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Association of Jewish Students Constitution
This Constitution was approved by the Executive Board on Wednesday,
November 14th, 2007 and was ratified through a vote of AJS members on
Tuesday November 27, 2007.
Please contact our president, Monica Benedikt at benedimr@muohio.edu if you have any suggestions or questions about the constitution. You are also welcome to bring up feedback at board meetings, which are held at 2:15 pm on Fridays for the spring 2011 semester.
Click here to download.
Association of Jewish Students Constitution
Hillel Foundation at Miami University
The Association of Jewish Students
Article I: Name and Affiliation
The name of the organization is the Hillel Foundation at Miami University-Association of Jewish Students. The organization is non profit and is an affiliate of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, 800 8th St. NW, Washington DC, 20001.
Article II: Purposes and Objectives
The purposes and objectives of this organization are to be consistent with those of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, and shall include:
1) Promoting Jewish educational, religious, social, cultural, community service, and Israeli programming in the Miami University community
2) Coordinating the diverse expression of Jewish life in the university community
3) Maintaining and improving channels of communication and interaction among Jewish students, faculty, and organizations of the university community
4) Deepening the understanding of Jewish life and Jewish issues within the University community as a liaison between the campus and the Jewish community
5) Contributing to the larger community by creating a vibrant Jewish community in which all the Jewish students at Miami University can explore and express their Jewish identity in a way that is meaningful to them
6) Creating a visible, positive, and pluralistic Jewish presence on campus
7) Fostering dedication to education of the greater community
Article III: Membership
Any person meeting the following qualifications may be considered a member of the Association of Jewish Students (AJS):
1) Any current student of Miami University that feels connected to the mission of AJS and/or Jewish life on campus, signified by receiving the JewsPaper (the AJS & Hillel weekly newsletter) or being a JEWLA cardholder.
2) Voting members must have paid any outstanding fees. Having a JEWLA card is suggested but not required for membership in the Association of Jewish Students.
3) All individuals in Article III.1 are to be welcomed into the AJS regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, class, sexual orientation, physical ability, mental ability, emotional ability, veteran's status, or age.
Article IV: Statement of Position on Israel
1) Hillel Foundation at Miami University-Association of Jewish Students strives to provide opportunities for students to explore and celebrate their Jewish identity. An integral part of this activity relates to Israel, which today is often the target of attacks on college campuses. AJS promoted a multi-faceted and pro-active approach to Israel programming on our campus
2) Policy Statement and Mission:
a. AJS is committed to Israel's right to exist and flourish as a Jewish State within secure and recognized boundaries
b. Hillel Foundation at Miami University-Association of Jewish Students shall work closely with Hillel Israel Campus Coalition (http://www.israelcc.org) in order to actively promote, within our organization, the centrality of Israel to the Jewish people. Hillel International provides support for our efforts in engagement and empowerment of students to find their own personal connection to Israel through leadership training, advocacy, peer-to-peer networking activities, educational, and cultural programming that is both pro-active and innovative.
3) Program Strategies
a. AJS shall promote a safe and intimidation-free environment on campus for students to learn about, celebrate and advocate on Israel's behalf
b. AJS shall actively promote Israel travel, study and training experiences through Taglit-birthright israel: Hillel trips, specialized Israel experience and study abroad opportunities.
c. AJS student leaders shall assist all students in promoting an array of Israel activities and opinions consistent with the above policy and priorities.
d. AJS must be welcoming to all students
e. AJS will work with Miami Students for Israel (MSI)
Article V: The Student Board
1) The AJS Executive Board is part of the Hillel Student Leadership Council. The Hillel Student Leadership Council is an information sharing group amongst the student leadership groups of the Hillel Foundation at Miami University. The Hillel Student Leadership Council is a means for open communication within the community and may consist of AJS, MSI, and other such groups on campus. All sub-groups of the Hillel Student Leadership Council may meet together throughout the semester.
2) All members of the AJS Student Board must be voting members of the Association of Jewish Students in good standing.
3) All members of the Student Board shall comply with The Code of Student Conduct of Miami University. All members shall fulfill their Student Board responsibilities in a timely manner. Failure to do so may result in the filing of a complaint as outlined in Article IX.
4) There is no limit to how many terms a person may serve on Executive Board or Program Board as long as all other qualifications are met
5) To be a candidate for an Executive Board position, a person must be an undergraduate student. Any student including Graduate students may serve on Program Board.
6) The Executive Board shall:
a) Set policies governing the Executive and Program Boards
b) Be advised by a faculty or community member of Miami University
c) Attend programs sponsored by AJS and Hillel on a regular basis
7) An updated AJS Constitution must be posted at all times, available on the muhillel.org website, and available to any person who asks.
8) Meeting minutes from Executive Board meetings, Program Board meetings, and General Body meetings must be posted online at the muhillel.org website within one week of the previous meeting. The posting of Executive Session meetings is at the discretion of the Executive Board. A majority vote of the Executive Board will determine if minutes are available to the public.
9) All Executive Board members have access to the AJS financial account and may view the account statements at any point in time.
1) The Executive Board consists of the following positions. Co-chairs are not permitted.
a) The President, who is responsible for:
i. Upholding the constitution of the Association of Jewish Students
ii. Overseeing, advising, and assisting the Executive Board and entire AJS student body, making sure each executive board member carries out their assigned duties in a timely and effective fashion
iii. Overseeing weekly general body group meetings
iv. Running Executive Board meetings on a monthly basis
v. Meet bi-weekly with the AJS advisor
vi. Notify Executive Board members of meetings and create an agenda for weekly general body meetings and monthly Executive Board meetings
vii. Revising, updating, and distributing the Constitution and By Laws
viii. Periodically evaluate Hillel and AJS activities
ix. Maintain records of Hillel and AJS activities
x. Being the designated speaker and representative for the Association of Jewish Students within the Miami University, other Hillel's, and the greater Oxford and Cincinnati communities
xi. Serve as a member of the Board of Directors and attend meetings regularly.
xii. Delivering the announcements at Shabbat services or designating a member of the Executive Board to do so
xiii. Call closed special meetings to discuss vital matters (i.e. emergency matters that must be resolved immediately)
ivx. Permitted to move any Executive Board meeting into Executive Session upon majority vote of the Executive Board. Moving into Executive Session restricts a meeting to only Executive Board members (exception below). The minutes from any meeting in Executive Session shall be restricted from the public upon a majority vote by the Executive Board. The Executive Board may vote to allow one or more non Executive Board members into a meeting in Executive Session.
xv. Mentor their successor in a formal manner for the first month of the new term to ensure continuity between holders of this position and to aid the successor in their new role, in a manner to be determined immediately after each election by the incoming and outgoing Executive Board members
b) The Executive Program Director, who is responsible for:
i. Overseeing programming activities of AJS which may include FYSH, Social Action Committee, Social Committee, Sports Committee, Shabbat Themes & Meals, Women's Group, and United Jewish Communities Campus Campaign, Semiformal Committee
ii. Running and create an agenda for Programming Board meetings on a regular basis, at least twice per month
iii. Be responsible for developing and maintaining an internal communication structure within the Executive Board and Program Board and maintaining coordination and task effectiveness of all Program Chairs
iv. Be responsible for distributing submitted Program Proposal Forms to all Executive Board members and related parties
v. Be in communication with the VP of Finance/Treasurer regarding funding requests for programs and Secretary regarding publicity for programs
vi. Meet at least monthly with the JCSC to coordinate programming
vii. Attend Executive Board meetings
viii. Attend at least 50% of the weekly general body group meetings
ix. Reporting regularly to the President, at least bi-monthly
x. Fulfill the duties of the President in the absence of the President
xii. Mentor their successor in a formal manner for the first month of the new term to ensure continuity between holders of this position and to aid the successor in their new role, in a manner to be determined immediately after each election by the incoming and outgoing Executive Board members
c) The Culture and Education Coordinator, who is responsible for:
i. Working with the Executive Program Director to facilitate cultural and educational programming focused on meaningful Jewish experiences
ii. Participate in regular contact with Miami Students for Israel
iii. Coordinating Jewish Awareness Month (JAM) and Jewish Awareness Week (JAW) which may include educational programming in the following aspects of Jewish life
i. Community Service (Tzedek)
ii. Holocaust
iii. Inter-Cultural Affairs
iv. Orthodox Community (OC)
v. Conservative Community (KOACH)
vi. Reform Community (Kesher)
iv. Responsible for informing the community about upcoming Jewish holidays through programs, flyers, e-mails, etc.
v. Implement and oversee education programs on the cultural traditions of Judaism
vi. Assist the Executive Program Director in overseeing the program board with positions and activities that will enhance students' Jewish cultural and educational experience
vii. Be a liaison between AJS and the local Jewish Federation and all the community synagogues and Jewish facilities
viii. Promote the involvement of AJS with other organizations on campus
ix. Arrange cultural educational programming, i.e. speakers, performers, etc. and coordinate such programming with Miami Students for Israel and other campus organizations
x. Be responsible for community building through cooperating with non-leadership students who express interest in coordinating non-traditional events and programming for the benefit of the Jewish campus community
xi. Attend Executive Board meetings
xii. Attend at least 50% of the weekly general body group meetings
xiii. Reporting regularly to the President, at least bi-monthly
xiv. Fulfill the duties of the President in the absence of the President and the Executive Program Director
xiv. Mentor their successor in a formal manner for the first month of the new term to ensure continuity between holders of this position and to aid the successor in their new role, in a manner to be determined immediately after each election by the incoming and outgoing Executive Board members
d) The Religious Facilitator/Shaliach Tzibur, who is responsible for:
i. Planning religious awareness activities
ii. Organizing Sabbath services, including asking students to: lead services, lead prayers, and give the D'var Torah (Torah lesson for the week). Assisting the appropriate Hillel staff member with other religious programs as desired
iii. Design at least two (2) Shabbat services each semester with the assistance of students from the AJS general body
iv. Meeting routinely, at least bi-weekly, with the Director of Hillel.
v. Attend Executive Board meetings
vi. Attend at least 50% of the weekly general body group meetings
vii. Reporting regularly to the President, at least monthly.
viii. Mentor their successor in a formal manner for the first month of the new term to ensure continuity between holders of this position and to aid the successor in their new role, in a manner to be determined immediately after each election by the incoming and outgoing Executive Board members
e) The Treasurer, who is responsible for:
i. Keeping the University account accurate, transparent and up-to-date
ii. Overseeing Associated Student Government (ASG) funding cycle applications and allocations, including making sure that funding requests from ASG are made in accordance with the ASG timetable and rules
iii. Writing all ASG funding requests, including working in conjunction with the Executive Program Director and Program Board planners to draft funding requests. Final responsibility for all ASG funding requests is upon the Treasurer
iv. Requesting applicable Hillel programming budget information from the Director and completing paperwork for utilization of Hillel budget funds for the AJS.
v. Update the Executive Board bi-weekly through e-mail current state of finances
vi. Be responsible for the timely payment of all legitimate bills
vii. Develop an annual budget approved by the Executive Board at the beginning of their term
viii. Must sign all AJS funding documents including checks
ix. Holding two fundraising programs for AJS per semester
x. Attend Executive Board meetings
xi. Attend at least 50% of the weekly general body group meetings
xii. Reporting regularly to the President, at least bi-monthly
xiii. Mentor their successor in a formal manner for the first month of the new term to ensure continuity between holders of this position and to aid the successor in their new role, in a manner to be determined immediately after each election by the incoming and outgoing Executive Board members
The Secretary, who is responsible for:
i. Overseeing all internal communications, including emails, phone lists, calendars, picture board, etc.
ii. Overseeing external communications, including website and assisting with flyer creation and distribution as requested by the applicable AJS Executive Board or Program Board member
iii. Assist in the publication of the weekly electronic newsletter, the JewsPaper
iv. Write and distribute a letter to all incoming freshmen welcoming them to Miami University and informing them of AJS opening activities
v. Taking attendance and minutes at all Executive Board, Program Board, and general body meetings and making these available to the general AJS body Executive Session minutes will be available upon a majority vote of the Executive Board.
vi. Be responsible for the overall events marketing strategy of AJS
vii. Be responsible for submitting press releases to appropriate newspaper staff within the community
viii. Maintain a current copy of the AJS Constitution
ix. Submit and maintain the accuracy of the list of all Executive Board members, Program Board members, and Board of Directors members
x. Attend Executive Board Meetings
xi. Attend at least 50% of the weekly general body group meetings
xii. Reporting regularly to the President, at least bi-monthly
xiii. Mentor their successor in a formal manner for the first month of the new term to ensure continuity between holders of this position and to aid the successor in their new role, in a manner to be determined immediately after each election by the incoming and outgoing Executive Board members
2) The Appointed Programming Board
a) May consist of, but is not limited to:
The First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH) Chairperson, who is responsible for:
i. Coordinating programs and activities for first year students with the JCSC Fellow or other designated Hillel staff
ii. Serving as representative of First Year Students
iii. Work closely with the JCSC Fellow who often does extensive work with first year students
The Greek-Jewish Chairpersons, who are responsible for:
i. Providing programming and opportunities for interaction among Greek Jewish students on Miami's campus
ii. Serving as a liaison among Greek chapters
The Community Service Chairperson, who is responsible for:
i. Providing opportunities for students to participate in community service both expressly Jewish and secular
ii. Furnishing occasions for students to participate in University philanthropic events
The Social Chairperson, who is responsible for:
i. Planning social programming to keep Jewish students actively interacting with one another throughout the year
ii. Semiformal
The Sports Chairperson, who is responsible for:
i. Organizing and registering Jewish teams for Intramural and other sporting activities
The United Jewish Communities (UJC) Chairperson, who is responsible for:
i. Raising funds and awareness for national UJC
ii. Organizing and implementing at least one solicitation campaign per year
iii. Following nationally set organizational policies
iv. Promoting General Assembly of Jewish Leaders
The Ladies Night Representative, who is responsible for:
i. Promoting programmatic opportunities for women
ii Addressing issues specifically related to and of interest to Jewish women
The Graduate Student Representative, who is responsible for:
i. Promoting programmatic opportunities for Graduate students
ii. Serving as a voice to the Graduate student population
b) Each programming chair shall:
i. Plan, implement, and oversee applicable programming on no less than four occasions a semester
ii. Attend all AJS Program Board meetings
iii. Attend at least 50% of all AJS, Hillel, and AJS General Body meetings.
iv. Be in contact with the Executive Program Director through e-mail, phone, or a one-on-one meeting during the weeks Program Board meeting do not occur . The Executive Program Director will serve as the liaison to the Executive Board
c) Introduction of new Programming areas and chairs:
i. Student organizations on campus with interest in Jewish programming may nominate a representative with the approval of the AJS Executive Board by majority vote to serve on program board.
ii. The Executive Board may introduce new programming areas by majority vote.
iii. The chair of the newly introduced programming area shall be appointed by the Executive Board as it sees fit
iv. The newly appointed chair shall be immediately considered a full member of the Program Board and shall immediately commence responsibilities of those positions.
d) Removal of AJS Program Board members
i. A motion of removal of any Programming Chair may be brought from any member of Program Board or Executive Board.
ii. The Executive Board reserves the right to remove a AJS Program Board member shall this person not be performing the required duties of the position
iii. Such a motion must be brought to the attention of the Executive Board where it shall be discussed. To remove a Program Board member, a supermajority of the Executive Board must be maintained.
iv. The Executive Board shall have the prerogative to immediately appoint a new Program Board member to fill the vacant position.
Article VI: The Functions of the Executive Board
1) The Executive Board must meet weekly for a general body meeting at a date and time to be determined by the board at the beginning of each semester.
a) The time of the meeting must be made public so that any member of the Association of Jewish Students may attend
b) The Executive Board will meet once a month
c) The Executive Board may move any Executive Board meeting into Executive Session upon a motion of the President and a majority vote of the Executive Board. Moving into Executive Session restricts a meeting to only Executive Board members (exception below). The minutes from any meeting in Executive Session shall be restricted from the public upon a majority vote by the Executive Board. The Executive Board may vote upon majority to allow one or more non Executive Board members into a meeting in Executive Session.
2) Voting
a) All decisions must be reached by a simple majority (51%), except those instances specifically stated in this document that call for a different means
b) The President breaks a tie
3) All members of the Executive Board will schedule at least once per semester a meeting with the AJS advisor for one-on-one advising
4) All Executive Board members are accepting the responsibility to attend at least 50% of AJS sponsored events.
Article VII: The Functions of the Programming Board
1) The Programming Board will meet at least twice a month, at time and place to be determined at the beginning of each term.
a) The time of the meeting must be made public so that any member of the Association of Jewish Students may attend
b) The program facilitator must contact the advisor and President at least one week before the program to ensure all the logistics are set.
2) The Programming Board shall seek to create a diverse and well-balanced programming calendar
Article VIII: Election Procedures
1) The current President will run the elections, except in event that the president is running for office. In this case, the Executive Program Director will run elections for that office. If the President and the Executive Program Director are running for the same office, proceed down the Executive Board hierarchy until an Executive Board member or Program Board member may run the election.
2) Candidates
a) Each candidate running for a position must be a voting member of AJS in good standing (i.e. he or she may not have been impeached or removed from prior office)
b) Each candidate must complete and turn in the application form by the specified deadline to the advisor, JCSC Fellow, and Hillel webmaster to declare candidacy.
c) Applications will be made available to candidates on the Hillel at Miami website and in the Hillel building at least two (2) weeks prior to Executive Board elections.
d) Names of the candidates will be posted on the Hillel at Miami website and on the Hillel bulletin board within two days of their submission to a member of the Hillel professional staff. Candidate's names may be listed in the JewsPaper before the election as an “election preview” listing everyone and the positions to spark more interest
3) Elected Positions
a) The elected positions in order for the Executive Board of the Association of Jewish Students are as follows:
i. President
ii. Executive Program Director
iii. Culture and Education Coordinator
iii. Religious Facilitator/Shaliach Tzibur
v. Treasurer
vi. Secretary
b) All elected positions have the option of “drop down” candidacy. Thus, anyone who has run for a position and not been elected to that position has the right to run for subsequent positions of their choice. Candidates for each position may indicate their intent to do so on the application, including “drop down” candidates, providing an explanation for their interest
c) All elected positions except for President will accept nominations from the floor
d) Should, after the election process, there be a vacancy for any position, the incoming Executive Board shall have the responsibility of nominating and approving someone to fulfill the vacant role in an interim fashion, pending new elections (timing of the new elections shall be at the discretion of the Executive Board). The approval of an interim Executive Board member shall require a supermajority (60%).
e) The sharing of a single Executive Board position by two people shall be prohibited
4) Speeches and Discussion
a) The procedures below are followed separately for each Executive Board position.
b) A list of candidates for each position will be listed on a board before speeches begin and this list will be read aloud by the individual running the election.
c) Candidates will prepare a two (2) minute speech prior to the general body meeting to read. No candidate may reference another candidate in their own statement. Drop down candidates will be given one (1) minute to add additional comments applicable to the specific position for which they are now running.
All competing candidates will not be present in the room while candidates alphabetically by last name read their speech to the AJS general body.
d) Inappropriate, defaming, degrading, or derogatory comments by candidates or the general body will not be tolerated during the election and an individual who does so will be asked to leave immediately and that person may not submit an absentee ballot for that or subsequent candidates.
e) Following the speeches by all candidates for a specific position, there will be a five (5) minute period of question discussion available. A maximum of three (3) questions will be asked. If the voters have more than three questions, a simple majority vote will determine which questions are asked. Questions are decided upon without the candidates in the room. Candidates are asked to return to the room once the three questions are known.
f) Questions will be answered in the following order: 1st question in alphabetical order by last name, 2nd question will begin with a response by the second person in alphabetical order then continuing in alphabetical order, and 3rd question will begin with a response by the third person in alphabetical order then continuing in alphabetical order by last name through all the candidates. Candidates will have 1 minute to answer the question. During this time all candidates are in the room.
g) All candidates are excused from the room. The person running the election must ask all present registered members of the AJS whether anyone knows of any problem, which may prevent the candidate(s) from fulfilling his or her constitutional duties. If any person presents evidence against a candidate, a discussion will follow. All candidates are out of the room during this final discussion. Voting immediately follows this discussion and will be called for by the person running elections.
5) Voting
a) All members of the Association of Jewish Students in good standing who receive the JewsPaper may vote in the elections. Voters names will be checked off the current list of JewsPaper subscribers when arriving for elections or when submitting an absente ballot. Members of the Association of Jewish Students may sign up to receive the JewsPaper at the election and be eligible to vote. (See Article III.2 for more information on membership in the Association of Jewish Students)
b) Voting shall be done by secret ballot. The ballot will be one piece of 8 _ by 11 paper with nine squares for the six positions on the Executive Board (and three run-off ballots). One side of the paper will list the titles of the six positions in numbered boxes. The opposite side of the paper will have the identical numbered boxes with only a line in the box. Voters will clearly and carefully print the name of the candidate of their choosing on the line inside the box corresponding to the position. All candidates names will be clearly listed on a write-on-wipe-off board before the vote is called for that position. Each voter then tear off the applicable square of the ballot, fold it once horizontally concealing the identity of their vote and then place it in the basket held by the person running elections.
c) The person in charge of the election and the advisor will independently count all ballots on a tally sheet. Absentee ballots are included at this time. Ballots are silently counted on a tally sheet in a separate room on an empty table (except for the absentee ballot envelopes and tally sheets) without the candidates or voters present with the exception of the person running the election. Vote count is done in silence, writing the vote total for each candidate upon the tally sheet and then covering it until the other counter is finished. Should the vote count not be the same, they will recount until an identical number is reached.
d) A candidate shall be selected by a simple majority of 51%. If no simple majority is reached, a revote will occur with the top two (2) vote getters.
e) In case of a tie, the tie vote will be announced and a new vote will take place without discussion by the candidates on one of the non-position numbered ballot squares. If no simple majority exists after a run-off vote, the candidates are asked to leave the room. The person running the election requests questions. Two questions will be selected from the group discussion through voting on the questions, which will be asked of the candidates. Both candidates are invited into the room individually to answer these questions with only 1 minute to respond. Then another run-off vote is called for with names submitted as in the prior procedure.
f) Absentee ballots may be submitted via email no later than 3 hours prior to the beginning of the election. Candidate names on the absentee ballot will be based upon the applications submitted to run for AJS positions. No drop-down candidates may be included on absentee ballots. Those voting absentee may complete their ballot after reading applications posted online on the muhillel.org website. Link to download absentee ballot will appear after candidate applications. Absentee voters must identify themselves to verify voter eligibility, but no identifying information will be allowed on the ballot. Ballot must be submitted as an email attachment emailed to the AJS advisor and JCSC Fellow no later than 3 hours prior to the start of the election. The Absentee ballot must be printed by the advisor with ballots separated and placed in envelopes by position to be counted only as positions are voted upon. Once absentee voter eligibility is assured, no further connection will remain between the identity of the absentee voter and their vote.
g) All voting processes are confidential between the person running elections and the advisor, including tie-breaking votes.
h) An “Abstention” vote is voluntarily not participating in the vote
i) A “No” vote is not permissible
6) Appointed Positions
a) The procedure for the appointment process:
i. All candidates will submit an application to the newly elected Executive Board
ii. The newly elected Executive Board will review all submitted applications and reach consensus as to which candidates are best suited to constitutionally fulfill the positions requirements
b) The appointed positions for committee chairpersons may include but are not limited to:
i. First Year Student of Hillel Chairperson
ii. Greek/Jewish Chairperson
iii. Community Service Chairperson
iv. Social Chairperson
v. The Sports Chairperson
vi. United Jewish Communities Chairperson
iii. Ladies Night Chairperson
iv. Graduate Chairperson
c) The Association of Jewish Students is a member Associated Student Government's Diversity Affairs Council (DAC). One member of AJS may be appointed to serve as the DAC representative attending all DAC meetings throughout their term. In the event this representative is unable to attend the DAC meeting, another AJS member must be asked and committed to attend at least one week prior to the meeting.
d) Hillel and AJS will work closely with members of the greater Jewish community through the Board of Directors
i. The President of the Association of Jewish Students and two (2) Miami University Students-at-large shall be a member of the Board of Directors.
ii. The Board of Directors shal meet at least four (4) times during the academic year and at such other times deemed necessary by the President of the Board of Directors. At least five (5) days written notice shall be provided.
Article IX: Board Terms
1) The term of the AJS Student Board will be one academic year, beginning with the Sunday after elections until the next election. This is not the case for the boards during the spring semester of academic year 2007-2008 and for 2008-2009. Technically the term for the new elected board begins the Sunday after elections, but the positions will not be transitioned until 3 weeks later. Training through a mandatory board retreat will educate the new Executive Board about procedures and history of the organization. The past Executive Board will be responsible for carrying out programming for the transitional period of up to three weeks. The new Executive Board will obtain full responsibility of the organization beginning January 1, 2008.
a) The term beginning with spring semester of the 2007-8 academic year will begin on January 1, 2008 and end on October 11, 2008.
b) The term for academic year 2008-9 will be from October 12, 2008 to April 19, 2009.
2) Date of elections. Unless otherwise specified, elections will be held during either the last week of March or the first week of April, depending on when Passover occurs on the secular calendar.
3) All members of the newly elected AJS Executive board are required to attend a leadership retreat planned by the advisor and the newly elected President within one month of elections or just before the beginning of the new academic year. The date for the retreat will be set within one week of the election by the President through confirmation of the newly elected Executive Board. All Executive Board members are required to attend the retreat. Any previous Executive Board members will be permitted to attend the retreat during a specified time set by the President and advisor.
a) Note that the date of the retreat for the term beginning January 1, 2008 will be either January 20, 2008 or January 27, 2008.
4) AJS Executive and Program Board members are expected to communicate with one another during winter and summer vacation, participating in conference calls in June and August. Those unable to participate in the conference calls must email a report requested by the President no later than one week prior to the conference call.
Expectations of each Executive board position are as follows:
a) President- Overseeing, advising, and assisting the Executive Board and entire AJS student body, making sure each executive board member carries out their assigned duties in a timely and effective fashion. Organize one conference call over winter break and two conference calls over summer break for the entire Executive Board. Be in contact with the Associated Student Government of Miami University.
b) Executive Program Director- Design a calendar of programs for September, October, and November and January, February, and March by blocking dates and times and provides a brief explanation of each event
c) Culture and Education Facilitator- Coordinate Jewish Awareness Month (JAM) and Jewish Awareness Week (JAW) and program at least two events for the upcoming semester within the parameters of the position in consultation with the Executive Program Director
d) Religious Facilitator/Shaliach Tzibur- Be in contact with the Director of Hillel in order to prepare for services appropriately; request for student involvement through the Jewspaper for service preparation, including seeking students or faculty to provide D'vah Torah portion in future Shabbat services.
e) Treasurer- Keep the University account accurate, transparent and up-to-date; be available to allocate funds for programs; plan fundraisers for semester
f) Secretary- Overseeing all internal communications, including emails, phone lists, calendars, picture board, etc.
Article X: Complaints
1) Any formal complaints against members of the Executive Board of the Association of Jewish Students, the Programming Board, or a member of the general body of AJS may be filed to the Executive Board, AJS advisor, or Hillel Director.
i. The AJS advisor and Director of Hillel will bring the complaint to the Executive Board or other ad hoc committee as appropriate.
ii. Any formal complaints submitted in writing will be treated seriously and may result in removal of the individual
a) Affiliation and participation in the Association of Jewish Students is contingent upon appropriate behavior. Aggressive, intimidating, harassing and confrontational behavior and language that is perceived as threatening will not be tolerated. Should such language or behavior be observed by any individual and reported to an Executive Board member of AJS, a staff member of Hillel, or an official of Miami University; this individual will be removed from the event, the incident will be documented, and the following consequences instated:
1. On the first offense, the individual will receive a warning from a member of the Executive Board of the Association of Jewish Students, the AJS advisor, a staff member of Hillel, or an offical of Miami University. The student will have an opportunity to redirect their behavior. If inappropriate behavior persists, this individual will leave the event immediately upon request of an Executive AJS Board member, the AJS advisor, a staff member of Hillel, or an offical of Miami Univesity.
2. On the second offense, the individual will leave the event immediately upon request of an Executive AJS Board member, the AJS advisor, a staff member of Hillel, or an official of Miami University. This individual will meet with the President and another Executive Board member at the discretion of the President of the Association of Jewish Students to discuss the intolerable behavior and will not return to an AJS sponsored event for the entirety of a month after this offense. The President, Executive Board member, or individual removed from the event may ask a witness to be present at this meeting.
3. In the event of extenuating circumstances, University procedure will be followed at any point in the complaint process. This is at the discretion of the Executive Board, AJS Advisor, a staff member of Hillel, or an official of Miami University.
2) Any formal complaints against the Advisor of AJS or Hillel Professional Staff must be submitted in writing to the AJS Executive Board.
i. The AJS Executive Board will correspond with the Board of Directors on behalf of the student filing the complaint.
ii. The Board of Directors and AJS Executive Board will treat the complaint seriously.
iii. The Board of Directors will follow their procedure for this matter.
iv. Upon removal of the advisor, the Executive Board will formulate an application and interview process for new candidates for the advisor position.
Article XI: Replacement of Officers
1) Impeachment of the President
a) A motion of impeachment against the President may be brought only by a consensus
decision of the other five Executive board members.
b) The Executive Program Director shall immediately inform the President of such a motion, at which time the President may resign through a written statement.
c) If the President does not resign, an Executive Board meeting shall be called as soon as possible, at which the President shall be allowed to speak in his or her defense. A community member may be asked by the Executive Board to observe the Executive meeting as a witness.
d) A unanimous vote of the remaining Executive Board shall be required to remove the President from office.
e) Removal is immediate and formal election shall take place in accordance with election guidelines
2) Impeachment of an Executive Board officer other than the President
a) Any member of the Executive Board may bring a motion of impeachment to the President.
b) The President shall immediately inform the accused officer of the motion and shall offer the accursed officer the opportunity to resign through a written statement.
c) If the accused person does not resign, an Executive Board meeting shall be called as soon as possible, at which the accused officer shall be allowed to speak in their defense.
d) A unanimous vote of the remaining Executive Board shall be required to remove the accursed officer from office.
e) Removal is immediate and formal elections shall take place in accordance with election guidelines
3) Resignation of the President
a) In the event that the President resigns, the Executive Program Director shall immediately and permanently assume the role and duties of the President.
b) The Executive Board shall publicize the Executive Program Director vacancy, take applications, and elect a new Executive Program Director.
C) The Executive Program Director shall take office immediately upon election
Article XII: Amending Procedure
1) Any member of the Association of Jewish Students may propose an amendment to the Constitution.
a) The proposed amendment must be filed with the President and the advisor at least 48 hours prior to a regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting.
b) At the next Executive Board meeting, the proposed amendment will be voted on and may be adopted by a supermajority vote of the Executive Board.
Article XIII: Ratification Processes
1) This constitution shall become effective upon ratification of 3/4 vote of all voting members of the Association of Jewish Students in good standing when at least ten non-Executive AJS general body members participate in voting. Voting standards are at the discretion of the Executive Board.
Ratified: April 20, 1993, by unanimous vote
Revised: December 4, 1995, October 11, 2002
Revised and Ratified: October 31, 2003 (8 Yea, 0 Nay, 1 Abstention)
Revised and Ratified: November 29, 2005 (22 Yea, 0 Nay, 0 Abstention).
Revised: November 3, 2006, by an Exec Board vote of 4-1. Ratified December 1, 2006 (14 Yea, 2 No, 1 Abstention)
Revised: November 6, 2007 to be discussed at Executive Board on November 7, 2007
Revised: November 14, 2007
Appendix A Commentary
The goal of the new constitution is to create a formalized leadership structure within Association of Jewish Students at Miami University and to involve as many people as possible in the maintenance of the Jewish community, on different levels with varying time commitments, and to create a stronger mechanism for trouble-shooting and long-term planning.
It is the hope of the drafters of this constitution that the impeachment clauses never have cause for use. Long before impeachment might be necessary, the Executive Board should have met with problematic council members to help them either improve their performance or decide to resign.
The ordering of the Executive Board (Executive Program Director, Culture and Education Coordinator, Religious Facilitator, Treasurer, and Secretary) is by no means an indication of their greater importance or relevance within the Association of Jewish Students.
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