University Film and Video Association
University of South Florida Chapter
Constitution and By-laws
Article I – Name
The name of this organization shall be the University Film and Video Association (UFVA), University of South Florida (USF) Chapter.
Article II – Mission Statement
Our goal as a campus organization shall be to encourage the understanding of current film theories, procedures and practice of film and video related activities; to provide an opportunity to become acquainted with professional practitioners in the film industry; to expose the student body to culturally, artistically and socially diverse films and videos; and to assist in sponsoring an annual film festival. We will aid and assist any entity with everything reasonable and lawfully necessary, proper or advisable to achieve the above-mentioned mission.
Article III – Membership
Membership will consist of Active and Honorary membership status.
Active Membership
Active membership of the UFVA USF chapter shall be comprised of any interested USF student, alumni or faculty interested in achieving our above stated mission. Active membership will not be restricted in any manner other than being connected to the University. To remain in good standing members are expected to maintain the scholastic level required by USF for graduation.
Honorary Membership
Honorary membership of the UFVA USF chapter shall be comprised of individuals not connected with the University who are interested in assisting the UFVA in achieving its mission. Honorary membership will be limited to, no more then, 20 percent, in accordance with USF policy.
Article IV - Hazing Policy
In accordance with Florida statute 240.262, the UFVA prohibits its members, both individually and collectively, from committing any acts of "hazing" as defined herein.
Definition of Hazing
By "hazing" we mean any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health and safety of a student for the purposes of initiation or admission into or affiliation with the UFVA. Such terms shall include, but not be limited to, any brutality of physical nature (such as whipping, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, forced consumption of any food, beverage, drugs or other substances), or any other forced physical activity which could adversely affect the physical or safety of an individual. Additionally this definition shall include any activity that would subject the individual to extreme mental stress (such as sleep depravation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that would cause extreme embarrassment), or any other activity that would adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual. For the purposes of this section, any activity as described above upon which the initiation or admission into or affiliation with the UFVA is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be a "forced" activity, the willingness of any individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.
Article V – Officers
The officers of the UFVA shall be president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Election of officers will take place at the May business meeting. The duly elected officers shall assume the duties of office starting in the first month of the fall semester. A majority vote is required for election to office. Any active member (as defined in Article III) is eligible for election to any office.
Duties
Duties of UFVA officers are as follows: President: To preside at all membership meetings of the UFVA; to appoint all committees (with majority approval of the membership), instruct committee chairman and evaluate their progress periodically; to coordinate the functions of all officers and committees and to direct the overall operation of the UFVA; to recommend and establish goals and objectives for the UFVA in the interest of the UFVA and with the majority approval of the membership and advisor(s); and to recommend and direct the execution of policies and programs in the interests of the UFVA. Vice President: to perform all duties of the president if the president is absent or unable to perform his duties, for any reason; to assist the president in coordinating and directing committee activities and club operations. Secretary: To record minutes of all meetings and make appropriate distribution thereof; to maintain records of all club operations and activity; to handle UFVA correspondence; to serve as custodian of the UFVA permanent documents; to maintain official UFVA membership rooster; and to keep overall records. Treasurer: To work with the president in preparing the annual budget; to provide proper safekeeping for all UFVA funds and the keeping of accurate financial records; to disburse funds with proper approval; and to make regular reports to the UFVA membership.
Removal of Officers
Any officer may be removed from office if the membership deems them unfit to complete their duties. This must be done according to Robert’s Rules of Order and Parliamentary procedure. Additionally any removal action must be supported by a 2/3 majority of all members of the UFVA.
Article VI– Faculty Advisor
The UFVA at its May meeting will elect a faculty advisor from the full-time faculty of the University. The advisor shall wish to assist the UFVA in completing its goals.
Article VII – Meetings
The UFVA will hold a minimum of one meeting per month during fall and spring semester and at least one meeting during the summer session. Roberts Rules of Order shall be followed in conducting meetings, with due notice given to all members of each meetings time and place.
Article VIII – Handling Business
All business of the UFVA will be handled during regularly scheduled meetings. Over fifty percent of active members must be present to establish quorum and conduct business. Additionally, the president or vice president must be present to preside at the meeting.
Article IX – Expenditures
All proposed expenditures must be signed and co-signed by the president and the treasurer, respectively. Any and all request for money (excluding "housekeeping" expenses) must be approved by the majority vote during regularly scheduled business meetings.
Article X – Amendments
This constitution may be amended at anytime by the UFVA provided that three-quarters of the members present are in favor of said amendment. Additionally, ample notice of proposed amendment must be allowed so that all interested members can be made aware of the proposed changes. All amendment changes must also be brought before the Office of Student Activities board for approval.
Article XI – Organization Agreement
The UFVA agrees to abide by Florida State Statute #240.262 regarding hazing. Furthermore, agrees to abide by all Student Activities policies as outlined in the student handbook; to check the organization’s mailbox regularly; to communicate via email upon request and to update the organization’s records (Officer Listings Form) whenever there is a change.