The name of this organization shall be the International Students Association.

The purpose of this organization shall be to promote better international relations and understanding through educational, social, and cultural activities between international students and Americans. An additional purpose shall be to help new international students as they arrive on the WVU TECH campus.

We respect the political ideals and religious beliefs of all individuals; therefore, we do not take sides in the matter of political and religious beliefs.

The membership of the organization consists of all those interested in promoting the purpose of the organization. There are two classes of members, the active and the honorary members:

Active members who miss more than two general meetings or who do don’t participate in organizational activities without a valid excuse (class, work) become non-active members until the end of the semester. They also lose the privileges of voting and of being elected to Office until the end of the semester. Active members are expected to participate, to the fullest extent possible, in events and activities.

Honorary members are those who are not registered students of

West Virginia Institute of Technology, but who have been accepted by

a majority vote of the active members. Those members do not have a vote. Honorary membership shall be extended to all faculty members.

Officers consist, at a minimum, of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Organizational Advisor/Treasurer, and a Public Relations Officer. It is recommended, but not required, that each officer must have been a member of the organization two semesters prior to being elected to class office. Other offices and officers will be determined based on yearly needs.

The President and Vice President must be from different geographic regions and of different nationalities. They must be full-time international students in good standing at West Virginia Institute of Technology.

(a) To preside over business and general meetings,

(b) To cast a vote in the event of a tie,

(c) To appoint or call for committees,

(d) To provide leadership for all activities.

(a) To preside over business and general meetings in the absence of the President,

(b) To act as President until elections can be held when there is a presidential vacancy,

(c) To present honorary members to the assembly,

(d) To assist the President whenever possible.

(a) To record and read the minutes of the meetings,

(b) To keep all records,

(c) To administer correspondence,

(d) To keep attendance,

(e) Maintain a photograph album for the association, and

(f) In the case of a presidential and vice-presidential vacancy, to act as President until elections can be held.

(a) To collect payments and keep financial records,

(b) To give a financial report at each business and general meeting.

(a) to publicize dates of meetings,

(b)to publicize social, cultural, and educational functions of the organization,

(c) to assist the secretary with the photograph album, and

(d) to help recruit new members.

(a) to present information about the organization and its activities on the International Student Services website.

The cabinet of the International Student Association consists of an international committee representing all the nationalities which are members of the association. There will be one representative for each geographical region.

Each geographical region is allowed a representative, to be selected by vote of all members from that geographical region. Geographical regions include Africa, Far East, South East Asia, Australia, Europe, Middle East. North America, and South America.

The chairmanship of the cabinet will be rotated alphabetically according to geographical region.

Duties shall be as follows:

(l) To provide help in committees,

(2) To represent the different geographical regions in business meetings, and

(3) To assist in settlement of new international students.

There will be one to three faculty advisors. The International Student Advisor shall act as one advisor, and the remaining two advisors shall be decided on and elected by a simple majority vote of the active members.

Regular meetings will take place at least once a month at the convenience of the members during the month of September to May. Special meetings can be called or can substitute for a regular meeting. Dates for general meetings are decided by simple majority vote of active members at the beginning of each semester.

The organization functions under the procedures of "Robert's Rules of Order Revised".

The amount of dues to be paid will be decided at the beginning of each semester by a simple majority vote.

This constitution may be amended after a two-week prior notice by a simple majority vote.

Last Updated:20 February 2004