Vision

To develop Africa and the Caribbean into politically stable, economically sustainable and culturally invested communities, that thrive on the goodness of citizens who understand diversity and identify in unity.

 

Mission Statement

The African and Caribbean Students’ Union of Amherst College fosters, analyzes and celebrates African and Caribbean cultural and political identities. The ACSU educates and empowers the Amherst community by raising awareness about Africa and the Caribbean in order to dispel stereotypes and instead, instill cultural pride in Africans and Caribbean nationals. Thereby, the ACSU equips every member with the confidence and knowledge he/she needs to generate socioeconomic progress and prosperity for African and Caribbean people.

 

Article I – Name

The name of this organization shall be African and Caribbean Students’ Union of Amherst College.

 

Article II – Governing Body

The interests of fellow African and Caribbean students (whether international or students who identify with their African and/or Caribbean heritage) will be represented by one or at most two elected officials who will act the chairperson over the Union.

The main part of the government will lie on the chairperson(s): Senior Chair, Junior Chair, African Chair, Caribbean Chair, Social & Media Chair, Intercollegiate Representative, Secretary, and Treasurer. These eight (8) individuals will plan group meetings and act as coordinators for the Union, with the Senior Chair presiding over all meetings. If, for some reason the Senior Chair is not present, the Junior Chair will act in his/her stead. If the Junior Chair is not available or position has not been filled, then the Junior Chair will select another member of the Executive Board to act in his/her stead.

This Union will act in a cooperative and self-stimulating manner within the following functions to fulfill our mission and achieve our vision by:

• Regulating a sense of community by supporting the financial security of Africans and Caribbean nationals in Amherst and surrounding communities.

• Creating a network with the African and Caribbean people and representatives of other schools in the United States;

• Creating a forum for discussion and information sharing on issues affecting any African or Caribbean societies;

• Giving back to other communities outside of Amherst;

• Establishing networking opportunities with international alumni or those from African or Caribbean descent;

• Extend ties with other affinity groups.

 

Article III – Elections

Elections will be held for the members of the Executive Board (See exception under Article III, Section 1a). Descriptions of the responsibility of each position will be given during the second week of April. At the end of the week, nominations will be taken, and each candidate must submit a statement as to their reasons for running for that office. A quorum of at least 20% of those in attendance will be a sufficient vote for all positions, except that of Senior Chair. When more than one candidate receives quorum, the candidate receiving the highest percentage of the votes is elected to the position. The Senior Chair must receive a two-thirds majority vote in order to take office. If for any reason an individual can receive neither a quorum or a majority vote and if that individual is the only person for that position, then he/she will be elected to that position if after one week from the initial vote no other candidate has come forth. Elections should be finished the beginning of December in the Fall Semester and by the end of April in the Spring Semester. The term of all officers expires at the end of every semester; and new officers will accept their duties on the last day of the semester.

 

Article IV – By-Laws

All elected officials of the Executive Board must meet each week for the following purposes:

• To align administrative functions.

• To prepare an agenda/presentation/topic for the general membership.

• To prepare and organize for future events.

• To discuss major issues, policies, and problems of the African and Caribbean Students’ Union.

• To make administrative decisions related to the Union in accordance to the Mission Statement and Vision of Constitution.

Before any public statement(s) or commitments pertaining to the African and Caribbean Students’ Union can be made, a meeting of the Executive Board must be held. “No comment” may be given as a reply until a source of action or a statement can be decided upon by the governing body.

Only a member of the Executive Board may call a meeting of the African and Caribbean Students’ Union.

A voting quorum will consist of 15% of the membership of the African and Caribbean Students’ Union.

A simple majority of the quorum is needed to pass any proposal or resolution.

 

Article V - Impeachment

Impeachment can only begin after three (3) attempts have been made to communicate with the involved persons. Impeachment proceedings may be initiated by any member of the African and Caribbean Students’ Union. This process is begun by calling an emergency meeting, which is to be scheduled for a specific date within a two-week period by the Secretary. The initiators of the proceeding must submit a written statement to the elected official who is being impeached, stating the reason for impeachment. A copy of this statement must also be sent to the Senior Chair, or to other members of the Executive Board should the Senior Chair are involved. The statement must be sent at least one (1) week in advance of the scheduled date in order to give each individual involved adequate time to prepare his/her case. The impeachment proceeding require the attendance of no less than 20% of the African and Caribbean Students’ Union membership. If a sufficient quorum cannot be obtained after two successive attempts to convene on the matter, the impeachment proceeding will be held, each individual will be allowed to state his/her case, and the Senior Chair will preside (or the Junior Chair should the Senior Chair should be involved). Judgment on the matter will be decided by the members present. A two-thirds (2/3) agreement is necessary for indictment; and if that is the decision, the election process for that office will begin immediately.

Section (1) Terms for impeachment can be, but not limited to:

Officer failing to perform his/her designated job.

Officer failing to show commitment to the Union through unexcused absences from meetings.

Officer behaving inappropriately through actions and statements that defame the club

 

Resignation

An officer leaving their position before their term is up is unacceptable. In the case of extenuating circumstances, an officer must give the Union written two weeks notice prior to date to resignation. The Executive Board will review resignation letter and discharge such officer with honorable duty. Any officer who fails to follow this procedure will have their term invalidated as an officer and is ineligible to run for any future position in this Union. Any officer who does fulfil the written notice prior to resignation, is however, eligible to run for a future position in the Union.

 

Article VI – Membership

Membership will be open to all students who are interested in learning, upholding, and uplifting Caribbean and African culture through dialogue, artistic expression, and sharing cultural values. Membership will not be denied to any person on religious, ethnic, or political grounds. All members have a vote on issues before the African and Caribbean Students’ Union and in elections – no proxy vote will be accepted, except under Article VI, Section 1. Every member has the responsibility to attend all meetings, be active in the Union’s events and to be involved in promoting the Union’s vision and mission throughout the campus and community.

Section (1) The only absentee vote accepted is one due to incapacitationThe Senior Chair votes only in the event of a tie vote.

 

Article VII – Meetings

The Executive Board will determine the scheduling of all individual committee meetings. All those employed by the African and Caribbean Students’ Union (i.e. Officers, etc.) must attend all Union meetings. Any member with two unexcused absences (number of absences is up for debate) is subject to dismissal (consequences up for debate) as an employee of the African and Caribbean Students’ Union. This decision will be made by the entire Executive Board. Article VIII – Revision of Constitution Any changes made to the Constitution of the African and Caribbean Students’ Union must first be proposed before the Executive Board. After careful consideration, there must be a majority ruling of two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board for amendments to be made to the Constitution. Based on whether such proposed amendments has been passed or not, the Constitution should be adjusted accordingly.