Wellesley African Students Organization

Constitution

Article I

The name of the organization shall be the Wellesley African Students' Association (WASA).

The former name African Awareness Now (AAN) shall refer to a committee under WASA whose focus will be primarily political. It may have a President but will be funded by WASA (if needed) and follow WASA's Constitution.

Article II

Objectives:

WASA exists of promote the exchange of knowledge about contemporary issues affecting Africans and Africans of the Diaspora. Our aims will be achieved through such activities as monthly discussions, lectures, cultural celebrations, community service projects, written articles and participation in national conferences.

Article III

All members shall abide by the Wellesley College Honor Code.

Article IV

Membership:

Membership in this organization shall be open to all students currently enrolled in Wellesley College regardless of ethnicity, nationality, creed, or religion.

Articles V and VI

Officers and Duties:

(A) The officers of WASA shall consist of a President(s), a Treasurer, and a Chair of Political Action who may also head up AAN. Any other officers who may be deemed necessary such as a Vice-President, Secretary, Social Chair, Arts Chair or Web mistress can be added in function of the needs of the organization.

(B) A faculty advisor(s) is optional but should be selected by a majority of the members at the beginning of the academic year if the organization decides to have one or more. S/he shall have a background in the field of African Studies and shall hold the office on a voluntary basis. S/he shall advise the students as is necessary for the proposed discussions and programs of the organization.

(C) The President(s) shall be the chief executive officer(s) of WASA and shall have general supervision and control of its activities and programs.

(D) The Treasurer shall have general charge of the financial affairs of the organization.

Article VII

Activities/Meetings:

General Meetings shall be held weekly or bi-monthly as determined by the body at the first meeting. Their purpose is to discuss affairs relating to contemporary Africa and to coordinate activities, programs, and other relevant business. Optionally, one publicized open meeting will be held per semester.

Article VIII

Voting:

(A) For the simple transactions of business, a simple majority of members will be required.

(B) For any constitutional business, i.e. amending of the constitution, a motion must be approved or denied by 3/4 of the Executive Board(E-Board) consisting minimally of the President and Treasurer but possibly including a Vice-President, Secretary, or Chair of Political Action.

Article IX

Finance:

AAN will be financed through SOFC funding and through fund-raisers held throughout the year by the organization. All fundraising will be done in accordance to SOFC regulations.

Article X

Elections:

Officers shall be elected annually by the members of WASA. Any member of WASA may be nominated or nominate herself for elections. Candidacies will be announced in the final month of the Academic Year and voting will take place before the Summer Recess. A student may run for any positions still open at the start of the next Academic Year. A quorum will be required for elections.

Article XI

Adoption:

This constitution shall become valid when:

(A) adopted by a 2/3 majority vote or stipulated constitutional quorum;

(B) approved by Senate;

(C) a copy has been signed by the heads of WASA and the Vice-President of the College Goverment and filed in the College Government office and the President's office.