CONSTITUTION
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA SCHOOL OF LAW
BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be the University of Virginia School of Law Chapter of the Black Law Students Association, hereinafter referred to as “UVA Law BLSA” or “the Chapter”. The name may be shortened in correspondence to be “UVA Law BLSA.” The organization shall be affiliated with and conform to the constitutional provisions of the National BLSA.
ARTICLE II: DECLARATION OF PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization shall be to amplify the views of Black students at the University of Virginia School of Law (the “University”); to represent the view of UVA Law BLSA’s membership; to promote the welfare of its members through educational, professional, cultural and social programs; and to provide a forum for the discussion of local and national issues affecting both the Black law student community and the University community as a whole. UVA Law BLSA shall also carry out the mission of the National BLSA to: Increase the number of culturally responsible black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: General Eligibility
Membership in the University of Virginia Chapter of the Black Law Students Association shall be open to all students with a proven interest in the goals and objectives of the Black Law Students Association. The Black Law Students Association at the University of Virginia does not restrict its membership, programs, or activities on the basis of any protected characteristics/statuses – including all protected characteristics/statuses listed in University Policy HRM-009 (Preventing and Addressing Discrimination and Harassment: https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-009).
Section 2: Membership Categories
A. DUES-PAYING MEMBERS
All students who have met the criteria established in Section 1 of this Article and have paid all dues, both nationally and locally, for the year will be considered “Dues-Paying Members”. Dues-paying members may vote in UVA Law BLSA elections and generally for matters that require a vote by members. The amount and deadline for dues payment for the school year shall be set by the President and Treasurer prior to the beginning of the academic year and announced at the first general body meeting of the Fall semester. Dues will be collected by the Treasurer at the beginning of the Law School's Academic Calendar. Dues will be used to advance the Chapter's purpose as identified in Article II. Any surplus dues will be saved and reinvested in the Chapter for use in successive years.
Payment of local dues alone is sufficient for general membership and voting rights. Payment of National BLSA dues is not required for general membership but is required to (i) run for elected office pursuant to Article VII, Section 3, (ii) to compete on a competition team pursuant to Article XIV, and (iii) to attend regional and national conferences.
B. NON-DUES PAYING MEMBERS
All students who have met the criteria established in Section 1 of this Article but have not paid all dues for the year will be considered “Non-Dues Paying Members”. Non-dues paying members may not vote in UVA Law BLSA elections or generally formatters that require a vote by members.
C. GENERAL BODY
All students who have met the criteria established in Section 1 of this Article, and who have met the criteria established in either Sections 2A or 2B shall be considered the “General Body” for the purposes of this Constitution.
D. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
(i) All minority graduates of the University of Virginia School of Law shall be considered “Honorary Members” of the Chapter.
(ii) Any person who has attained unusual distinction in the legal profession or in the field of law shall be eligible for honorary membership. The term “field of law” shall embrace any person elected or appointed to a legislature or engaged in the execution, administration, or enforcement of the law, whether or not such a person is a member of the legal profession. Honorary Members shall not have the right to vote on matters affecting the operation of the Chapter.
ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS
Section 1: General Body Meetings
There shall be a General Body Meeting at least twice per semester during the academic year. Twenty percent (20%) of the General Body, present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum to do business. In the absence of a quorum, no voting business may be conducted. However, other business, of a non-voting nature, may proceed.
Section 2: Special Meetings
Special Meetings shall be called by the (i) the President or (ii) twenty-five percent (25%) of the General Body. A written request for a special meeting should clearly state the reason(s) for the proposed meeting. For meetings called at the President's discretion, at least three (3) days’ prior notice must be given to all members of the General Body. The special meeting must be scheduled for a date within seven (7) days of receipt of the petition.
ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1: Executive Board Meetings
A. The Executive Board shall hold monthly meetings to be called at the discretion of the President. The Executive Board should meet prior to each regular and special meeting
B. The Executive Board shall have one (1) Executive Board meeting per semester that is open to members of the General Body. Any member of the General Body wishing to bring an issue of concern to the Executive Board must request, before the meeting, that the President put the issue in the Executive Board’s agenda.
C. Members of the Executive Board shall be notified five (5) business days prior to each meeting, unless an emergency meeting is required. Fifty Percent (50%) of Executive Board Members present at an Executive Board meeting shall constitute quorum to conduct business. No proxy voting will be allowed at Executive Board meetings
Section 2: Executive Board Membership
The Executive Board Shall consist of all Executive Positions and Standing Committee Chairpersons:
Executive Positions
A: President
B. Vice President
C. Secretary
D. Treasurer
E. First-Year Representative (1L Rep)
F. Parliamentarian
Standing Committee Chairpersons
(i) Membership Chair
(ii) Community Service Chair
(iii) Education Chair
(iv) Firm Relations Chair
(v) Professional Development Chair
(vi) Social Action Chair
(vii) Social Programming Chair
(viii) Historian
The First-Year Representative and Historian shall each be a first-year (1L) law student at the University of Virginia School of Law at the time of election.
Section 3. Duties of Executive Board Members
A. PRESIDENT
The President shall: 1) be the chief executive and administrative officer of the Chapter; 2) call and preside at all General Body and Special Meetings; 3) ensure that all other officers perform the duties for their respective offices and reprimand them accordingly; 4) serve as the official spokesperson for the Chapter; 5) serve as an ex-officio member of all Standing Committees; 6) be responsible for the welfare and dignity of the Chapter.
B. VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice-president shall: 1) assist the President in the performance of such Chapter duties as may be requested by the President. In the event of the absence, death, resignation, or removal from office of the President, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President; 2) serve as Chairperson of Elections; 3) perform such other duties relating to the organizational structure of the Chapter as the President may request.
C. SECRETARY
The Secretary shall: 1) be the chief recorder and correspondent of the Chapter; 2) assist the President in the calling and conducting of UVA Law BLSA meetings; 3) keep a true and complete record of all minutes of UVA Law BLSA meetings and other matters pertaining to the Chapter for future reference; 4) dispatch notices of meetings to members as are appropriate; 5) be responsible for submitting official reports required of the Chapter by the law school or university administration; 6) be the historical officer of the Chapter in the absence of a Historian.
D. TREASURER
The Treasurer shall: 1) be the chief financial officer of the Chapter; 2) collect all dues; 3) control all Chapter funds and co-sign with the President all disbursements of Chapter funds; 4) prepare a budget, under the direction of the President, which shall be approved by the Executive Board; 5) receive and manage all funds which are available to UVA Law BLSA from the Law School and University; 6) ensure all funding is spent light of UVA Law BLSA's purpose as identified in Article II of this Constitution; and 7) perform such other duties as the President may request. The Treasurer shall be accountable to the President for the proper management and use of all funds, and any misuse or mismanagement of funds shall be subject to review, investigation, and appropriate corrective action, including removal, in accordance with Article IX of this Constitution.
E. FIRST-YEAR REPRESENTATIVE (1L Rep)
There shall be a First-Year Representative elected by dues-paying members of the firstyear class. The term of office shall be assumed from the time of the representative election until such time that a new representative for the succeeding first-year class is chosen. The First-Year Representative shall 1) coordinate the activities of the first-year class; 2) be a voting member of the Executive Board; 3) alert the Executive Board of the concern and ideas of first-year students; 4) perform such other duties as the President may request.
F. PARLIAMENTARIAN
The Parliamentarian is a non-voting Executive Board member. The decision of whether to appoint a Parliamentarian is left to the President's discretion. The term of office shall be subject to the President's discretion and must be determined at the time of appointment. The Parliamentarian shall: 1) assist the President in maintaining order during meetings, subject to the provision of this Constitution and By-Laws, and Robert's Rules of Order; 2) be the final authority on rules of parliamentary procedure during meetings; 3) perform such other duties as the President may request.
G. STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
All Standing Committee Chairpersons shall: 1) hold committee meetings as necessary; 2) submit to the President of the Chapter a preliminary program of planned activities for the school year within 45 days of election to office; 3) maintain records of all correspondence and committee meetings; 4) report the committee's activities to the Chapter; 5) serve as a voting member of the Executive Board; 6) perform such other duties as the President may request.
ARTICLE VI: COMMITTEES
A. COMPOSITION
Each Standing Committee shall be responsible for all activities coming under its title with such additional responsibilities as the Executive Board shall determine. The Chairpersons of the Standing Committees shall be elected pursuant to Article VII. Each Chairperson reserves the right to determine whether they will fill their committee for the academic year.
B. STANDING COMMITTEES
1. Committee on Membership
2. Committee on Community Service
3. Committee on Education
4. Committee on Firm Relations
5. Committee on Professional Development
6. Committee on Social Action
7. Committee on Social Programming
C. AD-HOC COMMITTEES
Ad-hoc committees may be appointed at the discretion of the President and/or the Executive Board.
ARTICLE VII: PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution or the By-Laws, if applicable, this organization shall be governed by the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order in all matters of parliamentary procedure. The Chapter shall maintain a copy of the current edition in the UVA Law BLSA office.
ARTICLE VIII: ELECTIONS
Section 1: Coordination
A. The Vice-President shall serve as the Chairperson of Elections and coordinate all aspects of the election process.
B. In the event that the Vice-President is not able to serve as the Chairperson of Elections because of a conflict of interest, resignation, vacancy, or other just cause, the President will fill in the role of Chairperson of Elections. If the President is not able to fill this position, the Executive Board will select a board member to serve in the role.
C. The Election Committee shall be composed of the President, Vice-President and Parliamentarian.
Section 2: Time of Election
Elections should be held during the Spring Semester at a date to be determined by the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall take into account major dates which may affect participation in the election when making this determination.
Section 3: Nominations
A. A special UVA Law BLSA meeting for the nomination of officers shall be held at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the election. The Vice President, at such meeting, shall receive and record submitted nominations. Formally nominated candidates shall have seven (7) calendar days to accept their nomination by submitting a headshot, flyer, and personal statement (the “Nomination Acceptance Window”). The names of the nominees shall be distributed to the membership within two (2) days following the close of the Nomination Acceptance Window.
B. Each UVA Law BLSA member is entitled to nominate him or herself or any other UVA Law BLSA member for any elective office. Only Chapter members who pay local and national dues are eligible to run for an elected office. The nominations and election procedures of the office of First-Year Representative shall proceed pursuant to Section 5 of this Article.
C. A UVA Law BLSA member may be nominated for more than one office but may hold only one elected office at a time. An exception to hold two positions shall be granted at the discretion of the outgoing and incoming Presidents if there is a need to fill vacancies; however, the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian shall not be able to hold more than one office within UVA Law BLSA at a time.
D. At the close of the Nomination Acceptance Window, nominations for officers shall not reopen until election night where eligible members can be nominated from the floor. Nominations not coming from the floor on the election date must be submitted to the Chairperson of Elections pursuant to Section 3, Part A of this Article.
Section 4: Voting Procedures
A. For the purposes of conducting election meetings, a quorum shall be one third (or 33%) of the Dues-Paying Members. Only Dues-Paying Members may vote.
B. The Chairperson of Elections shall announce the candidates for each office before the floor is opened for additional nominations.
C. The Chairperson shall close the nominations for officers when all nominations have been received from the floor. The duration of the nomination period shall be set at the discretion of the Chairperson of Elections.
D. Each candidate will be allowed to address the Chapter for a period of no shorter than three (3) minutes; however, this period can be extended at the discretion of the Chairperson of Elections, who will notify the candidates of the allotted time period for speeches beforehand. Following the candidate(s) speech(es), the Chairperson of Elections and Parliamentarian will screen questions submitted electronically to ask each candidate. Questions must be addressed to all candidates running for that specific position. Following the anonymous question period, predecessors of that role may ask the candidates questions live from the floor.
E. A plurality of the eligible votes is required for election to any office that has three (3) or more candidates on the ballot. A simple majority of the eligible votes cast (50% + 1) is required for election to any office that is uncontested or has two (2) candidates on the ballot. In the event of a tie, a run-off election shall be held among the candidates with the two highest vote totals. If the tie is amongst all eligible candidates, the newly elected Executive Board will decide which candidate will hold the office. In the event that one member shall have been elected to two or more offices, that member may select the office in which he or she will serve within seven (7) calendar days. if the outgoing and incoming Presidents determine the candidate can hold both offices simultaneously, they still must accept one or both positions within seven (7) calendar days. Voting shall occur by electronic ballot over a three (3) day period and is open to all Dues-Paying Members, regardless of their attendance at the election meeting.
F. In the case of an office where no person wins or no person is nominated, the President, in consultation with the executive board, may appoint members to fill the vacant seats. Seats must be filled pursuant to the following procedure: The outgoing Vice President shall issue an announcement via electronic mail, giving notice of any vacant elected positions and inviting the submission of applications for any vacant elected position. Within fourteen (14) business days, the Vice President and Vice President-elect shall compile all applications for each vacant elected position, and the new President shall conduct interviews with all applicants and render a decision. The decision should announce whether the position has been filled or whether applications will continue to be received on a rolling basis. A two-thirds vote of the new executive board shall be required to appoint an eligible member to a vacant position. In submission requirements of any applicant, the Board shall require at least the following:
(i). A resume, including any prior BLSA offices held; and
(ii). A letter of intent to serve and an understanding of the duties of the role applied for
Section 5: First-Year Nominations and Election
A. The nominations for First-Year Representative and Historian shall take place at a special meeting called by the Chairperson of Elections in September
B. Only first-year law students may make nominations for the office of First-Year Representative and Historian. First-year students are eligible to hold office if they have paid local and national dues or have had their first-year local dues waived and first-year national dues paid by the Chapter due to financial hardship.
C. The election of First-Year Representative and Historian shall take place at a first-year election meeting held in September. A simple majority of the eligible votes cast (50% + 1) is required for election. Where no candidate receives a majority of the votes, a run-off election shall be conducted at the same meeting between the candidates with the greatest number of votes.
D. The First-Year Representative and Historian shall assume the duties of the office on the date of the election and their term shall end March 31. The executive board is responsible for fulfilling the duties associated with each role until the First-Year Representative and Historian are elected during the fall semester.
Section 6: Validation of Elections
Validation of elections shall be made by the Election Committees at the close of the election process.
Section 7: Installation of Officers
Newly elected officers shall be formally installed at the annual Alumni Gala or an event held at the end of the Spring semester. However, their role is effective as of April 1 of each academic year, as required by Student Affairs. Each newly elected officer shall attend a transition meeting with the past officer. Standing Committee Chairs may conduct a transition event with the assistance of the past Standing Committee Chair prior to the end of the spring semester.
Section 8: Term of Office
The terms of the office, with the exception of 1L Rep and Historian whose terms are set forth in Section 5, shall last from April 1 to March 31.
ARTICLE IX: REMOVAL OF ELECTED OFFICERS
Any member holding an elective office in this organization shall be subject for removal from office, for good and sufficient cause, pursuant to procedures delineated in the By-Laws, if applicable. Violation of the oath of office, including malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance, shall constitute good and sufficient cause for removal from office of any such officer.
ARTICLE X: VACANCIES AND RESIGNATIONS
A. The resignation of members of the Executive Board shall not be effective until a written letter of resignation is submitted to the President and Secretary, and the completion of any transition activities and documents.
B. In the case of vacancies in positions other than President and Vice President by removal or resignation of an officer, the President may appoint an interim officer to fill the position. The President shall be empowered to conduct interviews and appoint members to fill the unexpired term pursuant to the procedures outlined in Article VII, Section 4, Part F.
C. Should the position of President become vacant, the Vice President shall fill that position for the remainder of the term. A special election will be held to elect a new Vice President.
ARTICLE XI: BY-LAWS
The membership may adopt by-laws by a two-thirds vote of the general membership present at a prearranged meeting. Any by-laws adopted must be consistent with this Constitution.
ARTICLE XII: RATIFICATION
Ratification of this Constitution shall be a two-thirds vote of those general body members voting at a special meeting called for the purpose of ratification. A quorum to ratify this Constitution must consist of 50% + 1 of the general membership.
ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS
The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the general membership present at a prearranged meeting. When so approved, such amendment shall be effective as soon as adopted, unless otherwise provided by the amendment. Notice of the proposed amendment shall be posted or placed in each member’s mailbox at least five (5) days before the amendment is offered.
ARTICLE XIV: BLSA CONVENTION ATTENDEES
A. DELEGATES
The President and Vice-President shall serve as Delegates for the Mid-Atlantic BLSA and National BLSA Conventions. An alternate Delegate for the Mid-Atlantic BLSA and National BLSA Conventions shall be appointed by the President and Vice President through an application process for each event. The President and Vice President shall look to Dues-Paying Members to fulfill the role. In the event the Vice President is unable to assist or the position is vacant, the President reserves the right to appoint Chapter members to the alternate delegate position.
B. UVA LAW BLSA COMPETITION TEAMS
In the event that the Chapter sends competition teams (i.e., Mock Trial, Moot Court, and/or Negotiations) to participate in the Mid-Atlantic BLSA Regional Convention and/or the National BLSA Convention competitions, the Chapter will reserve the right to establish an alternate system to replace team competitors when necessary. The Chapter reserves the right to collect a deposit from each competitor to be determined by the President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be the University of Virginia School of Law Chapter of the Black Law Students Association, hereinafter referred to as “UVA Law BLSA” or “the Chapter”. The name may be shortened in correspondence to be “UVA Law BLSA.” The organization shall be affiliated with and conform to the constitutional provisions of the National BLSA.
ARTICLE II: DECLARATION OF PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization shall be to amplify the views of Black students at the University of Virginia School of Law (the “University”); to represent the view of UVA Law BLSA’s membership; to promote the welfare of its members through educational, professional, cultural and social programs; and to provide a forum for the discussion of local and national issues affecting both the Black law student community and the University community as a whole. UVA Law BLSA shall also carry out the mission of the National BLSA to: Increase the number of culturally responsible black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: General Eligibility
Membership in the University of Virginia Chapter of the Black Law Students Association shall be open to all students with a proven interest in the goals and objectives of the Black Law Students Association. The Black Law Students Association at the University of Virginia does not restrict its membership, programs, or activities on the basis of any protected characteristics/statuses – including all protected characteristics/statuses listed in University Policy HRM-009 (Preventing and Addressing Discrimination and Harassment: https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-009).
Section 2: Membership Categories
A. DUES-PAYING MEMBERS
All students who have met the criteria established in Section 1 of this Article and have paid all dues, both nationally and locally, for the year will be considered “Dues-Paying Members”. Dues-paying members may vote in UVA Law BLSA elections and generally for matters that require a vote by members. The amount and deadline for dues payment for the school year shall be set by the President and Treasurer prior to the beginning of the academic year and announced at the first general body meeting of the Fall semester. Dues will be collected by the Treasurer at the beginning of the Law School's Academic Calendar. Dues will be used to advance the Chapter's purpose as identified in Article II. Any surplus dues will be saved and reinvested in the Chapter for use in successive years.
Payment of local dues alone is sufficient for general membership and voting rights. Payment of National BLSA dues is not required for general membership but is required to (i) run for elected office pursuant to Article VII, Section 3, (ii) to compete on a competition team pursuant to Article XIV, and (iii) to attend regional and national conferences.
B. NON-DUES PAYING MEMBERS
All students who have met the criteria established in Section 1 of this Article but have not paid all dues for the year will be considered “Non-Dues Paying Members”. Non-dues paying members may not vote in UVA Law BLSA elections or generally formatters that require a vote by members.
C. GENERAL BODY
All students who have met the criteria established in Section 1 of this Article, and who have met the criteria established in either Sections 2A or 2B shall be considered the “General Body” for the purposes of this Constitution.
D. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
(i) All minority graduates of the University of Virginia School of Law shall be considered “Honorary Members” of the Chapter.
(ii) Any person who has attained unusual distinction in the legal profession or in the field of law shall be eligible for honorary membership. The term “field of law” shall embrace any person elected or appointed to a legislature or engaged in the execution, administration, or enforcement of the law, whether or not such a person is a member of the legal profession. Honorary Members shall not have the right to vote on matters affecting the operation of the Chapter.
ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS
Section 1: General Body Meetings
There shall be a General Body Meeting at least twice per semester during the academic year. Twenty percent (20%) of the General Body, present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum to do business. In the absence of a quorum, no voting business may be conducted. However, other business, of a non-voting nature, may proceed.
Section 2: Special Meetings
Special Meetings shall be called by the (i) the President or (ii) twenty-five percent (25%) of the General Body. A written request for a special meeting should clearly state the reason(s) for the proposed meeting. For meetings called at the President's discretion, at least three (3) days’ prior notice must be given to all members of the General Body. The special meeting must be scheduled for a date within seven (7) days of receipt of the petition.
ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1: Executive Board Meetings
A. The Executive Board shall hold monthly meetings to be called at the discretion of the President. The Executive Board should meet prior to each regular and special meeting
B. The Executive Board shall have one (1) Executive Board meeting per semester that is open to members of the General Body. Any member of the General Body wishing to bring an issue of concern to the Executive Board must request, before the meeting, that the President put the issue in the Executive Board’s agenda.
C. Members of the Executive Board shall be notified five (5) business days prior to each meeting, unless an emergency meeting is required. Fifty Percent (50%) of Executive Board Members present at an Executive Board meeting shall constitute quorum to conduct business. No proxy voting will be allowed at Executive Board meetings
Section 2: Executive Board Membership
The Executive Board Shall consist of all Executive Positions and Standing Committee Chairpersons:
Executive Positions
A: President
B. Vice President
C. Secretary
D. Treasurer
E. First-Year Representative (1L Rep)
F. Parliamentarian
Standing Committee Chairpersons
(i) Membership Chair
(ii) Community Service Chair
(iii) Education Chair
(iv) Firm Relations Chair
(v) Professional Development Chair
(vi) Social Action Chair
(vii) Social Programming Chair
(viii) Historian
The First-Year Representative and Historian shall each be a first-year (1L) law student at the University of Virginia School of Law at the time of election.
Section 3. Duties of Executive Board Members
A. PRESIDENT
The President shall: 1) be the chief executive and administrative officer of the Chapter; 2) call and preside at all General Body and Special Meetings; 3) ensure that all other officers perform the duties for their respective offices and reprimand them accordingly; 4) serve as the official spokesperson for the Chapter; 5) serve as an ex-officio member of all Standing Committees; 6) be responsible for the welfare and dignity of the Chapter.
B. VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice-president shall: 1) assist the President in the performance of such Chapter duties as may be requested by the President. In the event of the absence, death, resignation, or removal from office of the President, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President; 2) serve as Chairperson of Elections; 3) perform such other duties relating to the organizational structure of the Chapter as the President may request.
C. SECRETARY
The Secretary shall: 1) be the chief recorder and correspondent of the Chapter; 2) assist the President in the calling and conducting of UVA Law BLSA meetings; 3) keep a true and complete record of all minutes of UVA Law BLSA meetings and other matters pertaining to the Chapter for future reference; 4) dispatch notices of meetings to members as are appropriate; 5) be responsible for submitting official reports required of the Chapter by the law school or university administration; 6) be the historical officer of the Chapter in the absence of a Historian.
D. TREASURER
The Treasurer shall: 1) be the chief financial officer of the Chapter; 2) collect all dues; 3) control all Chapter funds and co-sign with the President all disbursements of Chapter funds; 4) prepare a budget, under the direction of the President, which shall be approved by the Executive Board; 5) receive and manage all funds which are available to UVA Law BLSA from the Law School and University; 6) ensure all funding is spent light of UVA Law BLSA's purpose as identified in Article II of this Constitution; and 7) perform such other duties as the President may request. The Treasurer shall be accountable to the President for the proper management and use of all funds, and any misuse or mismanagement of funds shall be subject to review, investigation, and appropriate corrective action, including removal, in accordance with Article IX of this Constitution.
E. FIRST-YEAR REPRESENTATIVE (1L Rep)
There shall be a First-Year Representative elected by dues-paying members of the firstyear class. The term of office shall be assumed from the time of the representative election until such time that a new representative for the succeeding first-year class is chosen. The First-Year Representative shall 1) coordinate the activities of the first-year class; 2) be a voting member of the Executive Board; 3) alert the Executive Board of the concern and ideas of first-year students; 4) perform such other duties as the President may request.
F. PARLIAMENTARIAN
The Parliamentarian is a non-voting Executive Board member. The decision of whether to appoint a Parliamentarian is left to the President's discretion. The term of office shall be subject to the President's discretion and must be determined at the time of appointment. The Parliamentarian shall: 1) assist the President in maintaining order during meetings, subject to the provision of this Constitution and By-Laws, and Robert's Rules of Order; 2) be the final authority on rules of parliamentary procedure during meetings; 3) perform such other duties as the President may request.
G. STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
All Standing Committee Chairpersons shall: 1) hold committee meetings as necessary; 2) submit to the President of the Chapter a preliminary program of planned activities for the school year within 45 days of election to office; 3) maintain records of all correspondence and committee meetings; 4) report the committee's activities to the Chapter; 5) serve as a voting member of the Executive Board; 6) perform such other duties as the President may request.
ARTICLE VI: COMMITTEES
A. COMPOSITION
Each Standing Committee shall be responsible for all activities coming under its title with such additional responsibilities as the Executive Board shall determine. The Chairpersons of the Standing Committees shall be elected pursuant to Article VII. Each Chairperson reserves the right to determine whether they will fill their committee for the academic year.
B. STANDING COMMITTEES
1. Committee on Membership
2. Committee on Community Service
3. Committee on Education
4. Committee on Firm Relations
5. Committee on Professional Development
6. Committee on Social Action
7. Committee on Social Programming
C. AD-HOC COMMITTEES
Ad-hoc committees may be appointed at the discretion of the President and/or the Executive Board.
ARTICLE VII: PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution or the By-Laws, if applicable, this organization shall be governed by the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order in all matters of parliamentary procedure. The Chapter shall maintain a copy of the current edition in the UVA Law BLSA office.
ARTICLE VIII: ELECTIONS
Section 1: Coordination
A. The Vice-President shall serve as the Chairperson of Elections and coordinate all aspects of the election process.
B. In the event that the Vice-President is not able to serve as the Chairperson of Elections because of a conflict of interest, resignation, vacancy, or other just cause, the President will fill in the role of Chairperson of Elections. If the President is not able to fill this position, the Executive Board will select a board member to serve in the role.
C. The Election Committee shall be composed of the President, Vice-President and Parliamentarian.
Section 2: Time of Election
Elections should be held during the Spring Semester at a date to be determined by the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall take into account major dates which may affect participation in the election when making this determination.
Section 3: Nominations
A. A special UVA Law BLSA meeting for the nomination of officers shall be held at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the election. The Vice President, at such meeting, shall receive and record submitted nominations. Formally nominated candidates shall have seven (7) calendar days to accept their nomination by submitting a headshot, flyer, and personal statement (the “Nomination Acceptance Window”). The names of the nominees shall be distributed to the membership within two (2) days following the close of the Nomination Acceptance Window.
B. Each UVA Law BLSA member is entitled to nominate him or herself or any other UVA Law BLSA member for any elective office. Only Chapter members who pay local and national dues are eligible to run for an elected office. The nominations and election procedures of the office of First-Year Representative shall proceed pursuant to Section 5 of this Article.
C. A UVA Law BLSA member may be nominated for more than one office but may hold only one elected office at a time. An exception to hold two positions shall be granted at the discretion of the outgoing and incoming Presidents if there is a need to fill vacancies; however, the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Parliamentarian shall not be able to hold more than one office within UVA Law BLSA at a time.
D. At the close of the Nomination Acceptance Window, nominations for officers shall not reopen until election night where eligible members can be nominated from the floor. Nominations not coming from the floor on the election date must be submitted to the Chairperson of Elections pursuant to Section 3, Part A of this Article.
Section 4: Voting Procedures
A. For the purposes of conducting election meetings, a quorum shall be one third (or 33%) of the Dues-Paying Members. Only Dues-Paying Members may vote.
B. The Chairperson of Elections shall announce the candidates for each office before the floor is opened for additional nominations.
C. The Chairperson shall close the nominations for officers when all nominations have been received from the floor. The duration of the nomination period shall be set at the discretion of the Chairperson of Elections.
D. Each candidate will be allowed to address the Chapter for a period of no shorter than three (3) minutes; however, this period can be extended at the discretion of the Chairperson of Elections, who will notify the candidates of the allotted time period for speeches beforehand. Following the candidate(s) speech(es), the Chairperson of Elections and Parliamentarian will screen questions submitted electronically to ask each candidate. Questions must be addressed to all candidates running for that specific position. Following the anonymous question period, predecessors of that role may ask the candidates questions live from the floor.
E. A plurality of the eligible votes is required for election to any office that has three (3) or more candidates on the ballot. A simple majority of the eligible votes cast (50% + 1) is required for election to any office that is uncontested or has two (2) candidates on the ballot. In the event of a tie, a run-off election shall be held among the candidates with the two highest vote totals. If the tie is amongst all eligible candidates, the newly elected Executive Board will decide which candidate will hold the office. In the event that one member shall have been elected to two or more offices, that member may select the office in which he or she will serve within seven (7) calendar days. if the outgoing and incoming Presidents determine the candidate can hold both offices simultaneously, they still must accept one or both positions within seven (7) calendar days. Voting shall occur by electronic ballot over a three (3) day period and is open to all Dues-Paying Members, regardless of their attendance at the election meeting.
F. In the case of an office where no person wins or no person is nominated, the President, in consultation with the executive board, may appoint members to fill the vacant seats. Seats must be filled pursuant to the following procedure: The outgoing Vice President shall issue an announcement via electronic mail, giving notice of any vacant elected positions and inviting the submission of applications for any vacant elected position. Within fourteen (14) business days, the Vice President and Vice President-elect shall compile all applications for each vacant elected position, and the new President shall conduct interviews with all applicants and render a decision. The decision should announce whether the position has been filled or whether applications will continue to be received on a rolling basis. A two-thirds vote of the new executive board shall be required to appoint an eligible member to a vacant position. In submission requirements of any applicant, the Board shall require at least the following:
(i). A resume, including any prior BLSA offices held; and
(ii). A letter of intent to serve and an understanding of the duties of the role applied for
Section 5: First-Year Nominations and Election
A. The nominations for First-Year Representative and Historian shall take place at a special meeting called by the Chairperson of Elections in September
B. Only first-year law students may make nominations for the office of First-Year Representative and Historian. First-year students are eligible to hold office if they have paid local and national dues or have had their first-year local dues waived and first-year national dues paid by the Chapter due to financial hardship.
C. The election of First-Year Representative and Historian shall take place at a first-year election meeting held in September. A simple majority of the eligible votes cast (50% + 1) is required for election. Where no candidate receives a majority of the votes, a run-off election shall be conducted at the same meeting between the candidates with the greatest number of votes.
D. The First-Year Representative and Historian shall assume the duties of the office on the date of the election and their term shall end March 31. The executive board is responsible for fulfilling the duties associated with each role until the First-Year Representative and Historian are elected during the fall semester.
Section 6: Validation of Elections
Validation of elections shall be made by the Election Committees at the close of the election process.
Section 7: Installation of Officers
Newly elected officers shall be formally installed at the annual Alumni Gala or an event held at the end of the Spring semester. However, their role is effective as of April 1 of each academic year, as required by Student Affairs. Each newly elected officer shall attend a transition meeting with the past officer. Standing Committee Chairs may conduct a transition event with the assistance of the past Standing Committee Chair prior to the end of the spring semester.
Section 8: Term of Office
The terms of the office, with the exception of 1L Rep and Historian whose terms are set forth in Section 5, shall last from April 1 to March 31.
ARTICLE IX: REMOVAL OF ELECTED OFFICERS
Any member holding an elective office in this organization shall be subject for removal from office, for good and sufficient cause, pursuant to procedures delineated in the By-Laws, if applicable. Violation of the oath of office, including malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance, shall constitute good and sufficient cause for removal from office of any such officer.
ARTICLE X: VACANCIES AND RESIGNATIONS
A. The resignation of members of the Executive Board shall not be effective until a written letter of resignation is submitted to the President and Secretary, and the completion of any transition activities and documents.
B. In the case of vacancies in positions other than President and Vice President by removal or resignation of an officer, the President may appoint an interim officer to fill the position. The President shall be empowered to conduct interviews and appoint members to fill the unexpired term pursuant to the procedures outlined in Article VII, Section 4, Part F.
C. Should the position of President become vacant, the Vice President shall fill that position for the remainder of the term. A special election will be held to elect a new Vice President.
ARTICLE XI: BY-LAWS
The membership may adopt by-laws by a two-thirds vote of the general membership present at a prearranged meeting. Any by-laws adopted must be consistent with this Constitution.
ARTICLE XII: RATIFICATION
Ratification of this Constitution shall be a two-thirds vote of those general body members voting at a special meeting called for the purpose of ratification. A quorum to ratify this Constitution must consist of 50% + 1 of the general membership.
ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS
The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the general membership present at a prearranged meeting. When so approved, such amendment shall be effective as soon as adopted, unless otherwise provided by the amendment. Notice of the proposed amendment shall be posted or placed in each member’s mailbox at least five (5) days before the amendment is offered.
ARTICLE XIV: BLSA CONVENTION ATTENDEES
A. DELEGATES
The President and Vice-President shall serve as Delegates for the Mid-Atlantic BLSA and National BLSA Conventions. An alternate Delegate for the Mid-Atlantic BLSA and National BLSA Conventions shall be appointed by the President and Vice President through an application process for each event. The President and Vice President shall look to Dues-Paying Members to fulfill the role. In the event the Vice President is unable to assist or the position is vacant, the President reserves the right to appoint Chapter members to the alternate delegate position.
B. UVA LAW BLSA COMPETITION TEAMS
In the event that the Chapter sends competition teams (i.e., Mock Trial, Moot Court, and/or Negotiations) to participate in the Mid-Atlantic BLSA Regional Convention and/or the National BLSA Convention competitions, the Chapter will reserve the right to establish an alternate system to replace team competitors when necessary. The Chapter reserves the right to collect a deposit from each competitor to be determined by the President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
