This non-profit and voluntary organization is named Indian Students Association.
The objectives of this organization are:
To bring together students of Indian and other descent, and promote unity and; warmth, as well as amicability among them.
To promote the patronization and the exercise of Sub-Continental culture on campus.
To help students in various fields, to the best of the organization's abilities and resources, namely:
Peer Advising,
Introducing new students to the others, and each other.
Helping new students with finding living accommodations, room-mates etc.
Prevent discrimination of any unethical sort among the students.
International and Cultural Interest
Recreational Interests
Social Activities
A member of this organization should be an enrolled student, or faculty or staff member at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Membership fee is $ 7 per semester . Upon completion of one whole semester as member, the membership expires unless the member renews the membership fee with another $ 7.
A member of this organization has the right to participate in all activities the organization hosts and participates in. He/she also has the right to make suggestions, comments on the functioning of the organization, but has no right to force/oblige the committee on any grounds whatsoever, especially if not an active; member (defined in the next paragraph).
A member also has the right to hold posts in the organization's committee, and compete it the elections for the same, if any only if he/she is:
Current on his/her dues (membership fees/ renewals)
Regular at attending the organization's meetings
Aware of the constitution of the organization, and vows not to violate it
Is present and on time at the electoral meeting
A member who fulfills the above 4, will be considered as an active member.
Alumni of UTA, and honorary affiliates, are allowed to be present at the organization's activities. They are also welcomed to help new students.
The Executive board consists of:
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Joint Secretary
Treasurer
Joint Treasurer
Public Relations Officers
Webmaster
Historian
The duties and responsibilities of these positions will be stated in the by-laws.
All the above mentioned office positions, except for that of the President and the Webmaster, 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 beginning of the full semester (Fall or Spring, whichever applicable). There is no restriction for incumbency.
The position of the President and the Webmaster will be decided by the Executive Board and will be appointed by the president.
Only the President and the Advisor have the right to call meetings - special as well as regular ones. However, the advisor must approve all called meetings.
The cost of membership and membership renewal is determined by the Executive committee, under the supervision and approval of the Advisor. Membership dues are to be collected by the Treasurer at the organization's meetings.
The Executive committee will determine the procedures for the allocation of funds for the organization (revenues and exegeses).
There are no permanent ad-hoc committees in the organization. If formed, it will be stated in the constitution, and the members will be informed.
However, there can be temporary and occasional ad-hoc committees, headed by a co-coordinator, who has to be one of the organization's members. The selection of committees and co-coordinators will be done by the Executive committee.
Affiliations with any local, state or national organization may be permitted if they prove beneficial to the organizational goals.
The Advisor has to be a staff or faculty member at UTA. The Executive committee will select the Advisor.
The duty of the Advisor is to overview the working of the organization, settle disputes and preside over elections.
An amendment could be presented by an active member. It will be introduced in a meeting comprising of at least 20 active members, who will cast their vote on the amendment. The amendment will pass if a minimum of 2/3 majority approves.
The passed amendment will be effective only upon the approval of the University.
The organization will function in accordance with all University rules.
By-Laws
The duties and responsibilities of the Executive Committee members are:
President:
The President must base all decisions, to be the best of his or her abilities, in coordination with the purpose of the organization and the guidance of ISA's advisor. This person may delegate authority in a reasonable fashion that best suits the purpose of ISA. The President shall be the sole representative student of ISA in an official capacity. In lieu of the president's presence, a representative can be appointed among the pool of officers. He/she must also preside over meetings.
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. He/She must manage the monetary affairs of the organization, and keep account of the same.
Public Relations Officer:
To assist the students in answering their queries and also to interact with the members, and help generate warmth and amicability in the organization
Webmaster:
The Webmaster must update the ISA website regularly.
Historian:
The Historian must take pictures at every event that ISA organizes and/or participates in.