Constitution
Preamble
We the students at the University of Delaware do hereby form the organization known as the Athletic Training Students’ Association for the purpose of supplementing the educational experience of the athletic training students at the University of Delaware.
Article I Title
This organization shall be named the Athletic Training Students’ Association (ATSA) at the University of Delaware.
Article II Objectives
The objectives of this organization are:
Section 1: Eligibility
This organization is open to Athletic Training Education Program students and any student in the Sports Health major with intention to pursue a Master’s degree in Athletic Training.
Section 2: Qualifications
There will be a point system by which members are required to accumulate five points in order to attend Fall Formal. The vice president and event planner will work together to keep track of each club member’s points for all events via an excel sheet. Points will be open for members to see on the shared spreadsheet that can be found on the ATSA website. Attendance codes will be presented at the events for members to check in and earn their points. To earn points at fundraising events pictures of you at the location or your receipt can be submitted. Points will be accumulated and totaled by the following scheme. Point awards are subject to change throughout the course of the year by discretion of the executive board or chair positions.
3 Points
2 Points
Section 3: Dues
There will be a membership fee of $10.00 for the whole year or $5.00 for one semester due by Halloween (October 31st). Participation in all social activities of the club will be contingent upon payment of dues.
Article IV Nondiscrimination Clause
The organization agrees to adhere to all policies and procedures of the University and all local, state, and federal laws. Members will become acquainted with policies and procedures in the official student handbook and other policies and procedures provided by the University. This organization is a viable, functioning organization, whose leadership structure is composed of graduate students with assistance from undergrad class representatives. and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, veteran, handicap status, or sexual orientation.
Article V Duties and Privileges of Membership
It is incumbent upon each member of the club to participate in all social, philanthropic, community service, and fundraising activities. However, responsibilities and duties associated with academic and/or clinical requirements in the undergraduate and graduate Athletic Training Education Program are priority and will preclude participation in club activities. All club members must maintain a cumulative GPA above 2.5 and have good clinical standing (no red cards).
Article VI Absence Policies
Attendance at all social, philanthropic, community service, and fundraising activities will be monitored by the club secretary. Members' attendance will be reflected by their accumulated points. Low attendance rates may result in the inability to attend large events like fall formal.
Article VII Policies and Procedures for Disciplining/Removing Members
Students can be removed from the club for failure to abide by Article V. Members of the club are expected to be responsible and serve as good citizens both on and off campus. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action and removal of club membership.
Article VIII Qualifications for Officers
All officers must be full-time, matriculated graduate students at the University of Delaware with a minimum GPA of 2.25. Officers must be able to complete a full academic calendar year in their position. Undergraduate class representatives serve as a liaison between the graduate student officers and the undergraduate students.
Article IX Officers
Section 1: President
The president will organize all meetings for the club. He/she works closely with the faculty advisor to plan club functions. The president must be flexible with meeting times and also possess creative planning abilities. Competency in public speaking is highly recommended since he/she is in charge of running the meetings.
Section 2: Vice President
The vice president is the Sports Health liaison and is responsible for controlling the mentor program and the points system. The vice president helps any executive board member with their responsibilities and fills in for the president as needed.
Section 3: Treasurer
The treasurer ensures that there are sufficient funds in the club’s account to pay for all activities. He/she also makes deposits into the account. The treasurer needs to establish a good working relationship with the event chair to plan all activities and events. The treasurer must be able to plan funding well in advance. The treasurer duties require strong organizational and computational skills.
Section 4: Secretary
The secretary is responsible for recording and archiving minutes at both executive board and club meetings. The secretary must keep attendance of all ATSA events, including, but not limited to, meetings, fundraisers, and community service events. He/she must be able to operate Google Drive sufficiently and prepare agendas in a timely manner.
Section 5: Event Planner
The event planner is in charge of the planning for all social events, semi-formal, holiday banquet, and end-of-year picnic. The social chair is also responsible for providing follow-up reports after all social events. This position requires good communication skills and organization.
Section 6: Public Relations Chair
The PR chair is responsible for advertising, documenting, and recording the events of the ATSA. The public relations chair, working closely with the faculty advisor, designs and regularly updates the club webpage and social media. The public relations chair is also responsible for creating slideshows for the holiday banquet and other events.
Article X Election of Officers
Elections will be conducted according to the following guidelines:
Officers are held to the same standards as the members as well as upholding the roles and responsibilities of their position. If he/she is unable to uphold the roles and responsibilities of his/her position, an impeachment process may be initiated by the faculty advisor. Removal of an officer requires a two-thirds vote of the club members.
Section 2: Resignations
Officers wishing to resign their position must do so in writing to the faculty advisor. If an office is vacant, a subsequent election will be held based on the policies set forth in Article X.
Section 3: Officer Transition
Elections are to be held at least three weeks prior to the last day of classes in order to allow time for training of the new officers. New incoming officers are responsible for the planning and execution of the annual ATSA picnic held in May.
Article XI Meetings
Officers will meet weekly with the faculty advisor. Club meetings (general assemblies) will take place monthly on a zoom call.
Article XII Bylaws
The organization shall establish bylaws to carry out the policies set forth in this constitution. A two-thirds vote or simple majority of the executive board is generally required to approve bylaws or changes in existing bylaws.
Article XIII Establishment of Committees
Section 1: UDance Committee
Each year, an election will be held in order to select no more than three UDance representatives. This election process will be based on the policies set forth in Article X. Committee members will be responsible for coordinating all UDance fundraising and events.
Section 2: Class Representatives
There will be annual elections for class representatives in each matriculated class (sophomore, junior, and 1st year class rep). Candidates self-nominate for this position, and election occurs by achieving a two-thirds or simple majority vote from the general assembly of club members. Each class representative serves as a liaison between his/her class and the executive board.
Section 3: Event Coordination Committee
There will also be annual elections to select no more than three representatives to help facilitate and coordinate social events for UD Athletic Training students. Candidates self-nominate for this position, and election occurs by achieving a two-thirds or simple majority vote from the general assembly of club members. Members of this committee should be willing to help coordinate and host social events on a monthly basis, using club dues to help aid in funding entertainment.
Article XIV Faculty Advisor
It is the responsibility of the faculty advisor to supervise the executive board and be present at more than half (>50%) of meetings.
Article XV Definition of a Quorum
The minimum number of members who have to be present at a meeting in order for business to be conducted and decisions to be made is two-thirds of the members in good standing.
Article XVI Rules for Ratifying the Constitution
Approval of changes to the constitution requires a two-thirds or simple majority vote of the club membership and approval by the Activities and Programs Office.
Article XVII Rules for Amending the Constitution
Adding articles/sections to the constitution requires a two-thirds vote of the club membership and advance notice to all members of the proposed change.
We the students at the University of Delaware do hereby form the organization known as the Athletic Training Students’ Association for the purpose of supplementing the educational experience of the athletic training students at the University of Delaware.
Article I Title
This organization shall be named the Athletic Training Students’ Association (ATSA) at the University of Delaware.
Article II Objectives
The objectives of this organization are:
- To improve skills, knowledge, and professionalism of athletic training students in preparation for a career as an athletic trainer; including participation in activities related to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association (EATA), and the Delaware Athletic Trainers’ Association (DATA).
- To promote awareness of the profession of athletic training to the campus community, including their qualifications, duties, and current issues related to sports health care.
- To participate in community activities by sharing knowledge and providing services within athletic training.
- To participate in community service and philanthropic activities.
- To provide a better social outlet for athletic training students (holiday banquet, picnic, semi-formal, etc.) and foster better relationships among the athletic training students.
Section 1: Eligibility
This organization is open to Athletic Training Education Program students and any student in the Sports Health major with intention to pursue a Master’s degree in Athletic Training.
Section 2: Qualifications
There will be a point system by which members are required to accumulate five points in order to attend Fall Formal. The vice president and event planner will work together to keep track of each club member’s points for all events via an excel sheet. Points will be open for members to see on the shared spreadsheet that can be found on the ATSA website. Attendance codes will be presented at the events for members to check in and earn their points. To earn points at fundraising events pictures of you at the location or your receipt can be submitted. Points will be accumulated and totaled by the following scheme. Point awards are subject to change throughout the course of the year by discretion of the executive board or chair positions.
3 Points
- Attend a professional development event (guest speakers, workshops, etc.)
2 Points
- Attend a social event (flag football, pizza social, etc.)
- Attend a fundraising event
Section 3: Dues
There will be a membership fee of $10.00 for the whole year or $5.00 for one semester due by Halloween (October 31st). Participation in all social activities of the club will be contingent upon payment of dues.
Article IV Nondiscrimination Clause
The organization agrees to adhere to all policies and procedures of the University and all local, state, and federal laws. Members will become acquainted with policies and procedures in the official student handbook and other policies and procedures provided by the University. This organization is a viable, functioning organization, whose leadership structure is composed of graduate students with assistance from undergrad class representatives. and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, veteran, handicap status, or sexual orientation.
Article V Duties and Privileges of Membership
It is incumbent upon each member of the club to participate in all social, philanthropic, community service, and fundraising activities. However, responsibilities and duties associated with academic and/or clinical requirements in the undergraduate and graduate Athletic Training Education Program are priority and will preclude participation in club activities. All club members must maintain a cumulative GPA above 2.5 and have good clinical standing (no red cards).
Article VI Absence Policies
Attendance at all social, philanthropic, community service, and fundraising activities will be monitored by the club secretary. Members' attendance will be reflected by their accumulated points. Low attendance rates may result in the inability to attend large events like fall formal.
Article VII Policies and Procedures for Disciplining/Removing Members
Students can be removed from the club for failure to abide by Article V. Members of the club are expected to be responsible and serve as good citizens both on and off campus. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action and removal of club membership.
Article VIII Qualifications for Officers
All officers must be full-time, matriculated graduate students at the University of Delaware with a minimum GPA of 2.25. Officers must be able to complete a full academic calendar year in their position. Undergraduate class representatives serve as a liaison between the graduate student officers and the undergraduate students.
Article IX Officers
Section 1: President
The president will organize all meetings for the club. He/she works closely with the faculty advisor to plan club functions. The president must be flexible with meeting times and also possess creative planning abilities. Competency in public speaking is highly recommended since he/she is in charge of running the meetings.
Section 2: Vice President
The vice president is the Sports Health liaison and is responsible for controlling the mentor program and the points system. The vice president helps any executive board member with their responsibilities and fills in for the president as needed.
Section 3: Treasurer
The treasurer ensures that there are sufficient funds in the club’s account to pay for all activities. He/she also makes deposits into the account. The treasurer needs to establish a good working relationship with the event chair to plan all activities and events. The treasurer must be able to plan funding well in advance. The treasurer duties require strong organizational and computational skills.
Section 4: Secretary
The secretary is responsible for recording and archiving minutes at both executive board and club meetings. The secretary must keep attendance of all ATSA events, including, but not limited to, meetings, fundraisers, and community service events. He/she must be able to operate Google Drive sufficiently and prepare agendas in a timely manner.
Section 5: Event Planner
The event planner is in charge of the planning for all social events, semi-formal, holiday banquet, and end-of-year picnic. The social chair is also responsible for providing follow-up reports after all social events. This position requires good communication skills and organization.
Section 6: Public Relations Chair
The PR chair is responsible for advertising, documenting, and recording the events of the ATSA. The public relations chair, working closely with the faculty advisor, designs and regularly updates the club webpage and social media. The public relations chair is also responsible for creating slideshows for the holiday banquet and other events.
Article X Election of Officers
Elections will be conducted according to the following guidelines:
- In order to conduct a valid election, two-thirds of the members in good standing must be present.
- Elections are held in April of every year.
- An election candidate will give a brief speech or presentation about their qualifications during the election meeting. This may be followed by a brief Q&A session.
- Elections are conducted on a secret ballot with the winner selected by the majority of votes.
- Self-nomination or nomination by another member is allowed up until the night before elections. Nominations must be submitted to the secretary via email.
- In the event of a tie vote, another secret ballot is conducted until a winner is decided upon.
Officers are held to the same standards as the members as well as upholding the roles and responsibilities of their position. If he/she is unable to uphold the roles and responsibilities of his/her position, an impeachment process may be initiated by the faculty advisor. Removal of an officer requires a two-thirds vote of the club members.
Section 2: Resignations
Officers wishing to resign their position must do so in writing to the faculty advisor. If an office is vacant, a subsequent election will be held based on the policies set forth in Article X.
Section 3: Officer Transition
Elections are to be held at least three weeks prior to the last day of classes in order to allow time for training of the new officers. New incoming officers are responsible for the planning and execution of the annual ATSA picnic held in May.
Article XI Meetings
Officers will meet weekly with the faculty advisor. Club meetings (general assemblies) will take place monthly on a zoom call.
Article XII Bylaws
The organization shall establish bylaws to carry out the policies set forth in this constitution. A two-thirds vote or simple majority of the executive board is generally required to approve bylaws or changes in existing bylaws.
Article XIII Establishment of Committees
Section 1: UDance Committee
Each year, an election will be held in order to select no more than three UDance representatives. This election process will be based on the policies set forth in Article X. Committee members will be responsible for coordinating all UDance fundraising and events.
Section 2: Class Representatives
There will be annual elections for class representatives in each matriculated class (sophomore, junior, and 1st year class rep). Candidates self-nominate for this position, and election occurs by achieving a two-thirds or simple majority vote from the general assembly of club members. Each class representative serves as a liaison between his/her class and the executive board.
Section 3: Event Coordination Committee
There will also be annual elections to select no more than three representatives to help facilitate and coordinate social events for UD Athletic Training students. Candidates self-nominate for this position, and election occurs by achieving a two-thirds or simple majority vote from the general assembly of club members. Members of this committee should be willing to help coordinate and host social events on a monthly basis, using club dues to help aid in funding entertainment.
Article XIV Faculty Advisor
It is the responsibility of the faculty advisor to supervise the executive board and be present at more than half (>50%) of meetings.
Article XV Definition of a Quorum
The minimum number of members who have to be present at a meeting in order for business to be conducted and decisions to be made is two-thirds of the members in good standing.
Article XVI Rules for Ratifying the Constitution
Approval of changes to the constitution requires a two-thirds or simple majority vote of the club membership and approval by the Activities and Programs Office.
Article XVII Rules for Amending the Constitution
Adding articles/sections to the constitution requires a two-thirds vote of the club membership and advance notice to all members of the proposed change.