CONSTITUTION

Medical Student Affairs Council

  Constitution and By-Laws

Article I : Name

The name of this organization shall be the Medical Student Affairs Council (MSAC) of the University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine

Article II : Purpose

The purpose of MSAC shall be to advise the Dean on student opinion, develop policy governing student affairs, nominate students to serve on councils and committees as set up by this organization and the office of the Dean, and allow for student participation in the governance of the School of Medicine.

Article III : Membership

Section 1.   Non-discrimination
MSAC membership shall not be denied on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, disability, Vietnam-era Veteran status, or sexual orientation.

Section 2.   Associate Membership
All interested students of the University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine are eligible for associate membership on MSAC.   As associate members, students may participate in all open activities of the MSAC, which include standing committees, ad-hoc subcommittees, task forces, MSAC-recognized student organizations, or other committees of the Faculty Affairs Council or the Office of Medical Education.

Section 3.   Voting Membership
The following students of the University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine comprise the voting membership of the MSAC.

            A. The following individuals shall receive one vote each :

                        1. The Chairperson of MSAC, who votes only in the case of a tie

                        2. The Secretary of MSAC

                        3. The Treasurer of MSAC

                        4. The president of each medical school class

                        5. The MSAC representative elected from each of the classes

                        6. The Curriculum Board representatives, who shall have one vote among the three members

                        7. The Graduate/Professional Council (GPC) representatives, who will have one vote among the four members

                        8. At least two At-large Representatives to be elected from the members of the outgoing SAC, who will each have a vote

                        9. The president or selected representative of Alpha Omega Alpha

                        10. The editor or selected representative of the MUtation

            B. The presidents (or selected representative) of the following MSAC-recognized and funded medical student organizations shall have one vote per organization:

                        1. American Medical Association - Medical Student Section (AMA-MSS)

                        2. American Medical Student's Association (AMSA)

                        3. American Medical Women's Association (AMWA)

                        4. Association of Student Internists (ASI)

                        5. Christian Medical and Dental Society (CMDS)

                        6. Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)

                        7. Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)

                        8. Military Medical Student Association (MMSA)

                        9. Organization of Student Representatives (OSR)

                        10. Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR)

                        11. Students Interested in Anesthesiology (SIA)

                        12. Students Interested in Global Health for Tomorrow (SIGHT)

                        13. Student National Medical Association (SNMA)

                        14. Surgery Club

                        15. Wilderness Medical Society

                        16. Psychiatry Interest Group  

                        18. Students Interested in Pediatrics

                        19.  Med - Peds Interest Group

                        20.  Medical Students for Choice (MS4C)

                        21.  Radiology Interest Group (RIG)

                        22.  Ob/Gyn Student Interest Group

                        23.  Rural Medicine Interest Group

                        24.  Oncology Interest Group

            C. The presidents (or selected representative) of the following MSAC-recognized and non-funded medical student organizations shall have one vote per organization:

                        1.  Student Ambassadors

                        2.  Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Interest Group

            D. The president or selected representative of a prospective medical student organization may be given             voting privileges if that organization petitions for and obtains MSAC recognition. (See Article V for methods             to obtain MSAC recognition)

Section 4. Term of Office

      The term of office is one year.   For the executive branch, the term begins upon election.   For other voting and associate members, the term of office begins at the start of the next academic year.   (See Article VI. Section 1. For details on officer election and Article VII for details on the elections of other voting members.)

Section 5. Vote Proxy

      A voting member who cannot attend a scheduled meeting shall appoint a substitute representative (from his or her class, council, committee, or organization) who shall act as a proxy.   A voting member may not act as a proxy for one organization, while also voting as the representative from another organization.

Section 6.   Termination of Membership

      Any voting member of the MSAC who misses two scheduled meetings in a semester without appointing a substitute may be removed from office or membership on the council.   Two-thirds of all eligible voting MSAC members must be present to establish a quorum. The member shall be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the eligible voting members present.   The involved class, council, or organization may appoint a replacement representative.

      Additionally, any organization that is not represented at two meetings in a year will be placed on probation, and a warning of "termination of MSAC-recognition" will be sent.

      If an organization is not represented at three meetings during an academic year, that organization may lose funding from MSAC.   A two-thirds (2/3) vote of all eligible MSAC members will result in the loss of funding.

      An organization that loses funding may still attend meetings and will retain voting rights.   The organization must attend subsequent meetings to retain voting rights and the possibility of future MSAC funding.

      See Article VIII for other means for suspension of membership.

Article IV : Advisor

      The advisor to the MSAC shall be the Dean of Student Affairs.   The Dean of Student Affairs is unable or unwilling to serve in this capacity, another advisor from the Office of Medical Education shall be selected by the MSAC executive council.

Article V : Student Organization Recognition

Section 1.   Regulations

            A. MSAC recognized organizations agree to:

                        1. Not have any policies or actions that fail to uphold MSAC's non-discrimination policy. (See Article III, Section 1.)

                        2. Maintain at least five (5) medical students as active members.

                        3. Maintain an advisor who is a full-time (75% FTE) faculty or professional staff member of MU

                        4. Provide an annually up-dated roster of organization officers and active members and a current copy of the organization's charter to the Secretary within the first month of the new academic year; and

            B. Non-compliance with any of these requirements is grounds for probation and/or revocation of recognition with subsequent loss of MSAC funding.   (See Article III, Section 6. And Article VIII for the means of termination of membership and funding)

Section 2 : Procedures

            A. Student leaders wishing to start an MSAC - recognized medical student organization should:

                        1. Create the requisite information and documentation including:

                                    a. Constitution for the newly formed group

                                    b. Letter of intent from the Faculty Advisor

                                    c. Proposed budget for the group if the group wishes to request funding through MSAC

                                    d. Listing of Officers and Active members

                                    e. Proof of recognition through GOAL

                        2. Propose the recognition of the new organization to the MSAC Executive Committee

                        3. Request an opportunity to address the MSAC, and

                        4. Appear before MSAC to explain and justify the establishment of the new student organization, either funded or non-funded, and answer questions.

            B. The MSAC shall decide before the termination of the next MSAC meeting whether to grant recognition of the proposed student group.

            C. To obtain MSAC funding, if so desired, an organization must:

                        1. Obtain MSAC recognition (as outlined in Article V, Section 2, Part A, 1-4)

                        2. Comply with the regulations for recognition (Article V, Section 1, part A, 1-5)

                        3. Remain active for one year prior to funding, with regular representation by a voting member at MSAC meetings, and

                        4. Submit a budget for consideration at the next MSAC budget hearing.

            D. A simple majority vote of MSAC voting members shall establish the funding of the new organization, if so requested, for the next year, and funding will be in accordance with the budget approved at the annual MSAC budget hearings.

Article VI : Executive Branch : Authority and Responsibilities

Section 1.   Executive Committee : election and termination

            A. The MSAC chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected by and from the medical student body-at-large, and shall serve as the executive committee.   The election is to be held approximately eight weeks before the termination of the academic year.   The student elected shall have the majority of the votes, to be determined, if necessary, by runoff elections administered at the discretion of the MSAC.

            B. Officers shall serve from the time of their election until the end of the next academic year (as determined by the graduation date).   Thus, from the time of the election until graduation, the officers-elect and out-going officers will serve jointly, in order to ensure a smooth and knowledgeable transition.

            C. Officers, with the exception of the Chairperson, may be removed from office in the same manner asother voting members of the MSAC (Article III, Section 6).   The Chairperson may be removed as described in Article VI, Section 2, Part C.

Section 2.   Chairperson

            A. The Chairperson has the authority to:

                        1. Organize and preside over all council meetings

                        2. Represent the student body at functions calling for a student emissary of the medical school,                                     such as (but not limited to) the:

                                    a. Chancellor's student leader meetings

                                    b. Vice-chancellor's Student Advisory Council meetings

                                    c. Student affairs meetings.

                        3. Give final authorization to expenditures of the MSAC; and

                        4. Determine the succeeding year's budget, with the assistance of the Treasurer and the Office of                     Medical Education, and with the approval of the MSAC.   These activities shall include, but are not limited to:

                                    a. Submission of a Student Activities Budget, and

                                    b. Annual re-evaluation of the Gift Fund Appropriations Guidelines, with changes, if                                                 approved, taking effect in the next fiscal year.

            B. The Chairperson has the responsibility

                        1. To maintain the MSAC as an officially recognized divisional student government by providing                                  updated recognition forms ("Annual Report", "Compliance Statement" and MSAC Constitution) with the Governments, Organizations, Activities, and Leadership (GOAL) Office in A022 Brady Commons (within the first month of the Fall Semester)

                        2. To serve as liaison between the MSAC and the Dean's Office, Office of Medical Education, and the faculty

                        3. To work with the Secretary to coordinate MSAC correspondence

                        4. To work with the Treasurer in preparation of the MSAC Student Activities and Unrestricted Gifts Budgets

                        5. To vote on matters before the MSAC when decisions are deadlocked by a tie,

                        6. To foster better communication within the medical school, and

                        7. To submit a complete report of the work done during his or her term of office for the succeeding chairperson.

            C. The Chairperson may be removed from office in the following manner:   If the members of the MSAC deem the actions of the Chairperson inappropriate, they may, by majority vote, submit to the entire student body a referendum, regarding the removal of the Chairperson from office.   The student body shall determine, by majority vote, whether or not the Chairperson shall be removed from office.   If the Chairperson is removed from office, then the Secretary shall serve as the interim-chair until a permanent             Chairperson is elected by the student body.

            D. In the absence of the Chairperson at a scheduled meeting, the MSAC will be chaired by the Secretary. If the Secretary is also absent, the Treasurer will preside.  Meetings will not be held in the absence of all MSAC Executive committee members.

            E. Upon discharge of the above enumerated responsibilities, the Chairperson will receive a $600 scholarship from the Student Affairs Unrestricted Gifts account (C-4-25637).  Failure to complete one's term of office will preclude the awarding of the scholarship money.

Section 3.   Secretary

            A. The secretary has the authority to:

                        1. Serve as Chairperson of the MSAC in the event of the elected Chairperson's absence,

                        2. Work with the Chairperson in organizing MSAC meetings, and

                        3. Act as parliamentarian, if need be, during the transaction of MSAC business.

            B. The responsibilities of the Secretary shall include, but are not limited to:

                        1. Representation of the student body in each of the votes taken by the MSAC

                        2. Being responsible for recording, transcribing, and distributing minutes of MSAC meetings to:

                                    a. MSAC members

                                    b. The Dean and the deans of student affairs

                                    c. MSAC bulletin board, Student Lounge, and other areas frequented by medical students.

                        3. Handling all correspondence of the MSAC

                        4. Maintenance of the MSAC bulletin board, including the Student Activities Calendar to be updated within the week following each MSAC meeting.

                        5. Administering the copy card service for the medical student body

                        6. Fostering better communication within the medical school, including notifying all MSAC membersof the time, location, and tentative agenda of all meetings,

                        7. Submitting a complete report of work done during his or her term of office for the succeeding                              secretary.

            C. If the Secretary is removed from office, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of MSAC (See Article III, Section 6.),then a replacement shall be selected from the members of MSAC.

            D. Upon discharge of the above enumerated responsibilities, the Secretary will receive a $600 scholarship from the Student Affairs Unrestricted Gifts Account (C-4-25637).   Failure to complete one's term of office will preclude the awarding of the scholarship money.

Section 4.   Treasurer

            A. The Treasurer has the responsibility and authority to assist the Chairperson in budget preparation

                        1.  The Treasurer will develop a budget with the following provisions:

                                    a.  The total of the Medical Student Council Account (C-3), which is set by the Office of the  Dean from the Student Activity Fee, will be distributed amongst the funded MSAC groups based upon their number of active members.

b.  C4 account money provided by the Office of the Dean from the Student Affairs Unrestricted Gifts account and monies given by the University of Missouri School of Medicine Alumni Association will be disbursed in the following manner:

1)  Set expenses will be distributed based on the following recommended amounts, however these specific amounts are subject to change based on the needs of the group determined by the Chairperson with assistance by the treasurer and by final approval by MSAC:

                                                            a)  M1 Class Scholarship:  $100.00

                                                            b)  M4 Class Scholarship:  $600.00

                                                            c)  Audiovisual Repair:  $100.00

                                                            d)  MSAC Administrative Expenses:  $300.00

                                                            e)  Lounge Cleaning and Maintenance:  $75.00

                                                            f)  Awards Expenses:  $125.00

                                                            g)  School Functions Expenses:  $300.00

                                                            h)  Phone Expense:  $50.00

                                                            i)  Chairman Scholarship:  $600.00

                                                            j)  Secretary Scholarship:  $600.00

                                                            k)  Treasurer Scholarship:  $600.00

                                                            l)  Mutation Editor Scholarship:  $600.00

                                                            m)  Webmaster Scholarship:  $450.00

                                                            n)  MUlation Funding:  $300.00

                                                            o)  Mutation Funding:  $300.00

                                                            p)  Contingency Fund:  $2000.00

                                                2) The remainder of the funds will be distributed into two different allocations:

a) The first allocation will be to the travel account which will provide money for students in recognized MSAC groups to attend conferences. The distribution of these funds to students will be subject to the following guidelines:

Guidelines for Distribution of Travel/Miscellaneous Funds

1.                  To receive funds an individual must be a student enrolled at the University of Missouri School of Medicine and a member of an organization or interest group and be applying for money that will be used for an event/conference that is recognized/sponsored by that MSAC group (criteria for being a recognized MSAC group can be found above)

2.                  Funds will be distributed at $400/person for a conference or $400 per event sponsored by a group. An individual may only receive one award for travel. Individuals may only receive awards for travel to conferences based on the criteria outlined above in point 1.

3.                  There will be a maximum of two $400 awards per group per fiscal  year (July 1-June 30) except for in the event that funds remain by the middle of the second semester (that are not already allocated to other members). That time for the fiscal year 2004-2005 will be February 1, 2005. At that time groups that have already used two $400 awards can apply for additional

4.                   Awards will be given on a first come first serve basis and allocated until that time at which all funds in the Travel/Miscellaneous account are depleted.

5.                  Funds must be applied for in advance (at least prior to the MSAC meeting before travel would commence), fully justified, reviewed by the MSAC officers and then approved at the MSAC meeting

6.                  To apply an individual or group must fill out the travel proposal form and turn in to MSAC treasurer. After approval, expenditures will be reimbursed only with proper documentation of the money spent up to the amount applied for.

b) The second allocation of the C4 money will be distributed amongst all funded MSAC groups. These funds will be distributed based on the number of active members in each group with the groups having a greater number of active members receiving a greater percentage of the available funds.            

                                                3)  At the end of the fiscal year, remaining funds in the Contingency Fund will be                                                      transferred to the MSAC Savings Account.

            B. The responsibilities of the treasurer shall include, but are not limited to:

                        1. Representation of the student body in each of the votes taken by the MSAC,

                        2. Keeping the accounting records for the MSAC, including :

                        3. Giving financial reports at each meeting of the MSAC

                        4. Informing all classes and student organization on an as-needed basis, during the academic year, of their financial status regarding funds generated by the Student Activity Fee and allocated to them through the Medical Student Council Account (C-3-40093) and funds provided by the Office of the Dean for the Student Affairs Unrestricted Gifts Account (C-4-25637)

                        5. Working with the Chairperson and relevant members of the MSAC in submission of the Unrestricted Gifts Budget (C-4-25637) to the Office of the Dean.

                        6. Becoming familiar with funding available through main campus, including but not limited to, SOAC funds, and distributing that information to Organization treasurers.   Additionally, the Treasurer will act as an advocate on behalf of and assist Organizations in applying for these funds.

                        7. Submitting a complete report of the work done during his or her term of office for the succeeding treasurer.

            C. If the Treasurer is removed from office, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of MSAC (see Article III, Section 6), then a replacement shall be selected from the members of MSAC.

            D. Upon discharge of the above enumerated responsibilities, the Treasurer will receive a $600 scholarship from the Student Affairs Unrestricted Gifts Account (C-4-25637).   Failure to complete one's term of office will preclude the awarding of the scholarship money.

Section 5. Standing Committees

            A. Standing Committees provide an opportunity for all voting members of the MSAC to play an active role in determining and implementing the MSAC's priorities.

                        1. The Standing Committees shall include:

                                    a. Group for promoting professionalism

1) The chairperson of this committee will be elected internally from within the group with the members of the committee elected by the individual medical school classes. This committee will receive one vote at all MSAC meetings.

b. MUlation Committee

                                                1) The upcoming M2 class will select the organizers of MUlation

2) MUlation will receive one vote at all MSAC meetings and will be responsible for reporting concerning progress at all MSAC meetings

                                    c. Social/Activities Committee

                                                1) MSAC shall elect/recruit a chairman at the final MSAC meeting in May

                                                2) The chairperson will be responsible for recruiting committee members and                                                   reporting to MSAC at monthly meetings.

                                                3) Responsibilities of the committee will be to schedule and organize MSAC                                                  affiliated events throughout the year including but not limited to:

                                                            a) Fall Tailgate party

                                                            b) Holiday and Tree Decorating party

                                                            c) Spring Softball tournament

                                    d.  Facilities committee

                                                1)  MSAC will elect/recruit a chairperson at the final MSAC meeting in May

                                                2)  The chairman will be responsible for recruiting committee members and                                                   reporting to the MSAC at monthly meetings

                                                3)  Responsibilities of the committee will include, but not be limited to:

                                                            a)  Maintenance of the M3/M4 medical student lounge through the use of                                                  MSAC recognized organizations

                                                            b)  Requisitioning of new property and supplies for use in the M3/M4                                                              medical student lounge

            B. Membership on Standing Committees shall be open to all MSAC members.

            C. Each Standing Committee shall be headed by a Coordinator or Committee Chair who is selected by and from the membership of each committee.

Article VII : Other Voting Members

Section 1.   OSR Representatives

      OSR Representatives shall represent the University of Missouri School of Medicine by their participation in regional and national OSR activities.   As Liaisons between the University of Missouri School of Medicine and other medical schools.   Their responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

            1. Communicating the concerns of and sharing information about our medical students with other concerned parties (i.e. peers, faculty, administration, and professional staff at other institutions, organizations, and bodies that determine policy and practices which impact upon medical students, including professional and legislative groups)

            2. Communicating with the student body the issues and activities elsewhere which could influence the quality of medical education at the University of Missouri School of Medicine.

            3. Representation of the student body in each of the votes by MSAC, and

            4. Attending the national and regional OSR meetings, with failure to attend without excused absence being grounds for dismissal.

One OSR representative shall be elected by each medical school class each year.  The newly elected OSR representative shall be elected from the first year class will serve as the Alternate OSR Representative.   All OSR Representatives will attend the Regional OSR meeting during his or her first year, both the Regional and the National OSR meeting during his or her second year, and the National OSR meeting during his or her third year.   Attendance at additional meetings will be at the discretion of the OSR chapter in accordance with the Dean's office.   Alternate and Official representation will be determined by the group in accordance with AAMC requirements and OSR member preference.  

Should an OSR representative vacate his or her office before their term expires, or if the actions of an OSR representative are deemed inappropriate by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of MSAC, the MSAC members shall elect an individual from the same class for the remainder of the term.

Section 2.   Class Presidents

      Each class president is to serve as liaison between the MSAC and his or her medical school class.   Responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:

            1. Representation of the class in each of the votes taken by the MSAC

            2. Making the MSAC aware of any information or activities of the class pertinent to the MSAC or the student body.

            3. Making the MSAC aware of any ideas for improvement of the Medical School

            4. Cooperation with the MAAC representative in reporting activities of the MSAC to the class, including class announcement regarding the pertinent issues discussed at each MSAC meeting, and

            5. Fostering better communication within the medical school

Class presidents shall be elected by their class.   The elections are to be held approximately four weeks before the termination of the academic year, with the term of office and specific election dates to be determined by each class.

Section 3.   Class Representatives

      The responsibilities of the class representatives shall include, but are not limited to:

            1. Representation of the class in each of the votes taken by the MSAC

            2. Making the MSAC aware of any information or activities of the class pertinent to the MSAC or the student body

            3. Making the MSAC aware of any ideas for improvement of the medical school

            4. Cooperation with the class president in reporting activities of the MSAC to the class.

            5. Fostering better communication within the medical school.

Class representatives shall be elected by their class.   The elections are to be held approximately four weeks before the termination of the academic year, with the term of office and specific election dates to be determined by each class.

Section 4.   Organization Representatives

      Each organization representative is to serve as a liaison between the MSAC and his or her group.   Responsibilities include, but   are not limited to:

            1. Representation of is or her group in each of the votes taken by MSAC

            2. Making the MSAC aware of any information or activities of their group pertinent to the MSAC or the student body (include dates and time of local meetings and any planned trips to regional or national             meetings)

            3. Provision to the Secretary of an up to date charter for the organization

            4. Provision to the Treasurer of an annual budget, if an MSAC-funded organization, for the succeeding academic year before the annual MSAC budget hearings.

            5. Submission of specific funding proposals (including travel and conference expenditures) of the group to the MSAC for approval by simple majority, if a funded organization.

            6. Reporting activities and pertinent issues of the MSAC to the group

            7. Fostering better communication within the medical school,

            8. Maintaining recognition both as a MSAC - recognized medical student organization and as a campus organization as determined by the GOAL office.

Organization representatives shall be elected by their organization and may be the organization's president.   The elections are to be held approximately four weeks before the termination of the academic year, as determined by each organization.

Section 5.   Members At-Large

      The At-Large MSAC members shall serve as representatives of the entire student body.   Their purpose is to ensure continuity and smooth transition between academic years.   Responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to:

            1. Representation of the student body in all of the votes taken by the MSAC

            2. Making the MSAC aware of any ideas for improvement of the medical school

            3. Fostering better communication within the medical school.

The outgoing MSAC shall elect at least two members from its membership to serve as At-Large Representatives on the subsequent MSAC.   The time of said elections shall be approximately four weeks prior to the end of the school year, following the elections of the other MSAC representatives and officers.   The number of At-Large representatives shall be determined by the MSAC at the time of the election.     Additionally, any At-Large member that is not present at two meetings in a year will lose voting rights for the rest of the academic year and will not be eligible for re-election for one full academic year.

Section 6.   Curriculum Board Representatives

      The Curriculum Board representatives shall act as the primary liaisons between the curriculum board and the MSAC.   As such, they shall report on the deliberations and activities of the Curriculum Board, as well as present MSAC concerns, recommendations, resolutions, and proposals to the board.   These representatives also share the responsibilities incumbent upon all MSAC voting members, but they will share one vote among the three curriculum board student representatives and may appoint one member to represent the curriculum board at MSAC meetings.

      Curriculum board representatives shall be elected by their class, in a manner determined by the curriculum board.   

Section 7.   GPC (Graduate Professional Council)

      The GPC representatives have the responsibility to report the deliberations, decisions, and activities of the GPC to the MSAC, represent the medical student body at meetings of the GPC General Assembly, assure the presence and participation of the other medical student representatives at said meetings, and encourage consensus among these student representatives in order to bast represent the medical student body in votes of importance to it.   These representatives also share the responsibilities incumbent upon all MSAC voting members, but they will share one vote among the four GPC representatives and shall appoint one member to represent the GPC at MSAC meetings.

      GPC representatives shall be elected by their class.   The elections are to be held approximately four weeks before the termination of the academic year.

Section 8.   MUtation editor(s) or selected representative

      The MUtation editor(s) or representative have the responsibility to report the progress of work upon the Medical School's year book to the MSAC, recruit members of the student body to help complete the year book, solicit donations from internal and external sources to enable the financial security of the publication, ensure the sale and distribution of the yearbook to the members of the medical school and its community, and represent the medical school in an appropriate manner, refraining from any policies or actions that fail to uphold MSAC's nondiscrimination policy (see Article III, Section 1.)   These representatives also share the responsibilities incumbent upon all MSAC voting members, but they will share one vote among them and shall appoint one member to represent MUtation at MSAC meetings.   Annual funding for MUtation will be irrevocable   (i.e. not subject to attendance requirements.)

      MUtation editors shall be selected/recruited by MSAC who will then recruit additional members to assist them. This shall be completed by the end of the preceding academic year

Section 9.  MSAC Webmaster

            The MSAC Webmaster has the responsibility to maintain the MSAC website, update links and events given by MSAC organizations, and to otherwise improve communication within the medical school.  The MSAC website should be updated monthly.  The Webmaster will also pass on any necessary knowledge and software to the incumbent Webmaster.  The Webmaster will be elected by the MSAC voting members from a pool of candidates selected by the Executive Committee.  A portfolio of past work and demonstrated knowledge of necessary software is needed for selection by the Executive Committee.  Selection will be in accordance with MSAC’s nondiscrimination policy (see Article III, Section 1.)  Upon discharge of the above enumerated responsibilities, the MSAC Webmaster will receive a $450 scholarship from the Student Affairs Unrestricted Gifts Account (C-4-25637).  Failure to complete one’s term of office will preclude the awarding of the scholarship money.

Article VIII : Suspension or Revocation of Membership

Section 1.   Required Voting

      The membership of any student organization may be suspended or revoked by MSAC.   Two thirds (2/3) of all eligible voting MSAC members must be present to establish a quorum.   The member shall be removed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the eligible voting members present.

Section 2.   Filing Charges

      Any individual may file written charges against any student organization, which has violated or failed to comply with all requirements of the Constitution and Bylaws of the MSAC.   Such charges shall be signed, dated, and filed with the Chairperson, who shall submit a cop to the accused student organization.   The accused student organization shall submit a reply to MSAC in writing within thirty (30) days.   The Chairperson shall then present the charges and reply to the MSAC at the initial hearing.   At the discretion of the Chairperson, the identity of the accuser may remain anonymous and the meeting be closed (so that only voting members are present).

Section 3.   MSAC Action

      At the initial hearing, MSAC may dismiss the charges.   If the MSAC does not dismiss the allegations, then MSAC may either:

            A. Establish an Ad-hoc committee to further investigate the allegations and make recommendations to the MSAC at the next meeting,

            B. Resolve to suspend funding, place on probation, or revoke recognition of the student organization, and vote upon the resolutions, and/or

            C. Offer other solutions to the conflict.  

Upon suspension or revocation of recognition, the representative(s) of that organization shall leave the meeting.

Section 4.   Recognition after Suspension

      An organization that is suspended or whose recognition is revoked may petition for recognition during the term of the succeeding MSAC in a manner outlined in Article V.

Section 5. Required Attendance

      Additionally, an organization may lose recognition for not providing representation at scheduled meetings, as outlined in Article III, Section 6.

Article IX : Meetings

Section 1. Frequency

      Meetings shall be called at least monthly during the regular academic year.

Section 2.   Who May Attend

      The date, time, and place of meeting and resolutions to be discussed shall be communicated to the student body. All members of the medical community are invited to attend.   However, when candidates are interviewed for election to committees, the meeting or portions of the meeting may be closed, to ensure the privacy of candidates.  The budget hearings shall be an open meeting each year.

Section 3.   Quorum

      A quorum of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members shall be necessary for the passage of resolutions or the making of recommendations and decisions.

Section 4. Parliamentary Procedure

      Meetings may be conducted in an informal manner.   However, if necessary to maintain order, the meetings may be conducted under parliamentary procedure, at the discretion of the Secretary.   The Secretary has the responsibility to understand the rules of parliamentary procedure, as contained within the current Robert's Rules of Order, in order to efficaciously arbitrate disputes

Section 5.   Reports

      The representative of each student group which is a voting member of the MSAC shall give a report to the MSAC at each meeting.   This report should include any activity of the group that may be directly or indirectly of interest to the MSAC.

Section 6.   Minutes

      Appropriate written records shall be made and kept by the Secretary.   Minutes of each meeting, including disposition of resolutions, shall be made available in written form to the student body by the Secretary with approval of the MSAC.

Article X : Resolutions and Recommendations

Section 1.   Submission

      Resolutions and recommendations may be submitted in written form, to the MSAC by any University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine student, intern, resident, faculty member, committee, or other affiliated party.

Section 2.   MSAC authority

      The priority of consideration of resolutions and recommendations and their disposition shall be determined by the MSAC executive committee.

Section 3

      Upon consideration of each resolution and recommendation, MSAC shall:

            1. Refer the matter to the appropriate Standing Committee, or

            2. Devise an ad-hoc committee, subcommittee, or task force to investigate and evaluate the issues raised in the resolution in order to arrive at recommendations in written form to be communicated back to the             MSAC, or

            3. Approve or disapprove immediately of the resolution or recommendation as proposed by the interested party or as amended during the meeting at which it was introduced.   At that time, the MSAC shall determine how approved resolution or recommendation will be handles.

Section 4.   Voting Requirements

      A quorum of two-thirds (2/3) of the eligible voting members must be present to vote upon resolutions.   Final action shall be decided by a simple majority vote of the present voting members.

Article XI : Amendments ot the Bylaws

      Amendments may be made to the Bylaws by a simple majority vote of the MSAC, provided they have first been submitted in writing to the MSAC.

      The student body shall be informed of changes in the Bylaws by MSAC members and by posting information on the MSAC bulletin board

      Ratification by the student body shall be necessary when student body opposition is demonstrated by a petition bearing signatures of one-third (1/3) of the student body.   A simple majority of the voting student body shall result in ratification of changes to the Bylaws, if a student petition necessitates a student bydy vote.

      The Bylaws shall be reviewed annually at the end of the academic year by the Secretary and Secretary-elect for relevance and appropriateness.

      Revisions will not be retroactive

      Revisions will become active when deemed appropriate by MSAC, but this will be no later than the commencement of the succeeding academic year.

                                                            Revised and Approved by MSAC May 3, 2006