Constitution

Indian Pakistani Students’ Association Constitution
Effective Spring semester 2006

Article I

Name

The non-profit student organization is named Indian-Pakistani Student Association.

Article II

Purpose

• Strengthen the ties and unify Indians and Pakistanis at UNT by establishing common ground between the two cultures
• Encourage members to participate in Desi festivals by hosting and promoting culture shows and events.
• To give back to the Denton community and to Desi organizations in Dallas
• Provide a safe and fun environment by providing many socials with lots of free food and entertainment.
• This organizations main purpose is to help give identity to many college students who are trying to understand what it means be a part of a rich colorful background while trying to live in America

 

Article III
Mission Statement:

In response to the need of culture, the IPSA will strive to unite students of all backgrounds who share a similar interest in India and Pakistan.  This organization will achieve this target by holding various events on campus.  These events include but are not exclusive to:

·        Biweekly meetings
·        Providing Socials
·        Hosting a Spring Cultural Talent Show
·        Having Community Service Events
·        Teaching Cultural Dances

 The IPSA also has the burden to unite South East Asians at the University of North Texas and to also spread Awareness outside of our culture to those on campus.    

Article IV

Membership

A member of this organization should be an enrolled student, or faculty or staff member at the University of North Texas.
Membership fees are $ 5 per semester and $7 for a year of membership. Upon completion of one whole year as member, the membership expires unless the member renews the membership fees with another payment.
A member of this organization has the right to participate in all activities the association hosts and participates in, aid in decision making, and take part in the voting process/elections by submitting to the (3) points below.
Active membership will only be given upon acceptance of the following terms and conditions:
1. Member has paid his/her dues (membership fees/ renewals)
2. Adheres to the association’s constitution and vows not to violate it.
3. Attends general meetings regularly.

Article V

Executive Board

The Executive board consists of:

• President –Benji Daniel
• Vice-President- Dr. Dayanand Rao (Dev) Jhingade    
• Secretary- Anni Mathew
• Treasurer- Gautam Kadiwar
• Community Chair-Betty George
• Fundraising Chair-
• Public Relations/Cultural Chair-
• Historian- Benzi George
• Sports Coordinator
• Web-Master- Santosh Kandhukuri

All the above mentioned office positions, with the exception of the last 5, will be elected by the active members who attend the electoral meetings by majority vote. If there is only one candidate for a particular post, then he/she is automatically elected into office.
The office term of the elected executive board comprises of two full semesters (Fall, Spring). The office bearers are elected in the end Spring semester.
The position of the Fundraising chair, Public Relations/Cultural Chair, Historian, Sports Coordinator, and Web-Master will be decided by the Executive Board and will be appointed by the president.

Article VI

Goals:

 "I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love."  Gandhi
 Unity is needed for any organization to survive.  For Fall 2005 and Spring 2006, the UNT IPSA theme will be Unity.  The IPSA will initiate to make connections with the ISA and PSA on campus.  This will be the first time all three organization will have open, public relations.  We will try to propel this unification by hosting a combined social at the beginning of the Fall semester.  This will also be done by advising members of each organization to attend other organizations meetings and socials.
 The UNT IPSA is also making connections with other Indian/Pakistani Student Associations at various campuses in the Dallas area.   This will give members an opportunity to meet others who share the same culture interests.  This project has started but the social events will occur Spring 2006. 

 

Article VII

Advisor

The Advisor has must be a staff or faculty member at UNT. Election of the advisor will be decided by the executive officers.  His/Her duty is to provide assistance in important decisions, approve/disapprove the associations’ events, and preside over elections.

 

Article VIII

Rules and Regulations

The organization will function in accordance with all University rules.

Article IX

Duties/Responsibilities of the Executive Committee

Duties and responsibilities of the Executive Committee members are:
PRESIDENT- The president will preside over general body meetings; act as the main spokesperson for the group on campus and with other universities.  The president must keep in good relations will all South Asian groups on campus and neighboring universities.  He/she is also accountable for the recruitment/removal of officers and members.  The president shall chair the executive committee and act as a liaison to faculty, administration, advisors, and student government.                                             To be eligible for this position:                                                                                  

-Must have been a member of I.P.S.A at least one semester during the current school year
-Must be able to serve a full term                                                                               -Must have good leadership skills and know how to organize meetings                         -Must be student at UNT

VICE-PRESIDENT- The vice-president also helps in all internal affairs of the organization.  He/she will act as president in the absence of the president.  The VP also keeps in constant communication will all other South Asian organizations at neighboring universities.  He/she will be responsible for booking rooms for meetings. 

SECRETARY- The secretary is responsible for the weekly emails, which update members of current IPSA events, and time/date/place of meeting.  He/she is responsible for taking minutes during meetings and summarizing them in emails.  He/she shall be a liaison between the associations and campus organizations, and attend necessary meetings.  (Eagle’s Nest, SGA, Student Activities Center)

TREASURER- The treasurer is responsible for handling all accounting for the group.  He/she must manage the account and be legally liable for all financial status.  He/she must keep a minimum balance of $1000.00 for the following year.  He/she must show budget and/or bank statement to the general body twice a semester.

SPORTS COORDINATOR- The sports coordinator registers the organization in campus intramural games.  He/she gets money from the treasurer to pay for events.  Keep game dates updated to all members and secretary.  He/she must organize all practices for the intramural sport or event.

FUNDRAISING/COMMUNITY SERVICE COORDINATOR- He/she organizes the fundraisers and community service projects for each semester.  Keep all members informed on when they will be held. 

Article X

Rules of the Election:

-Only IPSA members of that semester can vote.
-Members can only make nominations.
-Anyone can be nominated to any position except for President.
-Must be present to be nominated and/or elected.

 

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