Koreans of Williams

Constitution

 

I. Preamble

We, the members of KoW, established to provide a supportive and interactive environment for group members and the local public, do ordain and establish this constitution and subscribe to the regulation and policies of Williams College.

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II. Purpose

1. Koreans of Williams will serve as:

   1. An organizing body providing opportunities for members to gather and socialize.

   2. A facilitator of discussion on topics relevant to Korean culture, concerns, and current events.

   3. A host, or co-host, to events that promote the spread of Korean cultural awareness on campus.

2. We abide by the following values: diversity, community, cultural awareness, and culinary excellence.

3. We also follow the code of Student Conduct and uphold the educational missions of Williams College.

 

III. Affiliation

1. Koreans of Williams is a subgroup of the umbrella group, Asian American Students in Action (AASiA), which is a subgroup of the larger umbrella group, Minority Coalition (MinCo).

2. Koreans of Williams also reports to and works with the Davis Center (DC).

 

IV. Membership

1. Students and alumni of Williams College are eligible for membership.

2. Members must be on the group listserv and must have participated in at least one of the events, activities, or dinners the club has hosted.

3. Members may be removed from the club rosters by request to the club officers.

4. Only active members of KoW may vote or hold office.

5. Williams College, in compliance with state and federal law, does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, or military service. Any member of the College community who on any of these grounds feels discriminated against by another member of the community should take action.

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V. Officers

1. List of Officers in KoW

   1. Co-Chairs/Presidents (2)

      1. The Co-Chairs act as the organizational contacts and one or both are responsible for organizing board meetings, sending out weekly e-mails to the listserv, and coordinating with the Representatives in managing KoW’s social media presence, including Facebook, Instagram, and website.

   2. Treasurer

      1. The Treasurer acts as the primary financial contact and is responsible for managing the p-card through the Davis Center, requesting college vehicles, updating the spending log, and other financial duties.

   3. KoW Fam Coordinator

      1. The KoW Fam Coordinator is responsible for forming and maintaining KoW Fams and KoW Fam events.

   4. MinCo/AASiA Representative

      1. The MinCo/AASiA Representative acts as the point-of-contact for MinCo and AASiA.

   5. Freshman and Sophomore Representatives

      1. The Freshman Representative communicates with his/her class and acts as their voice.

      2. One or both of the Representatives are responsible for managing the social media in coordination with the Co-Chairs/Presidents.

2. Executive Committee

   1. The executive committee is comprised of the two co-chairs.

   2. Co-Chairs are responsible for making final decisions on official group activities, procedures, and direction.

3. Voting

   1. Only club members may run for positions and/or vote.

   2. Voting for board positions is done through an online survey sent through the listserv.

   3. Elections take place in September for Representatives and in April other board positions.

   4. If all positions are uncontested, no public election will be held. If at least one is contested, then a formal voting process must proceed with the “No Confidence” option.

4. Length of Term

   1. Officers serve upon the completion of the elections AND the Annual Spring Dinner the year they are elected until the completion of the subsequent year’s elections and Annual Spring Dinner.

5. Vacancies

   1. In the case of a vacancy, the absent board member’s responsibilities are assigned to a specific board member until the next election.

   2. Any new election will proceed according to letter C.

6. Removal or Replacement

   1. If an officer is deemed unable or unwilling to sufficiently fulfill his or her position, the remaining officers will vote by 2/3 majority to remove the officer in question.

   2. If an officer has more than two unexcused absences to meetings, where sickness or another prior commitment are exempt, he/she will be automatically put up to vote for removal by a 2/3 majority of the remaining board.

 

VI. Advisors

1. KoW, as a subgroup affiliated with the Davis Center, reports to and works with an assigned faculty member at the Davis Center when organizing large or public events as well as smaller events that use DC-allocated funds.

2. This organization may select and secure an advisor from the active faculty or staff of Williams College and will register their name with Campus Life annually.  The advisor will be informed of all meetings and activities of the organization and may call a special meeting of the organization to discuss concerns for the ongoing nature of the organization.

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VII. Meetings

1. Group-wide meetings occur on a weekly basis when class is in session.

   1. These meetings are announced by the Secretary through listserv and Facebook.

2. Board members have separate organizational meetings once a week, or as often as necessary when school is in session.

   1. Co-chairs are responsible for determining meeting times and frequency and announcing them to the rest of the board.

 

VIII. Constitutional Amendments

1. Proposals

   1. Active board members may submit amendment proposals to the Co-Chairs or other board members  via email (or other modes of communication).

   2. Proposals are to be listed in the weekly emails and/or announced at the next general meeting.

2. Voting

   1. The voting period for amendments will last a week.

   2. Results will be announced at the subsequent group-wide meeting and through the group listserv.

   3. Amendments require a 2/3 majority vote from active membership in order to pass.

3. All amendments, additions, or deletions must be approved and filed with College Council.

 

IX. Funding

1. This student group agrees to abide by all funding bylaws set forth by the Williams College Council and MinCo.  This includes the process for applying for funding and the possible uses for CC ir MinCo funds by student organizations. A finance officer/treasurer will be responsible for budgeting the student organization’s funds in accordance with CC and MinCo funding bylaws. The finance officer (and organization as whole) is responsible for all activities involving funding.

2. In approving this constitution, this student group also acknowledges that it may fundraise of its own accord, but alumni solicitation must be coordinated through the Development Office.

 

X. Dissolution

1. In the case that Koreans of Williams is dormant for three consecutive years, the group will be dissolved.

2. Any money that Koreans of Williams has acquired from College Council prior to dissolution will be donated to the Williams College Council Projects Fund.

 

XI. Leadership must share the college’s guidelines for alcohol use and responsible party standards found on the dean’s website with all members and participants in the organization. All members of the organization must be aware of the responsibility they have in supervising organization affiliated events and that they should refer to the code of conduct’s policies to ensure compliance. All organization participants are expected to be helpful, active bystanders to keep events and programs safe and in accordance with how they are registered with the College.

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