We, the more astronomically aware students of the University of Texas at Arlington, in order to form a more perfect union, establish a fun-natured society, and to insure the dispersion of astronomical knowledge, do ordain and establish this constitution of Olympus Mons: The Astronomy Society of the University of Texas at Arlington.
The purpose of Olympus Mons is to create, instill, and nurture, amongst fellow students and the general public, and appreciation of the beauty and processes of the natural phenomena that are focused upon in the ancient science astronomy.
Membership is open to students, faculty, and local residents with an interest in learning and/or discussing topics in astronomy.
Once membership has been conferred upon a UTA student, he or she shall remain a life-member of Olympus Mons. After graduation from UTA, anyone wishing to continue his or her membership shall be designated a consultant to the society. Serving in this capacity, however, terminates that members privileges of electing or being elected to an executive post (i.e President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian). A consultant may attend all meetings and functions of Olympus Mons. A consultant's spouse, children, and/or close family may attend functions, but not formal meetings. Honorary affiliates are entitled to the same privileges that are bestowed upon consultants.
Nominations will be conducted at the end of the meeting prior to the elections towards the end of each spring term. Only seconded nominations of qualified members will be considered. A person may be nominated for more than one office, but that person may be elected to only one office. Once elected to office, that person must be deleted from all subsequent ballots. Majority vote by all members will decide an election. In the case of a tie, the president will decide the outcome.
All terms will end after one academic year. The definition of the academic year is the period of time beginning in the fall semester and ending at the end of the second summer term. An officer may not serve more than one academic year in the same position, except under special circumstances as defined by the current officers. In the event that an officer is unable to perform his or her duties of the position in question, that person will be replaced by an appointee, as designated by the current officers.
President~ 1. Membership for at least one academic year 2. Completion of two semesters of astronomy course work or the ability to demonstrate and equivalent knowledge of astronomy to an eligibility committee comprised of at least three officers, one of whom must be the current president of vice president.
Vice President~ Same as President
Secretary, Historian, and Treasurer~ 1. Membership for at least one semester 2. Current UTA student in good standing 3. Approval by eligibility committee as described above
All regular meetings will take place on Friday at noon, holidays pending. The President will determine the frequency of meetings, with three per semester at a minimum. All meetings must be approved by the society's advisor.
All fees (membership dues, fines, etc...) must, in the opinion of the society's members be reasonable. However, the officers shall decide the final rates. The specific amounts, when collected, must be regulated and supervised by both the treasurer and the advisor. Honorary affiliates are waved of membership fees and dues.
All amendments must, in the opinion of the society's members, be reasonable. Only seconded amendments may be taken into consideration. The proposed amendment shall be voted upon at the following meeting day by due paying members only. If approved by a 3/4 vote, the amendment will be implements upon final registration with the University student organizations. Article 8
Members of Olympus Mons must function in accordance with all University rules. Neglecting to meet these requirements will subject a member to a probationary period of removal and/or expulsion for Olympus Mons. The consequence(s) of a given behavior will be determined by the officers and the advisor.
President ~ The President must base all decisions, to be the best of his or her abilities, in coordination with the purpose of the society and the guidance of the society's advisor. This person may delegate authority in a reasonable fashion that best suits the purpose of Olympus Mons. The President shall be the sole representative student of Olympus Mons in an official capacity. In lieu of the president's presence, a representative can be appointed among the pool of officers.
Vice President~ The Vice President position is to help advise and support the President. This person must be able to accept, upon approval of the advisor, the responsibility of the presidency in the event that the position becomes vacant.
Secretary~ The Secretary is necessary for the purposes of documentation. The minutes of each meeting must be recorded for future reference.
Treasurer~ The Treasurer must work in coordination with the advisor to evaluate and organize the society's funds. This will be done in a manner that best suits the needs of Olympus Mons.
Historian~ The Historian, similar to the secretary must document the functions and actions of Olympus Mons, but for the purpose of public examination. The Historian and Secretary may serve as the liaisons of public relations.
We, the charter members of Olympus Mons: The Astronomy Society of the University of Texas at Arlington do pledge to uphold to the best of our abilities the purpose and integrity of this great organization. With our signatures this document is complete. November 17th, 1995 AD