Constitution

The mission of the Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association is to provide Appalachian State University students and members of the Boone community with an opportunity to learn about and promote knowledge of the corrections and juvenile justice systems. The organization will provide a means of communication for individuals having an interest in the corrections field and current correctional issues. The Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association will focus on the correctional field of the criminal justice system.

The main objective of the Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association is to increase the knowledge of the correctional aspect of the criminal justice system. The objective includes promoting membership to the American Correctional Association, building an education about the correctional system, and developing relations with other members of the correctional community.

To become a member of the Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Corrections Association, one must be in good academic standing with the University; this does not apply to members not attending the University. A member is also required to pay national and chapter dues. Members of the student chapter must become members of the American Correctional Association within thirty days of admission to the Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association. All officers of the Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association must be enrolled students in good standing, academic and disciplinary, with the University.

It is the members's responsibility to attend meetings on a regular basis. Role will be taken at the beginning of each meeting to assure that members are active in the organization. It is also the duty of the members to be engaged in the organization's activities.

There are five officers that will serve the Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association for a term of one academic year. The President shall preside at all meetings and shall appoint leaders to any committees that need to be formed. All other Executive duties not herein delegated shall be the President's responsibility. The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in the President's absence. The Secretary shall maintain official records of the organization's meetings. The Treasurer shall maintain a complete record of all income and expenses of the chapter and shall pay bills as authorized by the President. Both the President and the Treasurer must sign all checks. The Advisor will serve as a liaison between the students and the faculty as well as a source of guidance and knowledge. The five officers make up what is called the Executive Committee. All members of the Executive Committee must be members of the American Correctional Association.

Voting for officers will take place at the second meeting of the Fall semester of the academic year. The outgoing President will take nominations at this time. A member of the organization must second nominations. A secret ballot vote will be taken and to be elected, one must receive the majority of the votes. The Advisor will count the ballots. The first elections for officers after the formation of the organization will take place at its second meeting where the Advisor will take nominations. A secret ballot vote will be taken and to be elected, one must receive the majority of the votes. The Advisor will count the ballots.

In order to remove an elected officer from duty, the issues must be brought to the other three members of the Executive Committee and the advisor. The members of the Executive Committee will confront the officer in question. If the problem remains unresolved, the issues will be brought before the organization. A motion must be made to remove the officer from his or her position and the motion must be seconded. A secret ballot vote will be taken and the Advisor will count the ballots.

The organization has the authority to create any committees when the need arises. The created committee must serve a legitimate purpose for the organization. The Executive Committee will appoint leaders to the committees.

Any amendments made to the Constitution of the Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association must be voted on by the organization and passed with full consent of those members present. In order to vote on an amendment, the amendment must be proposed and seconded. The vote for the amendment will be taken by a show of hands.

The Advisor of the Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association will be an active member of the American Correctional Association and will provide continuity as student leadership changes. The Advisor will also promote good relationships between faculty and students, provide financial supervision when necessary, and will represent the student chapter to the University's faculty and administration.

The highest-ranking officer present will call each meeting of the Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association to order. The minutes from the previous meeting will be presented, followed by old and new business. The floor will then be opened up to any discussion and/or presentation. The highest-ranking officer will adjourn the meeting.