Preamble

The Columbia University College Republicans is a political organization and chartered member of the Earl Hall Student Governing Board, formed to both publish and promote ideas and positions of the Republican Party and provide support for the political activities of Republican students on campus.

Definitions
The Columbia University College Republicans, hereafter referred to as "the organization," shall be governed by a board of officers, hereafter referred to as "the Executive Board."

Article I: Purpose

Section I
The organization shall aim to keep the university population apprised of contemporary principles and positions of the Republican Party, to promote these positions, and to provide support to election campaigns conducted by the Party. Such support must be through semiautonomous student campaign groups, and the organization may not officially endorse any offcampus candidate or group in the process of providing logistical support as per Student Governing Board regulations.

Section II
In fulfilling its mission, the College Republicans will recognize the diversity of its members and encourage dialogue and discussion among its membership. The organization will make every attempt to incorporate differing views of its members in its dialogue and to recognize independent initiatives and efforts of its members.

Section III
The Executive Board shall facilitate the above stated purpose of the organization by: a) Keeping the general body of the organization current on Republican positions and principles
b) Organizing events to promote these positions or principles, including but not limited to: visiting speakers, regular meetings, and social events
c) Informing the general body of the organization of opportunities to assist in Party election campaigns and liaising with the Earl Hall Student Governing Board to ensure that the above stated events and opportunities comply with pertinent regulations
The organization shall form a liaison with the Earl Hall Student Governing Board to ensure that the above stated events and opportunities comply with pertinent regulations

Article II: Membership

Section I
Membership shall be open to all members of the Columbia University community who are students in Columbia University and who express an interest in becoming College Republicans general body members. Interest in the College Republicans can be expressed via e-mail or attendance at College Republicans-sponsored events. Requests to be added to the College Republican mailing list, and presence on that list, do not in and of themselves constitute proof of membership or interest in becoming a member. While the Executive Board may infer that such requests constitute such expression, if reasonable doubts arise about a member’s true interest the Executive Board may seek clarification through inquiry.

Section II
The privileges and responsibilities of membership are the opportunity to participate in and attend College Republicans-sponsored events. Participants must act in a responsible manner while attending College Republicans events.

Section III
Membership may be revoked based upon a breach of the laws of the United States of America, the State of New York, the City of New York, or the rules of Columbia University as outlined in FACETS (Facts About Columbia Essential to Students) or the Columbia University Code of Conduct. Also, disruptive conduct at a College Republicans-sponsored event, or the intent to engage in such conduct, may be grounds for immediate revocation of membership privileges. Revocation of membership privileges may also be considered for those who are members of organizations that seek to overthrow the United States government, or who have shown public contempt for this organization. Such contempt may be considered retraction of any previously expressed interest in this organization. Revocation procedures must be initiated by a member of the Executive Board and must be ratified by a majority of the Executive Board at the earliest possible meeting.

Article III: Meetings and Procedures

Section I
The Columbia University College Republicans will meet on a semi-regular basis as a general body held at a constant location and time throughout each semester. General Body meetings shall be at least twice a month during the academic year, subject to cancellation by a majority vote of the Executive Board.

Section II
At any time, formal votes pertaining to internal College Republicans policies and procedures may be initiated by any member of the general body. The proposal shall then go to a vote at the next general meeting, with the majority of members present being sufficient to pass the proposal. If such policy positions are initiated by the Executive Board and are not brought up for a vote, these positions must be stated as the position of the Executive Board of the Columbia University College Republicans, not as of the group as a whole.

Section III
If, during the course of a College Republicans-sponsored event, a disruption occurs, the Executive Board member in charge of the event shall have the right to take appropriate steps to maintain order, including removing disruptive persons and notifying authorities.

Section IV
Effort should be made to make events available to as much of the Columbia University community as possible. Given safety or space concerns or constraints, the organization’s membership may be granted the privilege of priority access, and access may be denied to non- Columbia affiliates by the Executive Board. Reservations may be required for events for which there is a limited capacity.

Article IV: Officers

Section I
The organization shall have the following officers, to be elected in the Spring Semester of every academic year, to fill one-year terms. Nomination is open to anyone who has attended at least two College Republicans-sponsored events or meetings during the previous semester and is a member in good standing. Students who were not on campus due to study abroad, withdrawal from school, or other factors that would preclude attending meetings the previous semester are exempt from this stipulation. The four permanent Executive Board positions are only open to full-time students from Columbia College, Barnard College, the School of General Studies, and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. One Executive Board member must act as the College Republicans liaison to the Earl Hall Student Governing Board, and another must act as an alternate.

Section II
The Executive Board of the College Republicans shall be a directorship. There shall always exist a President, Executive Director (Vice-President), Director of Finance (Treasurer) and Director of Communications (Secretary). Other directorships shall be instituted on an as needed or suggested basis, and positions shall last one year, subject to renewal. There may be no less than four (4) and no more than twelve (12) full directors. The four permanent positions and other suggested positions are described below. As new positions are created, their titles and descriptions shall be recorded as an appendix to the constitution, and will be available to future leadership. All directors are full voting members of the executive board. All directors are encouraged to take on deputies to assist with their tasks to facilitate the development of future leadership for the organization.

1) President: Acts as the executive in charge of scheduling and presiding over general body meetings. In the planning of such meetings, the President is encouraged to consult with and lead votes of the entire Executive Board when possible. Has authority over the order and progress of all meetings. Acts as a public spokesperson for the College Republicans, and monitors discussion and communication with other University- sponsored clubs and local, state, and national political organizations and campaigns. Oversees and delegates the planning and functioning of College Republicans-sponsored events. Appoints members to various committees and as liaisons to other organizations as necessary. To be eligible for the Presidency, a candidate must have been a board member for a least a full year (twelve months) prior to the election. A sitting President cannot be the president or other top leader or spokesperson for any other political or ideological group on campus during his or her tenure.

2) Executive Director: Maintains close contact with the President in the discussion of College Republicans events and policies. Will act as proxy for the President at his or her request. Manages, monitors, and coordinates the activities of the Directors. Facilitates communication between board members. When needed, conducts meetings in the place of the President and acts as club representative to outside organizations. A sitting Executive Director cannot be the president or other top leader or spokesperson for any other political or ideological group on campus during his or her tenure.

3) Director of Finances: Maintain close scrutiny over the budget and finances of the College Republicans and ensure the legal, ethical, and prudent allocation of resources. Will prepare yearly budget requests for the Student Governing Board of Earl Hall and process all reimbursement forms in a timely fashion. Will provide necessary vouchers and handle all transfers between accounts. Will assume primary responsibility for fundraising efforts.

4) Director of Communications: Will maintain and update e-mail member lists and send out messages at the request of the President or Executive Director. Will also maintain or delegate the authority to update the College Republican homepage on the World Wide Web and respond to e-mail messages sent to the club alias. Responsible for contacting Computing Services to update email addresses of board members included on alias and of board members to access web directory. If necessary, schedules campus broadcast messages with Communications Services and contacts Public Affairs for additions to the university webpage. A sitting Director of Communications cannot be the spokesperson for any other political or ideological group on campus during his or her tenure.

5) Director of Operations: Works to secure setup of meetings and other events in all aspects, including but not limited to: securing room reservations with the appropriate administrative office, purchasing food or other supplies as needed (with voucher or cash to be reimbursed), arranging staff and security for club events as needed and organizing student volunteers, creating event crew requisitions, and performing any event follow-up as needed. Ensure that club paraphernalia (banners, fliers) are hung or distributed with the appropriate permissions. Must maintain a list of all meetings (executive board and general body), events, and activities of the organization as an official record of the organization.

6) Director of Public Relations: Contacts the Columbia Spectator and other relevant bodies for news information and editorial submissions. Supervises the publication of any organization materials, including but not limited to: newsletters, fliers, signs, banners, shirts, buttons. Checks with Student Governing Board that publications fall within club- sanctioned guidelines. Coordinates efforts to bring speakers to Columbia’s campus.

7) Membership Director: Directs recruitment efforts for the College Republicans, including but not limited to tabling efforts. Works in coordination with Communications and Operations to ensure that member needs are addressed and membership is sustained.

8) Director of Alumni Affairs: Serves as the director for all alumni outreach and coordination.
9) Director of Intergroup Affairs: Attends all meetings of the Columbia College Conservative Club, College Libertarians, Federalist Society, and Law School Republicans and reports any interesting initiatives or activity back to the Executive Board. Also presents College Republican initiatives to these groups when authorized by the Executive Board.

Section III
There shall be the title of President Emeritus bestowed among all former Presidents of the Columbia University College Republicans. A President Emeritus shall qualify as a voting member of the Executive Board prior to graduation, though voting rights may be terminated by vote of the Executive Board in the event of excessive absence from Executive Board meetings. For this purpose, 5 absences a semester or three consecutive absences shall be deemed excessive.

Section IV
The position of College Republican Representative on the Governing Board of the Columbia Political Union may be appointed at the President’s discretion or assumed by the President at the start of each academic year, subject to a majority vote Executive Board confirmation.

Article V: Electing, Appointing, and Removing Officers

Section I
Election will take place yearly at a publicized general body meeting. Candidates meeting the above qualifications may be nominated, and will be given an opportunity for a short speech and a question-and-answer period. No candidates may vote in their own contest, nor distribute campaign materials. All in attendance may vote except the Executive Board official presiding over the election. The presiding official will count votes while the nominees are absent from the room. In case of a tie, the presiding official will ask for a second vote, and if necessary, further speeches by the candidates. Voting shall be done by secret ballot. The presiding official shall count such ballots at the time of election. A call of the ballots can be called by anyone in the group upon challenge of results. There need not be a vote or meeting to approve a new directorship position.

Section II
In case of a vacancy, the Presidency will be filled by the current Executive Director unless overruled by a majority of the Executive Board. In case of vacancy of other Executive Board positions, the President, in consultation with the official vacating the position, shall appoint a successor.

Section III
Executive Board members may be removed by a formal vote of two-thirds of the Executive Board (subject to override by three-fourths of those present at the next general body meeting) or three-fourths of the entire general body in attendance at a subsequent meeting.

Article VI: Alumni Affairs & Board of Trustees

Section I
A concerted effort will be taken by the organization to maintain contact with alumni of the Columbia University College Republicans. The Columbia University Republican Alumni Association shall be formed as an organization to facilitate this communication between alumni. A director shall be assigned to be the primary contact for this group’s activities and coordination. This group may choose to elect a President each year, and if so this President shall serve on the Board of Trustees of the Columbia University College Republicans.

Section II
The Board of Trustees of the Columbia University College Republicans shall be composed of past College Republican officers (whether students or alumni), influential Republican alumni, and other important Republican supporters outside Columbia’s gates. The Board will serve an advisory role, with no authority over the day- to-day operations over the group. Possible activities of the Board include providing support for fundraising efforts, networking opportunities, or political guidance. Members of the Board of Trustees, unlike Executive Board members, will serve unbounded terms at the discretion of Columbia University College Republican President. The decision to appoint or remove a member of the Board of Trustees is to be made by the President subject to confirmation by three-fourths of the Executive Board. The Board of Trustees shall be headed by a Chairperson appointed through the same process.

Article VII: Amendments and Ratification

This document must be ratified by a majority of the College Republicans general body in attendance at the meeting. Amendments may be proposed by any group of three general body members, or any Executive Board member. All amendments must be ratified by two-thirds of the general body in attendance at a subsequent meeting. The final arbiter of the Constitution of the Columbia University College Republicans is the Executive Board.