Society of Professional Journalists

University of La Verne Student Chapter
Constitution and By-laws
Ratified February 2006

Article I—Official Name:

The official name of the organization is the University of La Verne Student Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Article II—Purpose:

This Organization is dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty, and the notion that providing accurate and understandable information and knowledge to the community is inits nature, a good thing.

The purpose, therefore, is…

1. To bring enlightenment to the community by seeking and reporting truth and holding events that bring in diverse speakers to address media issues.
2. To serve the needs of the University of La Verne Communications Department, and the University of La Verne as a whole, insomuch as they coincide with the SPJ Code of Ethics.
3. To reach out to High School Students who are interested in the communications field and media issues, and by doing so, to expose them to a collegiate atmosphere that might inspire them to seek a higher education.

Article III—Membership:

1. Membership in this organization is open to all University of La Verne students.
2. Candidates for membership shall be in good academic standing.
3. Membership shall not be denied to anyone for bigoted, sexist and/or classist reasons.
4. The chapter may initiate qualified students from colleges and universities that have no campus chapters.
5. The application procedure entails paying the required dues.

Article IV—Officers:

A. Officers and their duties shall be as follows:

1. President shall be the presiding officer and shall administer all business of the society as provided for by the SPJ national by-laws.
2. Vice President of Print Journalism shall, along with the Vice President of Broadcast Journalism, perform the duties of president in the president's absence, and assist in the coordinating all functions of the organization. In addition it shall be the duty of the VP of Print to see that print majors receive the attention they require from the organization.
3. Vice President of Broadcast Journalism shall, along with the Vice President of Print Journalism, perform the duties of president in the president's absence, and assist in the coordinating all functions of the organization. In addition, it shall be the duty of the VP of Broadcast to see that broadcast majors receive the attention they require from the organization.
4. Minister of Photography shall coordinate with the secretary in the documenting of official organization events such as lectures, competitions, etc. In addition, it shall be the duty of the Minister of Photography to see that photography majors receive the attention they require from the organization.
5. Public Relations Minister shall handle the promotion of events and meetings by producing flyers, email, etc.
6. Secretary shall record the minutes of meetings and coordinate with the Minister of Photography to document official organization events.
7. Treasurer shall be the coordinator of the chapter's monetary funds, collect all dues and keep official record of all the club's financial transactions.

B. Selection Process:

1. Any good standing member may be nominated to run for any office by current members. Self-nominations are acceptable. Should there be a lack of nominations, the executive board shall act as a nominating committee to find one member to run for each office.
2. Officers may be removed from office by a simple majority vote of the Executive Board and a 90 percent vote of those good standing members who have paid their dues at least 72 hours before the time when the vote is to take place. The vote to remove an officer shall be cast no earlier than two weeks after a removal has been motioned, to allow adequate time to inform the membership and for debate.

C. Adviser:

1. The Faculty Adviser shall be Dr. George Keeler until a motion has been made to remove him as adviser, or until he steps down or retires. Should a motion be made to remove Dr. Keeler from office, a simple majority of the officers and a 75 percent vote of good standing members who have paid their dues 72 hours before the time that the vote is to take place. The vote to remove an adviser shall be cast no earlier than two weeks after a removal has been motioned, to allow adequate time to inform the membership and for debate.
2. The new adviser shall be elected by a simple majority of good standing members who have paid their dues 72 hours before the time that the vote is to take place.
3. The Faculty Adviser shall voice his or her opinion in the guidance of SPJ and hold one vote.

Article V—Executive Board:

The Executive Board shall be made of the President, Vice Presidents, Ministers, Secretary and Treasurer.

Article VI—Meetings:

1. Regular meetings shall be held at least seven times a semester, though it shall be lawful to meet with more frequency.
2. Meetings shall be presided over by the President and the adviser. In the event of the President or Adviser's absence, or the absence of both, the Vice Presidents shall fulfill the necessary duties.

Article VII—Finances:

 The organization shall seek funds with the priority:

1. Dues. Each member will pay a $10 due each school year. Members who have not paid the $10 due at least 72 hours before an election shall not be eligible to vote.
2. Grants and Fundraising. The national and regional divisions of the SPJ have many excellent grant opportunities these should be sought out on a yearly basis. Unique and efficient fundraisers are to be encouraged and undertaken as necessary.
3. Associated Students of the University of La Verne. Due to the fact that ASULV funding comes from student government, a body that student journalists are to watchdog, looking to receive such funds should be a last resort. Never shall any member of the SPJ offer good press as quid pro quo for the disbursement of ASULV or any other funds. It shall, however, be lawful to acknowledge when an event was made possible by ASULV funding, or any other funding provided by outside sources.

Article VIII—Amendments:

Amendments to this constitution must be submitted in writing during a full meeting and made available to all members. A vote shall be held during the next week's meeting, during which, a simple majority of those present passes the amendment. Reasonable measures must be taken to inform the membership that a constitutional vote is to take place.

Article IX—Constitutional Review:

This constitution shall be reviewed and, if necessary, revised on a yearly basis by February 16.

Article X—Ratification:

This constitution shall be ratified with a two-thirds vote of the general membership and a simple majority of the officers present for the ratification vote. Two weeks notice shall be given to the membership before a ratification vote takes place.