GCF at UM Constitution

PREAMBLE

We, the members of Graduate Christian Fellowship, in order to establish witnessing communities among students, staff, and faculty members who follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, do hereby establish this constitution.

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of the organization will be Graduate Christian Fellowship henceforth referred to as GCF.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

In response to God's love, grace and truth:

The Purpose of Graduate Christian Fellowship is to establish and advance at the University of Michigan witnessing communities of students and faculty who follow Jesus as Savior and Lord: growing in love for God, God's Word, God's people of every ethnicity and culture and God's purposes in the world.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Membership in GCF is open to anyone officially connected to the University of Michigan as faculty, staff, or registered student. Professionals in the Ann Arbor community are always welcome, but GCF has historically been and intends to be a majority University of Michigan community. It is also open to anyone employed by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF)/USA or through International Fellowship of Evangelical Students.

Any person who is a part of one or more of the above mentioned groups will be considered a member of GCF after attending one GCF meeting or activity, unless they indicate their desire to otherwise be excluded from membership. Upon joining the organization, all members agree not to undermine the purpose or mission of GCF.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS

Section 1.

The number of officers and positions will vary each year depending on current membership and the needs of the fellowship. The standing Leadership Team and IVCF staff will determine positions each year. Each year a Leadership Team will exist.

Section 2.

A Leadership Team will exist, it may include a President, Treasurer/University Liaison, New Student Outreach Coordinator and Small Group/Bible Study Leaders. Additional positions may be added at the discretion of the current leadership team and the IVCF staff workers. In addition, positions may be merged and additional titles may be added to a current position.

ARTICLE V. OPERATIONS

Section 1.

Any registered U of M graduate student or postdoctoral fellow who is a member of GCF is eligible for office. Each officer must sign a leadership covenant and agree to support the mission and purpose of GCF.

Section 2.

Officers will be selected each year by the current Leadership Team and IVCF staff workers. Officers on the Leadership Team will invite members into leadership positions over the course of several weeks beginning mid-February and ending mid-March.

Section 3.

Officers assume their positions immediately following the conclusion of U of M Ann Arbor’s winter semester.

Section 4.

If there is any dispute in selecting officers the IVCF staff workers will have the final say in inviting a member into a leadership position.

ARTICLE VI. FINANCES

GCF will obtain funding in the following ways:

1. Through private donations

2. Through MSA funding

A member of the Leadership Team will be appointed as treasurer and will be responsible for the organization’s finances.

ARTICLE VII. CONSTITUTION & AMENDMENTS

Section 1.

Amendments to the constitution can be proposed verbally at a Leadership Team meeting or may be submitted in writing to any Leadership Team member.

Section 2.

Any current member of GCF may submit an amendment.

Section 3.

Amendments will be considered by Leadership Team members and must pass by a 2/3rd vote of the Leadership Team and have approval of the IVCF staff member.

ARTICLE VIII. REMOVAL OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.

Officers may be relieved of their leadership duties if they fail to fulfill their commitments to the organization or the members of GCF.

Section 2.

Officers will be removed by a majority vote from members on the Leadership Team and approval of the IVCF staff worker.

Section 3.

Members of GCF may be removed if they pose any form of a threat-physical or psychological-to any member of the organization or undermine the purpose or mission of the GCF.

Section 4.

Members may be removed by a majority vote of the Leadership Team and approval of an IVCF staff worker.

ARTICLE IX. AFFILIATIONS

The Graduate Christian Fellowship (GCF) at The University of Michigan is a graduate chapter of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA (IVCF) and is not affiliated with any particular church or denomination. GCF is also affiliated with International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES).

ARTICLE X. REGISTRATION RENEWAL

GCF will re-register with Michigan Student Assembly on an annual basis no later than September 15 of each year.

GCF will return a signed SOAS card no later than September 15 of each year.

ARTICLE XI. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Section 1.

GCF has read and fully complies with the University's policies. We understand that the organization's registration is contingent on acceptance of these policies.

Section 2.

GCF is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status in its membership or activities unless permitted by university policy for gender specific organizations.