The Constitution of
The Classics Society
Adopted 10/18/2011
- 1. Purpose
The purpose of the Classics Society is to provide a place for undergraduates of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who have an interest in the classical world, to connect for social networking in the world of classical scholarship and to expand their own and others’ horizons.
- 2. Membership
Active members must be present for at least two meetings or events per semester. If a conflict occurs, one may talk to a Consul for an exception to this rule. No dues are needed for membership.
Only active members may participate in votes and elections. A physical presence is not required to participate in votes or elections, but absentee votes must be received by the date and time specified by the Consul Primus or Co-Consuls. Voting membership is restricted to undergraduate and special students. Otherwise-eligible graduating seniors and special students may not participate in final elections.
In the event that a vote is called before two meetings or events have occurred, active membership will be defined as those undergraduate and special students who are present at the vote. Study abroad students retain their membership status during their time away from campus.
- 3. Seniority
It may occasionally be necessary for one or more members to be ruled senior to other members of equal standing (i.e. between regular members or between the Co-Consuls). Seniority for members of equal standing will be determined according to the following hierarchy of characteristics: number of semesters as an active member of Classics Society, number of semesters as a student at UW-Madison, number of semesters as an undergraduate student, number of semesters as a declared major or certificate student in the Classics Department, and physical age.
- 4. Offices and Duties
a. Consuls
i. Each year, the two leading officers of Classics Society will either be a Consul Primus and his/her subordinate, a Consul Secundus, or two Co-Consuls. Although the Co-Consuls have equal authority, for procedural purposes, the more senior officer will have higher standing. Whether there will be Consuls Primus and Secundus or Co-Consuls will be determined according to the rules stipulated in Section 5. Both Consuls will be contact person for any banking accounts.
ii. The Consul Primus presides over meetings and is in primary contact with the Faculty Advisor. The Consul Primus will call votes, but will not vote except in case of a tie. The Consul Primus will also coordinate agendas for meetings and monitor the finances of the Society. The Consul Primus is responsible for re-registering Classics Society with the Center for Leadership and Involvement every year.
iii. The Consul Secundus will preside over meetings in absence of the Consul Primus, but may not vote when doing so. The Consul Secundus will maintain membership and attendance for the Society and keep minutes of the meetings.
iv. The Co-Consuls collectively perform all of the duties listed above. Neither Consul may vote, but the more senior Consul will call the vote and will break any ties.
b. Treasurer
i. This officer is the primary contact with any affiliated banking institutions, maintains financial records for the school year, and makes them available at each meeting. The Treasurer is in charge of processing approved financial transactions and reporting these transactions at meetings. He/she also controls the financial aspects of any sale sponsored by Classics Society.
c. Historian
i. This officer is primarily responsible for any communication with Classics Society members and the public that occurs over the Internet, including the blog, Facebook, and the official webpage provided by the Center for Leadership and Involvement, especially any communication concerning meeting minutes and upcoming events.
d. Faculty Advisor
i. The Faculty Advisor is chosen by the Classics Department to oversee and guide the activities of the Classics Society, especially its student officers. He/she may be listed as a contact person for any banking accounts.
- 5. Rules for Elections
a. Officers will be self-nominated at the second to last meeting of the school year. Elections will then take place the last meeting of the year. Those nominated must be eligible to vote in the election. One can run for more than one office, but upon election may only assume one position. A physical presence is not required to be nominated or elected, but a statement of candidacy must be submitted by the time specified by the Consul Primus or Co-Consuls. Students may not study abroad while in office.
b. If more than two people run for the same office, a primary election will be held at the second to last meeting of the year. The primary election will also determine if the election will be for Consuls Primus and Secundus or for Co-Consuls. If the election will be for Co-Consuls, there may be up to three candidates in the final election, all others being eliminated in the primary election. Graduating seniors and special students may vote in the primary election, but not in the final election.
c. At least five eligible voters must be present at the primary and final elections. Voting is to go in the following order: Consuls (either Primus and Secundus or the Co-Consuls together), Treasurer, and lastly Historian.
d. In the event of a tie, the candidate with the greater seniority will assume the contested position. If there are only two candidates total for Consuls Primus and Secundus and a tie ensues, the two candidates will automatically become Co-Consuls.
e. In the event of a resignation of any officer other than Historian, the person in the office directly below that position will have the opportunity to assume the vacant position. If not, another election will be held to fill it.
- 6. Impeachment
In the event in which a member wants to call for the resignation of an officer, that person will meet with the Faculty Advisor and call to attention their grievances. The Faculty Advisor will decide if there is a valid reason for the call of resignation and, if so, will inform the officer in question of the situation. At the next meeting the Faculty Advisor will call for a vote of resignation. That officer in question will have a chance to defend him or herself and then there will be a vote. A two-thirds majority of all eligible voters is needed to remove the officer from office. The procedures in case of resignation as outlined in Section 5e will then be followed.
- 7. Voting
Voting is to be called at official meetings by the highest-ranking Consul. All monetary items over $30 must be voted on by the Society at an official meeting and be passed by a simple majority. The monetary item must be announced one week before the meeting and all eligible voters present at the meeting may vote. Anything under $30 does not need a week’s notice, and does not need to be called for a vote. Everyone may only vote once. Officers will vote in accordance with Section 5.
- 8. Meetings
Meetings are to be called to order by the highest-ranking Consul or other officer present. All meeting times should be approved by the Faculty Advisor and all officers before the first meeting of the semester and then voted on by the Society. While more are encouraged, at least four meetings and two events open to campus must be held every semester.
- 9. Amendments
A vote must be called two weeks in advance, with the amendment(s) having been stated. The highest-ranking Consul calls a vote and the amendment must pass with a two-thirds majority of those present at the meeting.
