Residence Hall Association

Article I – Name:

The name of this organization shall be the Residence Hall Association

Article II – Purpose:

The purpose of this organization shall be to organize and implement hall programs and activities, to facilitate community development, to advise and consult with the Office of Student Services on policy matters, and to serve as a link between resident students and the college on matters concerning the daily operation of the residence halls/apartments and associated services. In addition, RHA will serve as an umbrella organization for all Rutgers College Hall Governments.

Article III – Membership

Section 1 – General Membership

All Rutgers College resident students are considered general members.

There members are allowed to attend general body meetings and participate in committee work, but do not have voting or chair privileges.

Section 2 – Voting Membership

Voting members consist solely of properly elected presidents, treasurers, and secretaries from each residence hall/apartment (as per Article VIII), Vice President of Residence Concerns, Vice President of Programming, Treasurer, Secretary, Parliamentarian, RCGA Represenative, Diversity Chair, Volunteer Chair, the Fundraising Chair, and the NCC Chair. The President will not vote except to break a tie.

Article IV – Structure of Body

Section 1 – Hall Government Presidents, Treasurers, and Secretaries

This body consists of four elected officers from each residence hall or apartment.

Section 2 – Residence Concerns Committee

Each residence concerns hall president is responsible for being a fully active participant on the residence concerns committee, which shall be directed by the Vice President of Residence Concerns.

Section 3 – Programming Committee

Each programming hall president is responsible for being a fully active participant on the programming committee, which shall be directed by the Vice President of Programming.

Section 4 – Harmony Night Committee

Every hall government president is responsible for being a fully active participant on the Harmony Night Committee, which shall be directed by the Cultural Diversity Chair.

Section 5 – Other Committees

All members of RHA may partake in other various committees including the Parking and Transportation committee, the Dining Committee, the Student Health Advisory Board, and the Student Center Committee.

Article V – Structure and Powers of Executive Board:

Section 1 – Officers

There will be seven executive positions: President, Vice President of Residence Concerns, Vice President of Programming, Treasurer, Secretary, Parliamentarian, and RCGA Representative. The positions, in addition to the Cultural Diversity Chair will be elected in April for the following academic year..

Section 1a – President

The President will oversee the RHA body and Executive Board meetings. The President will be responsible for providing an agenda at each general body meeting. The President shall also provide direction for the respective hall presidents in the daily procedures of the hall government. The President shall act as a spokesperson to the Rutgers community and administration. The President will meet with the RHA advisor(s) and the RHA Executive Board on a regular basis.

Section 1b – Vice President of Residence Concerns

The Vice President of Residence Concerns will be responsible for the residence concerns committee. The Vice President of Residence Concerns will assist the President in the direction of the general body meetings and executive board meetings. The Vice President of Residence Concerns will serve as a liaison of to Rutgers officials in regard to residence hall issues. The Vice President of Residence Concerns will meet with the RHA advisor(s) and the RHA Executive Board on a regular basis.

Section 1c – Vice President of Programming

The Vice President of Programming will be responsible for the programming committee. The Vice President of Programming will assist the President in the direction of the general body meetings and executive board meetings. The Vice President of Programming shall be responsible for the initiation of RHA organized programs and their complete execution of the benefit of the Rutgers community. The Vice President of Programming will meet with the RHA advisor(s) and the RHA Executive Board on a regular basis.

Section 1d – Treasurer

The RHA Treasurer will be responsible for the management of the RHA Funds Account in the Student Organization Accounting Office. The RHA treasurer shall give a report on the status of the account to the RHA Executive Board on a regular basis. The RHA Treasurer shall oversee the respective hall treasurers in the management of their respective hall government fund accounts in the Student Organization Accounting Office. The RHA Treasurer shall work with the respective hall treasurers to ensure that they abide by the “Treasurer’s Handbook.” The RHA Treasurer will meet with the RHA advisor(s) and the RHA Executive Board on a regular basis.

Section 1e – Secretary

The Secretary will be responsible for the maintenance of hall government rosters throughout the academic year. The Secretary shall be responsible for the distribution of information relating to RHA general body meetings, executive board meetings, and various RHA special events. The Secretary will be responsible for notifying proper sources for all RHA sponsored events. The Secretary will be responsible for the documentation and recording of minutes at general body and executive board meetings. The Secretary will be responsible for the records of attendance at general body and executive board meetings. The Secretary will meet with the RHA advisor(s) and the RHA executive board on a regular basis.

Section 1f – Parliamentarian

The Parliamentarian will act as the constitutional liaison for the RHA body with consultation of the RHA executive board. The Parliamentarian is responsible for all elections and impeachments for the RHA body, which includes the executive board. All elections for the Parliamentary chair will be conducted and supervised by the President. The Parliamentarian will assist the President in the direction of the general and executive board meetings in the President’s absence.

Section 2 – Chair Positions

There will be four chair positions: NCC chair, Fundraising Chair, Diversity Chair, and the Volunteer Chair. These positions, with the exception of the Diversity Chair, will be elected by the RHA general body in the fall.

Section 2a – National Communications Coordinator (NCC)

The NCC will be responsible for monthly communication with other NCC’s from the CAACURH region and the NACURH on behalf of the RHA. The NCC will serve as the primary contact for questions generated by other colleges and universities within the nation or questions from Rutgers College in conjunction with the RHA President. The NCC will conduct and supervise the election of the Parliamentarian in conjunction with the President of RHA. The NCC will work with the advisor(s) to count ballots in elections. The NCC will assist the President in the direction of the general body meeting and executive board meetings. The NCC will perform all other duties necessary to the function of the RHA states elsewhere in these by-laws. The NCC will meet with RHA advisor(s) and the RHA Executive Board on a regular basis.

Section 2b – Fundraising Chair

The fundraising chair is responsible for developing revenue generating programs for RHA including exam packs. The Fundraising chair works closely with the treasurer to maintain an ongoing and current budget process. The fundraising chair works with the RHA executive board to asses and identify areas and programs for financial need. Te fundraising chair shall be responsible, in consultation with the appropriate officials, for communicating information regarding any limitations as imposed by federal state, municipal, or University regulations or statues. The Fundraising chair will meet with the RHA advisor(s) and the RHA executive board on a regular basis.

Section 2c – Cultural Diversity Chair

The Cultural Diversity Chair will be responsible for the organization, planning, and implementation of Harmony Night. The Cultural Diversity Chair will be responsible for the direction of the Cultural Diversity Committee and any related information or events associated with cultural awareness. The Cultural Diversity chair will work with other on campus groups to strengthen ties in the community and create unity and acceptance on campus. The Cultural Diversity Chair will meet with RHA advisor(s) and the RHA executive Board on a regular basis.

Section 2d – Volunteer Chair

The Volunteer Chair will be responsible for encouraging all RHA members to participate in programs that require volunteers. The Volunteer Chair will provide general support for the RHA Executive Board. The Volunteer Chair will act as a moral booster and perform all other duties necessary to the function of the Residence Hall Association stated elsewhere in these by-laws. The Volunteer Chair will meet with the RHA advisor(s) and the RHA Executive Board on a regular basis.

Section 3 – Executive Board Voting Procedures

All members of the Executive Board shall have one vote, with the exception of the President, who will cast one vote in the event of a tie

Article VI – Funds

Section 1 – General Funds

All general funds of the organization shall be kept in a special account of the organization in the Rutgers College Student Organization Accounting Office. The RHA Treasurer at the discretion of the RHA President and the RHA advisor(s) shall be responsible for all the monies contained in the account.

Section 2 – Harmony Night Funds

All monies allocated to Harmony Night shall be kept in a special account separate from all RHA general funds account in the Rutgers College Student Organization Accounting Office. The Harmony Night chairperson, at the discretion of the RHA advisor(s) and the RHA President, shall be responsible for all monies contained in the account.

Section 3 – Straight But Not Narrow Funds

All monies allocated to Straight But Not Narrow shall be kept in a special account separate from all RHA general funds account in the Rutgers College Student Organization Accounting Office. The Straight But Not Narrow chairperson, at the discretion of the RHA advisor(s) and the RHA President, shall be responsible for all monies contained in the account.

Section 4 – Transaction of Funds

All transactions of funds from the account of the RHA shall be accessed only by the RHA Treasurer with the approval of the President and the RHA advisor(s) in order to withdraw or deposit various monies.

Section 5 – Record Keeping

Each Executive Board member and chairperson is responsible for keeping accurate records of monetary transactions as related to his/her own needs, programs and activities. These records must be submitted to the Treasurer in a timely fashion to facilitate budget planning.

Section 5 – Allocation of Funds

Funding forms must be filled out thoroughly and submitted to the RHA Executive Board at least three weeks prior to the time in which the funds are needed.

Article VII – Role of Advisor

The RHA advisor(s) shall be representatives from the Department of Student Services. The RHA advisor(s) will meet regularly with each member of the RHA Executive Board and attend both executive board and general body meetings. The RHA advisor(s) will be responsible for the passing of information from the Department of Student Services to RHA regarding Residence Life and University policies. The RHA advisor shall serve as a liaison to the Department of Student Services. All decisions pertaining to Executive Board election procedures, results and rules that are deemed extensive matters shall be decided at the consent of the RHA advisor(s). The decision of the RHA advisor(s) pertaining to Executive Board elections in extensive circumstances is/are final.

Article VIII- Attendance

Section 1- General Body Policy

Each Hall/Apartment Co-presidents, Treasurers, and Secretaries shall attend the general body meetings. Absence from two general body meetings in a semester shall result in the loss of voting privileges for the remainder of the year and the ineligibility to run for an Executive Board position.

Section 2 – Executive Board Policy

All Executive Board members are required to attend Executive Board meetings. Any Executive Board position will be terminated as a result of three excused or two unexcused absences per semester.

Article IX – Elections and Impeachments

Section 1 – Residence Hall and Apartment Elections

Election proceedings may vary by Hall Director.

Section 2 – Elections of the RHA President, Vice President of Residence Concerns, Vice President of Programming, Treasurer, Secretary, Parliamentarian, Diversity Chair, and RCGA Representative will be held prior to the final meeting of the Spring semester. The elections will be conducted in descending order of rank. Each election shall have a grace period of two (2) general body meetings for nominations for the positions being elected. Eligible members may nominate themselves or be nominated by another member. In the following meeting, a question-and-answer period for each candidate shall be followed by a Pro vs. Con debate (with no slander) within the body in which all residing hall presidents, treasurers, and secretaries, except those up for election, may participate. In addition, there shall be a time limit assessed at the discretion of the Executive Board. Voting power shall be determined by each member of the Hall Government. All members of the Executive Board, with the exception of the President, are allowed one (1) vote. The President will preside over the election proceedings and sit as the directing chair. The RHA President may present his/her views pertaining to the election of candidates and shall vote only to break a tie. In the absence of the President, or in the events of re-candidacy of the President, the Parliamentarian shall assume the direction of the election procedures and shall not vote to break a tie. In the case of a tie in the re-candidacy, the members of the RHA executive board shall break a tie with a total of one (1) vote. In extensive circumstances pertaining to the election(s), the mediating decision of the RHA advisor(s) shall be sought. All decisions made by the RHA advisor(s) shall be sought. All decisions made by the RHA advisor(s) is/are final.

Section 3 – RHA NCC Chair, Fundraising Chair, Cultural Diversity Chair, and Volunteer Chair

Elections of the RHA NCC Chair, Fundraising Chair, Diversity Chair, and Volunteer chair will be held in the fall semester of the RHA operating year, with the exception of the Diversity chair which will be elected in the Spring, after all residence hall elections have been completed. The elections of the officers will be precluded by two (2) grace periods for nominations from the general body. In the following meeting, there will be a question-and-answer period followed by speeches from the candidates. Speeches will be followed by a debate within the body in which all presidents, treasurers, and secretaries, except those up for election may participate. Voting power will be determined by one (1) vote from each member of the hall government present at the meeting. All members of the Executive Board, with the exception of the President shall be given one (1) vote. The President will preside over the elections and sit in as a mediating chair. The RHA President may present his/her views pertaining to the election and shall only vote in the case of a tie. In the absence of the President, the Parliamentarian shall assume the direction of the election procedures and vote to break a tie.

Section 4 – Executive Board Impeachment

Upon the unanimous vote of the other members of the RHA Executive Board and/or upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all eligible voters present at a general body meeting, the respective board member shall be removed from his/her position. Voting power shall be determined on a one (1) vote per person basis. The position shall remain vacant until the next general body meeting when an election to fill the vacancy shall be held. The removed officer may seek election to fill the vacancy, as may other eligible RHA voting members. In the case of the removal of the President, the Vice President of Residence Concerns shall serve as interim until a successor is named.

Section 5 – Residence Hall/Apartment Officer Impeachment

Upon the majority vote of the RHA Executive Board and a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the general body, a hall/apartment officer may be removed from office. Upon the decision, a message of impeachment shall be sent to the remaining residence hall/apartment president and residence hall’s Residence Counselor. If both president positions are vacated then the impeachment message shall be sent to the remaining hall government executive body and the residence hall’s Residence Counselor.

Article X – Terms

Section 1 –The terms of the RHA President, Vice President of Residence Concerns, Vice President of Programming, Treasurer, Secretary, Parliamentarian, Diversity Chair, and RCGA Represenative shall commence on the first day of the Fall semester of the year following the Spring semester election of the preceding academic year and shall extend to the final general body meeting of the Spring semester of that year.

Section 2 – The terms of the RHA NCC Chair, Fundraising Chair, and Volunteer Chair shall commence on the day of their respective election onto the final general body meeting of the Spring Semester of the present academic year.

Article XI – Quorum

The quorum is defined as a representation of fifty percent (50%) plus one of the residence hall represented in RHA. Quorum must exist for all business to be transacted and can be overridden at Advisor’s discretion.

Article XII – Committees

All committees shall be created as needed by the RHA general body upon the submission of a proposal to the RHA Executive Board, the RHA advisor(s), and the RHA general body. All committees shall thus be created by the majority vote of the general body members. The RHA Executive Board members shall each have one (1) vote. The President will preside over the elections and sit as a mediating chair. The President shall only vote to break a tie.

Article XIII – Amendments

Any voting member of the RHA Executive Board and RHA general body may propose an amendment to the Constitution by submitting a copy of the proposal to the RHA Executive Board who will then present it to the RHA general body where it shall be voted upon. The amendment shall go into effect upon the majority vote of the RHA general body present at the meeting. Voting power will be determined on a one (1) vote per person basis. All Executive Board members will have one (1) vote. The President will preside over the amendment proceedings and sit as a mediating chair. The President will only vote in the event of a tie.

This Constitution shall contain the laws and procedures that the RHA Executive Board and the RHA general body shall abide by in their general body meetings.

Amended Fall 2003