The 2013 Constitution and Policies of TheCrusader Publication

TheCrusaderThe official student publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan

The 2013 Constitution of TheCrusader Publication

2 The 2013 Constitution

PREAMBLEWe, the members of TheCrusader Publication, bona fide

students of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, uphold

our freedom and responsibility as a sovereign student press by

promulgating this written law with the grace of the Almighty

God so that the purpose of the organization is realized for the

benefit of the student body and the Filipino people. Know all

men by these present that this document shall be known officially

as the 2013 Constitution of TheCrusader Publication.

3www.thecrusaderpublication.comC

ART. I. IDENTITY

Sec. 1. EntityCl. 1. TheCrusader Publication shall be the official student publication of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, operated by and

for the students of the University.

Cl. 2. It shall be a non-profit, extra-curricular, project-based student organization distinct and autonomous from the Central Student Government and the College Councils, but operating within the bounds of the rules and regulations governing student organizations set by the Office of Student Affairs.

Sec. 2. NamesCl. 1. TheCrusader shall be known as “TheCrusader Publication” and be designated as “the official student publication of Xavier

University – Ateneo de Cagayan”.

Cl. 2. For the purpose of brevity, the name “TheCrusader”, “The Student Publication”, and “Student Press” may also be used in lieu of the Publication’s official name.

Sec. 3. Official Seal and Standard NameplateCl. 1. TheCrusader Publication shall be duly represented by the official seal and standard nameplate appearing in this document.

Cl. 2. TheCrusader Publication’s official seal shall contain a mounted knight emerging from the shield that appears on the official seal of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan. The knight shall be depicted in full armor, and shall bear a lance in his right hand and a scroll in his left. The rider’s identity shall be concealed.


Cl. 3. TheCrusader Publication’s standard nameplate shall contain the official seal on the left and the words “TheCrusader” on the right. TheCrusader Publication’s designation “The Official Student Publication of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan” shall be presented below the nameplate is small fonts.

TheCrusaderThe official student publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan

Vol. ## No. #

Cl. 4. On the cover of an issue published by TheCrusader, the standard nameplate shall also present the volume number and issue number below the designation.

ART. II. STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATIONAL PURPOSE

Sec. 1. RightsCl. 1. TheCrusader Publication shall freely exercise the rights defined in Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Cl. 2. TheCrusader Publication, through its Editorial Board, shall freely determine its policies, manage its funds and organize its agenda per academic year.

Cl. 3. No member of TheCrusader Publication shall be expelled from the University on the sole basis of articles written or duties performed.

Cl. 4. TheCrusader Publication shall enjoy the right of access to institutional records as provided for by the Philippine Constitution. It shall also reserve the right to conduct surveys, case studies and interviews within and outside the campus.

Cl. 5. All members of TheCrusader Publication shall have the right to attend as well as organize trainings, seminars, press conferences, and other modes of personal and skill development.

Cl. 6. Whenever deemed necessary, TheCrusader Publication, through its officers, may resolve to increase the publication fee assuming the Publishers, or their representatives, have duly consented with the matter during an official consultation.

Cl. 7. TheCrusader Publication shall have the right to solicit advertisements and receive donations granted that the University-issued budget has become insufficient, or proceeds will be allotted to community-based or outreach projects.

Cl. 8. TheCrusader Publication shall reserve the right to be affiliated with organizations involving campus publications. It shall also reserve the right to coordinate or establish such organizations.

Sec. 2. MandateCl. 1. TheCrusader Publication shall produce at least three (3) issues per semester, two (2) of which shall be magazines each with a

leastwise circulation range equivalent to two-thirds the total number of Publishers. The remaining issue shall be published as a special issue to be produced either as a magazine, mini-magazine, folio or broadsheet. The special issue’s circulation range shall be equivalent to at least one-third the total number of Publishers.

Cl. 2. TheCrusader Publication shall conduct an annual intra-campus forum introducing the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates of the Central Student Government, their platforms and justifications as such.


Cl. 3. TheCrusader Publication shall yearly publish an issue primarily featuring the candidates for the Central Student Government prior to elections proper.

Cl. 4. TheCrusader Publication shall consistently promote awareness and interest on campus, local, national, and global affairs.

Cl. 5. TheCrusader Publication shall abide with established University norms and regulations regarding student organizations and their operations for as long as they do not undermine the freedom of the press or provisions of the Philippine Constitution or the Campus Journalism Act.

Cl. 6. TheCrusader Publication shall feature commendable achievements of charity work from student organizations.

Cl. 7. TheCrusader Publication shall consistently and consciously foster the Ignatian Values in all its purported functions in order to serve as an example before the entire student body and the Filipino people.

Cl. 8. TheCrusader Publication shall consistently inculcate in its agenda the responsibility to document and cover significant events in the University, to make all information gathered therefrom available to the general public whenever needed.

Cl. 9. TheCrusader Publication shall provide venues and opportunities to its members that will hone their talents and leadership skills.

Sec. 3. VisionCl. 1. TheCrusader Publication shall seek to be the benchmark of student multimedia by being truthful, innovative, and critical-

minded in informing its Publishers of issues relevant to their needs.

Cl. 2 TheCrusader Publication shall advocate students’ rights and responsibilities as well as promote their general welfare.

Cl. 3. TheCrusader Publication shall develop the students’ interest and skills in literature, art, and journalism, as well as their consciousness of current social environmental affairs.

Cl. 4. TheCrusader Publication shall serve as a channel for unifying all members of the University and the community towards desirable educational and cultural development objectives

Cl. 5. TheCrusader Publication shall consistently explore other venues and means of reaching out to its audience.

Cl. 5. TheCrusader Publication shall seek to aid in the development of a student body that thinks critically on issues, and translate these thoughts into action.

Sec. 4. MissionCl. 1. TheCrusader Publication shall envision a responsible and progressive student press, free of pretensions, hesitations, and fear.

Cl. 2. TheCrusader Publication shall itself be the herald of the Truth, social consciousness and engagement, thusly fostering the three key aspects of the student activism it aims to project: to inform, to inspire proper judgment, and to encourage morally sound actions. It shall therefore exclusively involve itself with programs, movements, and campaigns, be it within or outside campus, that encourage social involvement, leadership training, values formation, and peaceable and constructive activism.

Cl. 3. TheCrusader Publication shall produce quality and visible forms of multimedia by investing in its members’ growth and being open to contemporary venues and trends for campus journalism.

Cl. 4. TheCrusader Publication shall envision a society deeply cognizant of the Truth; its reasons and actions tantamount only to its own betterment and good. It shall actively speak for the good of the student body at all times.


ART. III. MEMBERSHIP

Sec. 1. Qualification and AdmissionCl. 1. Membership in TheCrusader Publication shall be open to all bona fide students of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.

Cl. 2. TheCrusader Publication shall not determine eligibility on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, age, disability, appearance, marital status, political affiliation, or sexual orientation.

Cl. 3. A screening process conducted by the Editorial Board shall be the sole basis of acceptance of prospective members into TheCrusader. It shall be conducted not earlier than the seventh day from the start of a semester, and shall last for a period not less than two (2) weeks and not exceeding three (3) weeks. The process is composed of:

(1) Application period;

(2) Scheduled qualifying examinations administered by a member of the Editorial Board who acts as a Section Examiner;

(3) Panel interview with the Editorial Board; and

(4) Membership offer to a successful applicant

Cl. 4. Requisites for a valid application to TheCrusader are:

(1) A Quality Point Index not less than two (2.0) in the previous semester;

(2) A completed application form;

(3) A signed application letter, addressed to the Editorial Board, containing a word count not exceeding three hundred (300) words, stating the applicant’s reasons of joining TheCrusader;

(4) A copy of grades from the previous semester or, for freshmen and transferee applicants, from the previous school attended;

(5) A portfolio of sample works relevant to the position applied for; and

(6) Other requirements requested by the Editorial Board or Section Examiner as long as these do not qualify as those previously mentioned in this clause.

Cl. 5. An applicant shall apply for, and accomplish the requirements of, no more than two (2) staff positions.

Cl. 6. An applicant is deemed to be successful when he has fulfilled all requirements necessary for a valid application, and has passed through the first three stages of the screening process. He shall be made known of his attainment through a written or electronic message sent by the Human Resource Manager.

Cl. 7. After the Editorial Board shall have verified the passers of the application process, the Editor in Chief shall issue a memorandum to the Publishers announcing the new members of TheCrusader Publication, their induction date, and the details whereby they are expected to acquire copies of the Constitution and Policies. Circulation of the aforementioned memorandum shall take place not more than three (3) days prior to the official induction date.

Sec. 2. Term and TenureCl. 1. Only the names of official members shall appear in the Masthead.

Cl. 2. A full membership term shall begin on the scheduled day of induction and terminate on the seventh day of formal classes the following academic year. Enrolment into the University no later than the seventh day shall be the sole basis of continuation of term, unless otherwise provisioned by status.


Cl. 3. Expelled and impeached members shall be allowed to reapply into TheCrusader Publication two (2) years after the penalty is handed.

Cl. 4. Excommunication shall be the sole basis of total debarment into the student press. Should the Editorial Board revoke the excommunication of a former member, he may reapply two (2) years after the repeal of his ineligibility.

Sec. 3. ProbationCl. 1. An “on-probation” status shall be incurred on to all trainees immediately following induction into TheCrusader. The length

of probationary period shall not exceed two (2) production periods and may be imposed not more than twice.

Cl. 2. Unless all regular members are deemed unavailable, members under probation shall not be allowed to represent TheCrusader Publication in any official delegation whatsoever, regardless of performance grade.

Sec. 4. Regular statusCl. 1. The Editorial Board shall bestow to a member in a probationary status his elevation as a regular member if evaluated to have

performed satisfactory performance of his duties in TheCrusader during the probationary period.

Sec. 5. SuspensionCl. 1. A “suspended” status shall be incurred to members duly imposed the penalty of suspension. Suspended members

shall cease and desist from performing all duties and functions associated with their position and office.

Sec. 6. DiscontinuationCl. 1. A “discontinued” status shall be incurred to members given the sanction of discontinuation for compromising

duties in TheCrusader Publication due to acceptable circumstances. Discontinued members, considerate of their situation, may be relieved of certain if not all assignments and responsibilities.

Sec. 7. ResignationCl. 1. Abdication shall take effect seven (7) days beginning a resignation letter is tendered and made aware to the Editor in Chief.

During such period, the abdicator shall continue to be considered a member of TheCrusader Publication to whom all pertinent laws and policies of the Constitution are being in effect.

Cl. 2. Abdicators whose resignation letters contain inaccuracies of the principal facts on the letter, or the absence of the abdicator’s personal signature, shall not have officially stated their intention to withdraw. Therefore, they shall continue to be considered members of TheCrusader Publication, its laws and policies applying.

Sec. 8. Disclosure of membership recordsCl. 1. The Administration shall conveniently provide certificates of membership, letters of recommendation as well as records of

engagement to all regular members, past or present. Members duly excommunicated shall not be afforded such recognition, and their record and history of involvement archived but considered null and void.

Sec. 9. Extra-Publication AffiliationsCl. 1. Provided that interests, duties, and responsibilities in TheCrusader shall not be neglected, members may affiliate themselves in

no more than four (4) other student organizations, inclusive of the departmental and college co-curricular student organizations and religious student organizations insofar as necessitated by creed.

Cl. 2. No member shall serve any office or editorial position in the Central Student Government, the Supreme Constitutional Court, or the Election Commission, or any of the four highest-ranking positions in the College Councils.

Cl. 3. No member of the Staff may also hold office in more than two (2) other student organizations, while editors shall be prohibited from holding any of the top three positions of other student organizations.

Cl. 2. Members may act as consultants or contributors for any publication of the University or any student organization. However, rendering full membership into these publications or holding an editorial or any executive, supervisory or managerial position, shall be prohibited.


Sec. 12. Volunteers, Contributors and Servicing ScholarsCl. 1. Volunteers, contributors and servicing scholars shall not be regarded as members of TheCrusader Publication, but all pertinent

laws and policies of the Constitution shall apply to them for as long as their association lasts. Moreover, no volunteer officially affiliated with the Central Student Government, the Supreme Constitutional Court, the Election Commission or any of the College Councils shall be allowed association into the student press.

ART. IV. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Sec. 1. Governmental StructureCl. 1. TheCrusader Publication shall comprise of a Moderator, a Publication Committee and the internal components of its political

structure, the Administration, and staff.

Sec. 2. Operational StructureCl. 1. The operational structure of TheCrusader Publication shall consist of the Office of the Editor in Chief and the three

different sections subordinate thereof, namely: the Content Section, Art Section, and the Management Section. The Office of the Editor in Chief shall include the Finance Officers and all Chairpersons of Internal Committees.

Cl. 2. The Content Section, administered by the Associate Editor, shall comprise the News Editor, Campus Features Editor, Local Features Editor, National Features Editor, Global Features Editor, Sports Editor, and the staff Writers.

Cl. 3. The Art Section is headed by the Design Editor, and shall comprise the Photography Editor, Freehand Editor, its immediate head the Layout Editor, and the staff Artists.

Cl. 4. The Management Section, directed by the Managing Editor, shall comprise the Finance Managers, the Office Manager, Human Resource Manager, the Computer Systems Managers, Online Accounts Manager, Circulations Manager, and Video Productions Manager.

Cl. 5. The operational structure of TheCrusader Publication shall establish the hierarchy of officers. In the order of top-to-bottom and left-to-right, the following chart shall thusly depict the Chain of Command:

Editor in Chief

Internal Committees

Human Resource Manager

Office Manager

Computer Systems Manager

Finance Manager

Circulations Manager

Video Productions

Manager

Online Accounts Manager

Junior Computer Systems Manager

Junior Finance

Manager

Managing Editor

Associate Editor

Global Features

Editor

National Features

Editor

Local Features

Editor

Campus Features

Editor

Sports Editor

News Editor

Staff Writers

Design Editor

Layout Editor

Photography Editor

Freehand Editor

Staff Artists


Sec. 3. Administrative StructureCl. 1. The Administration shall comprise all the officers of TheCrusader Publication, with exemption of the Publication Committee

and internal committee members. However, the Editorial Board shall alone operate as the chief executive body of TheCrusader Publication. The Editor in Chief, Associate Editor, Design Editor and Managing Editor shall comprise the “principal editors” wherefrom all administrative functions shall firstly emanate.

Sec. 4. Vacancy and Transitory ProvisionsCl. 1. In the case of a mid-term vacancy in the seat of a Manager or Finance Officer, the Editorial Board shall elect a replacement

from a nomination of three eligible members.

Cl. 2. In the case of a mid-term vacancy in the office of any principal editor, the immediate successor may choose to either assume the position or act as an Officer Interim. In the latter option, a general election shall be called to fill the vacancy.

Cl. 3. In the case of mid-term vacancies in the office of direct editors, a general election shall be held with nominees coming exclusively from the concerned editor’s staff.

Cl. 4. In the case of suspension, the immediate successor shall act as an Officer Interim with a term ending upon emancipation or the utter relief, demotion, expulsion or impeachment of the suspended officer. If engagement is concluded, the following vacancy shall be occupied through a general election.

Cl. 5. If no applicant qualifies for a particular position in the Editorial Board, the Publication Committee shall appoint Officers Interim into the vacancies, until such officers or other prospects have qualified and legitimately elected.

Cl. 6. An Officer Interim shall serve a term not exceeding two (2) production periods to be specified by the Editorial Board or Publication Committee. An Officer-in-Charge shall serve the full term of office.

Sec. 5. Additional Positions and TasksCl. 1. The Editorial Board may add a maximum of two (2) additional managerial positions in the Management Section assuming

there is a compelling need.

Cl. 2. Additional duties may be given to officers provided they shall have consented and such duties are legitimated by policy.

Sec. 6. Alternative PositionsCl. 1. Only direct editors may hold a maximum of one (1) alternative office as a Manager or Finance Officer. In addition, no editor,

direct or principal, shall hold two (2) offices within the Editorial Board simultaneously. Managers and Finance Officers may, however, hold writing or art positions in the Staff provided they shall have qualified. A member may also hold two (2) managerial positions at once, assuming the member concerned is not already an editor or a Finance Officer.

ART. V. THE PUBLICATION COMMITTEE

Sec. 1. EntityCl. 1. The Publication Committee shall be a standing committee, external from the Administration and staff of

TheCrusader Publication. It shall make all necessary preparations for the application of the incoming Editorial Board as well as exercise particular legislative and judiciary functions, such as: enacting standing policies, hearing and deciding appeals on cases, hearing and deciding inquiries on the constitutionality of policies, and hearing and deciding motions for impeachment.

Cl. 2. The Publication Committee shall comprise seven (7) members: three (3) former Editors, two (2) media practitioners, a faculty or staff member of the University, and the Moderator who shall also act as the Chairperson ex-officio.


Sec. 2. Qualification, Requirements and SelectionCl. 1. Membership in the Publication Committee shall be limited to residents of Cagayan de Oro City meeting the following

eligibilities: a graduate of at least one (1) course in higher or technical education, non-enrolment of any course in higher or technical education, and non-employment in any chief executive position of any department in the University. Members of the Publication Committee shall be selected by the incoming Editorial Board.

Sec. 3. The ChairpersonCl. 1. The Chairperson of The Publication Committee shall preside over all matters delegated thereto, including

cooperating with the Editor in Chief for the necessary preparations such as the time and venue. The Chairperson shall also reserve the privilege to appoint a Vice Chairperson who shall function in the Chairperson’s stead during absence. The Chairperson, furthermore, may waive the office to another member of the Publication Committee whenever circumstances deem it necessary.

Sec. 4. HonorariumCl. 1. Members of the Publication Committee shall be entitled an honorarium fee per meeting. The exact amount shall be

approved by the Office of Student Affairs.

Sec. 5. Term and TenureCl. 1. The term of office for members of the Publication Committee, with exemption of the Moderator, shall commence following

the official appointment by the incoming Editorial Board. The term of office, moreover, shall conclude after a new Editorial Board shall have been hired and officially announced.

ART. VI. THE ADMINISTRATION

Sec. 1. EntityCl. 1. The Administration shall act primarily as the executive body of TheCrusader Publication composing of the Editorial Board,

the Finance Officers, and the Managers. Concerns that are otherwise not specifically delegated to any of its component bodies shall be the shared jurisdiction of all.

Sec. 2. InaugurationCl. 1. No officer shall have formally executed office without affirming duties and responsibilities to the Editor in Chief

Emeritus (for incoming Editors), or the current Editor in Chief (for mid-term appointees and elects), or any representative authorized by the Editor in Chief.

Sec. 3. Term and TenureCl. 1. A term shall commence at noon on the fourth Monday of May, and conclude also at noon on the fourth Monday of May

the following academic year. In no case shall any outgoing officer assume a holdover capacity after his term, unless lawfully appointed by the Publication Committee as an Officer Interim or Officer-in-Charge.

ART. VII. THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Sec. 1. EntityCl. 1. The Editorial Board is the primary executive, legislative and judiciary body of TheCrusader Publication.

Cl. 2. The Editorial Board shall perform functions not limited to: deciding on membership statuses; hearing and trying cases; formulating and enacting policies and regulations; determining the allocation of the publication budget; determining the source of funds, printing specifications and business contracts; holding storyboards with the Staff before production; regulating measures for office safety and security; formulating the General Plan of Activities (GPOA) for the whole academic year; deciding on the terms of internal committees; evaluating performances of trainees; and assigning projects and tasks to subordinates.


Sec. 2. Qualification, Requirements and ApplicationCl. 1. A member of the Editorial Board shall be a bona fide student of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, shall hold a

“regular” membership status of the Publication at the time of his appointment, and shall have a Quality Point Index not less than two (2.0) in the previous semester.

Cl. 2. A placement examination and interview shall be prepared and conducted by the Publication Committee for selection of incoming Editorial Board members.

Sec. 3. The Editor in ChiefCl. 1. The Editor in Chief shall be the Chief Executive Officer of TheCrusader Publication. The Editor in Chief shall be cognizant

and commanding off all the duties, responsibilities and assignments of subordinate officers and staff.

Cl. 2. The Editor in Chief shall exercise these functions: calling for and presiding over meetings and assemblies; editing all articles before publishing; inspecting the proofs of productions before press run; representing TheCrusader in external functions and formal events; regulating cash flows; accomplishing an Editorial Report per semester or whenever asked for by the Publication Committee; and serving as the liaison officer between the Editorial Board and the Publication Committee.

Sec. 4. The Associate EditorCl. 1. The Associate Editor shall serve as the second-ranking executive officer of TheCrusader Publication, commissioned to

administer the tasks of the Content Section, managing and evaluating therewith the production and editing of all articles intended for publications in print and other media.

Cl. 2. In general, the Associate Editor shall: edit and proofread all articles prior to submission to the Editor in Chief; divide the articles of magazine productions to the direct editors for preliminary editing, and determine the content of all article assignments in line with TheCrusader Publication’s standards.

Sec. 5. The Design EditorCl. 1. The Design Editor shall be the third-ranking executive officer of TheCrusader Publication, commanding of all functions of

editors and staff in the Design Section.

Cl. 2. The Design Editor shall mainly delegate, determine and evaluate all layout and art-related assignments for publications and non- or extra-publication purposes. The Design Editor shall also be responsible for administering the laying out of the Contents, masthead and master-page of all issues; ensuring style-sheet conventions; preparing and reviewing production paginations; and providing a selection to the Editorial Board for the cover page of each production. The Design Editor shall also manage the production of the Press ID.

Sec. 6. The Managing EditorCl. 1. The Managing Editor, the fourth-ranking executive officer of TheCrusader Publication, shall administer the responsibilities

of the Managing Section.

Cl. 2. The responsibilities of the Managing Editor are: ensuring the overall security, upkeep and enhancement of the workspace, technical operations, and management of the human resource; implementing a filing system for archiving documents and records; purchasing of equipment and furniture; securing the distribution of keys and passwords; and regulating the borrowing of properties not otherwise ascribed to a particular section or internal committee. The Managing Editor shall also administer and determine the distribution of issues, special publications, and other paraphernalia.

Sec. 7. Direct Editors of the Content SectionCl. 1. The direct editors of the Content Section shall edit, proofread, supervise and evaluate articles produced by their writers

before submission to the Associate Editor. They may, however, choose to relinquish articles to other direct editors whenever they are handling more than two (2) features or sports articles, or six (6) news articles, within a production period.

Cl. 2. On a monthly basis, each direct editor in the Content Section shall assign their staff no less than one (1) feature or sports article, or two (2) news articles. In the case of the Features Editors, however, the provisioning of assignments to the Features Writers shall be consonant with the Associate Editor’s division scheme.


Sec. 8. Direct Editors of the Design SectionCl. 1. The direct editors of the Design Section shall edit, supervise, and evaluate the production of design elements ascribed to

artists. During production of an issue, the Layout Editor shall coordinate the layout artists and the Photography and Freehand Editors for approval of layout designs before submission to the Design Editor.

Cl. 2. The Freehand Editor, shall administer the production of the editorial cartoon, all caricatures, the Hohongihong segment, the Kuris-kuris segment, and any other freehand or graphic artwork as may be intended for non- or extra-publication purposes.

Cl. 3. The Photography Editor shall delegate Photojournalists onto the documentation of particular events and other creative photographic assignments for publications and non- or extra-publication purposes. The Photography Editor, as such, shall cooperate with the News Editor to guarantee an effective and agreeable coverage of events by both their sections.

Cl. 4. The Photography Editor shall evaluate all photographs to be used in layout designs, including the necessary attributions and permissions. The Photography Editor shall also be held responsible for placing watermarks and captions on all photos before archiving them.

Cl. 5. The Layout Editor shall act as the editor immediately in-charge of layout designs. Among others, the Layout Editor shall supervise layout assignments for publications, and delegate and supervise those for extra- or non-publication purposes.

Sec.9. Jurisdiction and Autonomy of SectionCl. 1. The different editors shall maintain their autonomy in terms of their assigned functions. Within their sections and staff, they

shall have jurisdiction to freely institute codes of operation and procedures, as well as delegate tasks and assignments.

ART. VIII. THE FINANCE MANAGERS

Sec. 1. EntityCl. 1. The Finance Officers shall implement and develop fiscal regulations such as accounting, financial reconciliation, and

reporting. They shall also perform internal and external auditing. The Finance Officers shall serve under the supervision of the Managing Editor, within the Office of the Editor in Chief.

Sec. 2. Qualification, Requirements and ApplicationCl. 1. The eligibilities for Senior and Junior Finance Officer shall include a Quality Point Index not less than two (2.0) in the

previous semester and enrolment into any course in the University. Applicants may undergo an examination and interview upon the Editorial Board’s discretion.

Sec. 3. DisbursementCl. 1. Disbursement of funds shall be made according to accounting and auditing regulations. All expenses, insofar as possible, shall

be supported by official receipts or University- issued payment vouchers.

Cl. 2. The funds of TheCrusader Publication shall be used to implement or support only activities approved by the Editorial Board. In the case of emergency expenses, the Editorial Board must ratify the said expense on the next official meeting, or the officers concerned shall be held responsible for reimbursing that particular expense.

Sec. 4. The Senior Finance OfficerCl. 1. The responsibilities of the Senior Finance Officer shall include accomplishing all necessary fiscal reports per

semester, organizing orientations about project documentation procedures, and regularly updating the Editorial Board on the financial state of the student press. The Senior Finance Officer shall be responsible and cognizant of all fiscal matters and activities of TheCrusader.

Sec. 5. The Junior Finance OfficerCl. 1. The Junior Finance Officer shall mainly perform secretariat duties necessary in fiscal administration and regulation, to wit:

safekeeping and archiving project reports, regulating the release of purchase vouchers, supervising internal committees with matters related to their finances, and accounting and regulation of operational funds.


ART. IX. THE MANAGERS

Sec. 1. Qualification, Requirements and ApplicationCl. 1. The eligibilities for any managerial position shall include a Quality Point Index in the previous semester not less than two

(2.0) and enrolment into any course in the University. Applicants may undergo an examination and interview during selection depending with the Editorial Board.

Sec. 2. The Office ManagerCl. 1. The Office Manager shall be held responsible primarily for the management and performance of secretariat duties related to

workspace maintenance, such as: circulating memoranda and announcements; updating bulletins; purchasing office supplies; archiving documents, letters and other records according to the filing system.

Sec. 3. The Human Resource ManagerCl. 1. The Human Resource Manager is responsible for the overall welfare of the members of the Publication. He/she is directly

in-charge of the hiring of new members, and should inform all applicants of their status at every stage of the process. The Human Resource Manager is also in charge of communicating announcements from the Editorial Board to the staff.

Sec. 4. The Circulations ManagerCl. 1. The Circulations Manager is commissioned to oversee the distribution of all productions to the Publishers around campus,

as well as to the several offices in the University.

Sec. 5. The Computer Systems ManagersCl. 1. The Computer Systems Manager shall be accounted for the overall performance and maintenance of computers and other

equipment connected thereto. This includes the installation and update of software and the regular back-up of system files. The Computer Systems Manager shall furthermore be held responsible for securing a safe and efficient internet and telephone connection. He/she shall be assisted by the Junior Computer Systems Manager.

Sec. 6. The Online Accounts ManagerCl. 1. The Online Accounts Manager shall maintain, update, register and back-up official websites, e-mail and other online

accounts.

Sec. 7. The Video Productions Manager Cl 1. The Video Productions Manager is responsible for the production of TheCrusader TV (termed as CruTV) episodes. He, with

concepts formulated with the aid of the Managing Editor and material gathered from assigned videographers, will facilitate the editing and online publishing of each episode.

ART. X. THE INTERNAL COMMITTEES

Sec. 1. EntityCl. 1. An internal committee shall preside over the organization of a particular program or project, be it for an extra- or a non-

publication purpose. It shall be autonomous of the Editorial Board considerate of its scope and range of responsibilities.

Cl. 2. An internal committee shall consist of a Chairperson, a maximum of four (4) officers and five (5) other constituents. Members other than the Chairperson may be a member of TheCrusader Publication or a volunteer.

Cl. 3. Internal committees, as such, reserve the right to freely conduct its own application process, general assemblies, and activities.

Sec. 2. Term and TenureCl.1. A committee may exist invariably depending on its aim, validity and purpose. Policies may be passed in order to establish

standing committees.


ART. XI. THE STAFF

Sec. 1. EntityCl. 1. The Staff shall comprise any member of TheCrusader not holding a position in the Editorial Board, designated as a Manager,

nor being one of the Finance Officers. The Staff performs and meets assignments ascribed to them by their respective sections and membership in general.

Sec. 2. The Staff WritersCl. 1. A staff “Writer” is a member not holding any position in the Editorial Board, Management, or Finance who regularly

procures written content for publication and non- or extra- publication purposes.

Cl. 2. A writer shall diligently exercise the Code of Ethics in Journalism when accomplishing an assignment, and at all times uphold the standards of TheCrusader Publication, emphasizing the sort of activism it advocates.

Sec. 3. The Staff ArtistsCl. 1. Staff artists consist of the layout artists, photography artists, and freehand artists, all of whom are collectively referred as

“Artists”.

Cl. 2. They shall procure layout designs through the different methods and forms of art necessary for publications and non- or extra- publication purposes. All Staff Artists shall be expected to uphold the Code of Ethics in Journalism and the ideals in activism that TheCrusader Publication seeks to manifest.

ART. XII. THE MODERATOR

Sec. 1. EntityCl. 1. The Editorial Board shall designate a full-time University faculty member to serve as Moderator.

Cl. 2. The Moderator shall police all functions of TheCrusader Publication to ensure that they meet proper school regulations. However, the extent of the Moderator’s involvement operations-wise shall be in compliance with Sec. 6 of the Campus Journalism Act.

Sec. 2. TermCl. 1. The Moderator’s term shall commence upon appointment by the Editorial Board. He shall serve as such until he relieves

himself of this capacity.

ART. XIV. THE LEGISLATURE

Sec. 1. EntityCl. 1. The Legislature, also known as the “Legislative Committee”, shall be a standing committee comprising the Publication

Committee and the Editorial Board. Collectively, it shall serve as the policy-making body of TheCrusader Publication, responsible for the formulation and enactment of policies to be executed in TheCrusader.

Sec. 2. PoliciesCl. 1. Policies shall contain rules and regulations implementing specific provisions, and others adjacent thereto, of The Constitution

and Policies of TheCrusader Publication.

Sec. 3. Formulation and EffectivityCl. 1. Policies which have been enacted by the Publication Committee and Editorial Board shall indefinitely exist, but policies

ratified separately by the Editorial Board shall be effective only within the term of the enacting Editorial Board.


Cl. 2. All enacted policies shall be appended to and therefore considered extensions of the Constitution itself. However, revisions and motions to revoke any policy shall be made independent of the Constitution.

Sec. 4. SeparabilityCl. 1. Any member may challenge the validity of policies. The Publication Committee shall be the sole authority to declare a policy

unconstitutional.

Sec. 5. AmendmentCl. 1. Amendments and motions to abolish standing policies shall be separately accorded by the Publication Committee and the

Editorial Board. Amendments and motions to revoke policies existing for a particular academic year shall require an Editorial Board decision only.

ART. XV. THE JUDICIARY

Sec. 1. EntityCl. 1. The Judiciary shall comprise a “Lesser Jury” consisting of Editors and a “Greater Jury” consisting of members of the

Publication Committee.

Cl. 2. The Greater Jury shall hear and decide cases of staff and functionaries (other than the principal editors) whose offenses are punishable by probation, discontinuation, relief, demotion, expulsion, and excommunication.

Cl. 3. The Lesser Jury shall hear and decide appeals, motions for impeachment, and cases which may involve the demotion of any officer.

Cl. 4. Both the Editor in Chief and Publication Committee Chairperson shall be the default Conveners of the Lesser Jury and Greater Jury, respectively. An alternative Convener shall be appointed by their constituents when any or both default Conveners are no longer deemed eligible. Both default Conveners may waive their responsibility as Conveners to another member.

Sec. 2. WarningsCl. 1. Alleged offenders who have been found with a strong evidence of guilt following due process may be issued with one (1)

written warning depending on the presiding jury’s discretion.

Sec. 3. ReprimandCl. 1. Individual officers shall have the power to issue written or spoken reprimands to their subordinates or any member of the

Staff for contemptuous or insubordinate behavior. All reprimands shall have been approved by the Editor in Chief.

Sec. 4. Minor SanctionsCl. 1. Officers may issue minor sanctions to subordinates or staff for failing to comply with decision, uphold the Code of Ethics,

exercise responsibility, organize assigned projects, accomplish assignments, pay agreed counterparts, and (for officers) uphold the rights of members. Officers may also issue sanctions for contemptuous behavior, late submission of assignments and minor violations of the Constitution. Minor sanctions shall include the assignment of errands, extension of cleaning duties, and filing of paperwork.

Sec. 5. SuspensionCl. 1. Members currently undergoing investigation by an appropriate jury of TheCrusader Publication, the University-at-large, or

the legal courts for an alleged offense punishable by discontinuation, relief, demotion, expulsion or impeachment shall be momentarily suspended from TheCrusader Publication until the said case has been decided. If suspension, considerate of the time it takes for external juries to make a ruling, shall have exceeded a maximum of three (3) months, the member shall be discontinued or expelled.


Sec. 6. DiscontinuationCl. 1. Discontinuation of membership may be imposed on members whose performance is emotionally compromised or

enrolment momentarily ceased due to the following acceptable reasons: incapacitation, maternal leave, recuperation, financial constraints, safety and security issues, availing of an exchange-student scheme, and representation of the University. The period for which discontinuation lasts shall not exceed two (2) semesters, made official by means of a legally notified ultimatum.

Sec. 7. Relief and DemotionCl. 1. Functionaries and staff who are no longer eligible for membership, or have failed performing lawful agreements and

obligations, may be demoted or relieved of their office, or membership in general.

Cl. 2. Inducted members later found to have lacked an application requirement, bypassed an application proceeding, or was unlawfully inducted into TheCrusader Publication shall have their membership deemed null and void.

Cl. 3. Non-residence of a Publication Committee member within Cagayan de Oro City for more than two (2) months shall be deserving of relief, regardless of circumstances.

Cl. 4. Working students whose nature of work poses a conflict of interest with the operations of TheCrusader Publication may be relieved of office or membership.

Sec. 8. Expulsion and ImpeachmentCl. 1. Members and officers may be expelled or impeached from TheCrusader Publication based on any of the following

grounds: lascivious, delinquent or criminal behavior resulting in the defamation of TheCrusader Publication; gross breach of journalism ethics; willful violation of the Constitution and Policies; willful disobedience of official decisions; abuse, neglect or misuse of authority; misuse and mismanage of funds; strong evidence of guilt for graft and corruption, profiteering, theft and other crimes; failure to meet article assignments for two (2) consecutive issues; failure to attend three (3) consecutive official meetings without compelling or valid excuse; physical assault of another member resulting in serious bodily injury; compelling evidence of sexual harassment or assault; malicious mischief; failure to maintain office or membership qualifications; failure to compensate for lost or damaged property; illegal possession and use of harmful drugs, substances, chemicals, firearms, and weapons; and gross insubordination or disrespect of authority placing the production of an issue or any operation in general at needless risk.

Cl. 2. A valid motion for impeachment shall be signed by at least two-thirds of the members of TheCrusader Publication or one-third of the Publishers. The Publishers may be represented by their recognized spokespersons, the College Council Year-level Representatives.

Sec. 9. ExcommunicationCl. 1. The Judicature, through a decision accorded by both its component juries, may excommunicate any retired member

for committing deeds in their present engagement which are manifestly unbecoming of the ideals being fostered by TheCrusader Publication, to wit: strong evidence of guilt for graft and corruption or any other form of crime; abuse, neglect and misuse of authority; ignoble oppression of the underprivileged minorities; culpable destruction of the environment; scandalous lascivious behavior; plagiarism and libel resulting in the unwarranted defamation of TheCrusader Publication; and self-repudiation of membership. Former members duly excommunicated shall cease further association with TheCrusader Publication, their records archived but history of membership evidently detested.

Cl. 2. Former members of TheCrusader Publication who are currently members of the Publication Committee shall be immune to excommunication as they are currently serving office.

Sec. 10. Accusal and PenalizationCl. 1. Alleged offenders shall be informed in writing of the charges made against them and shall have the right to defense before

the presiding jury. But if the member concerned does not appear during the hearing or issue a written reply within seven (7) days after being informed, such right shall have been waived and further judgment may then proceed.


Sec. 11. AppealCl. 1. Offenders shall have the right to appeal within seven (7) days after receipt of the decision. Whenever no appeal is forthcoming,

the judgment shall become final and executory.

ART. XV. AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS

Sec. 1. Amendments to the ConstitutionCl. 1. Any motion to amend the Constitution shall require consent equal to two-thirds of all regular and discontinued members of

TheCrusader Publication.

Cl. 2. Any amendment or revision to the Constitution shall be made during a meeting called specifically for that purpose.

Cl. 3. Any amendment shall require ratification by a simple majority of the total votes cast the Publishers in a plebiscite called specifically for such purpose.

Sec. 2. Finality and EffectCl. 1. Following ratification, amendments to the Constitution shall take effect on the successive academic year, marked

officially on the first day of formal classes.

ART. XVI. COMPLIANCE WITH AUTHORITIES

Sec. 1. Compliance ClauseCl. 1. TheCrusader Publication shall comply with all University policies and regulations, and the local and state laws. Any provision

stated herein held contrary to law shall be deemed invalid to the extent considered by law. The Philippine Constitution, moreover, shall hold supreme over any University regulation.

The 2013 Constitution and Policies of TheCrusader Publication

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