Constitution
Constitution
University of Toronto Mauritian Society abbreviated UTMS.
a) To disseminate information about Mauritius, to familiarize the University of Toronto community with Mauritian culture, folk art, its people, to forge a common bond of brotherhood among the Mauritian students at U of T, and to facilitate Canadian-Mauritian student interaction for better understanding and friendship.
b) This organization specifically adheres to the policies and objectives of the University of Toronto both in letter and spirit, and strives to promote better understanding amongst the Mauritian – U of T community.
A) Affirmative action and Hazing:
It is the policy of the UTMS to provide to the maximum extent feasible, equal opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, sex, sexual preference, or handicap for all aspects of UTMS activities.
Reckless or intentional endangerment to health or forced consumption of liquor for purposes of initiation or affiliation with UTMS is strictly prohibited.
B) Types of membership:
1. Regular members.
All currently registered U of T community members, including students, faculty, staff and alumni who have currently paid their membership dues shall be defined as Regular members. Regular members shall have the ability to vote on matters pertaining to the club, to nominate, run, and vote in executive elections, as well as to propose and vote on constitutional amendments.
2. Associate members.
All individuals outside of the U of T community who have paid their membership fees shall be eligible for Associate Membership. Associate members do not have the ability to vote on matters pertaining to the club, cannot nominate, run, and vote in executive elections, and do not have the ability to propose and vote on constitutional amendments.
C) Other Requirements:
All UTMS members must adhere to UTMS guidelines, and are subject to all UTMS and U of T standards and disciplinary procedures.
1. UTMS will have the following Elected officers:
* President
* Vice President Internal
* Vice President External
* Vice President Finance
* Vice President Administration
* Vice President Activities
2. All elected officers shall hold their respective office for one calendar year, starting from the date of elections. Elections are to be held no later than October of that term.
3. Appointed officers: The E-body (consisting of the six elected officers) shall periodically appoint committees for special tasks as may seem appropriate. The committee chairpersons shall be regular members except as detailed above.
V. Duties and Powers of Office
1. The President has one vote in the E-Body decisions. The President chairs the E-Body and the general meetings. He/she shall be responsible for the general well being of UTMS. He/she may, with due consultation with the E-body, appoint committees, its chairpersons, and also approve operating and special budgets. However, the President cannot appoint a chairperson without the E-Body and having their consent.
2. The Vice President Internal will be responsible for keeping the existing E-Body in check with the constitutional guidelines. He/she will have the duty of conducting investigations within the organization of UTMS in case of misconduct, and bringing the investigation to the attention of the rest of UTMS. The Vice President Internal will also work with the internal affairs committee, appointed by the E-Body, along with working closely with the President to maintain the structure of the organization as a whole. The Vice President Internal shall have one vote.
3. The Vice President External will be primarily concerned with the public relations, advertisement and inter-organizational communication for UTMS. He/She will have one vote. It is the responsibility of the Vice President External to promote UTMS as a cultural organization, to the University and outside community.
4. The Vice President Finance holds the office of the treasurer for UTMS. He/She is responsible for presenting all UTMS budgets and keeping an accurate amount of expenses. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for the collection of membership dues. In the event any member fails to remit his/her dues, the Vice President Finance may ask the E-Body to revoke/suspend such a person’s membership until the dues have been paid.
5. The Vice President Administration shall also have, like the other E-Body officers, one vote in the E-Body decisions. He/She shall be responsible for calling meetings, taking the minutes, and keeping order at the E-Body proceedings.
6. The Vice President Activities shall be held by a candidate who is able to work on planned events sponsored/co-sponsored by UTMS and assist in the planning and execution of the program. The Vice President Activities has one vote.
7. In order to be elected to office, a candidate must obtain a simple majority of votes cast at a business meeting at which quorum is reached. In case of registration, fresh elections shall be called in the prescribed manner for the vacant office.
VI. Disciplinary Actions/Suspensions
1. Any UTMS member can be suspended if:
a) He/she does not pay his/her membership dues as decided by the E-Body.
b) He/she violates any UTMS regulations.
2. A no-confidence vote shall be passed against any E-Body member at a business meeting by two thirds of the total regular membership. The suspended member shall have the ability to provide a defence at the first instance of voting and subsequently appeal any decision of the first instance to the general membership (U of T members).
3. In the event of a vacancy, the executive position shall be filled either by conducting a by-election (preferable) or by executive appointment by the E-Body.
All committees shall be appointed and given by the E-Body, whose actions shall be subject to E-Body and membership review at the subsequent meeting.
1. UTMS shall set a minimum level of dues for each class of membership. The projected dues are $5 per year.
2. Fiscal policy is subject to university guidelines.
3. In the event of UTMS dissolving, the sole beneficiary of any funds, assets will be UNESCO.
UTMS constitutional amendments shall be approved by majority vote of the general membership (U of T members). All U of T members shall be permitted to run, nominate and vote in elections and constitutional amendments.
Note
The above information is accurate as of 2009-2010.