FOCUUS Constitution

Article I - Name, Purpose, and Non-Discrimination Policy.

Section 1 – Name: Fellowship Of Campus Unitarian UniversalistS (FOCUUS)

Section 2 – Purpose: We affirm and promote the inherent worth & dignity of young adults interested in progressive worship within a spiritual environment, a
welcoming community and social justice.

Section 3 – Non-Discrimination Policy: This organization and its members shall not discriminate against any individual(s) for reasons of race, color, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, age, handicap, or current or past military employment.

Article II – Membership: Qualifications and categories of membership.

Membership is open to all interested parties, whether affiliated with The Ohio State University or not. However, only students of The Ohio State University are eligible to vote or hold office. Voting membership consists of Ohio State students who have attended at least two meetings.

Article III – Organization Leadership: Titles, terms of office, type of selection, and duties of the leaders.

Section 1- Co-Chairs (Junior and Senior): Two chairs will be responsible for the leadership of FOCUUS. Together they will facilitate business meetings and act as mediators within the group. A new Junior Chair is elected every year and becomes a Senior Chair during the second year of their term. The Senior Chair acts as a mentor for the Junior Chair and is the primary contact for the group. The Junior Chair is responsible for Outreach and Communication. Should the Senior Chair not be able to serve the two-year term, the Junior Chair becomes the Senior Chair for the remainder of their two-year term and an Interim Junior Chair is elected to serve the rest of the one year Junior term. At the beginning of the next term, a new Junior Chair shall be elected to serve the full two-year term.

Section 2 – Treasurer: The Treasurer will maintain the checking account in the names of the Senior Chair, Treasurer, and Advisor. Checks drawn on said account must be signed by the Advisor and either the Senior Chair or the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be responsible for keeping accurate records of the group’s funds, including income and expenditures. The Treasurer is also responsible for drafting the group’s budget and will give financial reports at every Executive Committee meeting. The Treasurer shall veto any proposal that would result in a negative balance in the treasury. The Treasurer shall be elected for a one-year term.

Section 3 - Spirituality Coordinator: The Spirituality Coordinator plans and facilitates worship and spiritual activities such as openings and closings of meetings, guided meditations, spiritual outings and retreats, etc. The Spirituality Coordinator shall be elected for a one-year term.

Section 4- Social Action Coordinator: The Social Action Coordinator organizes social action events and acts as a liaison regarding social action activities to outside organizations. The Social Action Coordinator shall be elected for a one-year term.

Article IV – Advisor(s): Qualification criteria and duties.

The Advisor must be a full-time member of the University faculty or administrative professional staff in the University, or a Co-Advisor must be chosen who satisfies these qualifications. The Advisor acts as a resource for the Executive Committee and must attend at least half the business meetings as well as group meetings at which their presence is requested.

Article V – Executive Committee: Size and composition.

The Executive Committee is comprised of the Organizational Leadership and Advisor. The Executive Committee schedules at least one business meeting per quarter (excluding Summer.) The Executive Committee shall carry out the decisions approved by the Voting Membership. A quorum of ¼ the voting membership is required at an Executive Committee meeting to hold a vote.

Article VI – Meetings of the Organization: Required meetings and their frequency.

Two general meetings must be held per year. An additional business meeting must be held by the Executive Committee each Fall, Winter, and Spring quarter.

Article VII – Method of Amending Constitution: Proposals, notice, and voting requirements.

Constitutional amendments must be proposed at a general meeting three weeks prior to a planned vote. Two weeks before the planned vote, discussion should be opened at a general meeting about the proposed amendment. The proposed amendment must pass with a 2/3 majority vote provided that a quorum of at least 1/3 the Voting Membership is present. Any changes to the constitution are immediate upon passing by the Voting Membership.

Article VIII – Method of Dissolution of Organization.

Upon a minimum vote by 2/3 the total Voting Membership, FOCUUS shall be dissolved. Three weeks notice must be given prior to such a vote. In the event of dissolution, any excess funds belonging to FOCUUS shall be paid against any outstanding debt of the organization, with any remaining funds being given to Ohio State as a guardian of such funds. Said remainder will be kipt by Ohio State in trust for students of the Ohio State University so that they may, at any time, re-organize and re-establish the Fellowship Of Campus Unitarian UniversalistS.