Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Chapter of the Student American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
Constitution and Bylaws
Article I
Name
The name of this organization is Integrative Medicine Club.
Article II
Affiliation
Integrative Medicine Club is a recognized chapter of the Student American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (SAHVMA).
Article III
Purpose
The purpose of Integrative Medicine Club shall be to educate and provide information to students as well as graduates and faculty members who are interested in learning about holistic veterinary medicine. Integrative Medicine Club shall deliver educational resources, hands-on experiences, and networking opportunities to those individuals in order to further their knowledge in the holistic veterinary medical community. Integrative Medicine Club shall also help students and recent graduates gain professional certification and assist in their search for employment in the area of holistic veterinary medicine. Finally, Integrative Medicine Club will provide opportunities for members to improve their knowledge and understanding of current issues regarding holistic medicine.
Article IV
Definition of Membership
Section I
All students currently enrolled in Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine who are interested in learning about ways to complement conventional veterinary medical techniques with alternative therapies are eligible for membership and participation.
Section II
Consistent with all applicable federal and state laws and University policies, Integrative Medicine Club shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, and disability.
Section III
To qualify as an active member of the Integrative Medicine Club, members must pay annual or semester membership dues, the amount and due date for which shall be determined by the elected board of officers. Dues must be paid directly to the club.
Article V
Advisor
Section I
The Integrative Medicine Club advisor shall be selected from among the faculty of the college of veterinary medicine.
Section II
The advisor shall be a non-student member and shall enjoy all rights and privileges of membership, except for the right to vote, hold office, or any other right reserved for students.
Section III
The advisor must take an active role in assisting the student organization to achieve its mission and purpose and to act as a liaison between campus involvement and Integrative Medicine Club.
Article VI
Club Officers
Section I
Club officers shall consist of president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. This group is herein referred to as the “Executive Board”.
Section II
To qualify as a club officer, an individual must be enrolled at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine with good academic standing.
Section III
To qualify as a club officer, an individual must have a general membership in Integrative Medicine Club.
Section IV
Elections shall be held annually near the end of the fall semester. New officers shall begin their official term at the conclusion of the fall semester.
Section V
Officers of Integrative Medicine Club shall be selected through a democratic election process. All general members shall be eligible to vote, and each may vote only once for each position. The officer for each position shall be the candidate who is qualified per the above rules who receives the greatest number of votes. The executive board may approve co-officership for any position, either before or after voting takes place, for example in the case of a tie, near tie, or joint candidacy.
Section V
If a club officer resigns for any reason, his or her duties shall be attended by remaining officers and/or delegated to a club member or members until the open position is filled. A replacement officer shall be selected via a democratic election process similar to that use for general elections. Such election shall be held within two weeks of the date on which the position becomes open. If an officer resigns with less than one month remaining in his or her term, the executive board may vote to leave the position vacant until the new term begins.
Section VI
The Executive Board shall meet at least once per month.
Section VII
All of the Executive Board members are required to attend Executive Board meetings.
Article VII
Officer Duties
Section I
President must:
1. Preside over monthly Board meetings.
2. Coordinate and oversee all club activities
Section II
Vice President must:
1. Participate in monthly Board meetings.
2. Assist president as needed, including the arrangement of club activities and events.
Section III
Secretary must:
1. Participate in monthly Board meetings.
2. Record and distribute minutes for Board meetings.
3. Maintain membership information and contacts.
Section IV
Treasurer must:
1. Participate in monthly Board meetings.
2. Maintain and execute financial transactions and monetary issues for the club.
3. Provide a Treasurer’s Report at each Board meeting
Article VII
Chapter Delegate
Section I
A Chapter Delegate will be selected from among the membership to attend to duties specific to the SAHVMA. The Chapter President may serve by default as the Delegate, or the Delegate will be selected through a democratic process, and may be any club member or officer. Criteria for selecting the Chapter Delegate shall be determined by the Executive Board and outlined in club bylaws.
Section I
The duties of the Chapter Delegate include:
1. Participate in the annual meeting of the SAHVMA, held at the annual AHVMA conference.
2. Provide SAHVMA Chapter Liaison with regular updates on chapter status/issues
3. Keep Integrative Medicine Club informed regarding SAHVMA activities
Article VIII
Amendments
Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the Student American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (SAHVMA) only after unanimous approval of the officers. Changes must be approved by SAHVMA and by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA).