NRGSA CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1. NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Natural Resources Graduate Student Association (NRGSA).
ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization shall be to create, develop, and foster interaction between graduate students, staff, and faculty in different Departments and disciplines within the field of natural resources, to represent the interests of graduate students in natural resources and related fields to the Administration and the University at-large, and to disseminate information to graduates students in natural resources and related fields.
ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
3.1. All graduate students in natural resources and related fields are eligible for membership.
3.2. Dues will be assessed once each semester. Active membership is defined as dues being current for the semester.
ARTICLE 4. OFFICERS
4.1. The officers of the NRGSA shall be collectively referred to as the Executive Board and shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and at least two Representatives. For every Department represented in the membership, one seat will be available as a Representative on the Executive Board.
4.2. The signing officers of the NRGSA are the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary/Treasurer.
4.3. All members of the Executive Board shall be elected for a term of one year. Active members classified as full-time students shall be eligible for election as a member of the Executive Board.
4.4. Nominations for officers may be made by any active member at the first meeting in March. Elections shall be held during the following meeting, with the transfer of office to occur April 1 of the same year. No term limits are imposed.
4.5. If the President resigns or is removed from office prior to the expiration of his/her term, the Vice-President will assume the office and a new Vice-President will be nominated and elected during the next regular elections. If the Vice-President resigns or is removed from office prior to the expiration of his/her term, the office will remain vacant until the next regular election, at which time a new Vice-President will be voted upon. If the Secretary/Treasurer resigns or is removed from office prior to the expiration of his/her term, the Executive Board will appoint an interim officer at the next regular meeting of the NRGSA.
ARTICLE 5. FACULTY/STAFF ADVISOR
At the first meeting in March, the President will accept nominations from the membership for a faculty or staff member who would be willing to serve as an advisor. The membership will vote at the following meeting. The advisor will serve for a one-year term and must be reaffirmed by the general membership during the regular spring elections.
ARTICLE 6. MEETINGS
During the regular academic year (August-April) there will be a meeting held every other week. The meeting will be called by the President after consultation of place and time with the Executive Board. Special meetings may be called by the President at any time during the regular academic year. All meetings shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.
ARTICLE 7. QUORUM
Business shall be enacted on behalf of the NRGSA during a regular meeting. A simple majority of the membership present may transact business. No business shall be enacted on behalf of the NRGSA between meetings except when approved by the Executive Board with spending allowances not to exceed $100.
ARTICLE 8. AMENDMENTS
Any amendments to the Constitution must be introduced during a regular meeting. The amendment must be made available in writing to the entire membership at least one week before the meeting. The proposed amendment must be read out at the next meeting and the membership then votes to consider the proposed amendment at the next regularly scheduled meeting. At the second meeting the proposed amendment is read again, discussion is held on the amendment and a vote is called. At least 51% of the active membership must be present for a vote to be called.
ARTICLE 9. RATIFICATION
The Constitution must be ratified and signed by at least 51% of the active membership.
The name of this organization shall be the Natural Resources Graduate Student Association (NRGSA).
ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization shall be to create, develop, and foster interaction between graduate students, staff, and faculty in different Departments and disciplines within the field of natural resources, to represent the interests of graduate students in natural resources and related fields to the Administration and the University at-large, and to disseminate information to graduates students in natural resources and related fields.
ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
3.1. All graduate students in natural resources and related fields are eligible for membership.
3.2. Dues will be assessed once each semester. Active membership is defined as dues being current for the semester.
ARTICLE 4. OFFICERS
4.1. The officers of the NRGSA shall be collectively referred to as the Executive Board and shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and at least two Representatives. For every Department represented in the membership, one seat will be available as a Representative on the Executive Board.
4.2. The signing officers of the NRGSA are the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary/Treasurer.
4.3. All members of the Executive Board shall be elected for a term of one year. Active members classified as full-time students shall be eligible for election as a member of the Executive Board.
4.4. Nominations for officers may be made by any active member at the first meeting in March. Elections shall be held during the following meeting, with the transfer of office to occur April 1 of the same year. No term limits are imposed.
4.5. If the President resigns or is removed from office prior to the expiration of his/her term, the Vice-President will assume the office and a new Vice-President will be nominated and elected during the next regular elections. If the Vice-President resigns or is removed from office prior to the expiration of his/her term, the office will remain vacant until the next regular election, at which time a new Vice-President will be voted upon. If the Secretary/Treasurer resigns or is removed from office prior to the expiration of his/her term, the Executive Board will appoint an interim officer at the next regular meeting of the NRGSA.
ARTICLE 5. FACULTY/STAFF ADVISOR
At the first meeting in March, the President will accept nominations from the membership for a faculty or staff member who would be willing to serve as an advisor. The membership will vote at the following meeting. The advisor will serve for a one-year term and must be reaffirmed by the general membership during the regular spring elections.
ARTICLE 6. MEETINGS
During the regular academic year (August-April) there will be a meeting held every other week. The meeting will be called by the President after consultation of place and time with the Executive Board. Special meetings may be called by the President at any time during the regular academic year. All meetings shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.
ARTICLE 7. QUORUM
Business shall be enacted on behalf of the NRGSA during a regular meeting. A simple majority of the membership present may transact business. No business shall be enacted on behalf of the NRGSA between meetings except when approved by the Executive Board with spending allowances not to exceed $100.
ARTICLE 8. AMENDMENTS
Any amendments to the Constitution must be introduced during a regular meeting. The amendment must be made available in writing to the entire membership at least one week before the meeting. The proposed amendment must be read out at the next meeting and the membership then votes to consider the proposed amendment at the next regularly scheduled meeting. At the second meeting the proposed amendment is read again, discussion is held on the amendment and a vote is called. At least 51% of the active membership must be present for a vote to be called.
ARTICLE 9. RATIFICATION
The Constitution must be ratified and signed by at least 51% of the active membership.
BY-LAWS
1. DUTIES
President
Calls and presides over meetings, regular and special
Nominates and appoints committees
Delegates authority to officers as necessary to transact NRGSA business
Assembles the agenda for regular and special meetings
Shall cast the deciding vote in the case of a tie
Has authority to sign checks
Vice-President
Assumes acting president when required
Represents acting president at official meetings
Helps assemble agenda for meetings, regular and special
articipates in executive decisions
Has authority to sign checks
Secretary/Treasurer
Keeps minutes of meetings, regular and special
Prepares and posts announcements and memoranda to associations members
Maintains student directories and other necessary records
Maintains accounts
Principal authority to sign checks and manage funds
Makes Treasurer’s report at every regular meeting
Representatives
Represent the NRGSA’s position to the appropriate level(s) of Administration within the University
Vote as part of the Executive Board
2. DUES
Dues will be the minimum set by the University, collected by the first regular meetings of September and February. Active membership will be defined by dues being current for the semester. A budget for the year will be submitted for approval by the membership one month prior to submission to the Clemson University Student Government.
3. ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. Call to order
2. Attendance recorded
3. Minutes of last meeting
4. Additions and/or corrections to minutes
5. Reports of committees
6. Old business
7. New business
8. Discussions, programs, etc.
9. Adjournment
4. ACTIVE MEMBERS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Attending meetings and participating fully in NRGSA sponsored activities.
Voting rights in all meetings, regular and special.
Alerting the membership of any concerns regarding graduate students in natural resources.
Competitive access to NRGSA travel funds.
President
Calls and presides over meetings, regular and special
Nominates and appoints committees
Delegates authority to officers as necessary to transact NRGSA business
Assembles the agenda for regular and special meetings
Shall cast the deciding vote in the case of a tie
Has authority to sign checks
Vice-President
Assumes acting president when required
Represents acting president at official meetings
Helps assemble agenda for meetings, regular and special
articipates in executive decisions
Has authority to sign checks
Secretary/Treasurer
Keeps minutes of meetings, regular and special
Prepares and posts announcements and memoranda to associations members
Maintains student directories and other necessary records
Maintains accounts
Principal authority to sign checks and manage funds
Makes Treasurer’s report at every regular meeting
Representatives
Represent the NRGSA’s position to the appropriate level(s) of Administration within the University
Vote as part of the Executive Board
2. DUES
Dues will be the minimum set by the University, collected by the first regular meetings of September and February. Active membership will be defined by dues being current for the semester. A budget for the year will be submitted for approval by the membership one month prior to submission to the Clemson University Student Government.
3. ORDER OF BUSINESS
1. Call to order
2. Attendance recorded
3. Minutes of last meeting
4. Additions and/or corrections to minutes
5. Reports of committees
6. Old business
7. New business
8. Discussions, programs, etc.
9. Adjournment
4. ACTIVE MEMBERS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Attending meetings and participating fully in NRGSA sponsored activities.
Voting rights in all meetings, regular and special.
Alerting the membership of any concerns regarding graduate students in natural resources.
Competitive access to NRGSA travel funds.
Budget Guidelines
This describes the distribution of funds within the NRGSA budget. These guidelines are designed to be logical, concise, and clear but general enough to be applicable despite annual fluctuations in the NRGSA budget. This document can be amended as needed.
1. OPERATIONAL COSTS
The organization will maintain a portion of the budget for operational costs, defined as the funds used for day-to-day operation and support of NRGSA events. These funds could include food for meetings, supplies for events, or other event costs. Many of these costs will likely be reimbursed through GSG support, but the funding must be available upfront to make initial payments. The operational cost budget will be comprised of monies collected from dues each year, making the budget proportional to the size of the group. Because the budget may accrue over time, the operational budget will be capped at $500.
2. MEMBER USE BUDGET
The remaining budget during a given semester will be available for member use, in accordance with the rules described herein. This budget will primarily be increased through fundraising, although accumulated dues exceeding $500 can be applied.
3. TRAVEL AWARDS
The purpose of the award budget is to provide NRGSA members with the opportunity for funds to enhance their graduate experience, with the intention of funding activities or needs NOT covered by other funding sources (e.g., stipends, fellowships, research grants, GSG, etc.). Priority will be given to professional development opportunities (training, travel to meetings, conference registration, workshops). Field work may be considered for reimbursement if associated costs are justifiably not covered by the applicant’s research grant.
3.1. Award Amount: The maximum award per applicant shall not exceed 20% of the total award budget (calculated at the beginning of each semester), with a maximum amount of $250. The budget at the start of the Fall semester will be used to fund awards from start of the Fall semester until the start of the Spring semester (including winter break); the budget at the start of the Spring semester will be used to fund awards from the Spring semester until the start of the Fall semester (including summer). Active members may not receive the maximum award for two consecutive semesters. Members granted awards during the Fall semester will only be eligible for an award not exceeding 10% of the total award budget or $125 maximum in the Spring semester of the same academic year or vice versa. Spring 2017: for those who did NOT receive a Fall 2016 award, max request is $250; Fall awardee max request is $100.
3.2. Requirements: To receive an award, a member must be current on NRGSA dues at the time of the application deadline. Members will also be expected to participate in NRGSA meetings and events. To receive an award, members must participate in 1 fundraising activity per year AND 1 event (service, fundraising, or professional development) per semester. Social events will not be considered for eligibility.
3.3. Application: Members must complete an application to be eligible for an award. The application requires the following information: the amount requested, the date of the event/need, a description of the event/need, and the justification for the award. The distribution of awards will be determined by the justification of need, so this area of the application should be sufficiently detailed and can include information about other funding sources, why funds are not available for this particular need, and how this award will enhance the graduate experience. NRGSA involvement will also be considered.
3.4. Application Review: The applications will be reviewed as part of the duties of the Officers, Coordinators, and Faculty Adviser elected to NRGSA for the given year. The Officers, Coordinators, and Faculty Adviser will meet before the NRGSA meeting following the deadline, and applications will be reviewed at that time. A majority rule vote is required to fund any award application. Applications will be accepted until the deadline (Spring 2017: 7th April). The Faculty Advisor will encourage unbiased review, but any member can raise concerns related to impartiality.
3.5. Award Distribution: Awards will be distributed by check during the NRGSA meeting following the award decision. We encourage transparency in the process so members know how the award money is being spent and provide encouragement to other members. The awarded amount will be provided in full and will not require documentation (receipts) following expenditure, with the exception of awards covering fieldwork travel per diem. Although this may be a justified cost, it is a common one shared by many members and thus must be well justified as to why other funds are not available. Fieldwork awards will be provided after the event and only with documentation of costs.
3.6. Guideline Reassessment: To maintain the intended flexibility and functionality of these guidelines, this document will be discussed and ratified in the final meeting of the Spring semester each year. Should serious concerns in the distribution of funds be raised by the membership, these guidelines may be discussed and reviewed at any point during the year.
1. OPERATIONAL COSTS
The organization will maintain a portion of the budget for operational costs, defined as the funds used for day-to-day operation and support of NRGSA events. These funds could include food for meetings, supplies for events, or other event costs. Many of these costs will likely be reimbursed through GSG support, but the funding must be available upfront to make initial payments. The operational cost budget will be comprised of monies collected from dues each year, making the budget proportional to the size of the group. Because the budget may accrue over time, the operational budget will be capped at $500.
2. MEMBER USE BUDGET
The remaining budget during a given semester will be available for member use, in accordance with the rules described herein. This budget will primarily be increased through fundraising, although accumulated dues exceeding $500 can be applied.
3. TRAVEL AWARDS
The purpose of the award budget is to provide NRGSA members with the opportunity for funds to enhance their graduate experience, with the intention of funding activities or needs NOT covered by other funding sources (e.g., stipends, fellowships, research grants, GSG, etc.). Priority will be given to professional development opportunities (training, travel to meetings, conference registration, workshops). Field work may be considered for reimbursement if associated costs are justifiably not covered by the applicant’s research grant.
3.1. Award Amount: The maximum award per applicant shall not exceed 20% of the total award budget (calculated at the beginning of each semester), with a maximum amount of $250. The budget at the start of the Fall semester will be used to fund awards from start of the Fall semester until the start of the Spring semester (including winter break); the budget at the start of the Spring semester will be used to fund awards from the Spring semester until the start of the Fall semester (including summer). Active members may not receive the maximum award for two consecutive semesters. Members granted awards during the Fall semester will only be eligible for an award not exceeding 10% of the total award budget or $125 maximum in the Spring semester of the same academic year or vice versa. Spring 2017: for those who did NOT receive a Fall 2016 award, max request is $250; Fall awardee max request is $100.
3.2. Requirements: To receive an award, a member must be current on NRGSA dues at the time of the application deadline. Members will also be expected to participate in NRGSA meetings and events. To receive an award, members must participate in 1 fundraising activity per year AND 1 event (service, fundraising, or professional development) per semester. Social events will not be considered for eligibility.
3.3. Application: Members must complete an application to be eligible for an award. The application requires the following information: the amount requested, the date of the event/need, a description of the event/need, and the justification for the award. The distribution of awards will be determined by the justification of need, so this area of the application should be sufficiently detailed and can include information about other funding sources, why funds are not available for this particular need, and how this award will enhance the graduate experience. NRGSA involvement will also be considered.
3.4. Application Review: The applications will be reviewed as part of the duties of the Officers, Coordinators, and Faculty Adviser elected to NRGSA for the given year. The Officers, Coordinators, and Faculty Adviser will meet before the NRGSA meeting following the deadline, and applications will be reviewed at that time. A majority rule vote is required to fund any award application. Applications will be accepted until the deadline (Spring 2017: 7th April). The Faculty Advisor will encourage unbiased review, but any member can raise concerns related to impartiality.
3.5. Award Distribution: Awards will be distributed by check during the NRGSA meeting following the award decision. We encourage transparency in the process so members know how the award money is being spent and provide encouragement to other members. The awarded amount will be provided in full and will not require documentation (receipts) following expenditure, with the exception of awards covering fieldwork travel per diem. Although this may be a justified cost, it is a common one shared by many members and thus must be well justified as to why other funds are not available. Fieldwork awards will be provided after the event and only with documentation of costs.
3.6. Guideline Reassessment: To maintain the intended flexibility and functionality of these guidelines, this document will be discussed and ratified in the final meeting of the Spring semester each year. Should serious concerns in the distribution of funds be raised by the membership, these guidelines may be discussed and reviewed at any point during the year.
Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy
1. PURPOSE
1.1. This policy of Non-Discrimination is intended to meet Clemson University’s responsibilities under Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Violence Against Women Act, the SC Pregnancy Accommodations Act and applicable provisions of the South Carolina Human Affairs Law.
2. SCOPE
2.1. This policy applies to all University students, employees, affiliates, and visitors.
3. POLICY STATEMENT
3.1. Clemson prohibits discrimination, including harassment, of any employee, student, guest or visitor because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, or related medical condition), national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.
3.2. Clemson University will respond promptly to all complaints of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
3.2.1. Any person, regardless of position or title, who is determined to have engaged in discrimination, harassment or retaliation as prohibited by this policy will be subject to prompt and appropriate corrective action, up to and including dismissal or termination from the University, or in the case of visitors, exclusion from University property and/or programs
3.3. Clemson also prohibits retaliation against any person because the person filed a complaint of discrimination or because the person participated in any manner in the investigation and resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment
4. DEFINTIONS
4.1. Discrimination: treating a person or group of persons less advantageously than another person or group of persons because of one or more of the protected
characteristics listed above. Discrimination can manifest itself in many forms, including denying or excluding a person or a group of persons from participation in or receiving the benefits of any program or activity of the University, including employment decisions, because of one or more of the protected characteristics specified above.
4.2. Harassment: unwelcome verbal or physical conduct directed toward a person or group of persons motivated by a protected characteristic that unreasonably interferes with the person’s work or educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile work or educational environment. Examples may include, but are not limited to, epithets, slurs, and jokes.
4.3. Sexual harassment: means unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples may include, but are not limited to, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, touching, jokes, comments, and sexual violence.
5. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
5.1. Reporting and Inquiry Contact Information
5.2. Policy and Procedures Related to Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence
5.3. Procedures for Resolution of Discrimination/Harassment/Retaliation Complaints Against Employees
5.4. Student Code of Conduct
5.5. Employee Incident Reporting Form
6. RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT
6.1. 5016 - Office of Inclusion and Equity, Office of Access and Equity, 864-656- 3181
7. APPROVAL & REVISION HISTORY
7.1. President Approval: 08/15/2022 7.2. Last Date of Revision: 09/28/2020 7.3. Originally Issued: 12/17/2018
1.1. This policy of Non-Discrimination is intended to meet Clemson University’s responsibilities under Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, the Violence Against Women Act, the SC Pregnancy Accommodations Act and applicable provisions of the South Carolina Human Affairs Law.
2. SCOPE
2.1. This policy applies to all University students, employees, affiliates, and visitors.
3. POLICY STATEMENT
3.1. Clemson prohibits discrimination, including harassment, of any employee, student, guest or visitor because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, or related medical condition), national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, genetic information, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.
3.2. Clemson University will respond promptly to all complaints of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
3.2.1. Any person, regardless of position or title, who is determined to have engaged in discrimination, harassment or retaliation as prohibited by this policy will be subject to prompt and appropriate corrective action, up to and including dismissal or termination from the University, or in the case of visitors, exclusion from University property and/or programs
3.3. Clemson also prohibits retaliation against any person because the person filed a complaint of discrimination or because the person participated in any manner in the investigation and resolution of a complaint of discrimination or harassment
4. DEFINTIONS
4.1. Discrimination: treating a person or group of persons less advantageously than another person or group of persons because of one or more of the protected
characteristics listed above. Discrimination can manifest itself in many forms, including denying or excluding a person or a group of persons from participation in or receiving the benefits of any program or activity of the University, including employment decisions, because of one or more of the protected characteristics specified above.
4.2. Harassment: unwelcome verbal or physical conduct directed toward a person or group of persons motivated by a protected characteristic that unreasonably interferes with the person’s work or educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile work or educational environment. Examples may include, but are not limited to, epithets, slurs, and jokes.
4.3. Sexual harassment: means unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples may include, but are not limited to, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, touching, jokes, comments, and sexual violence.
5. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
5.1. Reporting and Inquiry Contact Information
5.2. Policy and Procedures Related to Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence
5.3. Procedures for Resolution of Discrimination/Harassment/Retaliation Complaints Against Employees
5.4. Student Code of Conduct
5.5. Employee Incident Reporting Form
6. RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT
6.1. 5016 - Office of Inclusion and Equity, Office of Access and Equity, 864-656- 3181
7. APPROVAL & REVISION HISTORY
7.1. President Approval: 08/15/2022 7.2. Last Date of Revision: 09/28/2020 7.3. Originally Issued: 12/17/2018