We, the members of the “Pan-Asian American Graduate Student Association” at the University of Pennsylvania do hereby establish this constitution to formalize the principles and procedures of this Organization.
The name of this Organization shall be “Pan-Asian American Graduate Student Association”, henceforth referred to as “PAAGSA”
The purpose of PAAGSA shall be to enhance the quality of life for Asian and Asian American graduate and professional students, through a centralized, campus-wide organizational structure that address their academic, social, political, and cultural needs and concerns through programming, services, and advocacy. PAAGSA shall facilitate dialogue across the different graduate and professional constituencies of the University of Pennsylvania; the administration, communicating directly with the Vice Provost of University Life; the cultural centers, through the Pan-Asian American Community House (PAACH); and the greater Philadelphia community. PAAGSA is committed to upholding and abiding by all policies and requisites set forth by the University of Pennsylvania
PAAGSA is an Organization designed to represent and meet the needs of Asian and Asian American students. Membership can be established through e-mail to the Secretary or equivalent acting official, or attendance to PAAGSA board meetings or events.
Individual membership in PAAGSA is open to any graduate or professional student at the University of Pennsylvania.
Group membership is offered to any constituent or affinity groups that directly contribute to the purpose of PAAGSA.
Members are entitled to entrance into all PAAGSA events and meetings, as well as access to all services provided by the Organization.
ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP includes:
In addition to entrance into all PAAGSA events and meetings, and access to services provided by the Organization, ACTIVE MEMBERS will be granted Organization voting privileges and access to special amenities as determined by the PAAGSA Executive Board.
PAAGSA openly admits students to its membership and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religious creed, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran stats or any other basis protected by law.
PAAGSA will be governed by an executive board composed of the following:
The standing committees of PAAGSA shall be:
Committee Leads will be selected by spring election. If no Lead is elected in the spring, the Executive Board can appoint a Lead in the fall. Additional committees may be formed and dissolved by the President with consensus approval of the Executive Board.
PAAGSA Executive board meetings shall be held twice a month, with the exception of months with less than 20 academic days, which shall have one meeting a month. Officers must attend meetings.
Nomination
Nominations shall be accepted from any Member during the election period.
Standard Election Process
After the Executive Board has accepted nominations, candidates will have the opportunity to give speeches, followed by a question and answer session.
After all speeches and question and answer sessions have concluded, the Executive Board will initiate a secret ballot in which eligible voting members of PAAGSA will have the opportunity to select their candidates.
All officers of the Executive Board shall be elected by a majority vote of eligible voting members of PAAGSA. Members of the existing board have the same voting rights as general active members, with exception of the President. The President may only vote in the case of a tie. All elections will be held on an annual basis during the spring semester.
Special Elections Process
If officers of the Executive Board vacate their position before completion of their term, a special election may be held to fill their position for the remainder of the term. Interim officers of the Executive Board shall be elected by a majority vote of the Executive Board.
Terms of Office
Terms of office for all Executive Board positions shall last until the termination of the academic year. The term begins when all Executive Board positions are filled and ends at the end of the transition period.
Removal of Officers
Officers may be removed at the request of an ACTIVE MEMBER by means of a written notice of charges. Motions to remove shall require a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP.
All budgetary allotment from GAPSA and other entities will be expended for the benefit for the Organization, constituency groups, and/or its member in line with the goals outlined in Article II
Amendments to the constitution may be proposed in writing by any ACTIVE MEMBER of PAAGSA at any meeting at which two-thirds of the Executive Board is present. Proposed amendments will become effective following approval by a simple majority vote of the Executive Board
The PAAGSA constitution shall be established by a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the Organization.
The PAAGSA constitution shall be reviewed each year after each election by the Executive Board to ensure that it accurately and comprehensively represents the missions and procedures of PAAGSA.