Constitution of the Birendra Open Source Club
Foundational framework governing the Birendra Open Source Club (BOSC).
Article I: Name
The official name of this organization shall be the Birendra Open Source Club (BOSC).
Article II: Purpose
The purpose of the Birendra Open Source Club is to promote the values of free and open-source software (FOSS), raise awareness through events and workshops, organize IT workshops for student welfare, initiate and maintain open source projects, and encourage students to contribute to external open source projects.
Article III: Membership
Eligibility
Membership is open to all students of Birendra Campus who have an interest in open source software and technology.
Categories of Membership
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General Members
Students who attend at least two meetings or events per semester.
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Committee Members
Elected members who hold specific positions within the club.
Article IV: Committee Structure
Officers
Duties
- President: Oversees club activities, represents the club publicly, and presides over meetings.
- Vice President: Assists the President and performs their duties in the President's absence.
- Secretary: Maintains meeting minutes and official records.
- Joint Secretary: Assists the Secretary and assumes duties in their absence.
- Graphics Handler: Designs promotional materials and maintains the club's visual identity.
- Treasurer: Manages finances, prepares budgets, and produces financial reports.
- Community Manager: Engages with members and manages community channels and social media.
- Outreach Manager: Coordinates events and partnerships with other organizations.
Emergency Vacancies: In the event of an emergency vacancy, the President and Vice President may appoint temporary officers until the next official election or tenure change.
Article V: Elections
Election Timeframe
Elections shall be held annually during August or September.
Nomination Process
Nominations for officers will open at least one month prior to elections.
Selection
Nominees shall be elected according to the membership evaluation criteria (Article IX).
Term of Service
All officers shall serve for a term of one year unless otherwise specified by the committee.
Article VI: Meetings
Regular Meetings
The club shall hold regular meetings at least biweekly.
Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the President or by any three committee members.
Quorum
A quorum for official decision-making shall consist of a majority of committee members.
Article VII: Code of Conduct
- Respect: All members must treat one another with respect and courtesy.
- Inclusivity: The club does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic.
- Integrity: Members are expected to act honestly and ethically in all club activities.
- Responsibility: Members should attend meetings regularly and fulfill their assigned responsibilities.
Article VIII: Policies
Financial Policy: All club funds shall be deposited in the club's bank account. Expenditures above a predetermined threshold (e.g., $50) should be approved by the committee.
Event Policy: All events must be approved by the committee and align with the club's mission.
Communication Policy: Official club communications should be reviewed by the President or Secretary before dissemination.
Article IX: Membership Evaluation
Score/Rating System: Members' participation scores will be accumulated over time based on attendance, contributions, and overall involvement.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Attendance at meetings and events.
- Participation in club projects and activities.
- Contribution to open source projects initiated or supported by the club.
- Adherence to the Code of Conduct (Article VII).
Promotion/Demotion/Removal: Based on evaluation scores, members may be promoted, demoted, or removed from positions with the approval of the President and Vice President and according to the club's bylaws.
Article X: Tenure Change Mechanism
Definition of Tenure: A tenure is the period beginning on Inauguration Day, when officers take their oath and officially begin their service, and ending at the next scheduled election.
Resignation of Officers: At the end of each tenure, officers' terms expire; all positions become open for the next election unless otherwise provided for by the committee.
Acting President and Vice President: At tenure end the President and Vice President may continue to act with authority only as needed to ensure an orderly transition and to decide the mechanism for forming the next committee, within the bounds of the constitution and club bylaws.
Term Limits: The President and Vice President may serve a maximum of two consecutive tenures. After serving two consecutive tenures they must step down for at least one tenure before being eligible again.
Formation of New Executive Committee: The committee formation process (nominations, elections, or appointments) shall be conducted according to the rules established prior to the election and consistent with this constitution.
Article XI: Amendments
Proposal: Any member may propose an amendment to this constitution.
Approval: Amendments must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of committee members present and voting, unless otherwise specified by club bylaws.
Article XII: Dissolution
Procedure: The club may be dissolved by a three-fourths majority vote of committee members.
Disposition of Assets: Upon dissolution, remaining assets shall be donated to a non-profit organization whose mission aligns with the club's objectives.