The Gerontology Student Association is devoted to Gerontology, the multi-disciplinary study of aspects of aging which encompasses the biological, psychological, sociological, health, economic, and applied research and analysis in gerontology, including social policy, program development and service delivery. A specialist in gerontology is a Gerontologist.
"Gerontology" and "Gerontologist" are not the same as "Geriatrics" (an invaluable branch of medicine devoted to the study, understanding and treatment of illnesses and diseases associated with aging) and "Geriatrician" (a physician who specializes in the practice of geriatrics.) Both Gerontology and Geriatrics are singly devoted to the health, safety, happiness and well-being of our aging population.
(MORE on Gerontology:
» The Gerontological Society of America offers a great history of their role in the founding of gerontology at:
http://www.geron.org/history.htm
»
"gerontologistjobs.com"
part of the Health Care Job Store list jobs and salary info, to help understanding what a gerontologist is.
» More related information and research links from various government agencies, and universities, especially statistical and current info, best practices, and much more, are on our
Aging Related Websites
Links page.)
(MORE on Geriatrics:
» Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine at Houston, Texas. (
http://www.hcoa.org)
» University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth (
http://www.hsc.unt.edu)
» The American Geriatrics Society at (
http://www.americangeriatrics.org)
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The "origin, program, and early years" of UNT's Center for Studies in Aging formed in the, "context of a unique set of political, professional, and academic factors that existed in the mid and late 1960s and early 1970s," according to "
Reflections" by Professor Hiram J. Friedsam, first Director of the Center for Studies in Aging. "The critical political factor was the passage in 1965 of the Older Americans Act. Title V of the act authorized the support of training for persons to work with the elderly, which included program planning and administration."
The field of Gerontology also has a rich history embedded in the process and founding of the
Gerontological Society of America
"established in 1945 to promote the scientific study of aging, to encourage exchanges among researchers and practitioners from various disciplines related to
gerontology, and to foster the use of gerontological research in forming public policy."
According to the Gerontological Society of America's - GSA (another GSA) Web-Site "History" page, "The founders of the Society were pioneers in establishing gerontology as a legitimate area of research, and those who joined the Society since then have labored long and hard to bring the science and study of gerontology to the stature that it deserves and has achieved. GSA members have succeeded in exploding the myths of the frail and dependent aged, demonstrated their potential, and attacked the scientific, medical and political barriers for a healthier and more productive old age. From biology to medicine, from social work to psychology, from architecture to law, GSA members in the past (over) 50 years have contributed greatly to the body of gerontological knowledge and science."
(The GSA publication) "
The Journal of Gerontology was the first, and for many years the only, U.S. gerontological research journal."
"To add life to years, not just years to life."
"The first issue of the Journal of Gerontology was published in January 1946 and the cover sported the slogan, "To add life to years, not just years to life." Lawrence Frank, one of the charter members, writing in the first issue noted that "Gerontology emerges...as a response to...scientific needs and opportunities." He added that the Journal of Gerontology, "the first journal in the field, will provide a medium of communication and of interpretation in our effort to gain more and surer knowledge of human growth development."
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(Below) Organization chart showing Applied Gerontology in College of Public Affairs and Community Service at the University of North Texas.
YOU ARE HERE!
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Constitution of the Gerontology Student Association
at the University of North Texas
GSA Mission Statement
The Gerontology Student Association of the Department of Applied Gerontology mission is to strive for professionalism, provide information and facilitate academic and social unity between students, faculty and the aging network. It is hoped that the friendships developed through these activities will be life long enrichments that will deepen the concern for an understanding of care for older people.
Our GSA Constitution:
ARTICLE I - Name
The name of the organization shall be Gerontology Student Association at the University of North Texas.
ARTICLE II - Purpose
The purpose of the organization shall be to:
A.
Promote scholarship, professionalism, friendship and services to older persons.
B.
To recognize exemplary attainment in the pursuit of academic excellence and professionalism in gerontology.
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ARTICLE III - Affiliation
Section 1:
This organization shall according to the regulations and policies of the University of North Texas.
Section 2:
This organization shall adhere to the regulations and Constitution of the national organization of Sigma Phi Omega that do not conflict with the regulations and policies of the University of North Texas.
ARTICLE IV- Non discrimination
This organization shall not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation or political affiliation.
ARTICLE V- Membership
Section 1:
All officers and voting members of this organization shall be undergraduate or graduate students at the University of North Texas and shall carry a minimum of three credit hours.
Section 2:
All members must abide by the provisions of the constitution and bylaws of this organization.
ARTICLE VI - Removal of Members
Any member not fulfilling the requirements as outlined in the Constitution or in the Bylaws of this organization to the satisfaction of the voting membership or violating University of North Texas policy or the Student Code of Conduct may be removed from Membership. A 2/3 majority vote of the total voting members shall be required for removal of any member.
ARTICLE VII - Meetings
Section 1: Quorum: To conduct business at least three members must be present at the meeting. A simple majority of the total voting membership must be present for all elections. OR
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Section 2: Voting: Motions dealing with amendments and the removal of officers or members will require a 2/3 majority vote of the total voting membership. All other motions will require a simple majority vote of the quorum to pass.
Section 3: Frequency: This organization shall meet at least 1 time each month. Additional meetings will be announced by the officers.
ARTICLE VIII - Elections
Section 1: Types of elections: General elections will be held to replace officers whose terms are due to expire. Special elections shall be held when an office is vacated in midterm.
Section 2: Nomination of candidates: A candidate for office must be nominated by a current member.
Section 3: Time of elections: General elections shall be held during the first week in December and special elections shall be held as necessary.
ARTICLE IX - Officers
Section 1: Elected officers: The officers of this organization will be:
A. President
B. Vice President
C. Secretary/Treasurer
Section 2: Qualifications: The Officers of this Chapter must be enrolled in at least six credit hours at the University of North Texas, and must maintain a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Section 3: Term of Office: An officer shall serve for one year from his/her swearing-in, or until his/her successor is appointed or elected.
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Section 4: Duties: The duties of the officers shall be as follows:
A. President
1. Shall be the chief executive officer of the organization and shall preside over meetings.
2.
Shall serve on the Executive Committee.
B.
Vice President
1.
Shall assume the duties of the President during his/her absence and shall succeed to that position in the event that it becomes vacant, until a special election can be held.
2.
Shall serve on the Executive Committee.
C. Secretary/Treasurer
1.
Shall keep records of all meetings.
2.
Shall report an accounting of revenues and expenses upon request at any organization meeting.
3.
Shall collect dues.
4.
Shall serve on the Executive Committee.
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ARTICLE X - Executive Committee
Section 1:
Responsibility: Management of this organization shall be vested in an Executive Committee responsible to the entire membership to uphold this constitution.
Section 2:
Membership: Membership shall consist of President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer.
Section 3:
Meetings: The Executive Committee shall meet at least once a month to organize and plan future activities and agenda items for meetings.
Section 4:
Quorum: A quorum of this committee shall consist of 2 members.
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ARTICLE XI - Advisor
The organization shall annually designate an Advisor at the time of the regular organization elections.
ARTICLE XII - Financial Support
The finances of this organization will come from fund raising projects, individual contributions and dues.
ARTICLE XIII - Bylaws
Section 1: Provision for bylaws:
A.
This organization may approve bylaws for the specific operation of the organization.
B. No bylaws shall be adopted that is contrary to the provisions of this Constitution.
Section 2: Vote required:
A.
The organization may adopt, amend or rescind any bylaw by a simple majority vote of the membership.
ARTICLE XIV - Amendments
Section 1:
A proposal to amend the Constitution must be presented to the total voting membership in the form of a written motion at least 30 days before it is to be voted on.
Ratified and submitted to the University for approval on: April 27, 2004
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