National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)Annual Convention.
This year's annual convention was held in Seattle, Washington. Seattle is a beautiful city - but it sure did rain a lot!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Friday, March 13, 2009
Constitution
Constitution of the
William Mitchell College of Law
Asian Pacific American Law Student Association
Article I: Purpose
The Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (“APALSA”) of William Mitchell College of Law (“WMCL”) is organized for the following purposes:
§ 1. Provide personal, academic, and professional support for the members of APALSA; to aid WMCL in creating and promoting a healthy and prosperous environment for the study of law and the personal development of its Law Students.
§ 2. Articulate and promote the needs and goals of Asian American students enrolled at WMCL; to foster and encourage an attitude of professional excellence; to focus upon the relationship of Asian American Law Students to their respective communities and to the Legal System of the United States of America.
§ 3. Aid, support, and assist in the recruitment of prospective Asian American students and to promote minority representation within WMCL.
Article II: Membership
Membership in APALSA shall be open to all WMCL students and shall not be restricted on the basis of gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, political or social membership, medical condition or family status.
All eligible members of APALSA shall be included in the General Membership and shall enjoy the powers, privileges, and responsibilities provided in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Article III: Officers, Executive Committee and Faculty Advisor
§ 1. APALSA shall be comprised of the following Officers:
A. President
B. Vice President
C. Secretary
D. Treasurer
§ 2. The officers of §1 shall comprise the Executive Committee.
§ 3. The Faculty Advisors shall be members of the WMCL faculty.
Article IV: Governance and Duties
§1. The Membership shall have the power to:
Establish the organization’s policies and programs by a simple majority of votes cast upon proposal submitted to the officers of the organization one week prior to a regular or special meeting.
Suggest and adopt additional Bylaws deemed beneficial to the organization’s purpose, provided that they do not conflict with any policies of WMCL.
§ 2. The duties of the Executive Committee:
The activities and affairs of the organization shall be managed by or under the direction of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall approve all APALSA activities and sponsorships. The Executive Committee is responsible for the internal administration and external relations of APALSA. The Executive Committee shall consist of the named offices in the by-laws as well as any other positions that may be created by act of the Executive Committee for fulfilling the purposes of the organization.
§ 3. The duties of the President:
The President shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of APALSA, including: leading Executive Committee meetings, general membership meetings and all APALSA events. The President is responsible for acting as representative of APALSA in dealing with the Law School, other student organizations, and all other outside organizations. The President will, at the beginning of his term, communicate his goals and vision for the academic school year; and at the end of his term, will provide an annual report describing all events and activities (including a financial report) executed during his term.
§ 4. The duties of the Vice President:
The Vice President shall be responsible for fulfilling the responsibilities of the President in those instances where the President is unable to serve or is removed from office. The Vice President shall be responsible for coordinating the annual APALSA dinner banquet, held every Fall Semester.
§ 5. The duties of the Secretary:
The Secretary is responsible for keeping minutes during Executive Committee and general member meetings and is also in charge of submitting notices on The Docket. The Secretary shall maintain the APALSA member list at the start of each semester, and will be responsible for all communications to the members.
§ 6. The duties of the Treasurer:
The Treasurer is in charge of the APALSA accounts and is the liaison with SBA, and other administrative agencies regarding monetary matters. The Treasurer is responsible for collecting any charged dues, keeping track of the accounts, and coordinates the dispensing of money with the SBA Treasurer. The Treasurer will assist the President in preparing the annual report.
§ 7. The Faculty Advisors shall perform all duties required by WMCL regarding faculty representation of a student organization.
Article V: Meetings
§ 1. A regular member meeting shall be held at least once a semester after notice to members.
§ 2. Special meetings may be called when deemed necessary by a member of the Executive Committee.
Article VI: Bylaws
Bylaws shall be established by the organization to facilitate the purposes of the organization as provided in this Constitution.
Article VII: Honor Code
The provisions of the Honor Code of WMCL and all applicable sections of the Student Handbook shall apply to all endeavors and activities of the organization and its members.
Article VIII: Ratification and Amendments
§ 1. Proposals for amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws shall be submitted to the Executive Committee one week prior to a regular meeting and will be announced at the subsequent meeting.
§ 2. Voting on amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws shall take place through a generally acceptable form of electronic voting mechanism or other fair and reliable means. All members shall be given a reasonable opportunity to vote.
§ 3. A two-thirds (2/3) of members’ votes cast in favor of approval is required in order to ratify and adopt the initial Constitution and Bylaws.
§ 4. A simple majority approval of members’ votes cast in favor of amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws is required.
§ 5. Initial ratification or any subsequent amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws shall also require approval by two-thirds (2/3) approval by the Executive Committee.
William Mitchell College of Law
Asian Pacific American Law Student Association
Article I: Purpose
The Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (“APALSA”) of William Mitchell College of Law (“WMCL”) is organized for the following purposes:
§ 1. Provide personal, academic, and professional support for the members of APALSA; to aid WMCL in creating and promoting a healthy and prosperous environment for the study of law and the personal development of its Law Students.
§ 2. Articulate and promote the needs and goals of Asian American students enrolled at WMCL; to foster and encourage an attitude of professional excellence; to focus upon the relationship of Asian American Law Students to their respective communities and to the Legal System of the United States of America.
§ 3. Aid, support, and assist in the recruitment of prospective Asian American students and to promote minority representation within WMCL.
Article II: Membership
Membership in APALSA shall be open to all WMCL students and shall not be restricted on the basis of gender, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, political or social membership, medical condition or family status.
All eligible members of APALSA shall be included in the General Membership and shall enjoy the powers, privileges, and responsibilities provided in the Constitution and Bylaws.
Article III: Officers, Executive Committee and Faculty Advisor
§ 1. APALSA shall be comprised of the following Officers:
A. President
B. Vice President
C. Secretary
D. Treasurer
§ 2. The officers of §1 shall comprise the Executive Committee.
§ 3. The Faculty Advisors shall be members of the WMCL faculty.
Article IV: Governance and Duties
§1. The Membership shall have the power to:
Establish the organization’s policies and programs by a simple majority of votes cast upon proposal submitted to the officers of the organization one week prior to a regular or special meeting.
Suggest and adopt additional Bylaws deemed beneficial to the organization’s purpose, provided that they do not conflict with any policies of WMCL.
§ 2. The duties of the Executive Committee:
The activities and affairs of the organization shall be managed by or under the direction of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall approve all APALSA activities and sponsorships. The Executive Committee is responsible for the internal administration and external relations of APALSA. The Executive Committee shall consist of the named offices in the by-laws as well as any other positions that may be created by act of the Executive Committee for fulfilling the purposes of the organization.
§ 3. The duties of the President:
The President shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of APALSA, including: leading Executive Committee meetings, general membership meetings and all APALSA events. The President is responsible for acting as representative of APALSA in dealing with the Law School, other student organizations, and all other outside organizations. The President will, at the beginning of his term, communicate his goals and vision for the academic school year; and at the end of his term, will provide an annual report describing all events and activities (including a financial report) executed during his term.
§ 4. The duties of the Vice President:
The Vice President shall be responsible for fulfilling the responsibilities of the President in those instances where the President is unable to serve or is removed from office. The Vice President shall be responsible for coordinating the annual APALSA dinner banquet, held every Fall Semester.
§ 5. The duties of the Secretary:
The Secretary is responsible for keeping minutes during Executive Committee and general member meetings and is also in charge of submitting notices on The Docket. The Secretary shall maintain the APALSA member list at the start of each semester, and will be responsible for all communications to the members.
§ 6. The duties of the Treasurer:
The Treasurer is in charge of the APALSA accounts and is the liaison with SBA, and other administrative agencies regarding monetary matters. The Treasurer is responsible for collecting any charged dues, keeping track of the accounts, and coordinates the dispensing of money with the SBA Treasurer. The Treasurer will assist the President in preparing the annual report.
§ 7. The Faculty Advisors shall perform all duties required by WMCL regarding faculty representation of a student organization.
Article V: Meetings
§ 1. A regular member meeting shall be held at least once a semester after notice to members.
§ 2. Special meetings may be called when deemed necessary by a member of the Executive Committee.
Article VI: Bylaws
Bylaws shall be established by the organization to facilitate the purposes of the organization as provided in this Constitution.
Article VII: Honor Code
The provisions of the Honor Code of WMCL and all applicable sections of the Student Handbook shall apply to all endeavors and activities of the organization and its members.
Article VIII: Ratification and Amendments
§ 1. Proposals for amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws shall be submitted to the Executive Committee one week prior to a regular meeting and will be announced at the subsequent meeting.
§ 2. Voting on amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws shall take place through a generally acceptable form of electronic voting mechanism or other fair and reliable means. All members shall be given a reasonable opportunity to vote.
§ 3. A two-thirds (2/3) of members’ votes cast in favor of approval is required in order to ratify and adopt the initial Constitution and Bylaws.
§ 4. A simple majority approval of members’ votes cast in favor of amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws is required.
§ 5. Initial ratification or any subsequent amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws shall also require approval by two-thirds (2/3) approval by the Executive Committee.
Bylaws of the
William Mitchell College of Law
Asian Pacific American Law Student Association
1.1 Purposes
The purposes of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (“APALSA”) of William Mitchell College of Law (“WMCL”) shall reflect the interest of the membership stated in the Constitution and the Bylaws shall assist in supporting these interests. The purposes stated in the Constitution may be amended as needed over time.
2.1 Elections
Subd. 1. Timing of Elections for officers. APALSA shall hold an election at around the last regular meeting in each Spring semester for the officers of the Executive Committee for the following academic school year.
Subd. 2. Election Procedures.
The highest-ranking Executive Officer not running for re-election, designated the “Elections Officer,” shall preside over the election. If there is no such officer, then the Executive Committee shall designate two members of the general membership to serve as Election Commissioners to preside over the election. Members seeking to run for election will submit their candidacy and desired office by the time, date and manner designated by the Elections Officer. The Elections Officer or the Elections Commissioners shall send out a candidate list to the Membership prior to the time voting is to commence. At the start of the voting period, candidates running for office may communicate in person or through acceptable electronic means, their desire to run for office.
Subd. 3. Voting Procedures:
The Election Committee shall prepare a panel of candidates for the elections. Elections shall be held either by written, electronic, hardcopy ballot, or oral nomination and vote. All Members shall receive proper notice and will be allowed to vote for a candidate. A candidate shall be elected to office if that candidate receives a greater number of eligible votes than any other candidate for that office. In the event that a candidate runs unopposed, a minimum of five of the ballots cast shall be required to confirm that candidate to office. In the event of a tie, there shall be a run-off election between the candidates for that office. The Elections Officer or the Elections Commissioners shall preserve the election results for 30 days following an election in case the election results are contested. The results shall be generally published to the membership and on The Docket.
Subd. 4. Special Elections:
If there is a vacancy in any office other than the President or the Treasurer, the Executive Committee shall either authorize a special election to fill the vacancy, according to the election and voting procedures outlined in this section, or the Executive Officers shall divide up the duties of the vacant office until the next general election. A vacancy of the President shall automatically be filled by the Vice-President. A vacancy of the Treasurer requires the Executive Committee to have a special election.
Subd. 5. Qualified Candidates.
Candidates must be a member in good standing in the organization. “Good standing” exclusively includes payment of any required membership dues, participation or attendance in at least one official APALSA event, adherence to the policies and procedures of WMCL, and the exercise of good faith in pursuit of the organization’s purposes.
Subd. 6. Official Designation.Each newly-elected Executive Officer will be designated as an “officer-elect” until officially entering their post during the term specified at the election. The time between the election date and the official designation date, each current Executive Officer may advise and instruct their respective officer-elect in the fulfillment of the duties of that office.
2.2 Removal or Resignation from Office
Subd. 1. Resignation.
An Executive Officer may voluntarily resign at any time by submitting a notice of resignation to the Executive Committee. The resignation shall take effect at the time of notice, unless a different date or time is provided in the notice.
Subd. 2. Grounds For Removal From Office. An Executive Officer may involuntarily be removed only for mis-, mal- or non-feasance in office.
Subd. 3. Enforcement. A member may be censured only for violation of the Constitution of this Organization, the laws of the United States or Minnesota, the policies, procedures or honor code of WMCL.
Subd. 4. Removal Procedure. Any involuntary removal or censure action requires a unanimous vote by the remaining or disinterested Executive Officers. Effective removal is predicated on two (2) weeks notice by the Executive Committee of a special meeting called by the highest ranking disinterested Executive Officer for the purpose of determining removal or censure.
3.1 Voting
Subd. 1. Qualified to Vote and Proxy. All members are qualified to vote and shall have one (1) vote. Members may vote by written proxy given to any member who is present at any regular or special meeting, except that members may not vote by written proxy if voting is facilitated through e-mail or other electronic means.
Subd. 2. General Action by Membership. Any member may submit a proposed action for the organization to be voted on at the next regular meeting provided that: they give written notice of such proposal to the Executive Committee two (2) days prior to the meeting; the action proposed involves the legitimate purposes of the organization or business transacted by the organization in furtherance of its purposes; the proposal is made in good faith. The Executive Committee will include proper proposals in notice of the next regular meeting and in the agenda for such meeting. The affirmative vote of a simple majority of member votes cast constitutes adoption of such a proposal. All members regardless of their attendance at a meeting shall be allowed to vote.
Subd. 3. General Action by Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall, for the purposes of furthering the organization’s purposes, proceed upon the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the officers, to transact the administrative business of the organization at an Executive Committee Meeting or Special meeting called by the President. Notice of the business transacted by the Executive Committee after such a meeting to the general membership is required. Administrative business shall include (but not be limited to) budgetary decisions and event planning. If a proposed action lacks required majority support of the officers at such a meeting, the President-Elect may be called to advocate for one position or another. If no resolution is reached, then the Executive Committee shall consult with its Faculty Advisors.
Subd. 4. Quorum.
Executive Committee Meetings: A quorum shall be recognized only if 100% of the Executive Committee members are present or are otherwise provided an opportunity to vote on a particular matter affecting the organization. Electronic participation, whether in real-time or delayed, in any Executive Committee meeting will be acceptable for the purposes of establishing a quorum.
General Member Meetings: There is no quorum requirement during general member meetings.
Subd. 5. General Principle.
In all other matters, common fairness shall govern.
William Mitchell College of Law
Asian Pacific American Law Student Association
1.1 Purposes
The purposes of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (“APALSA”) of William Mitchell College of Law (“WMCL”) shall reflect the interest of the membership stated in the Constitution and the Bylaws shall assist in supporting these interests. The purposes stated in the Constitution may be amended as needed over time.
2.1 Elections
Subd. 1. Timing of Elections for officers. APALSA shall hold an election at around the last regular meeting in each Spring semester for the officers of the Executive Committee for the following academic school year.
Subd. 2. Election Procedures.
The highest-ranking Executive Officer not running for re-election, designated the “Elections Officer,” shall preside over the election. If there is no such officer, then the Executive Committee shall designate two members of the general membership to serve as Election Commissioners to preside over the election. Members seeking to run for election will submit their candidacy and desired office by the time, date and manner designated by the Elections Officer. The Elections Officer or the Elections Commissioners shall send out a candidate list to the Membership prior to the time voting is to commence. At the start of the voting period, candidates running for office may communicate in person or through acceptable electronic means, their desire to run for office.
Subd. 3. Voting Procedures:
The Election Committee shall prepare a panel of candidates for the elections. Elections shall be held either by written, electronic, hardcopy ballot, or oral nomination and vote. All Members shall receive proper notice and will be allowed to vote for a candidate. A candidate shall be elected to office if that candidate receives a greater number of eligible votes than any other candidate for that office. In the event that a candidate runs unopposed, a minimum of five of the ballots cast shall be required to confirm that candidate to office. In the event of a tie, there shall be a run-off election between the candidates for that office. The Elections Officer or the Elections Commissioners shall preserve the election results for 30 days following an election in case the election results are contested. The results shall be generally published to the membership and on The Docket.
Subd. 4. Special Elections:
If there is a vacancy in any office other than the President or the Treasurer, the Executive Committee shall either authorize a special election to fill the vacancy, according to the election and voting procedures outlined in this section, or the Executive Officers shall divide up the duties of the vacant office until the next general election. A vacancy of the President shall automatically be filled by the Vice-President. A vacancy of the Treasurer requires the Executive Committee to have a special election.
Subd. 5. Qualified Candidates.
Candidates must be a member in good standing in the organization. “Good standing” exclusively includes payment of any required membership dues, participation or attendance in at least one official APALSA event, adherence to the policies and procedures of WMCL, and the exercise of good faith in pursuit of the organization’s purposes.
Subd. 6. Official Designation.Each newly-elected Executive Officer will be designated as an “officer-elect” until officially entering their post during the term specified at the election. The time between the election date and the official designation date, each current Executive Officer may advise and instruct their respective officer-elect in the fulfillment of the duties of that office.
2.2 Removal or Resignation from Office
Subd. 1. Resignation.
An Executive Officer may voluntarily resign at any time by submitting a notice of resignation to the Executive Committee. The resignation shall take effect at the time of notice, unless a different date or time is provided in the notice.
Subd. 2. Grounds For Removal From Office. An Executive Officer may involuntarily be removed only for mis-, mal- or non-feasance in office.
Subd. 3. Enforcement. A member may be censured only for violation of the Constitution of this Organization, the laws of the United States or Minnesota, the policies, procedures or honor code of WMCL.
Subd. 4. Removal Procedure. Any involuntary removal or censure action requires a unanimous vote by the remaining or disinterested Executive Officers. Effective removal is predicated on two (2) weeks notice by the Executive Committee of a special meeting called by the highest ranking disinterested Executive Officer for the purpose of determining removal or censure.
3.1 Voting
Subd. 1. Qualified to Vote and Proxy. All members are qualified to vote and shall have one (1) vote. Members may vote by written proxy given to any member who is present at any regular or special meeting, except that members may not vote by written proxy if voting is facilitated through e-mail or other electronic means.
Subd. 2. General Action by Membership. Any member may submit a proposed action for the organization to be voted on at the next regular meeting provided that: they give written notice of such proposal to the Executive Committee two (2) days prior to the meeting; the action proposed involves the legitimate purposes of the organization or business transacted by the organization in furtherance of its purposes; the proposal is made in good faith. The Executive Committee will include proper proposals in notice of the next regular meeting and in the agenda for such meeting. The affirmative vote of a simple majority of member votes cast constitutes adoption of such a proposal. All members regardless of their attendance at a meeting shall be allowed to vote.
Subd. 3. General Action by Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall, for the purposes of furthering the organization’s purposes, proceed upon the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the officers, to transact the administrative business of the organization at an Executive Committee Meeting or Special meeting called by the President. Notice of the business transacted by the Executive Committee after such a meeting to the general membership is required. Administrative business shall include (but not be limited to) budgetary decisions and event planning. If a proposed action lacks required majority support of the officers at such a meeting, the President-Elect may be called to advocate for one position or another. If no resolution is reached, then the Executive Committee shall consult with its Faculty Advisors.
Subd. 4. Quorum.
Executive Committee Meetings: A quorum shall be recognized only if 100% of the Executive Committee members are present or are otherwise provided an opportunity to vote on a particular matter affecting the organization. Electronic participation, whether in real-time or delayed, in any Executive Committee meeting will be acceptable for the purposes of establishing a quorum.
General Member Meetings: There is no quorum requirement during general member meetings.
Subd. 5. General Principle.
In all other matters, common fairness shall govern.
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