, Section A may with just cause apply for a waiver in the following manner:
1. Person must write a brief summary explaining his/her just cause.
2. Person will have a maximum of ten (10) minutes to plead the waiver at the designated BOP meeting.
3. Having the waiver approved by a majority vote the person is able to have his/her name on the ballot.
4. An approved waiver by a majority vote shall allow the person to have his/her name on the ballot for that term of office.
5. The terms of the waiver shall be met in order for a person to have his/her name on the ballot for the next term of office.
ARTICLE XX – Resignations
Any resigning officer must submit a letter to the Executive Director. If a letter is not received, the issue will be handed over to the Vice-Presidents Committee within two days.
ARTICLE XXI – Removal
· Section A: Executive Board
Any member of the Executive Board may be removed by the RHA Advisor and BOP if he/she fails to satisfactorily perform the duties of his/her position as outlined in the RHA Constitution.
· Section B: Hall Council Officers
A Hall Council member may be removed for the following:
1. Having more than two (2) unexcused/unproxied absences (1/semester) during the course of his/her term.
2. Failing to comply with his/her duties as stated in the Constitution during his/her term.
· Section C: Procedure
1. An assembly member may initiate the procedure by stating his/her reasons to the Vice Presidents Committee.
2. The Vice Presidents Committee will inform the member in question within seventy-two (72) hours.
3. The member in question will be given the chance to present his/her defense to the committee.
4. The committee will vote as to whether removal should take place.
5. The General Assembly’s two-thirds (2/3) vote determines whether or not removal takes place.
· Section D: Proceedings
1. The removal proceeding will be the first order of the date at said meetings.
2. The highest-ranking executive officer will preside.
3. The chairperson of the Vice Presidents Committee of the designated spokesperson will present the allegations against the charged member.
4. The charged member of his/her designated spokesperson shall have the opportunity to react to the allegation in defense.
5. The floor will be open for debate.
6. A vote by members of the General Assembly will then follow.
7. The chairperson of the Vice Presidents Committee will vote only in case of a tie.
· Section E: Ramifications
If an officer is removed, he/she is not permitted to hold an office and thereafter all his/her activities with RHA are null and void.
ARTICLE XXII – Vacancies
1. All Hall Council officer vacancies will be filled by a general election within the residence hall and shall follow the prescribed procedure as outlined in Article XX, Section B, number two (2).
2. A vacancy in any position of the Executive Board shall follow the prescribed procedure as outlined in Article XX, Section A. The newly elected Executive Board member shall assume office immediately upon the approval of the General Assembly.
ARTICLE XXIII – National Residence Hall Honorary
· Section A: Definition
The name of the organization shall be the West Chester University chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary at West Chester University.
· Section B: Purpose
To recognize outstanding leadership, service and dedication to the Residence Hall System (RHA and Residence Life and Housing)
· Section C: Membership
1. Membership is limited to 1% of the Residence Hall population per year.
2. Membership is determined by an application process to the duly-elected RHA executive board and WCU’s NRHH representative.
The application process will be held in concurrence with spring executive elections. The process is as follows: fill out application; interview with the executive board and WCU NRHH representative. Inductions will take place at the annual Induction Dinner.
· Section D: WCU NRHH Representative
1. The representative will be determined by the RHA Executive Board every spring semester in concurrence with Executive Board Elections.
a) The candidate will submit an application and interview with the RHA Executive Board
b) The term of office will be from the Induction Dinner until the following year’s Induction Dinner.
2. Qualifications
a) Must be a member of NRHH.
b) May not be a member of BOP.
c) Candidate must be in good standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
d) Candidate must be free of any judicial probationary status.
e) Candidate must live on campus.
3. Duties
a) Serve as representative at CAACURH/No-Frills/NACURH Conferences.
b) Coordinate at least one campus wide community service project per academic semester.
c) Submit bids for recognition (poy, soy, of the month, etc.); at least two a month.
d) Attend the first BOP meeting each month, Presidents Retreat and Executive Retreat.
e) Assist the RHA Executive Board in selecting new NRHH members and new WCU NRHH Representative.
f) Assist Executive Secretary in planning of Induction Dinner.
g) Maintain one office hour each week of the academic year.
ARTICLE XXIIII – Amendments
Amendments will originate from the Executive Director or the Vice Presidents Committee, and will be sent to the Vice Presidents Committee for its recommendations. The recommendations will be presented to the General Assembly, in writing at least one (1) regularly scheduled RHA meeting, to be voted on at the following meeting. Ratification requires a two-thirds (2/3) simple majority vote of the RHA General Assembly.
ARTICLE XXV – Policy
Anything not covered by this Constitution will follow the most recent or current version of Robert’s Rules of Order.
Revised Fall 2007-Ashley Fake
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Resident Hall Association
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