UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT FORT WORTH

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

BY-LAWS OF

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION, RESEARCH & EDUCATION

ARTICLE I: Name

1.1    The name of the organization shall henceforth be known as Forensic Investigation, Research & Education.

ARTICLE II: Organizational History

2.1    The first meeting of the founding members with the Advisor was on January 11, 2005.  The founding members were Sarah Rothwell and Adrienne Warner. The original Advisor was Dr. Joseph Warren.  By-laws were developed over the next two weeks. On January 26, 2005, officers were elected from among the students in the Forensic Genetics program. The first meeting of the Executive Committee was set for February 2, 2005.

ARTICLE III: Purpose of Organization

3.1    To learn about the field of Forensics through speakers, fieldtrips, and other educational opportunities.
3.2     To establish a network of contacts in the field of Forensics.
3.3     To aid students in establishing a career path.
3.4     To gain more recognition for the Forensic Genetic students on campus.
3.5     To increase communication between students interested in Forensics.
3.6    To maintain relationships with alumni of the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth.

ARTICLE IV: Membership

4.1    Membership for this organization is extended to all students, alumni, faculty and staff of the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. 
4.2    Requirements/Procedure for Joining:  Membership will be considered valid upon receipt of the application form and annual dues. All members must participate in at least one activity outside of the general membership meetings per semester.
4.3    Annual Dues:  All members are required to pay annual dues.  The amount will be decided by the Executive Committee.  Dues must be paid at the beginning of the fiscal year which will be designated as September 1st of each year, or upon entrance into the club if at any other time of the year.  Refund of dues will be determined by the Executive Committee on a case-by-case basis.
4.4    Termination of Membership:  Membership may be terminated if 1) dues are not paid by the date set by the executive committee, 2) the member’s conduct negatively influences the reputation of the organization, 3) the member resigns.
4.5    Reestablishing Membership:  Membership may be reestablished if the member in question submits an appeal to the Executive Committee and Advisor.  If the Executive Committee is in favor of reestablishing membership, the matter will be brought before the next general meeting. A two-thirds vote of those members that are present will reestablish the status of that member.

ARTICLE V: Officers

5.1    Executive Committee:  The Executive Committee shall consist of President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.  Executive Committee members are required to attend all meetings.  They shall set meeting dates, determine topics for the general membership meetings, and establish committees, as needed, to assist the organization in meeting its goals.
5.2    President’s Responsibilities:  The President will preside at all Executive Committee and general membership meetings.  He/She shall act as the official spokesperson for the organization at public occasions.  The President will be responsible for preparing an agenda prior to all meetings and must insure the reservation of sufficient facilities for such meetings.  The President shall be responsible for maintaining control of the meetings.  He/She will also serve as liaison between the organization and other institutional bodies.
5.3    Vice-President’s Responsibilities:  The Vice-President shall be the first successor to the President in any instance rendering the President incapable of carrying out the duties of his/her office.  The Vice-President will be responsible for keeping an updated calendar of scheduled meetings and school events.  He/She shall also be responsible for obtaining refreshments for all meetings.  The Vice-President shall oversee fundraising activities.  He/She will also act as the primary liaison with past officers to maintain continuity within the organization.  The Vice-President will work with the President to further the goals of the organization.
5.4    Secretary’s Responsibilities:  The Secretary will record the minutes at all Executive Committee and general membership meetings. The minutes shall include a brief but accurate report of the discussions. They will include the date, time, and place of the meeting as well as a list of those present, major discussion items with arguments for and against, and any motions or votes. He/She shall be responsible for the timely advertisement of all organizational events, including posting events on the campus calendar. He/She shall be responsible for drafting letters of request or acknowledgment. The Secretary will maintain an up-to-date list of paid members. The Secretary shall be responsible for monitoring officer elections. The Secretary shall act as the official interpreter of the Constitution and/or By-Laws.
5.5    Treasurer’s Responsibilities:  The Treasurer shall have charge of all funds, both collections and disbursements.  The Treasurer shall maintain an accurate record of all such funds and submit an updated account of expenses and budget at least biannually, or upon the request of the Executive Committee.  The Treasurer shall complete all purchase requisition forms and turn them into the Student Development Office.  The Treasurer shall reconcile all statements and accounts on a monthly basis, and assure that all organizational bills are paid in a timely manner.  The Treasurer is responsible for assuring that the internal organizational account is appropriately used and exhausted before August 31 of that fiscal year.  Any funds remaining in an internal account as of August 31 will be reallocated to the Student Service Fee account.  The Treasurer will be the primary liaison to the Student Development Office regarding all financial procedures.
5.6    First Year Class Representative’s Responsibilities:  The role of the first year class representative will be to serve as liaison between the first year class and the existing members. He/She shall be responsible for organizing at least one event during his/her tenure. The representative will also be required to attend all Executive Committee meetings in addition to the general membership meetings.

1. Advisor’s Responsibilities:  The Advisor shall be a full-time faculty or staff member at the UNTHSC. Additional advisors may be full-time faculty and staff, adjunct professors, or part-time faculty and staff. The Advisor shall encourage the organization to provide opportunities for the educational and personal development of its members. He/She shall encourage the organization to plan activities that justify the expenditure of students’ time, ability, energy, and funding. The Advisor shall be notified of all plans and activities of the organization. The Advisor shall assist in the orientation of new officers. The Advisor will also serve as tie-breaker in any executive matters requiring a vote.

ARTICLE VI: Elections

6.1    Nomination Procedure:  Nominations are open to all members. Nominations shall be made in writing and given to the current Secretary no later than two business days before the election date. A list of all nominees will be emailed to members.
6.2    Election Procedure:  Elections will take place during general membership meetings. Each nominee will be given two minutes to speak. After all nominees have spoken, the election will take place by secret written ballot. All members shall have one vote. The Secretary shall be responsible for the tallying of the votes. The nominee with the most votes shall be the elected officer. In the event of a tie, an immediate run-off will occur between the tied nominees. The term of office shall be one year and any member may succeed in office one time.
6.3    Election Dates:  Elections for officers of the Executive Committee will be during the first general meeting in March. New officers will assume their positions in May. Elections for the first year class representative will be during the general meeting in September.
6.4    Removal from Office:  Written statements of grievance directed against an officer must be submitted in the form of a petition which has been signed by one-third of the members. A sub-committee of four members appointed by the Advisor shall investigate the grievance and present the case to the general membership at the next regularly scheduled meeting. A majority vote is required to enforce a disciplinary action or revoke officer status. If an officer is removed, the responsibilities of that position shall be taken over by the Executive Committee or appointed, at their discretion, to another member until the next regularly scheduled election.

ARTICLE VII: Meetings

7.1    Frequency:  The Executive Committee shall meet biweekly or as deemed necessary. General membership meetings will occur at least twice a semester.

1. Executive Committee Meetings: The President shall open the meeting. The Secretary will present the minutes from the previous meeting for review and put them to a vote for acceptance. Any old business will be discussed and any new business may be introduced by any member present. Decisions and actions will be determined as required. Any vote resulting in a tie will be brought before the Advisor.
2. General Membership Meetings: The President will open the meeting. Announcements regarding old and new business will be made. The speaker or order of the day will be introduced.

ARTICLE VIII: Amendments

8.1    Passing Requirements:  Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Executive Committee for review. If the Executive Committee unanimously approves the amendment, it will be presented at the next general membership meeting. A two-thirds vote of the members present will pass the amendment. If the Executive Committee rejects the amendment, the author may revise it and resubmit it to the Executive Committee. If the amendment is rejected again, the author may appeal to the Advisor, who will decide if the amendment will be presented to the general membership meeting.