Purdue Student Union Board

Constitution

Article I: Name and Governance

The name of this organization shall be the Purdue Student Union Board (PSUB) of the Purdue Memorial Union (Purdue Memorial Union). The Purdue Student Union Board shall be governed by the Purdue Student Union Constitution and Board Bylaws.

Article II: Mission Statement

The Purdue Student Union Board (PSUB), as a part of the Purdue Memorial Union, is committed to serving the student body, faculty, staff, and greater community. The Purdue Student Union Board shall:

1. Provide a variety of programs and services that enrich and entertain, while recognizing Purdue's diversity of interest and experiences.

2. Promote student development, leadership opportunities, and friendship among its members.

3. Serve as the voice of students in cooperative management and policy issues of the Purdue Memorial Union.

Article III: Purposes

Section 1

The role of the Purdue Student Union Board as part of the Programming Department of the Purdue Memorial Union shall be to assist the Administrative Staff and the Director in fulfillment of these purposes on which the Purdue Memorial Union was founded:

1. To cultivate the use of the Purdue Memorial Union, making the facilities available for such reasonable service as shall cause it to stand as a permanent memorial to those Purdue students and graduates who have made the supreme personal sacrifice in defense of their country.

2. To stimulate and coordinate, in a democratic way, the activities of students, alumni, staff/faculty members and all others who are concerned with the welfare of the University.

Section 2

In fulfilling this role, the Purdue Student Union Board functioning as a department of the Purdue Memorial Union shall:

1. Present programs designed to meet current entertainment, cultural, recreational, social, and educational needs of students.

2. Engage in the cooperative management of the Purdue Memorial Union and Stewart Center with the administrative staff.

3. Promote the use of the Purdue Memorial Union and Stewart Center.

4. Contribute to the total campus activities program by offering services and facilities to students and student organizations.

5. Contribute to the personal development of all who are associated with the organization.

Section 3

The Purdue Student Union Board shall participate in the development and enforcement of facilities use and assignment policies consistent with the general rules and regulations of the University.

Section 4

As a department of the Purdue Memorial Union, as well as a recognized student organization, the activities, funding, and policies of the Purdue Student Union Board shall be subject to the approval of the Director of the Purdue Memorial Union, consistent with Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the above and the availability of funds in relation to other funding priorities.

Article IV: Membership

Section 1

Eligibility.

1. Only Purdue University students enrolled at the West Lafayette campus are eligible for membership on the Purdue Student Union Board.

2. Membership and participation shall be free from discrimination based on race, religion, ethnic group, national origin, sex, age, disability and sexual orientation.

3. Members of the Purdue Student Union Board must comply with University requirements for office holding.

4. Further requirements for membership may be determined by the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors.

Section 2

Board of Directors.

1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the President, Executive Officers, Directors, and the Director of the Purdue Memorial Union.

2. The Board of Directors shall serve as the executive body in decision making, policy formation, operations, and program direction.

Section 3

Executive Officers.

1. There shall be Executive officers of the Purdue Student Union Board, chosen as hereinafter provided. Executive Officers shall consist of the President and Vice Presidents.

2. The President shall preside at all meetings and function in a Department Head relationship to the Director of the Purdue Memorial Union.

3. A candidate for Executive Office must have served on the Board of Directors.

4. Executive Officers must be at least third semester students.

Section 4

Directors.

1. There shall be Directors of the Purdue Student Union Board, consisting of one per committee area, when deemed feasible.

2. The Directors shall assume specific responsibilities as determined by the Executive Officers.

3. The Directors shall manage and supervise the activities of the Project Leaders and General Members in carrying out the programs and projects of the Purdue Student Union Board.

4. Each Director shall be at least a second semester student.

Section 5

Project Leaders.

1. There shall be Project Leaders of the Purdue Student Union Board guided and supervised by the Directors.

2. The Project Leader shall manage and supervise the activities of the General Members in carrying out the programs and projects of the Purdue Student Union Board.

Section 6

General Members.

1. There shall be General Members of the Purdue Student Union Board guided and supervised by the Project Leaders or Directors.

2. The General Members shall assume specific responsibilities as determined by the Project Leaders or Directors.

Section 7

Voting Rights, Speaking Privileges, and Parliamentary Procedure.

1. The Purdue Student Union Board of Directors shall have full voting privileges except as hereinafter provided.

2. The Purdue Memorial Union Director serves as an Ex-officio (non voting) member of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors.

3. The Program Advisors, Project Leaders, and General Members shall be afforded speaking privileges as recognized by the President.

4. All formal Board Meetings are governed by Parliamentary Procedure as dictated by Robert's Rules of Order, or as modified by a Purdue Student Union Board of Director's majority vote.

Article V: Selection of the Board of Directors

Section 1

The Purdue Student Union Board of Directors shall be selected and installed annually within the second eight weeks of the Fall Semester.

Section 2

Current Executive Officers, the Director of the Purdue Memorial Union, and the Purdue Student Union Board Advisors shall constitute the Selection Committee for Executive Officers.

1. Candidates for an Executive Office shall submit a written petition and be interviewed by the Selection Committee.

2. Candidates for an Executive Office shall meet the eligibility requirements set forth in Article IV, and such additional petitioning requirements as the Selection Committee may determine.

3. Candidates for an Executive Office shall be selected from the petitioning candidates by a three-fourths affirmative vote of the Selection Committee.

Section 3

The current Board of Directors, the Director of the Purdue Memorial Union, and the Purdue Student Union Board Advisors shall constitute the Selection Committee of the Directors.

1. Candidates for a Director position shall submit a written petition and be interviewed by the Selection Committee.

2. Candidates for a Director position shall meet the eligibility requirements set forth in Article IV, and such additional petitioning requirements as the Selection Committee may determine.

3. The Directors shall be selected from the petitioning candidates by a four-fifths affirmative vote of the Selection Committee.

Section 4

Current members cannot participate on a selection committee that determines their selection.

Section 5

An off cycle petitioning process may be conducted under normal petitioning procedures subject to a majority vote of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors.

Article VI: Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors and approval by the Director of the Purdue Memorial Union and the Vice President for Housing and Food Services.

This Constitution for the Purdue Student Union Board of the Purdue Memorial Union was approved by two-thirds vote of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors at its regular meeting on 29 January 1980 and amended 4 March 1980.

Approval of this constitution was reaffirmed by two-thirds vote of the Board at its regular meeting on 5 April 1983. Approved by Dale R. McHenry, Director of Purdue Memorial Union and J. C. Smalley, Vice President for Housing and Food Services on April 15, 1983.

Amended by the Purdue Student Union Board on 1 December 1992. Approved by Dale R. McHenry, Director of Purdue Memorial Union and R. L. Fruitt, Vice President for Housing and Food Services on January 15, 1993. Amended by the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors on March 27, 2001.

Bylaws

Article I: Duties and Responsibilities

1. Description of Duties

   The Board of Directors is the executive body of the Purdue Student Union Board and shall have collective responsibility for functions as designated below even though primary responsibility for implementation is delegated to specific members. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors shall consult the Project Leaders and General Members for advice, counsel and preferences to the extent deemed appropriate and feasible. Collective responsibilities of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors delegated to specific members for implementation may be altered or amended by majority vote of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors.

   Prospective members must first petition to be a member of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors and based on preference sheets will be assigned to one of the positions for a term of no longer than a year to commence the 16th week of the Fall semester and continue through the 16th week of the Fall semester the next year.

   The Committee Areas of the Purdue Student Union Board shall be determined by the Board of Directors. If the Director positions are not filled, the Committee Areas may be combined and altered by a majority vote of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors.

   Project Leaders are responsible for coordinating individual programs. The project Leaders are responsible for holding office hours during the planning, implementation, and evaluation of each event. Project Leaders must complete an application and be interviewed by the Committee Director as well as other members of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors before participating on the Purdue Student Union Board. Attendance at monthly Full Board meetings is encouraged.

   General Members will assist the Project Leaders and Committee Directors in organizing the different programs. No interview is required, but a completed membership form is necessary before participation with the Purdue Student Union Board. Attendance at Full Board meetings is encouraged.

   1. The Executive Officers
      1. The President shall:

         1. Fulfill responsibilities specified in the Description of Responsibilities of the Executive Officers;

         2. Direct the internal operations and procedures of the organization through the direct supervision of the Executive Officers in fulfilling their responsibilities as specified by their individual position descriptions;

         3. Serve as a PMU Department Head representing the Purdue Student Union Board;

         4. In consultation with the Executive Officers, assign Board Members to program areas, special services, ad hoc and standing committees, and positions of official representation;

         5. Direct and participate in the formulation, adoption and enforcement of policies, rules and regulations for programs and services of the Board;

         6. Direct the cooperative management role with the Purdue Memorial Union, serving as the primary contact except as delegated;

         7. Plan and preside over regular and special meetings of the Executive Officers and the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors;

         8. Preside in appeals regarding the eligibility of Board members, except as delegated;

         9. Counsel and advise members of the Board on matters of responsibilities, performance and personal development;

         10. Represent the interest of the Purdue Student Union Board and its members through membership on Student University organizations, committees and foundations;

         11. Represent student needs and opinions to members of the administration, faculty, alumni and others as needed;

         12. Assign mandatory events to the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors;

         13. Serve as the official corresponding officer of the Purdue Student Union Board replying to requests for programming and operating information;

         14. Maintain Purdue Student Union Board Alumni Association relations and serve as a PSUBAA Advisory Board voting member;

         15. Communicate with ex-officio student, staff, faculty and community members as appropriate;

         16. Collect, compile and maintain program reports from the Directors.

      2. The Vice President of Administration and Finance shall:

         1. Fulfill responsibilities specified in the Description of Responsibilities of the Executive Officers;

         2. Assign and maintain records on the office, locker, display case, and mailbox space allocated for use by Purdue student organizations;

         3. Administer the inspection of student office space;

         4. Supervise the general upkeep of all PSUB spaces, including equipment and supplies;

         5. Facilitate and respond in writing to special requests by Purdue student organizations;

         6. Keep an accurate record of the use of assigned office space as determined by office checks and allocation database;

         7. Provide orientation and training to the Purdue Student Union Board with regard to the Board’s finances and budgets;

         8. Assist Directors in preparing their annual budgets;

         9. Plan and preside over the Program Proposal Process.

      3. The Vice President of Personnel shall:

         1. Fulfill responsibilities specified in the Description of Responsibilities of the Executive Officers;

         2. Be responsible for all personnel training, recruitment and retention throughout the year;

         3. Coordinate the petitioning and selection process for the Executive Officers and Directors;

         4. Plan, organize, and implement activities and events to inform and educate members;

         5. Promote recognition and motivation of Board members, including social activities;

         6. Maintain and record all Project Leader and General Member hours;

         7. Strive to maintain interest in Purdue Student Union Board, by providing information on the duties and time requirements in order to better prepare volunteers for Board positions;

         8. Work with Purdue Student Union Board of Directors throughout the year to promote Board goals;

         9. Coordinate arrangements for composite photographs.

      4. The Vice President of Marketing and Campus Relations Shall:

         1. Fulfill responsibilities specified in the Description of Responsibilities of the Executive Officers;

         2. Supply Purdue Student Union Board information for printed or published materials;

         3. Organize and staff publicity booths as needed for recruitment or other programs;

         4. Oversee the marketing and publicity of PSUB;

         5. Serve as a resource for all Committee Areas, providing timely information to the Purdue Student Union Board, Purdue Memorial Union, media and other interested parties;

         6. Maintain all online databases and/or other resources;

         7. Administer the evaluation process for all programs;

         8. Serve as PSUB Historian;

         9. Oversee PSUB cross-promotional materials.

      5. The Directors shall:

         1. Supervise the Project Leaders and General Members (record hours worked and submit information to the Vice President of Personnel in a timely manner);

         2. Oversee the planning and implementation of each program in each Committee Area, duties of which will differ depending on the Committee Area or specific program;

         3. Assign Project Leaders;

         4. Recruit interested members for each Committee Area;

         5. Develop programming checklists for members to assist in planning programs;

         6. Utilize team management and motivational skills and reward Project Leaders and General Members;

         7. Have knowledge about and promote each Committee Area and their respective programs;

         8. Generate, formulate and implement new programming ideas for at least one new program a year;

         9. Evaluate and either improve, or remove a specific program from a Committee Area if necessary;

         10. Lead, guide, and direct each specific Project Leader throughout an assigned project and monitor progress;

         11. Serve as a resource for each Committee Area, providing timely information to the Purdue Student Union Board V.P. of Marketing and Campus Relations and other interested parties;

         12. Oversee the marketing and publicity of each specific program within respective committee;

         13. Work with the V.P. of Marketing and Campus Relations to access market research that may pertain to a specific Committee Area or program;

         14. Develop a marketing plan for all programs that are part of the Committee Area;

         15. Maintain all records of promotional activity in order to serve as a guideline for future efforts within the Committee Area;

         16. Monitor all expenses to ensure fiscal responsibility within the Committee Area;

         17. Facilitate the recording and reporting of program attendance and other data relative to specific programs;

         18. Design and implement individual program evaluation instruments, and report data to the President.

   2. Description of Responsibilities
      1. Executive Officers:

         1. Budgeting and approving major expenditures for all programs and services.

         2. Formulating, adopting and enforcing policies, procedures, rules and regulations for programs, services and administrative areas.

         3. Developing and supporting policies and procedures relating to internal operations of the Board.

         4. Fulfilling the cooperative management role with the staff of the Purdue Memorial Union.

         5. Directing, motivating, rewarding and counseling Directors in the fulfillment of their responsibilities and personal development.

         6. Directing and participating in the recruitment and training of new members.

         7. Directing the petitioning and selection processes for the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors.

         8. Handling appeals regarding the eligibility of Board members.

         9. Presenting and interpreting the role, philosophy and policies of the Purdue Student Union Board and Purdue Memorial Union to students, faculty, staff, alumni and others as needed.

         10. Promoting and attending programs and meetings.

         11. Working throughout the year to promote Board goals.

         12. Fulfill all Article I: Section B responsibilities stated hereinafter.

      2. Directors:

         1. Planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating all programs.Adhering to the approved budget for any program.

         2. Adopting and enforcing policies, procedures, rules and regulations for programs.

         3. Abiding by policies and procedures related to internal operations of the Purdue Student Union Board.

         4. Fulfilling the cooperative management role with the staff of the Purdue Memorial Union.

         5. Participating in recruiting and training of committee members.

         6. Participating in the petitioning and/or selection processes as stated in the Purdue Student Union Board Constitution.

         7. Presenting and interpreting the role, philosophy and policies of the Purdue Student Union Board and Purdue Memorial Union to students, faculty, staff, alumni and others as needed.

         8. Promoting and attending programs.

         9. Evaluating all programs in a written report to be submitted to the President and Advisor.

         10. Attending all Purdue Student Union Board orientation and training sessions.

         11. Attending all Purdue Student Union Board meetings and required events.

         12. Fulfilling office hour requirements.

         13. Assisting other Purdue Student Union Board members as needed.

         14. Fulfill all Article I: Section B responsibilities stated hereinafter.

      3. Project Leaders:

         1. Coordinating specific programs as assigned by the Committee Directors.

         2. Recruiting volunteers to work each program in conjunction with the Committee Director.

         3. Organizing each program from beginning to end.

         4. Promoting new ideas and suggestions among committee members.

         5. Delegating specific marketing or promotion responsibilities as deemed necessary.

         6. Directing General Members in the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing, advertising, public relations and promotional strategy for each program.

         7. Attending meetings with Committee Directors, Executive Officers and/or Advisors when deemed necessary.

         8. Fulfill all Article I: Section B responsibilities stated hereinafter.

      4. General Members:

         1. Contributing to the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing, advertising, public relations, and promotional strategy for programs.

         2. Assisting Project Leaders and Committee Directors with upcoming programs in the Committee Areas.

         3. Assist with implementing programs.

         4. Communicating and coordinating with Project Leaders, Committee Directors, Executive Officers and/or Advisors.

Article II: Petitioning Requirements

1. A Candidate for an Executive Office must:

   1. Have served a full term as an active member of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors, and must repetition each year to be eligible for continued membership

   2. Have an official University classification of no less than 3 at the time of selections and should have at least two full consecutive semesters remaining prior to graduation.

   3. Achieve no less than a 2.00 grade index the previous semester and carry no less than a 2.00 graduation index.

   4. Not currently be carrying a University disciplinary penalty of "Disciplinary Probation.”

   5. Comply with the University's eligibility requirements for campus activities.

   6. Complete all petitioning requirements deemed necessary by the Selection Committee.

2. A Candidate for a Director Position must:

   1. Have an official University semester classification of at least 2 at the time of selections and should have at least two full consecutive semesters remaining prior to graduation.

   2. Achieve no less than a 2.00 grade index the previous semester and carry no less than a 2.00 graduation index.

   3. Not currently be carrying a University disciplinary penalty of “Disciplinary Probation.”

   4. Comply with the University's eligibility requirements for campus activities.

   5. Complete all petitioning requirements deemed necessary by the Selection Committee.

3. Exceptions to Petitioning Requirements:

   1. Requests for exceptions to petitioning requirements for the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors shall be submitted in writing to the Selection Committee at the time of application.

   2. The Selection Committee shall review the request and render a decision. The review may include a personal appearance by the candidate.

   3. Decisions to grant exceptions to the petitioning requirements must be approved by a simple majority vote of the Selection Committee.

Article III: Requirements to Retain Membership on the Purdue Student Union Board

1. A Member of the Purdue Student Union Board must:

   1. Achieve no less than a 2.00 grade index the previous semester and carry no less than a 2.00 graduation index.

   2. Not currently be carrying a University disciplinary penalty of “Disciplinary Probation.”

   3. Comply with the University's eligibility requirements for campus activities.

   4. Fulfill the responsibilities as a member of the Purdue Student Union Board.

2. Removal of a member of the Board of Directors:

   1. If the provisions stated above are not met, the individual may be released from membership. The individual shall be advised of deliberations concerning possible removal from membership and granted an opportunity for a hearing with the Executive Officers.

   2. A member released for not maintaining 2.00 grade indices or for being on Disciplinary Probation shall have the option to appeal to the Executive Officers for reinstatement.

   3. The Executive Officers shall review concerns about members not performing position responsibilities. The individual shall be advised of deliberations concerning possible removal from members and granted an opportunity for a hearing with the Executive Officers.

   4. A three-fourths vote by the Review Board, to be named by the Executive Officers, shall be required to remove an individual from membership.

   5. The Executive Officers may reassign the responsibilities of any vacant Board of Directors position to the appropriate members of the Purdue Student Union Board or may initiate a mid-year petitioning process to fill vacant positions.

Article IV: Meetings of the Purdue Student Union Board

1. Attendance at Purdue Student Union Board of Directors, standing meetings and ad hoc committee meetings is open.

2. The Purdue Student Union Board of Directors will meet together once a week for a general meeting during the Fall and Spring semesters excluding finals, and for special meetings which the President may call.

3. The dates, times and locations of all Purdue Student Union Board of Directors meetings shall be determined at the beginning of each semester.

4. A majority of the Board constitutes a quorum for conducting business and the concurrence of a majority of those present is necessary to authorize any action, except as provided elsewhere in the Purdue Student Union Board Constitution or Bylaws.

5. When a Purdue Student Union Board of Directors meeting cannot reasonably be called or a quorum is not present, the Executive Officers have the power to make any necessary decisions within the guidelines of the Purdue Student Union Board Constitution and Bylaws.

6. Executive Officer meetings are limited to current Executive Officers, the Purdue Student Union Board Advisors, the Director of the Purdue Memorial Union, and other individuals invited.

Article V: Ex-Officio - Honorary Membership

1. Honorary membership shall include such persons as may be selected by the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors in recognition of their distinguished service to the University, and shall serve as Ex-Officio members.

2. Selection shall be based on a person's outstanding contributions to the welfare and success of students attending Purdue and to the reputation of the Purdue Memorial Union, the Purdue Student Union Board and the University.

Article VI: Ex-Officio Membership – Student Organization Representatives

1. The Purdue Student Union Board may invite representation from a recognized Purdue student organization to serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors. The purpose of this membership is to promote improved communication and cooperation between the organizations.

2. The following provisions must be met:

   1. The selection of the non-voting representative shall be at the discretion of the invited organization;

   2. Term of representation shall be for one year, commencing at the time most compatible with the functioning of the organization;

   3. The representatives are responsible for attending all weekly meetings of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors:

      1. Participating in discussions on all matters of business, i.e., programming, operations and management of the facilities and services of the Purdue Memorial Union;

      2. Reporting on the programming and activities of the organization;

      3. The Purdue Student Union Board may require replacement of any ex-officio member or withdraw the invitation for representation by a majority vote of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors.

Article VII: Ex-Officio Membership – Administration, Faculty and the Community

1. The Purdue Student Union Board of Directors may invite up to three (3) members of the Administration, Faculty and/or a Community representative to serve as ex-officio, non-voting members for the purpose of contributing to the Purdue Student Union Board and serving as an informal representative for the respective constituency.
   2. Administration, Faculty and/or Community representatives shall be selected and participate in Purdue Student Union Board activities in accordance with the following guidelines.

2. The term of appointment shall be for not more than one year with appointees eligible for re-appointment.

3. Candidates may be nominated by any voting member of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors on the basis of the candidate's particular competence within the University.

4. Appointments may be made at any time by four-fifths affirmative vote of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors and shall expire, subject to re-appointment, when that Board's term of office ends.

5. Administration, Faculty and/or Community representatives shall be extended an open invitation to all Purdue Student Union Board official meetings, be eligible for complimentary tickets in accordance with applicable policy, and receive special invitations to personnel functions as deemed appropriate by the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors.

Article VIII: Amendments to the Bylaws

1. Proposed amendments to the Bylaws must be submitted to the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors in writing for discussion at any Board Meeting. The Bylaws may then be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors at the following Board meeting, subject to the final approval of the Director of the Purdue Memorial Union.

2. Approved by two-thirds vote of the Purdue Student Union Board of Directors on 29 January 1980 and amended 4 March 1980, 16 November 1982, 27 November 1984, 11 November 1989, 2 February 1992, 1 December 1992, 15 November 1994, 8 April 1997, 15 April 1997, 31 March 1998, 24 April 2001 and November 2005.