RUSLUG Constitution

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ARTICLE I The name of this Organization shall be "RUSLUG," short for Rutgers Student Linux User’s Group.

ARTICLE II We hope to expand the exposure of free software on campus and provide a space for enthusiasts to gather and discuss Linux and other related projects. Rutgers currently lacks a "for fun" Computer Science/IT organization. RUSLUG will provide enthusiasts a space to discuss their passion for free software technology and provides an avenue for newcomers to approach a typically intimidating community. We value inclusivity, accessibility, and passion for free software advocacy and providing a place for enthusiasts to gather. We hope for greater adoption of user respecting software and hardware and believe in the user's rights as outlined by the Free Software Foundation. We support any initiatives to increase free software adoption, learning about new technology from our peers, and having fun with technology. RUSLUG is a completely independent organization.

ARTICLE III Membership shall be open to all Rutgers University students and must comply with federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, military service, and veteran status, and any other category protected by law.

ARTICLE IV The officers of the Executive Board shall be President, Vice President, and Treasurer.

• Section I The PRESIDENT will oversee all organizational meetings and see that the organization meets its stated goals. The President is responsible for the organization and its actions and is representative.
• Section II The VICE PRESIDENT is tasked with assisting the President in overseeing all organizational meetings and activities. The Vice President ensures that the organization remains focused on its goals and objectives. The Vice President will act in place of the President when needed.
• Section III The TREASURER shall be responsible for all financial transactions of the organization. The Treasurer shall keep current and accurate records and reports of the organization’s financial matters and shall be jointly liable with the President to approve all financial transactions with or for the organization and its financial assets.

ARTICLE V The officers will preside over the election and tabulate the results unless an incumbent officer is a candidate, and in such cases, they shall not tabulate the results. Nominations shall be made either from the floor or by self-nomination. Elections will take place by Spring Break and will be made by secret ballot, with a majority vote for election.

• Section I Nominations shall precede elections by approximately one week.
• Section II Any student may only hold one office on the executive board at a time.
• Section III If no valid candidates are elected for a particular office, the Executive Board shall vote upon an individual to fill the vacancy within three weeks. If, at that time, no candidate can be found for the vacancy, one of the continuing executive board members shall serve in the vacancy duty until the executive board can elect a valid candidate.
• Section IV Elections shall take place every year, and Executive Board members may serve more than one term (one year) of office if and only if they are re-elected.
• Section V In the event of a sudden vacancy in any executive office, the remaining executive board shall appoint an interim officer until a proper official election may be held.

ARTICLE VI An officer can be removed from office through the process of impeachment. Impeachment proceedings may be brought against any executive officer of the organization by any three members. Grounds for impeachment include negligence or abandonment of duty to the organization, severe infraction of University policy while acting under the authority or representation of the organization, or any action that intentionally and maliciously harms the organization and/or any of its members. Such claims must be submitted in writing to the executive board one week before a hearing in which the executive committee will discuss and decide upon all charges. The executive board shall inform the officer of any such charges immediately or as soon as possible of any such claims. The impeachment vote shall be taken at this meeting. The individual being considered for expulsion shall not have a vote and shall not be counted amongst the number of voting members present. A two-thirds vote of the voting members is required to remove a member from office. If the President is the member being considered for expulsion, the Vice President shall run the proceedings.

Article VII Any member may propose an amendment to this constitution in writing provided to the executive board at least one week before the membership votes. A 2/3 majority shall amend this constitution, subject to the approval of the Division of Student Affairs.

ARTICLE VIII Active membership/ voting rights shall be determined on the basis of attendance at a minimum of 3 RUSLUG events and/or meetings per semester.

ARTICLE IX This organization shall abide by all applicable laws of the State of New Jersey and the United States.

ARTICLE X This organization shall abide by all applicable rules and regulations of the University and under the privileges as granted by the Division of Student Affairs and by the rules and regulations of the Board of Governor.