W2SZ AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
PREAMBLE:
The W2SZ Amateur Radio Club, at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been formed as a non-profit student activity under the sponsorship of the Student Union at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy, New York, in order to promote amateur radio activities as defined in Section 97.1 (Basis and Purpose) of the Rules and Regulations of the Federal Communications Commission. This Constitution is hereby approved as its governing law.
ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. STATEMENTS OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND HAZING
A. It is the policy of the Rensselaer Union, to provide to the maximum extent feasible, equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual preference, or handicap for all aspects of club activities.
B. Reckless or intentional endangerment to health or specifically forced consumption of alcohol or other drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with W2SZ Amateur Radio Club is strictly prohibited.
SECTION 2. OBTAINING MEMBERSHIP
According to Rensselaer Union policy, there will be four distinct classes of membership; Voting Members, Regular Student Members, Associate Members, and Volunteer Members.
A. Regular Members. All currently registered “regular” Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students who have paid the Rensselaer Union full time activity fee and their spouses shall be defined as Regular Members and are eligible for regular membership. (NOTE: “regular” students are monitored by RPI’s Bursar. It denotes a student whose first priority is school and not a job.) Any “regular” student who is registered for both the spring and fall semester previous and following a summer will be eligible to be a member that summer.
B. Voting Members. All “regular” members of the W2SZ Amateur Radio Club shall be granted voting privileges at the second general meeting after s/he becomes a member.
C. Associate Members. Any person who does not pay an activity fee at Rensselaer, which includes but is not limited to: continuing education, part-time, and degree completion students, RPI faculty, staff, alumni, and their spouses, and students of Russell Sage College and Hudson Valley Community College, shall be eligible for associate membership. Associate Members may participate in all club activities. Associate Members may not vote, hold office, or be regular committee chairpersons except with special approval of The Rensselaer Union Executive Board.
D. Volunteer Members. Volunteer Members are those who are not eligible to be Regular or Associate Members because they are not with the Rensselaer Union or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Volunteer Membership must be approved annually by a majority of the Regular Members, including officers, of the club. Volunteer Members must not represent more than five (5%) percent of the total club membership at any time. Volunteer Members may participate in all club activities. Volunteer Members may not vote, hold office, or be regular committee chairpersons except with special approval of the Rensselaer Union Executive Board.
E. Guests. A member’s guest is allowed to operate at the club station under the supervision of the member; however the member is responsible for the actions of his/her guest. A member’s guest may not operate any equipment that the member him/herself is not authorized to operate. All guests must also sign the building log upon entry of the station. A member bringing a party of more than four (4) people must also seek the permission of an Officer, other than him/herself, of the club.
SECTION 3: OTHER MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
A. Any person meeting the criteria of any class of membership is eligible to become a member of W2SZ. Said person should confront any executive officer with his/her request.
B. All members of the W2SZ Amateur Radio Club will be responsible for paying dues annually in an amount as set by the Executive Committee.
C. All members of the W2SZ Amateur Radio Club must adhere to the Rensselaer Union guidelines, and are subject to all Rensselaer Union and Institute standards and disciplinary procedures.
SECTION 4: PRIVILEGES
A. Keys. Any member of the W2SZ Amateur Radio club desiring a key to the Amateur Radio Station, at Six (6) Sunset Terrace, should confront an Executive Committee member of the club with his/her request. The Executive Committee will approve or deny the applicant’s request with a simple majority vote (3/5). The Executive Committee will base approval for a key on the said members participation in club activities. Under the same process, The Executive Committee may suspend a key from a member. Upon revocation of a key, or denial of a request for a key, thirty days must pass before the said member may renew his request. A key may not be held, under any circumstance, by anyone other than those who have been specifically authorized by the Executive Committee. If such a key is discovered, it shall immediately be taken by the club, and after review of the situation by the Executive Committee the holder may be reported to the proper authorities.
B. Operating. Any member shall be allowed to operate any equipment, other than radio transmitters, at the discretion of the Equipment Manager. A member shall be allowed to operate radio transmitters only after s/he: (a) demonstrates the ability to operate the equipment properly and in a courteous manner, and (b) after a photocopy of his/her Radio Operators License, as issued by the governing agency of the country from which his/her license has been issued, has been posted in the appropriate place in the club Station.
C. Miscellaneous. Every member is entitled to receiving copies of all club publications.
ARTICLE II: ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 1. OFFICERS
The officers of this club shall be a President, a Vice- President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Equipment Supervisor. The Executive Committee shall be comprised of these five officers. Eligibility for any office requires that the candidate be a member in good standing with the club.
SECTION 2. DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF ELECTED OFFICERS
A. President. To be eligible for the office of the President, the candidate must hold a valid Amateur Radio License from the Federal Communications Commission and must never have had his/her license revoked. The President shall preside over all club meetings and may call special meetings when s/he deems it necessary. The President shall be responsible for the orderly conduct and transaction of club business in accordance with this Constitution. The President shall initiate new orders necessary to effect proper and efficient operation of the club. These new orders with approval of three-fifths (3/5) of the Executive Committee become standing rules and bylaws.
B. Vice-President. The Vice-President shall be responsible for the editing and distribution of a monthly newsletter, and for the publicity of the club and its activities. The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the President in his/her absence.
C. Secretary. The Secretary will be responsible for keeping minutes of all club meetings. The Secretary shall be responsible for handling all correspondence with the club and for the distribution of club mail to the proper officers and members. The Secretary shall also retain the statistics of elections of club officers. The Secretary will be jointly responsible with the Treasurer for maintaining an accurate membership list and relevant information on club members. The Secretary will assume charge of club meetings in the absence of both the President and Vice- President.
D. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be the primary manager of the fiscal matters of the club. The Treasurer shall have an accurate statement regarding the clubs financial status at every club meeting. The treasurer shall be responsible for moneys and all club purchases. The Treasurer shall retain the right to spend no more than fifty ($50) dollars of the clubs money without further approval. The Treasurer shall be jointly responsible with the Secretary for maintaining information about club members pertinent to the proper operation of the club. The treasurer shall assume charge of club meetings in the absence of the President, Vice-President, and Secretary.
E. Equipment Manager. To be eligible for the office of Equipment Manager, the candidate must hold a General Class Amateur Radio Operators license. The Equipment Manager shall be responsible for the maintenance of all club equipment. S/he shall insure that only qualified persons operate the clubs equipment. The Equipment Manager shall retain the right to suspend the privilege to operate radio transmitters of any club member who uses club transmitters to willfully violate FCC regulations. Any suspension of this kind is subject to the approval of three-fifths (3/5) of the Executive Committee. The Equipment Manager shall establish the requirements for granting privileges to operate club transmitters and other equipment. The Equipment Manager shall insure that a copy of the W2SZ Station License, in accordance with FCC regulations, is properly located at the Station Location. The Equipment Manager shall also insure that a member, who has been cleared to operate radio transmitters, has posted a copy of his/her license along beside W2SZ Station License before s/he may operate the radio transmitters.
SECTION 3. ELECTIONS, IMPEACHMENT AND RESIGNATIONS
A. Elections for each of the five officers; President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Equipment Manager, shall be held at the first meeting in February. The Election will be announced to all voting members through mail, or other means, at least one month prior. Nominations shall be necessary. A simple majority of the voting members of the club is needed to elect an officer. Ballots will be secret.
B. An Executive Committee officer may be forced to resign if such a decision is agreed upon by a two- thirds (2/3) vote of the total membership, or a three- quarters (3/4) vote of the present voting membership, and by three (3) Executive Committee members. Said officer reserves the right to be present when such a decision is made.
C. In the event of an impeachment of an officer or his/her permanent vacancy, a special election will be called to elect a new officer.
SECTION 4. FACULTY ADVISOR
The club shall have a faculty advisor who shall act as liaison officer between the club and the administration of the Institute. S/he shall be elected by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of a quorum as defined here-in. A copy of the Constitution and the By-Laws shall be kept by the faculty advisor.
SECTION 5. STATION TRUSTEES
The station trustee (as specified in Section 97.h of the Rules and Regulations of the Federal Communications Commission) shall be the faculty advisor, except when the faculty advisor is not eligible under the above regulations. In such case the executive committee of the club shall elect a qualified member to be the station trustee. The trustee shall be an ex-office member of the club and of the executive committee.
SECTION 6. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
A. The officers of this club shall form an Executive Committee which shall have authority, as specified in Article II Section 2 of this Constitution, to make decisions and to act on behalf of the club.
B. Executive Committee meetings shall be called by the President. The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings.
C. The executive committee shall be empowered to act upon all administrative problems consistent with the Constitution and By-Laws, and upon all financial problems not in excess of one hundred dollars ($100.00) by a simple majority vote. The executive committee shall make an accounting at each club meeting of all moneys spent during the interim period, and may not spend funds in excess of one hundred dollars ($100.00) until such accounting is made.
D. All proposed expenditures in excess of one hundred dollars ($100.00) must be submitted to the members at a general meeting, and shall be approved by three- quarters (3/4) vote of those members present at the time of voting. Notice of such a financial discussion shall be made on the meeting announcement.
E. A brief description of the executive meeting shall be given at the following general meeting.
F. The executive committee shall prepare a budget for submission to the Executive Board of The Rensselaer Union to meet deadlines set by same.
G. All executive committee meetings shall be open to the members, except at the discretion of the President with regard to meetings concerning key applications and disciplinary action.
H. Only the members of the Executive Committee shall be allowed to vote at the Executive Committee meetings; however any member may participate in a discussion on any issue before the executive committee.
I. A quorum of the executive committee shall be three (3) members.
J. The executive committee may be overruled in any action only by a majority of the eligible voting members of the club. Said members must either be present at the meeting or must have previously submitted valid absentee ballots.
SECTION 7. MEETINGS
A. A general club meeting shall be held at least once in each calendar month of the school year. An announcement of a general meeting shall be posted at least three (3) days in advance of such a meeting.
B. Quorum: A quorum shall consist of one-half (1/2) of the total voting membership of the club. This shall apply with respect to voting on any matter other than amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws.
C. Executive Committee meetings shall be called by the President at least twice per calendar month of the school year, not including academic vacations, at a time agreeable to its members. An announcement of executive committee meetings shall be publicized, and notice shall be served to all members of the executive committee at least forty-eight (48) hours, preceding the meeting.
D. Voting members may call a special business meeting if one-half (1/2) agree that such a meeting is necessary. Notification must be given to the Executive Committee at least one week in advance.
E. All meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
SECTION 8: COMMITTEES AND APPOINTEES
A. Executive Committee. The club shall have an Executive Committee that may act on behalf of the club between business meetings. Their actions are subject to review and approval by the membership at a business meeting.
B. Special Committees and Appointees
1. The President shall reserve the right to appoint members on a voluntary basis to committees created to handle club business on a temporary basis.
2. The president shall reserve the right to appoint individual members of the club on a volunteer basis to handle specific duties.
ARTICLE III. FINANCES
The Treasurer shall be responsible for all club finances.
SECTION 1
The W2SZ Amateur Radio Club of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute shall follow Rensselaer Union financial policies.
SECTION 2
The Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting dues from the membership. This should be accomplished through the use of Rensselaer Union accounting department forms.
ARTICLE IV. THE CONSTITUTION, RATIFICATION, AND AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. THE CONSTITUTION
A. The clubs constitution shall be effective immediately upon ratification by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of voting members and subsequent approval by the Rensselaer Union Executive Board.
B. If it becomes necessary that any part of the clubs constitution be changed, or that additions to the clubs constitution be made, a two-thirds (2/3) majority of voting members and subsequent approval by the Rensselaer Union Executive board must be obtained.
SECTION 2. POLICIES, STANDING RULES, AND BYLAWS
A. Any Executive Committee or voting member may present a bill to the voting membership of the club. Upon approval by a majority of voting members, the bill becomes a club bylaw.
B. The policies, standing rules and bylaws of the club shall be kept on record by the Secretary.
SECTION 3. DISCIPLINARY ACTION/SUSPENSION
A. Partial or total membership benefits, and rights, can be removed by vote of at least a majority of the Executive Committee at an Executive Committee meeting if a person has violated club, Rensselaer Union, or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute regulations.
B. At any time during the penalty period, the issue resulting in the withdrawal of membership benefits or rights may be referred to the Rensselaer Union Judicial Board as an appeal case. The penalty remains in effect unless, or until, overturned by the Rensselaer Union Judicial Board.
ARTICLE V: COMPLIANCE WITH UNION AND INSTITUTE STANDARDS
SECTION 1: LANGUAGE
The official language of all business meetings shall be English unless, by unanimous vote by all those present at the meeting, an alternative language is preferred.
SECTION 2: CONFLICTS
In the event that the club’s constitution comes in conflict with any Rensselaer Union or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute rule or standard, then the constitution will be superseded by that rule or standard.
ARTICLE VI. LOGS
SECTION 1: STATION LOG
Any member on the club or visitor who enters the station must sign the station log indicating his/her name, the date, the time of entry, the time of departure of the station. In addition, any guest of a member of the club must also sign the station log and identify whom s/he is a guest of.
SECTION 2: EQUIPMENT LOG
Any member who wishes to borrow any equipment from the station must seek the permission of the Equipment Manager. H/she must then sign out the equipment, leaving his/her name, a list of borrowed equipment, the date, as well as when the items will be returned. In the eventuality that the Equipment Manager can not be located, another officer of the club may grant permission to borrow equipment.
Revised: Sept. 8, 1993