Article I - Name

Section 1: The name of this organization shall be the Student Research Scholar Club at California State University, Bakersfield.

Section 2: The organization was founded in 2025.

Article II - Purpose

Section 1: The Student Research Scholar Club at California State University, Bakersfield is dedicated to fostering a culture of academic inquiry and innovation by empowering students to engage in independent and collaborative research. Our mission is to provide opportunities for students to develop research skills, connect with faculty mentors, and present their work through conferences, publications, and campus events. This club will provide a space for exchanging tips and information for preparing for graduate school and supporting students who want to work in academia.

Article III - Authority

Section 1: This organization is a recognized student organization at California State University, Bakersfield and adheres to all campus policies as set forth in the Runner Source student organizations handbook.

Section 2: A quorum (at least 30% of active members present, with a minimum of 3 members) is required for official business. Only officers, including the club advisor, may vote on organizational matters.

Section 3: The rules contained in the most recent version of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be the parliamentary authority for this organization.

Article IV - Membership

Section 1: Membership shall be open to all regularly enrolled CSU Bakersfield students interested in research and scholarly engagement.

Section 2: Eligibility for membership or office shall not be limited on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, citizenship, age, medical condition, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status, or disability.

Section 3: The organization prohibits hazing and any act that injures, degrades, or disgraces any fellow student.

Section 4: This organization shall comply with Title 5, Section 41301, Standards for Student Conduct.

Article V - Officers

Section 1: The officers of the organization shall be: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary.

Section 2 - Powers and Duties:

• President: Serves as the chief executive officer; presides over meetings, prepares the meeting minutes document in consultation with team members and the advisor, and shares it with members prior to each meeting. Represents the club and assumes responsibilities of other officers when positions are vacant.
• Vice President: Assumes the duties of President in their absence and assists with leadership responsibilities.
• Treasurer: Manages financial affairs, budgeting, accounting records, prepares monthly reports, and prepares grant applications and funding proposals.
• Secretary: Records meeting minutes, handles correspondence, maintains membership records, manages the club website, organizes meeting agendas and notes, and maintains files including research papers and club documents. The secretary updates a single shared document that contains both past and upcoming meeting minutes based on what was discussed during or after each meeting.

Section 3 - Qualifications: Officers must be in good standing with the university and actively enrolled during their term.

Article VI - Selection of Officers

Section 1: All officers are elected annually. Elections will be held in March. All officer elections must be approved by the faculty advisor before taking effect.

Section 2: Nominations will be made at the meeting immediately preceding the election or from the floor before voting.

Section 3: Election order: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary.

Section 4: Officers are elected by majority vote.

Article VII - Meetings

Section 1: Regularly scheduled meetings shall be held during the academic year.

Section 2: Special meetings may be called by the President or majority of the Executive Committee with 24 hours' notice.

Section 3: A quorum shall consist of a majority of voting members.

Article VIII - Advisor

Section 1: The organization shall appoint a faculty or staff advisor.

Section 2: If an advisor is deemed ineffective, they may be removed by majority vote with seven days' notice.

Article IX - Executive Committee

Section 1: The Executive Committee shall consist of the elected officers and the advisor(s).

Section 2: The Executive Committee shall meet regularly and as needed.

Section 3: Business may be conducted via email or online when necessary.

Article X - Finances

Section 1: The organization may choose to collect membership dues if deemed necessary by a majority vote of the Executive Committee. Dues amount and schedule shall be established at the beginning of each academic year.

Section 2: Organization funds shall not be used for the purchase of alcohol.

Article XI - Discipline of Members

Section 1: All complaints involving Title 5 violations will be referred to the Dean of Students.

Section 2: Other complaints will be investigated by the Executive Committee.

Article XII - Amendments

Section 1: Proposed amendments must be presented in writing one meeting prior to voting.

Section 2: Amendments require a two-thirds vote of members present.

Article XIII - Dissolution of Assets

Section 1: If the club becomes defunct, all funds shall be returned to Associated Students, Inc. (ASI).

Section 2: All physical assets will also be transferred to ASI for research-related use.

Article XIV - Ratification

President has reviewed this constitution with a majority of members and received majority approval to make this the official governing document.