FIT Student Association Policy Manual Part 1

2013-2014

POLICY MANUAL

For all

F.I.T. Student Association sponsored

Clubs, Committees, Organizations & Boards

DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT LIFE – A713

FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DAVID DUBINSKY STUDENT CENTER

NEW YORK, NY 10001

FIT Student Association Policy Manual

For Questions, Ideas, Concerns, & To Advertise Email: [email protected]

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CONTENTS

PART 1: Constitution

Student Life Directory

Student Offices and Spaces

FIT Student Association Constitution

Article I Name

Article II Purpose and Responsibilities

Article III: Organization

The Council

Executive Board

Programming Board

Article IV: Committees

Article V: Clubs

Article VI: Amendments & By-Laws

Article VII: Ratification of the Constitution

Article VIII: Availability of the Constitution

PART 2: New Club Information

Club Resources & Information

Club Awards

PART 3: Budget Guidelines



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OFFICE DIRECTORY

DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT LIFE

Office/Position Name Room Phone

212-217-XXXX

Department of

Student Life - A713

4130

(Fax 4131)

Director Michelle R. Van-Ess

A710 4132 [email protected]

Counselor Philip Milio


Counselor Teri Rosenberg


Program

Coordinator

Denise Delgado A717 4135

[email protected]

Office Supervisor Chenise Marine-Rice


Administrative

Secretary

Yvonne Perkins A713 4137

[email protected]

Secretary III Shanda Richardson-Smith


Evening Supervisor

& Volunteer

Coordinator

Deborah Payton-Jones A718 4140

[email protected]

Hotlines & Emails

Flea Market Hotline 4141

SVCS Volunteer Hotline 4142



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STUDENT OFFICES AND SPACES

Office ROOM 212-217-XXXX

FIT Student Association

Executive Board

[email protected]

A706 4145


Programming Board

[email protected]

A706 4146

Game Room A 738

Hall of Art A 7th

Floor

Handbook A725 4155

ICON Magazine, Creative

Showcase A729 4157

W27 (Newspaper) A727 4160

WFIT (Radio/TV) AC 14 4158

Style Shop A Lobby 4154

Theatre Ensemble A711 4147

Yearbook A726 4156

Dubinsky Student Lounge A 5th

Floor


Commuter Lounge D 4

th Floor

FIT Student Association Website: https://fitnyc.collegiatelink.net/organization/fitsa

(Campus clubs, Event calendar, Campus Space Reservation, FIT Student Association

Forms and Documentation.)

FIT Student Association Email: [email protected]

(For questions, ideas, opinions, concerns, & to advertise)

https://fitnyc.collegiatelink.net/organization/fitsa

mailto:[email protected]



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FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY STUDENT

ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

Preamble

We, the students of the Fashion Institute of Technology, recognize that it is our inherent right to

regulate, modify and propose that which concerns the students of the Fashion Institute of Technology.

In order to uphold these; to foster the College’s responsibilities to the student; to have student

representation; and to provide for that which benefits the students’ cultural, social and physical welfare;

we hereby establish this Constitution of the Student Association of the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Article I – Name

Section I:

This organization, consisting of all full-time matriculated students and part-time students who pay a

student activity fee, shall be known as the Student Association of the Fashion Institute of Technology

(hereafter referred to as FIT Student Association).

Section II:

The governing body of FIT Student Association shall be known as the Council.

Section III:

The governing body of the Council shall be known as the Executive Board.

Article II – Purpose and Responsibilities

Section I:

The purpose of FIT Student Association shall be to promote the welfare of the students of the Fashion

Institute of Technology through a system of responsible student self-government. FIT Student

Association shall be responsible for:

a. Nominating and electing the Executive Board

b. Nominating and electing the Programming Board

c. Nominating and electing the FIT Student Association President to serve as the Student Trustee to the

Board of Trustees

d. Requesting/ Recommending increases in the student activity fee, health service fee and athletics fee.



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Article III – Organization

SECTION I: THE COUNCIL

A. MEMBERSHIP

1. The Council shall consist of one appointed and one alternate person to represent each approved

club, student organization , board, publications

2. Elected Students to Standing Committees

3. Any member of FITSA after attending two (2) consecutive meetings becomes a voting member.

4. The Executive Board who shall serve as its officers.

5. The President of the FIT Student Association serves as chairperson

6. The Programming Board. Elected students to the Faculty Association Committees, the Student

Faculty Corporation.

B. RESPONSIBILITIES

The Council, on behalf of FIT Student Association, shall be responsible for:

1. Organizing and supervising educational, social, and cultural activities for the members of FIT

Student Association

2. Fostering student publications without restriction of content

3. Fostering good interrelations between the faculty, administration, and the student body

4. Promoting student involvement with FIT Student Association

5. Establishing intercollegiate affiliations

6. Approving clubs

7. Approving the annual FIT Student Association budget

8.

9. Establishing Council committees

10. Nominating, electing and/or appointing member to Council and/or College committees

11. Reviewing and voting the removal from office of any individual elected or appointed by the

Council.

12. Clubs, organization and boards will present a report on club achievements, trip and activities

13. Nominating and voting candidates for FIT Student Association Gold & Silver Leadership Keys

and Max Meyer award.



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C. POWERS AND PRIVILEGES

1. Act as the representative and the legislative body of FIT Student Association.

a. Each Council member shall have one vote.

b. The President shall vote only in case of a tie.

2. Act to carry out the purpose and responsibilities of FIT Student Association as set forth in Article

II, Section I.

3. Privileges for clubs/or organizations as outlined in Article V Section B.

4. There are two methods by which a referendum to cancel an all college FIT Student Association

sponsored program/event can be instituted:

a. By (51%) of the Student Council members present.

b. By petition signed by ten percent (10%) of FITSA membership, submitted to the President of

the FIT Student Association.

If either of the above two means are met, an all college referendum must take place. Only

members of FIT Student Association may vote. The voting will take place at a scheduled

Student Council meeting. The results of the referendum will be determined by a majority vote

fifty-one percent (51%) of those present.

Should any club (or member) violate FIT’s Code of Conduct, said club will be subject to the following

procedure:

1. First violation – A verbal warning will be issued to the club advisor and club president, by

the Director of The Department of Student Life, and FIT Student Association V.P. of Clubs

& Organizations.

2. Second violation – A written warning placing the club on six month probation will be issued

to the club advisor and club president by the Director of the Department of Student Life and

FIT Student Association V.P. of Clubs & Organizations. The club in question should use this

probationary period to evaluate and correct the problem(s) which resulted in their

probationary status. If the probationary period is completed without incident, said club will

remain in good standing with FIT Student Association.

3. Third violation – Should a third violation occur during the probationary period all club

activities will be suspended and all funds frozen pending a hearing before the Judicial

Council of the Student Affairs Committee (See Rights & Responsibilities Policy Manual for

specific hearing procedures).

At such hearing, the Judicial Council of the Student Affairs Committee will make a recommendation to

the Student Council as to what action should be taken.

Student Council, upon receiving the recommendation, shall vote whether to continue or revoke club

status of the club in question. The final decision rests with the Student Council. An appeal of the

Student Council decision can be made to the President of FIT his/her designee.



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D. MEETINGS

1. Meetings shall be held at least once a month while full-time classes are in session. Special

meetings may be called by the FIT Student Association President.

2. A quorum of the Council shall consist of no less than one-third (1/3) of membership for voting

purposes only.

3. Decisions shall be made by majority vote of the Council members present.

4. Council meetings shall be open to all members of FIT Student Association.

E. ATTENDANCE

1. Is mandatory for every Council member.

2. All council members must sign the voting ballot in the begin of the meeting and resubmit once

the meeting has been adjourned for attendance to be counted.

3. If a member/club/organization fails to attend two (2) meetings per academic year, its budget will

be cut by 50%.

4. Any member/club/organization that misses three (3) unexcused meetings during the academic

year shall have Council membership revoked, and they will cease to be a club.

a. Council membership can be reinstated as provided for in Article III: Section I, A, 3. ( not

there)

b. Clubs can be reinstated upon re-approval by the Council as provided for in Article V.

4. Absences will be excused only when a written notice is submitted via [email protected] is given

24 hours in advance and approved by the FIT Student Association President

5. No council member / representative / secretary may sign in for two or more clubs / organizations.

Each member has to sign in for themselves.

F. FACULTY ADVISOR

1. The Director of the Department Student Life shall serve as Faculty Advisor.

2. The Faculty Advisor shall:

a. Attend all meetings of the Council

b. Assist the Council to carry out the purposes and responsibilities of FIT Student Association

and the Council as set forth in Article II and III, B

c. Countersign all transactions from FIT Student Association treasury.

d. Sit as a non-voting member of the Executive Board

e. Act as liaison of FIT Student Association with the faculty and the Administration.

mailto:[email protected]



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SECTION II: EXECUTIVE BOARD

A. MEMBERSHIP

1. Members of the Executive Board shall be elected to office by FIT Student Association

2. The Executive Board officers shall be (Positions may vary based on student demand):

a. President

b. Executive Secretary

c. Treasurer

d. Treasurer

e. Vice-President of Alumni Affairs

f. Vice-President of Athletics & Wellness

g. Vice-President of Clubs & Organizations

h. Vice-President of Communications

i. Vice-President of Commuter Affairs

j. Vice-President of Information Technologies

k. Vice-President of Programming

l. Vice-President of Residential Life (elected through Residential Life procedures)

m. Vice-President of Student Affairs

n. Vice-President of Sustainability

B. RESPONSIBILITIES OF EXECUTIVE BOARD

1. To carry out the purposes of FIT Student Association and the decisions of the Council.

2. To act on behalf of the Council whenever it is not possible to convene and consult the Council.

Such actions shall be subject to the approval or veto by the Council at its first subsequent

meeting.

3. Prepare FIT Student Association annual budget to be submitted to the Council for approval.

4. To approve final decisions regarding additional budget allocations upon request.

5. To withdraw funds from or deny funds to an organization or club which had not used its funds

for the purposes they were allocated.

6. To represent the FIT Student Association to the faculty and administration.

7. Make regular reports to the Council.

8. To meet at least once a week at which time a quorum shall consist of one more than half of the

members for voting purposes only. A majority vote of those present must be achieved for a

motion to pass or be denied.

9. Survey the FIT Student Association to identify needs, issues on campus



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C. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

1. Duties of all officers:

a. Attend all Executive Board, Student Council meetings, trainings, retreat, and FIT Student

Association events and initiatives.

b. All official records and correspondence of each officer will be kept on file.

c. Partner with Programming Board members to create programs that serve the needs and

interests of the FIT Student Association

d. Train and mentor new officers through proper documentation.

e. Maintain public relations with the FIT Student Association and the Student Government

boards

f. Vice President reports should be completed and sent on a monthly basis to the FITSA

President

g. Mandatory end of semester reports are due to the faculty advisor before stipend interviews in

the Fall and Spring semester. Dates will be provided.

h. Support and promote Executive & Programming Board initiatives

2. The President shall:

a. Call, prepare agendas, and preside over all the meetings of the Council and Executive Board.

b. Appoint committees and committee chairpersons unless otherwise provided.

c. Vote only to break a tie.

d. Serve as voting student representative to the FIT Board of Trustees.

e. Serve as ex-officio member of all committees.

f. Promote student advocacy on campus.

g. Keep open lines of communication with administration and faculty

h. Identify campus issues and work with administration to solve them

i. Support the efforts of fellow board members

j. Plan board retreats and trainings.

k. Have periodical meetings with the President of the college

l. Keep the student body informed

m. Work collaboratively with the Vice-President of Student Affairs to host regular Town Hall

Meetings



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3. The Executive Secretary shall:

a. Assume the duties of the President in his/her absence or at the request of the President.

b. Record and preserve the minutes of all meetings of the Council and Executive Board.

c. , Record and preserve all necessary correspondence of FIT Student Association, the Council

and the Executive Board

d. Record & report attendance for all FIT Student Association mandatory meetings.

e. Keep a record of all new legislation and any amendments thereof.

f. Be responsible for the availability of the FIT Student Association Constitution. This includes

keeping updated copies in the Student Life office and on FITLink

g. Manage and maintain the FIT Student Association email

h. Work with two treasurer and Vice-President of Clubs and Organizations to track attendance

and maintain student association accounts.

i. Work with the two treasurers to schedule weekly budget request for Executive board meeting

agenda.

j. Communicate & disseminate information among members of the Executive Board.

k. Support and promote the efforts of fellow board members

4. The Two Executive Treasurers shall:

a. Process and sign all requisitioned transactions, withdrawals and deposits from FIT Student

Association Treasury

b. Keep account of all receipts and expenditures

c. Keep an active electronic record of all new clubs account activity

d. Prepare regular budget reports for each Executive Board and Council meeting.

e. Present periodic budget reports to the Executive Board

f. Process stipends for the Executive Board and Programming Board members.

g. Chair annual FIT Student Association budget committee

h. Communicate to FIT Student Association clubs and organizations budgetary procedures

i. Work collaboratively to equally share responsibilities between co-Treasurer

j. Review, adjust and recommend weekly budget requests to Executive board.

k. Work with the Executive Secretary to schedule weekly budget request for Executive board

meeting agenda.

l. Work with the Executive Secretary and Vice-President of Clubs and Organizations to track

attendance and maintain student association accounts.

m. Support and promote the efforts of fellow board members

5. The Vice-President of Alumni Affairs shall:

a. Serve as liaison between the Alumni Association Office of Alumni Faculty Relations, FIT

Student Association, and the Executive Board.

b. Promote existing and additional programs according to student needs.

c. Support and promote the efforts of fellow board members



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6. The Vice- President of Athletics & Wellness shall:

a. Serve as liaison between Health Services, all athletics activities and the Executive Board.

b. Promote additional and existing athletic programs according to students’ needs

c. Promote existing and additional health service needs according to student needs

d. Serve as Bloodmobile liaison to the FIT Student Association

e. Periodically report athletic and recreational updates to Council

f. Support and promote the efforts of fellow board members

7. The Vice-President of Clubs & Organizations shall:

a. Serve as liaison between all FIT Student Association clubs, organizations and the Executive

Board.

b. Keep an active file for all FIT Student Association clubs and organizations (including

attendance, community service, fundraising, and club activities)

c. Work closely with the Department of Student Life Program Coordinator to maintain club

records, organize bi-annual Club Fair, new club training sessions, and the

Presidents/Advisors meetings

d. Work with the Executive Secretary and the two-Treasurer to track attendance and maintain

student association accounts.

e. Guide perspective clubs to gain official club recognition through workshops, orientation,

presentations, meetings, etc.

f. Collaborate with the Vice-President of Information Technologies on managing FITLink

g. Support and promote the efforts of fellow board members

8. The Vice-President of Communications shall:

d. Serve as liaison between the Communication Council (all school student radio, Web, T.V.,

and written publications), FIT Student Association and the Executive Board.

e. Promote existing and additional publications and communication networks according to

student needs.

f. Maintain and manage all FIT Student Association affiliated websites, and FIT Student

Association Public Relations

g. Chair Communication Council to market & advertise FIT Student Association to the college

community.

h. Follow, maintain, and update the Communication Council Constitution

i. Support and promote the efforts of fellow board members

9. The Vice-President of Commuter Affairs shall:

a. Serve as a liaison between all commuter students, the Executive Board, and FIT Student

Association.

b. Promote programs and activities to specifically serve our commuter population.

c. Survey the FIT commuter population to identify need, wants, and issues

d. Work on issues to better improve the commuter student experience at FIT

e. Support and promote the efforts of fellow board members



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10. The Vice-President of Information Technologies shall:

a. Serve as the student representative on the college IT committee

b. Help plan and coordinate Edu-Tech Day on campus

c. Serve as the liaison between the IT committee, RHCC, Communication Council, FITSA and

the Executive board.

d. Survey FITSA to identify needs, wants, and issues related to IT


11. The Vice-President of Programming shall:

a. Serve as liaison between the Programming Board, FIT Student Association and the Executive

Board.

b. Serve as Chairperson of the Programming Board.

c. Assist Programming Board Managers in programming efforts

d. Work collectively with FIT Student Association President to create a common bi-yearly

event between the Executive & Programming board


12. The Vice-President of Residential Life shall:

a. Preside over all RHCC (Residence Hall Community Council) meetings.

b. Serve as ex-officio member of all RHCC committees.

c. Countersign all withdrawals from RHCC accounts.

d. Serve as liaison between the residential student, administration, FIT Student Association, and

the Executive Board

e. This position is elected annually through RHCC elections.


13. The Vice-President of Student Affairs shall:

a. Serve as Chairperson of the Faculty Senate Student Affairs Committee and Judicial Council.

b. Serve as liaison between the administration, Student Affairs Committee, FIT Student

Association and the Executive Board.

c. Work collaboratively with the FIT Student Association President to host regular Town Hall

Meetings

d. Support and promote the effort of fellow board members

14. The Vice-President of Sustainability shall:

a. Serve as the student representative on the college President’s Sustainability council

b. Serve as the liaison between the sustainability council, FIT Student Association, and the

Executive Board.

c. Collaborate with Executive and Programming board members to initiate and maintain

sustainable practice.

d. Support and promote the effort of fellow board members

e. Initiate and coordinate campus wide programs.



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D. ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE

Open to all FIT students, who have paid their student activity fee and meet the listed below criteria.

1. Students must be registered for two (2) semesters following the election semester to serve in

office

2. Candidates must have and maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average

3. No officer can also serve as an editor, manager, club president or club student council

representative.

4. Part-time students must be degree candidates in addition to meeting existing eligibility criteria.

5. Must be available to attend all scheduled meetings (day and evening) meetings, events and

initiatives of the FIT Student Association Executive and Programming board and Student

Council.

6. Attend Leadership Workshop prior to, or during the first semester in office mandatory

7. For Presidential and Executive Secretary candidacy, the student must have attended FIT for four

semesters years before running

E. NOMINATION OF OFFICERS

1. Any member of the FIT Student Association who wishes to become a candidate must submit a

petition signed by at least 50 members of FIT Student Association to the Director of Student Life

by specified due date All potential candidates shall be checked for eligibility by the Faculty

Advisor.

2. A voting web site shall be prepared, prior to election date, with the names of all eligible

candidates. Ballots will be counted by the Faculty Advisor, and witnessed by incumbent officers

not running for office.

F. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

1. Elections shall be held no sooner than one week after petitions are closed.

2. All members of FIT Student Association shall be entitled to one vote.

3. The candidate for each office who receives the most votes shall be elected to that office.

4. To be elected, the unopposed candidate must receive the majority of votes cast for that position.

5. Before an impeached officer can declare candidacy for a Board position, a one term period shall

pass.

6. There is no limit to the number of term in each office



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G. TERMS OF OFFICE

1. Each officer shall hold office for one year unless he/she resigns or is removed from office.

2. A term of office shall begin and end with official inaugurations.

3. The current Executive Board shall work with the Board-elect during the transition period to

introduce the new members to the duties of their office, and attend all mandatory board meetings

until the official inauguration.

a. The shadowing period shall begin with the first FIT Student Association training.

b. During the shadowing period the current and newly elected board will work together to

prepare the following year’s FIT Student Association Budget. The current Board shall deal

with old business while teaching the Board-elect their duties and Parliamentary Procedures.

c. The Board-elect shall take the oath of office four (4) weeks after elections with the current

Board surrendering their office, duties, and keys, effective after inauguration.

d. Meetings shall be set up so both boards meet once a week.

e. Newly elected Board members must attend all FIT Student Association training sessions in

the Fall and Spring Semesters.

H. VACANCIES

a. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the Executive Secretary.

b. A vacancy in any other office shall be filled by an eligible member of the FIT Student

Association recommended by the respective board, and elected by a two-thirds (2/3) vote

through the Council.

I. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

1. Violations of FIT’s Code of Conduct and campus resources can be ground for removal from

office.

2. Not fulfilling the duties prescribed under the constitution and/or maintain the eligibility

requirements throughout the term can be grounds for removal from office.

3. Proceedings for the removal of an elected officer of FIT Student Association may be initiated by

a. Unanimous Board approval

b. Petition of no less than 50 members of FIT Student Association

c. Two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council, members present.

4. Such a call for impeachment must be presented by a member of the Council at a regular meeting

of the Council.

5. Council shall notify the officer involved and FIT Student Association that such petition has been

received no later than one (1) school day after presentation of said petition.

6. At the next regular meeting of the Council, all interested members of FIT Student Association

and the officer involved shall be permitted to speak on the subject of the proposed removal.

7. At the succeeding Council meeting, decision to remove the officer shall be made by three-fourths

(3/4) vote of the Council, members present.



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J. STIPENDS

Elected FIT Student Association officers of the Executive Board can receive base stipends up to $650

per semester and an additional bonus up to $150 with the following conditions:

1. BASE STIPEND

a) By completing the required duties listed in section II

b) By the overall performance of listed duties

c) Attendance: Four absences are excused (1 per Executive Board, Student Council,

Mandatory Trainings and FIT Student Association events and initiatives.)

d) Two lateness will institute to one absence. Missing 51% of a meeting or event constitutes

to an absence

2. BONUS STIPEND

a) Participating in student oriented areas other than outlined in position,

b) Participating in committees by other board members,

c) Attending Programming Board events

d) Bringing innovative ideas to the FIT Student Association and position.

3. The President

Elected FIT Student Association President can receive a stipends up to $1000 per semester by

competing the required duties listed in section II, performing above and beyond in all duties,

attendance, and bringing innovative ideas to the FIT Student Association and position

(Subject to the discretion of the advisor’s evaluation)

1. Each member of the Executive Board must meet with the Faculty Advisor for a

performance evaluation in order to qualify for a stipend.

2. Return the board room keys at the end of their term.



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SECTION III: PROGRAMMING BOARD

A. MEMBERSHIP

1. Members of the Programming Board shall be elected to office by FIT Student Association

2. The Programming Board shall consist of(Positions may vary based on student demand):

a. Vice-President of Programming

b. Secretary/Treasurer

c. Manager of Cultural Events

d. Manager of Entertainment Hour

e. Manager of Films

f. Manager of Game Room Programs

g. Manager of Social Activities

h. Manager of Social Events

i. Manager of The Center

j. Manager of The Hall of Art

2. Members of the Programming Board shall be elected to office by FITSA.

3. The Vice-President of Programming shall serve as the Chairperson, and shall be a voting

member of the Executive Board.

4. A quorum shall consist of ONE more than half of the members for voting purposes only. A

motion is passed or denied by a majority vote of the members present.

5. No member can serve as an editor, club officer or Executive Board member, except for the Vice-

President of Programming who is an Executive Board member.

B. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Survey the FIT Student Association to identify and address needs, issues, concerns and interests

2. To program events

3. To create an open forum of communication and ideas between the managers To meet at least

once a week at which time quorum shall consist of one more than half of the members for voting

purposes only. A majority vote of those present must be achieved for a motion to pass or be

denied.

4. A quorum shall consist of one more than half of the members for voting purposes only.

5. Make regular reports to Council



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C. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

1. Duties of all officers:

a. Attend all Programming Board and Student Council meetings.

b. After 4 absences, (1 per Executive Board, Student Council, Mandatory Trainings, & FITSA

events) per semester and 3 lateness’s per semester voting privileges will be withheld and

procedures for removal from office may begin at the next Student Council meeting.

Absences will be excused upon the discretion of the Advisor.

c. A record showing results of each program should be kept on file (attendance, what programs,

comments, date, etc.), train and mentor new officers through proper documentation.

d. He/she must maintain a 3.0 or better.

e. Support and promote Executive Board & Programming Board initiatives

2. The Vice-President of Programming Shall:

a. Serve as Chairman to the Programming Board

b. Call, prepare agenda and preside over the Programming Board.

c. He/she will be a member of the Executive Board.

d. Vote only to break a tie in Programming Board meetings

e. Appoint committees and committee chairpersons unless otherwise provided.


3. The Secretary/Treasurer Shall:

a. Record and preserve the minutes of all meetings of the Programming Board.

b. Conduct,record, and preserve all necessary correspondence of the Programming Board and

keep a record of all correspondence.

c.

d. Record attendance at the meetings of the Programming Board.

e. .

f.

g. Keep account of all receipts and expenditures for the Programming Board

h. Sign all transactions from the FITSA Treasury.

i.

j. Chair meetings in the absence of V.P. of Programming.

k. Support and promote the efforts of fellow board members

4. The Managers Shall:

a. Serve as a liaison between the FIT Student Association and the Programming Board.

b. Create programs designed to serve the needs and interests of the FIT Student Association

c. Promote events by means of flyers, posters, social media and other marketing efforts

d. Attend and run scheduled programming

e. Partner with Executive Board members.




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D. ADVISOR

2. Shall be appointed by the Director of the Department of Student Life.

3. The Advisor will be a non-voting member of the Programming Board.

E. PROGRAMMING BOARD PROGRAMS

All programs will be approved by the respective committee of the program itself and/or by the

Programming Board acting in lieu of an existing program committee.

F. ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE

Open to all FIT students, who have paid their student activity fee and meet the listed below criteria.

8. Students must be registered for two (2) semesters following the election semester to serve in

office

9. Candidates must have and maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average

10. No officer can also serve as an editor, manager, club president or club student council

representative.

11. Part-time students must be degree candidates in addition to meeting existing eligibility criteria.

12. Must be available to attend all scheduled meetings (day and evening) meetings, events and

initiatives of the FIT Student Association Executive and Programming board and Student

Council.

13. Attend Leadership Workshop prior to, or during the first semester in office is mandatory

G. NOMINATION OF OFFICERS

1. Any member of the FIT Student Association who wishes to become a candidate must submit a

petition signed by at least 50 members of FIT Student Association to the Director of Student Life

by specified due date All potential candidates shall be checked for eligibility by the Faculty

Advisor.

2. A voting web site shall be prepared, prior to election date, with the names of all eligible

candidates. Ballots will be counted by the Faculty Advisor, and witnessed by incumbent officers

not running for office.

H. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

7. Elections shall be held no sooner than one week after petitions are closed.

8. All members of FIT Student Association shall be entitled to one vote.

9. The candidate for each office who receives the most votes shall be elected to that office.

10. To be elected, the unopposed candidate must receive the majority of votes cast for that position.

11. Before an impeached officer can declare candidacy for a Board position, a one term period shall

pass.

12. There is no limit to the number of term in each office



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G. TERMS OF OFFICE

1. Each officer shall hold office for one year unless he/she resigns or is removed from office.

2. A term of office shall begin and end with official inaugurations.

3. The current Programming Board shall work with the Board-elect during the transition period to

introduce the new members to the duties of their office, and attend all mandatory board meetings

until the official inauguration.

a. The shadowing period shall begin with the first FIT Student Association training.

b. The Board-elect shall take the oath of office four (4) weeks after elections with the current

Board surrendering their office, duties, and keys, effective after inauguration.

c. Meetings shall be set up so both boards meet once a week.

d. Newly elected Board members must attend all FIT Student Association training sessions in

the Fall and Spring Semesters.

K. VACANCIES

a. A vacancy in the office of Vice-President of Programming shall be filled by the

Secretary/Treasurer.

b. A vacancy in any other office shall be filled by an eligible member of the FIT Student

Association recommended by the respective board, and elected by a two-thirds (2/3) vote

through the Council.

L. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

8. Violations of FIT’s Code of Conduct and campus resources can be ground for removal from

office.

9. Not fulfilling the duties prescribed under the constitution and/or maintain the eligibility

requirements throughout the term can be grounds for removal from office.

10. Proceedings for the removal of an elected officer of FIT Student Association may be initiated by

d. Unanimous Board approval

e. Petition of no less than 50 members of FIT Student Association

f. Two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council, members present.

11. Such a call for impeachment must be presented by a member of the Council at a regular meeting

of the Council.

12. Council shall notify the officer involved and FIT Student Association that such petition has been

received no later than one (1) school day after presentation of said petition.

13. At the next regular meeting of the Council, all interested members of FIT Student Association

and the officer involved shall be permitted to speak on the subject of the proposed removal.

14. At the succeeding Council meeting, decision to remove the officer shall be made by three-fourths

(3/4) vote of the Council, members present.



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M. STIPENDS

Elected FIT Student Association officers of the Programming Board can receive base stipends up to

$500 per semester and an additional bonus up to $150 with the following conditions:

1. BASE STIPEND

a) By completing the required duties listed in section III

b) By the overall performance of listed duties

c) Attendance: Four absences are excused (1 per Programming Board, Student Council,

Mandatory Trainings and FIT Student Association events and initiatives.)

d) Two lateness will institute to one absence. Missing 51% of a meeting or event constitutes

to an absence

2. BONUS STIPEND

a) Participating in student oriented areas other than outlined in position,

b) Participating in committees by other board members,

c) Collaboration with the Executive Board

d) Bringing innovative ideas to the FIT Student Association and position.

(Subject to the discretion of the advisor’s evaluation)

1. Each member of the Executive Board must meet with the Faculty Advisor for a performance

evaluation in order to qualify for a stipend.

2. Return the board room keys at the end of their term.

ARTICLE IV – STANDING COMMITTEES

A. The FIT Student Association has the right to establish standing committees according to student

needs.

B. See Faculty Association Committees section below.

C. The student representative on each committee shall regularly report to the Student Council

D. Each committee shall submit an annual report summarizing their committee’s actions to the

Executive Board.

SECTION I: FACULTY ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES WITH STUDENT REPRESENTATION

ADMISSIONS AND REGISTRATION

A. MEMBERSHIP

1. Ten members elected by the Faculty at large to include one each from the School of Liberal Arts,

Admissions Department, Career Counseling and Placement Department, and Registrar and three

each from the School of Art and Design and the School of Business and Technology.

2. Two (2) student representatives elected by the students.

3. Administrative Head of Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success or his/her

delegate (non-voting).



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B. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To recommend admissions and registration policies for all students including upper classmen,

and to review and evaluate their implementation.

2. To recommend admissions testing programs and to review and evaluate their implementation.

3. To review current conditional matriculations programs and make recommendations.

COUNSELING COMMITTEE

A. MEMBERSHIP

1. Four (4) students elected through the Council

2. Six (6) members of the faculty elected by the faculty.

3. Director of the Counseling Center or an appointee of the Director.

4. One Representative of the medical services appointed by the V.P. for Enrollment Management

and Student Success.

B. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To assist the Counseling Center in implementing needed programs and in improving or

expanding its services.

2. To develop and sponsor workshop discussions for interested faculty and students.

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE

A. MEMBERSHIP

1. Three (3) students elected through the Council.

a. Must represent separate majors.

b. Each must have attended FIT for two (2) semesters prior to election to committee.

2. Nine (9) faculty elected by the faculty with three (3) members from each school and with no

more than one (1) member from the same department to serve at the same time.

3. The President of the College or his/her administrative delegate (non-voting).

4. Four (4) members to be selected by the committee as resource consultants (non-voting).

B. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To review the rationale of current offerings.

2. To recommend modifications or innovations.

3. To work closely with the President in long-range planning.

4. To work closely with the alumni in the assessment and development of current curricula.

5. To work closely with the Registrar and with the Admissions and Placement Departments in the

assessment of new curricula.



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LIBRARY COMMITTEE

A. MEMBERSHIP

1. Six (6) members of the faculty elected by the faculty, two (2) from each school.

2. Two (2) students elected through the Council.

3. Audio-visualists.

4. Librarian or appointee of the Librarian.

5. The President his or her delegate (non-voting).

B. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. To assure that a liaison exists between the Library and the faculty/student body.

2. To inform student/faculty about library objectives and development.

3. To formulate programs that encourages the use of library facilities by students, faculty and

industry.

4. Late Night on Six Programs.

STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

A. MEMBERSHIP

1. The S.A.C. shall consist of:

a. Six (6) students and one (1) alternate student member (FIT Student Association President).

b. Six (6) faculty and one (1) alternate faculty member elected by the Faculty Senate.

c. Chairperson – FIT Student Association Vice-President of Student Affairs.

d. Director of the Department of Student Life or his/her designee shall serve as Faculty advisor.

B. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The S.A.C. or sub-committee thereof shall serve as the Judicial Council for cases of social

misbehavior.

2. To explore and make recommendations in all areas of student concern.

3. To recommend and, where possible, to implement policies concerning non-academic but

educational activities.

STUDENT/FACULTY CORPORATION

A. MEMBERSHIP

1. Three (3) students elected through the Council. Returning members may be confirmed by

outgoing student directors of the Corporation, if desired. One position must be filled by a

member of FIT Student Association Executive Board.

2. Three (3) faculty members and one (1) alternate elected through the Faculty Senate.

3. Three (3) administrators and one alternate appointed by the President of the college.

4. The President of FIT Student Association shall be the voting alternate student member.



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B RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The student directors of the S.F.C. shall follow and abide by the By-laws of the Corporation.

2. To oversee income from Food Service, Book Store, and rental of college space to outside

organizations.

3. To budget appropriate activities and programs that will benefit students and faculty at FIT.

ARTICLE V – CLUBS

A. RECOGNITION

1. Must be extra-curricular and may not use FIT Student Association allocated funding for

departmental projects, events or scholarships.

2. Must have at least ten (10) members who are members of the FIT Student Association.

3. Must list temporary/permanent officers.

4. No officer may be president of more than one club or organization.

5. Must have a Faculty or Staff Advisor, chosen by the club members and approved by the Director

of the Department of Student Life.

6. Must have a Statement of Purpose.

7. Must be approved by the Council.

B. PRIVILEGES

After Council recognition, each club is entitled to:

1. Request a budget allocation.

2. Have an assigned meeting room.

3. Publicize

4.

5. Services of the Department of Student Life.

6.

7. A mail folder for all college correspondence in A713.

8. May create an official club or organization account through FITLink

C. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. One club member must serve as representative to the Council.

2. Must provide an alternate representative to the Council.

3. Must be open to all FIT Student Association member.

4. Must abide by the purposes of the FIT Student Association.

5. Every spring, no later than the first week of May all clubs are required to:

a. Meet with their club advisor to discuss advisor/club relationship.

b. Hold an all membership club meeting to confirm or not confirm their club advisor for the

following academic year.

c. Hold elections for officers for the following academic year. ( how is this monitored)

6. Must have two community service activities per year. ( define what is considered acceptable)



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7. All existing student clubs and organizations, and those who receive approval from FIT student

Council will be required to identify all affiliations and/or associations they have with any

external organization, and such affiliation be clearly stated in all advertisement; posters, flyers,

etc., regardless of media used.?????

8. ADA requirements – Americans with Disabilities Act – All advisors should be sure that they are

providing reasonable accommodations for this group of students. This would include a bus that

handles wheel chairs if necessary for a club trip, etc. They should be referred to the FIT-ABLE

office for additional details.

D. REMOVAL OF ELECTED CLUB OFFICERS

1. Any elected club officer can be removed from office if a majority of the club membership votes

for removal based on:

a. Inability to fulfill responsibilities of the elected office.

b. Failure to adhere to FIT’s code of Conduct as outlined in the Rights & Responsibilities

Policy Manual.

The full membership vote must take place at least one week after discussion has taken place at a full

membership meeting.

ARTICLE VI – AMENDMENTS & BY-LAWS

A. Any members of the FIT Student Association may propose an Amendment or By-Law to the

constitution of the FIT Student Association, to the Council or the Executive Board.

B. The Council and the FIT Student Association shall be given notice of a proposed Amendment or By-

Law no later than one week prior to voting on said Amendment.

C. Amendments shall become a part of the constitution after they have received a two-thirds (2/3) vote

of the Council members present.

D. By-laws shall become instituted after they have received a majority vote of the Council members

present.

ARTICLE VII – RATIFICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION

The Constitution shall be ratified when a quorum of the Council shall have voted and two-thirds (2/3) of

those members present shall have approved in favor thereof.



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ARTICLE VIII – AVAILABILITY OF THE CONSTITUTION

A. A copy of the constitution with amendments shall be available via FITLink to all Clubs, the

Council, and FIT Student Association members at the beginning of every school year.

—END OF CONSTITUTION—

FIT Student Association Policy Manual Part 1

Documents

fit student association

fit student association

student representation

dubinsky student lounge

responsibilities article

clubs article vi

committees article v

spaces office room