Division of Student Affairs

RHA Constitution

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ARTICLE I - Name

The name of this organization shall be the Residence Hall Association of Case Western Reserve University; herein referred to as RHA in all official documents.

ARTICLE II - Mission Statement

The goal of this organization shall be to strive to enrich the residence hall experience through programming, advocacy, and leadership development.

ARTICLE III - General Structure

RHA shall be a student-run organization representing all of the residents of Case Western Reserve University and shall be composed of Councils elected by each residential community; a General Body composed of the Vice Presidents of each Residence Hall, the President of each Community Council, the Vice President of the Upper Class Community Council, the Village House Representatives, the University Owned Apartment Representative(s), the At-Large Representative(s), and the Executive Board elected by the General Body. The following Councils shall be represented in RHA and act as full members: Cedar Residential College, consisting of Smith, Taft, and Tyler Residence Halls; Juniper Residential College, consisting of Norton, Raymond and Sherman Residence Halls; Mistletoe Residential College, consisting of Hitchcock, Pierce, and Storrs Residence Halls; Adelbert Complex, consisting of Clarke Upper, Clarke Lower, and Cutler; The Upper Class Community Council (UCCC), consisting of the Village at 115 and those students residing in university owned apartments; Carlton Complex, consisting of Glaser, Kusch, and Michelson Residence Halls; Murray Hill Complex, consisting of Alumni, Staley, Howe, and Tippit Residence Halls.

Article IV - Governing Documents

Section 1: Executive Policies

The Executive Policies of the Residence Hall Association of Case Western Reserve University shall be maintained alongside this Constitution.

1. This document shall provide for regulations and procedures pertaining to but not limited to the Executive Board, Executive Officers, and the symbols and oaths of the organization.
2. The Executive Policies shall be amended by a majority vote of the Executive Board at a meeting with all Executive Officers present or by a majority vote of the General Body.
3. The content of this document shall be wholly consistent with this Constitution, which is a superior authority.

Section 2: Organization Memory

A document clarifying all edits and changes to the governing documents shall be maintained alongside this Constitution and the Executive Polices to ensure consistent organization memory. The Executive President and the Executive Vice President of Administration shall be in charge of maintaining this document.

ARTICLE V - Councils

Section 1: Members

To serve in the Residence Hall Association, a student must be currently residing in a residence formally recognized by University Housing and enrolled in CWRU as an undergraduate. An updated list of each Council's members shall be filed with the Council’s Secretary with the RHA Executive Vice President of Administration at the beginning of each semester.

Section 2: Constitutions

Each Council shall maintain a Council Constitution in accordance and wholly consistent with the governing documents of RHA.

1. All Council Constitutions shall be valid from the time of adoption until University Commencement.
2. A model Council Constitution shall be made available to each Council at Community Council Training.
3. All Council Constitutions shall be filed with the RHA Executive Vice President of Administration by a date set by the Executive Board.

Section 3: Expulsion

Each Community Council has the right to expel or otherwise reprimand any member in accordance with the RHA Executive Policies, in conjunction with that Council’s Constitution.

ARTICLE VI - General Body

SECTION 1. MEMBERS.

The General Body shall consist of the members stated in Article III of this Constitution, as well as the Advisors to the General Body, and other members as appointed by the Executive President.

SECTION 2. VOTING RIGHTS.

The Community Council Presidents, Residence Hall Vice Presidents, Upper Class Community Council Vice President, Village House Representatives, University Owned Apartment Representative(s), At-Large Representatives, and Executive Officers shall be the only members with voting rights in the General Body, with the exception of the Speaker of the General Body.

SECTION 3. AUTHORITY.

The supreme authority of RHA, consistent with this Constitution, shall be vested in the General Body, with the exception of the Advisors to the General Body.

SECTION 4. EXPULSION.

The General Body shall have the right to expel or otherwise reprimand any member, whether representative or officer, in accordance with the RHA Executive Policies.

ARTICLE VII - EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1: Executive Officers

The General Body shall, in accordance with the RHA Executive Policies, elect the following officers to serve one year terms: Executive President, Executive Vice President of Internal Development, Executive Vice President of Residential Relations, Executive Vice President of Programming, Executive Vice President of Administration, and Executive Vice President of External Communications.

Section 2: Powers

The Executive Board shall have the following duties and powers:

1. All duties and powers provided for in this Constitution and the Executive Policies of RHA;
2. The power to act on behalf of the Councils after University Commencement and before the inauguration of the Councils in the fall, and;
3. The power to govern RHA between meetings of the General Body; as specified by this Constitution and the Executive Policies of RHA.

Section 3: Elections

The Executive Officers shall be elected in a manner prescribed by the Executive Policies of RHA.

Section 4: Vacancy

If the office of the Executive President becomes vacant, the Executive Vice President of Internal Development shall assume the position of Executive President. If any other Executive Office becomes vacant, the Executive President shall appoint a replacement.

Section 5: Additional Officers

The Executive President may appoint additional officers from the General Body or the Councils. Such officers retain their positions in the General Body or their Council. If an officer is appointed from outside the General Body or the Councils, the appointment must be approved by a majority vote of the General Body. These appointed officers shall not sit on the Executive Board. If not from the General Body or a Council, they shall have no voting rights except that they may vote in committees to which they have been appointed with voting rights. All appointed officers serve at the Executive President's discretion.

ARTICLE VIII - Membership

Section 1: Membership Requirements

All members of RHA, excluding advisors, shall be residents in accordance with Article VI, Section 1 of the Constitution.

Section 2: Non-discrimination

RHA shall not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, handicap, or sexual orientation in the selection of its members or in its programs.

Section 3: Types of Members

1. Council Officers. Each Residential Community shall have a Community Council. The members of this Council shall be elected by the residents of the respective community. The communities of Cedar, Mistletoe, Juniper, Adelbert, Murray Hill, and Carlton shall all have elected positions of Secretary, Treasurer, Social Chair, Recycling Representative, Intramural Representative, Community Service Representative, and Food Representative in addition to its Council President and Hall Vice Presidents. The UCCC shall have house representatives for each of the Village Houses and the University Owned apartments in addition to its Council President and Vice President. The President of the respective Community Council will also have the choice to appoint additional members to the Community Council after election results have been announced. This council will serve for the benefit of the Residential Community of which they are a part. No Residence Life Staff member assigned to work in a residence hall may serve as a Council Representative.
2. General Body Representatives. The Vice Presidents and Presidents from each Council shall serve as a Council Representative to the General Body of RHA. Each representative shall have voting rights so long as the representative remains in good standing, as defined in the Executive Policies. No Residence Life Staff member assigned to work in a residence hall may serve as a Council Representative.
3. At-Large Representatives. Residents not functioning as Council General Body Representatives or Executive Officers may become At-Large Representatives. These representatives are full members of the General Body but do not represent any one Council. At-Large Representatives are selected in a manner according to the Executive Policies of RHA.
4. Executive Officers. The General Body shall elect Executive Officers to manage the affairs of RHA in the absence of the General Body and on behalf of the Councils. These officers shall make up the Executive Board. No Residence Life Staff member assigned to work in a residence hall may serve as an Executive Officer.
5. Advisors. Advisors shall serve as non-voting members of RHA. They may be appointed by the Office of Housing and Residence Life and Greek Life to advise the Councils, the General Body, and the Executive Board.
6. Other members. Other members may be appointed to serve with the General Body or the Executive Board by and at the discretion of the Executive Board. Members appointed to serve with the Councils shall be appointed by and at the discretion of each Council President unless otherwise specified.

ARTICLE IX - Duties of RHA Members

Section 1: Executive Board Members

All executive board members shall:

1. Act in all RHA matters in keeping with the purpose of RHA and in accordance with its Constitution and governing documents;
2. Take the Oath of Office as prescribed by the Executive Policies;
3. Place RHA first in priority of extracurricular activities;
4. Work to maintain the mission, vision, and goals of RHA;
5. Post and maintain 2 office hours each week in accordance with the Executive Policies;
6. Market for their respective initiatives;
7. Meet the qualifications for an Executive Officer as prescribed by the Executive Policies.

Section 2: Executive President

The executive president shall:

1. Serve as the organizational and public figure of RHA;
2. Create, implement, and continuously improve the vision for RHA
3. Act as the Speaker in all General Body Meetings;
4. Lead all Executive Board Meetings and reserve the power to call special meetings with 24 hours notice;
5. Attend all Student Executive Council (SEC) Meetings;
6. Organize Executive Board retreats as necessary;
7. Handle all logistics in relation to first year move-in advertisements and student group promotional opportunities;
8. Coordinate the election and transition process of the new Executive Board;
9. Fill appointments when an appointment is called for by this Constitution or another governing document, unless otherwise specified;
10. Serve as an ex-officio member of all RHA committees, boards, and bodies;
11. Uphold this Constitution and see that it and other governing documents are followed;
12. Authorize all monetary expenditures spent on behalf of RHA.
13. Provide a support system for the Executive Board;
14. Bear the weight of the decisions and actions of RHA;

Section 3: Executive Vice President of Internal Development

The vice president of internal development shall:

1. Chair the Internal Development Committee and delegate work to its members accordingly;
2. Establish an open dialogue with offices and organizations on campus which actively promote leadership development;
3. Coordinate continual training for General Body members, councils, and advisors;
4. Serve as the Council Elections Commissioner;
5. Organize and facilitate Council training;
6. Improve the morale of General Body members and Councils through continuous recognition of good work, deeds, and effort;
7. Coordinate dialogue between Councils, Council Advisors, and the Executive Board;
8. Assume the duties of the Executive President in the event of their absences.

Section 4: Executive Vice President of Residential Relations

The vice president of residential relations shall:

1. Chair the Residential Relations Committee and delegate work to its members accordingly;
2. Act as a liaison between the student body and Dining Services, Information Technology Services, Campus Services, and any other administrative office or official affecting the quality of life of the residents;
3. Report the current standing of issues and concerns as obtained from the aforementioned offices and officials to all RHA members and interested students;
4. Inform students about residential issues;
5. Invite administrative officials to speak at General Body meetings;
6. Chair the RHA Food Committee and provide a dialog between students and Dining Services;
7. Investigate and pursue issues relevant to the quality of life of the residents;
8. Act as or appoint a liasion to the Undergraduate Student Government;
9. Eat in the CWRU dining facilities to provide accurate and personal feedback for Dining Services;
10. Serve as logistical coordinator of Residential Relation events.

Section 5: Executive Vice President of External Communication

The vice president of external communication shall:

1. Chair the External Communication Committee and delegate work to its members accordingly;
2. Maintain communications between the National and Regional Affiliates;
3. Create and maintain an open dialogue between the CWRU RHA and those at other schools;
4. Chair all the Conference Committees;
5. Prepare and educated the delegation to attend to each conference;
6. Prepare a Regional and National report when necessary for General Body Meetings---e.g. a conference wrap-up report at the conclusion of each conference, an update after a large national legislation change, etc.;
7. Coordinate the representation of RHA on campus activity committees;
8. Communicate with NRHH and inform RHA members of NRHH activities;
9. Manage all co-sponsorship requests to the RHA General Body and all post-event follow-ups;
10. Facilitate communication with organizations inside and outside the University to coordinate community service for RHA and the residents of CWRU;
11. Coordinate and advertise RHA participation in events organized by other campus organizations.

Section 6: Executive Vice President of Programming

The vice president of programming shall:

1. Chair the Programming Committee and delegate work to its members accordingly;
2. Organize programs relevant to the education and/or entertainment of residents;
3. Oversee all matters pertaining to the operation of the RHA Movie Channel;
4. Assist in the programming aspects of the events of other Executive Board Members;

Section 7: Executive Vice President of Administration

The Vice President of Administration shall:

1. Record, maintain, and archive minutes at the General Body Meetings and distribute within a 24 hour time period;
2. Record, maintain, and archive minutes at the Executive Board meetings and distribute within a 24 hour time period;
3. Maintain a current and accurate copy of the RHA budget as outlined in Article IV of the Executive Policies;
4. Audit the ledger on a semester basis in conjunction with the advisor utilizing the reports generated by the University Accounting Office;
5. Distribute reimbursements for RHA expenses;
6. Coordinate all documentation for RHA, including but not limited to pictures and revisions to official RHA documents;
7. Arrange and implement the fundraising endeavors throughout the year.

Section 8: General Body Members

1. Attend all General Body Meetings;
2. Create and Maintain an open dialogue between each Council and the RHA Executive Board, including reporting the proceedings of General Body meetings to respective Councils;
3. Serve on one of three committees and various Ad Hoc Committees each semester, unless excused by the Executive President to pursue RHA matters in another way;
4. Represent their Councils in the General Body;
5. Contribute to the success of the General Body and RHA.

Section 9: At-Large Representatives

1. Attend all General Body Meetings;
2. Serve on one of three committees and various Ad Hoc Committees each semester, unless excused by the Executive President to pursue RHA matters in another way;
3. Represent the Residents of Case Western Reserve University;
4. Contribute to the success of the General Body and RHA.

Section 10: Advisors

1. Give advice to the members and officers when appropriate;
2. Authorize expenditures in accordance with University and RHA regulations; and
3. Abide by the rules of RHA, including this Constitution and other governing documents.

ARTICLE X - Meetings

Section 1: Executive Board Meetings

1. Meetings shall be held at a regular time, no less frequently than once a week, unless in the event of a University break, when a weekly update may be substituted;
2. The Executive President may call an emergency meeting with 24 hours notice;
3. The Executive President shall preside over and lead each meeting;
4. Every Executive Officer shall have one vote;
5. Attendance is mandatory and will be taken by the Executive Vice President of Administration;
   1. 48 hours notice is required for an excused Executive Board meeting;
   2. Only two meetings per semester may be excused;
   3. All reasons for absence must be deemed appropriate by the Executive President;
6. Meetings shall be closed to those not on the Executive Board or Advisors to the Executive Board unless the proposal is approved by a majority vote of the Executive Board.

Section 2: General Body Meetings

1. Regular meetings shall be held at a regular time, no less frequently than once a week, while the General Body is in session;
2. The Executive President shall preside over and lead each meeting;
3. Attendance is mandatory and will be taken by the Executive Vice President of Administration;
   1. Prior notice is required for a General Body member to be excused from a General Body Meeting;
   2. Only two meetings per semester may be excused;
   3. Executive Board Members may miss only one General Body Meeting per semester;
   4. 72 hours notice is required for an Executive Board member to be excused from a General Body Meeting;
4. The Executive President may relocate and reschedule meetings at their discretion with 48 hours notice;
5. Meetings of the General Body shall be open to all residents, University officials, and Student Affairs staff. The General Body or the Executive Board may decide otherwise by a majority vote of either body.

ARTICLE XI - Committees

Section 1: Definition

All committees consisting of members shall be known as RHA Committees. There are four standing committees: Presidential Advisory, Internal Development, Residential Relations, and Programming. The RHA Executive Officers, with simple majority approval of the General Body, may form a new committee for no longer than one semester’s time. All General Body members must serve on one standing committee.

Section 2: General Body Meetings

1. This committee shall be headed by the Executive President and shall be a standing committee;
2. This committee shall be composed of each College or Complex Council President;
3. This committee shall provide direct support in developing more efficient, informed, and active Councils;
4. This committee shall be called at the discretion of the Executive President.

Section 3: Internal Development

1. This committee shall be headed by the Executive Vice President of Internal Development and shall be a standing committee;
2. This committee shall work to provide continuous training for General Body and Council members;
3. The committee member shall act as the primary contacts for establishing a dialogue between the Executive Vice President of Internal Development and the Councils;
4. This committee will also work to improve the morale of the RHA General Body.

Section 4: Residential Relations

1. This committee shall be headed by the Executive Vice President of Residential Relations and shall be a standing committee;
2. This committee shall seek to uphold and improve the quality of life of the residents by investigating and addressing relevant issues and concerns;
3. The committee members shall act as the primary contacts for conveying concerns of the residents to the Executive Vice President of Residential Relations;
4. The Executive Vice President of Residential Relations shall address issues to and obtain primary feedback from the committee members on relevant campus issues;
5. The Executive Vice President of Residential Relations shall delegate responsibilities as necessary to the committee members as they see fit, including attending meetings at the request of the Vice President of Residential Relations.

Section 5: Programming

1. This committee shall be headed by the Executive Vice President of Programming and shall be a standing committee;
2. The members of this committee shall determine the movies to be shown on the RHA Movie Channel;
3. This committee shall work together to provided creative and new programming, both educational and entertaining, to the residents of CWRU.

Section 6: Ad Hoc Committees

1. These committees shall be headed by the Executive President, unless otherwise stated;
2. Any committee created, other than the four standing committees, shall be known as an Ad Hoc Committee;
3. The Ad Hoc Committee shall last no longer than one semester’s time unless extended by a majority vote of the General Body;
4. Members may be appointed at the discretion of the Executive President.

Section 7: Conference Delegation

1. This committee shall be headed by the Vice President of External Communication;
2. The committee shall be comprised of members of the CWRU Community who shall attend the specific conference;
3. All delegates shall meet no less than three times before departing for the conference;
4. The Vice President of External Communication is responsible for all planned activities during the conference, including, but not limited to, sub committees, extra meals and extra conference excursions.

ARTICLE XII - Funding

Section 1: Allotment

The RHA shall be funded though the Office of Housing and Residence Life and Greek Life. Funding is based on the number of students placed in the University owned Residential Facilities. Ten dollars is given to RHA for each person residing in Residential Housing. The RHA budget operates on the University Fiscal Year

Section 2: Fundraising

RHA may utilize methods considered acceptable to, and in accordance with, Case Western Reserve University to raise money for said organization.

1. RHA works with On Campus Marketing (OCM) to deliver products and services to students which allow RHA to raise money;
2. Any other form of fundraising shall have a separate line item in the RHA Budget, and may be dispersed into other line items by a majority vote of the RHA General Body.

Section 3: Budget

Further information on the RHA Budget is available in Article IV of the RHA Executive Policies.

ARTICLE XIII - Parliamentary Procedure

Section 1: Parliamentary Authority

The rules contained in Appendix A of this document shall govern the organization in all cases to which they are applicable. In the event in which the rules in Appendix A are inconsistent with this Constitution, other rules of the organization, or any special rules of order the society may adopt; the rules of the Constitution shall remain the guiding regulator of RHA. To edit Appendix A consult the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, to make sure the rules are not in conflict.

Section 2: Quorum

The minimum number of voting members present for any body of RHA to transact business shall be one half of the total voting members of that body plus one.

Section 3: Voting

Whenever a proportion of a vote is referred to in this Constitution or other governing documents, it shall mean a proportion of all of voting members present who vote, unless otherwise specified.

ARTICLE XIV - Constitution

Section 1: Authority

This Constitution shall serve as the supreme law of RHA, subject to the guidelines and regulations of Case Western Reserve University. All other rules, resolutions, orders passed, actions undertaken by the organization, or governing documents (including, but not limited to the Council Constitutions and the Executive Policies) shall be in accordance and wholly consistent with this Constitution.

Section 2: Custody

The official copy of this Constitution and all other governing documents of RHA shall be maintained by the Executive Vice President of Administration in conjunction with the Executive President.

Section 3: Witness

The official copy of this Constitution and all other rules, resolutions, orders, or governing documents of RHA shall bear the witness of the Executive President serving during its adoption or amendment and the date of passage and date of witness.

Section 4: Amendment

This Constitution shall be amended by a two-thirds vote of the General Body, provided that the amendment was submitted in writing at the meeting immediately prior.