Marquette University Graduate Student Organization Constitution

Revised and Approved May 2016

Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be the Graduate Student Organization—Marquette University (hereinafter either “the Organization” or “GSO”).

Article II: Purpose

The primary purpose of the Organization is to serve as a channel for graduate students to voice concerns, resolve difficulties, and provide feedback on issues that directly affect graduate student life at Marquette University. Consistent with the University Mission Statement and Strategic initiatives, the GSO will accomplish these goals by:

1. Actively representing graduate students to the University
2. Advocating for changes deemed necessary by graduate students
3. Fostering inter-departmental collaboration
4. Encouraging unity among all graduate students
5. Improving the academic environment for graduate students through sponsored events
6. Sponsoring and organizing social and service events for graduate students
7. Working with Campus Ministry to provide spiritual support

Article III: Membership

Section 1: Membership

1. Membership in the GSO shall be available to any part-time or full-time graduate or professional student enrolled at Marquette University.

Section 2: Non-Discrimination Clause

1. Consistent with all applicable federal and state laws and University policies, this organization and its subordinate bodies and officers shall not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, skin color, age, sexual orientation, religion, veteran’s status, sex, gender identity, national origin, or disability in its selection of members, educational programs, or activities.

Section 3: Dues

1. At this time, no dues are levied.

Section 4: Financial Matters

1. All expenditures require the approval of the Executive Board of the Organization.

Article IV: Officers 

Section 1: Officers of the Organization

1. The primary officers of the Organization will be the Executive Board. The Executive Board will be composed of the President and Vice President. Other officers that may be elected as needed include the Community Integration Chair, Communications Chair, and Logistics Chair.
2. Officers shall be current full-time graduate or professional students enrolled at Marquette University.
3. The officers must be members in good standing in the Organization and Marquette University.
4. Officers shall not be on academic or university probation at the time of their elections and throughout their terms of office.
5. All officers shall serve for one academic year (June through May), but may be reelected for a subsequent term.
6. New offices may be created, as necessary, at the discretion of the Executive Board of the Organization.
7. All other responsibilities will be distributed at the discretion of the Executive Board of the Organization. Committees, both standing and ad hoc may be created or disassembled at the discretion of the Executive Board of the GSO.

Section 2: Election of Officers

1. Election of officers will occur prior to the end of the spring semester in accordance with the voting procedures outlined in Article VII. A candidate must have a plurality of the vote to win the election.
2. Candidates must be members in good standing in the Organization and Marquette University.

Section 3: Removal of Officers

1. The removal of an Officer requires a 2/3 vote of a quorum following the notification of the Officer in question. Such notification shall be provided in writing no less than seven days prior to the vote. The vote shall be conducted in accordance with the voting procedures outlined in Article VII.
2. Upon the removal of an Officer, the President shall nominate an interim Officer to fill that position. If the President is removed, the Vice President shall assume the President’s position in the interim.

Section 4: Replacement of Officers 

1. If an Officer leaves their position within the Organization for any reason, a replacement Officer shall be elected for the remainder of the term within one month. This election shall be conducted in accordance with the voting procedures outline in Article VII.

Article V: Organization Council and Committees

Section 1: Organization Council

1. The Council will be composed of one graduate student representative from each graduate or professional program at Marquette University.
2. Each graduate or professional program is responsible for delegating its graduate student representative.
3. If no graduate student representative is selected by a department, the GSO Executive Board may appoint a representative for the program, or the program may not be represented within the council.

Section 2: Campus Committee Student Representatives

1. Many executive, faculty, and staff committees request graduate students to serve as representatives. Some of these committees are temporary, while others are permanent. As such, representative positions may be created or dissolved without approval from the Organization.
2. Open calls for applications for graduate student representatives will be publicized as needed. Subsequently, the GSO Executive Board will appoint representatives from the applicants. If necessary, elections can be conducted following the voting procedures included within this constitution.

Section 3: Development of Committees

1. The Organization as a whole shall have the authority to create any committees, standing or special, that will further the purpose of the Organization.

Article VII: Voting

Section 1: Matters Requiring a Vote

1. The Organization shall vote on any official business, including but not limited to elections of Officers.
2. No vote is needed for informal input and feedback by the Organization.

Section 2: Voting Procedure

1. All votes shall be prominently announced at least seven days prior to the conclusion of the voting period.
2. All current members of the Organization are eligible to vote.
3. Voting shall be conducted by an electronic method that allows members to vote without having to attend a meeting.
4. A quorum for a vote is 10 members.
5. A majority vote is required for all decisions unless otherwise specified. A majority vote succeeds if more people vote for the proposal than against it. To prevail, a 2/3 vote requires an affirmative response from 2/3 of the members who submit votes.
6. Ties for majority and plurality votes shall be broken by the decision of the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Community Integration Chair.

Article IX: Amendments

1. All amendments to this constitution must be approved by a 2/3 vote in accordance with the voting procedures outlined in Article VII.

Article X: Ratification

1. This constitution shall become active upon the 2/3 vote of the Organization, to be conducted in accordance with the voting procedure in Article VII.