Bluffton University

SUSTAINABILITY CLUB CONSTITUTION

Written December 2015
Article I. This organization shall be called the Sustainability Club
Article II. Purpose
Section I. The purpose of this club is to promote environmental sustainability on the
Bluffton University campus and prepare students for conscious living.
Section II. The ways that the club will fulfill the purpose include but are not limited to the
following. The club shall provide a space for coordination and collaboration of student-led
sustainability projects and to help educate the people of Bluffton, especially the student
body, about environmental stewardship. The club will provide consistent advocacy for
sustainable policies for Bluffton University. The Sustainability Club will also focus on
teaching students the skills to better the environment around them long after they have
graduated.
Section III. The actions of the club should seek to pursue sustainability in the following
areas. Sustainability in regards environmental stewardship is important to protect the
Earth from harm with future generations in mind. Care for Gods creation allows us to live
in a sustainable relationship with God. Regard to finances and economics allows
sustainable practices and policies to be developed, in addition to facilitating progress.
Article III. Membership and Meetings
Section I. Any student enrolled in Bluffton University and interested in sustainable living
may be a member and may be elected as an officer.
Section II. Students are free to sign up for membership with no contractual obligations.
However, members should work to enhance environmental sustainability in some way
which can include, but is not limited to attendance at meetings, learning, teaching, and
activism.
Section III. This club shall not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, race, beliefs,
gender, outdoor interests, familiarity with environmental issues, or on any other basis.
Section IV. Any faculty or staff member with knowledge and passion in the area of
sustainability, can serve as the advisor.
Section V. Meetings can be called by the President, or the majority of officers, or the
advisor.
Article IV. Officer Positions
Section I. President.
The President shall call meetings and preside over all meetings. Their duties include
organizing all the individuals and goals of the group and ensuring that the club is working
toward its purpose. The President shall be responsible for keeping record of official club
documents, as well as any other information that is beneficial and relevant.
Section II. Vice President
The Vice President shall serve by actively assisting the President in organizing the club and
to act as President in their absence.
Section III. Secretary
The Secretary shall record the minutes of every meeting and convey important
information to members who were unable to attend.

Section IV. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall keep record of all funds given to the club, earned by the club, and
spent by the club. The Treasurer will also be in charge of reimbursing members for
appropriate costs and taking bills to the appropriate place.
Section IV. Officer Expectations
In addition to the duties outlined above, all officers are expected to meet certain
expectations. They are expected to act to ensure that the club is fulfilling its purpose. They
are expected to actively work to pursue sustainability and a long-term vision for the club.
Article V. Election and Departure of Officers
Section I. Officers will be elected at a meeting near the end of the spring semester. The
election will take place through anonymous voting in person following statements from
each candidate that state why they are qualified for that position. The candidate is elected
when they receive a majority of votes from the members present. If no candidate earns a
majority of votes, candidates receiving the fewest votes can be eliminated and a revote
will take place. 50% of members must be present for a valid election to take place.
Section II. The President shall be elected first, followed by the Vice President, Secretary,
and then Treasurer.
Section III. Following the election of officers, any new officers will be trained in their duties
and responsibilities by the outgoing officers. The outgoing officers shall provide their
successors with all materials that are necessary or helpful for fulfilling their duties. The
outgoing officers will also make an effort to convey any knowledge or tools that can help
lead to success in the future.
Section IV. If an officer must resign, they must inform the President and advisor and
provide a reason for leaving. In this situation, an election for that open position will take
place at a club meeting, and the remaining officers will be responsible for ensuring that
the responsibilities are covered in some way.
Section V. If a member believes that an officer is not meeting their expectations, the first
action is to approach the officer and civilly discuss the dissatisfaction. If no agreement can
be reached, an officer can be asked to resign by a majority vote by all members or by two
other officers. If the officer refuses to step down, they can be forced to resign by a 75%
member vote or if all other officers and the advisor agree that it is necessary.
Article VI. Constitution. The Constitution may be amended by a vote of at least two-thirds of
voting members. Members must be informed one week in advance that an amendment
will be proposed.