Constitution and Bylaws for The Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter at Louisiana State

University

PREAMBLE

We, the members of PRSSA Chapter at Louisiana State University, do hereby establish this Constitution in order that our purpose is realized to its fullest extent.

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of the organization will be Public Relations Student Society of America at Louisiana State University henceforth referred to as PRSSA at LSU.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE

PRSSA at LSU is established for the express purpose of developing leadership skills, professionalism, as well as an awareness of social responsibilities to encourage students to participate in public relations. PRSSA at LSU shall be affiliated with the Public Relations Student Society of America and the Public Relations Society of America Baton Rouge Chapter.

The objectives of the PRSSA at LSU shall be to encourage the understanding of current theories and procedures in the practice of public relations, to provide students of public relations with the opportunity to become acquainted with their peers and professional practitioners, to encourage students to adhere to the highest ideals and principles of the practice of public relations and to instill in them professional values including: advocacy, honesty, expertise, independence and fairness.

ARTICLE III. BASIC POLICIES

The following are the basic policies of the organization.

Section 1. The organization shall be non-commercial.Section 2. The name of the organization or the name of any members in their official capacities shall

not be used in connection with a commercial concern.Section 3. The organization shall cooperate with Louisiana State University to support the

improvement of education in ways that will not interfere with administration of the University.

Section 4. The organization may cooperate with other organizations and agencies, but any person representing PRSSA at LSU in such matters shall make no commitments that bind the organization in any manner.

Section 5. The organization, its officers and members agree to abide by all University policies and local, state and federal laws in all efforts associated with the organization.

Section 6. No purchases by a member or officer shall be reimbursed unless prior written approval is

obtained from the PRSSA Treasurer.Section 7. No purchases may be made in the name of or on behalf of PRSSA at LSU without prior

written approval of the PRSSA Treasurer.Section 8. The organization, its officers and members agree to abide by the PRSSA Code of

Ethics/Conduct and PRSA Code of Ethics.Section 9. Any form of hazing, bullying, intimidation or personal attack shall not be tolerated. This

includes face-to-face communication and digital (i.e., text, IM or email) interactions that physically, mentally, emotionally or psychologically harms another member of PRSSA at LSU. Members and officers accused of such actions will be subject to undergo the procedures outlined for removal of officers listed below.

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

The following are the membership requirements of the organization.

Section 1. Any LSU undergraduate or graduate student, faculty member or staff member who subscribes to the purpose and policies of the organization may become a member of this organization, subject only to compliance with the provisions of the constitution. No student, regardless of age, race, color, creed, gender, religion, veteran status, marital status, political belief, national origin, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, who has demonstrated an interest in public relations or other related fields, shall be excluded from membership.

Section 2. Active membership is restricted to LSU undergraduate or graduate students. Affiliate membership is restricted to: 1) international students enrolled in a college or university outside the United States that has passed CEPR Certification and are eligible for affiliate membership; or 2) all students, within the United States and internationally, enrolled in a college or university without a PRSSA Chapter. Affiliate members are non-voting members. Associate membership is restricted to LSU faculty and staff. Associate members are non-voting members.

Section 3. The organization shall conduct a biannual enrollment of members.Section 4. Only dues-paying members in good standing with the organization as well as the

university shall be eligible to participate in its business meetings or to serve in any of its elective or appointive positions. Good standing is defined as being in compliance with the PRSA and PRSSA Code of Ethics, the LSU Code of Student Conduct, and the PRSSA at LSU Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 5. Each member of the organization shall pay annual dues. National Public Relations Student Society of America dues ($50) plus $25 (PRSSA at LSU Chapter dues) will be paid once per academic year.A. Membership payment process can be completed via cash or check. Membership

payment process can also be completed through Paypal for convenience; a $10 processing fee is required.

B. A reduced membership fee of $65 is available for December graduates paying dues in the fall and for May graduates paying dues in the spring, as well as students studying abroad or interning for one semester during the school year.

C. Transfer students will be required to follow the same guidelines, unless the student was involved in another PRSSA Chapter and already paid National PRSSA dues ($50). In this case, transfer students will only be required to pay PRSSA at LSU Chapter dues ($25).

Section 6. Each member shall have the option to become an active PRSSA at LSU member by paying dues for the academic year and by receiving five (5) points through his/her involvement in the organization each semester:

A. One (1) point shall be awarded for each business meeting attended during the fall semester or the spring semester.

B. One (1) point shall be awarded for each volunteer effort or service project in which said member participated during the fall semester or the spring semester.

C. One (1) point shall be awarded for consistent involvement in the affiliated, student-run firm ImPRint Communications during the fall semester or the spring semester.

D. One (1) point shall be awarded for consistent involvement in a committee formed by the Executive Board during the fall or spring semester.

E. One (1) point shall be awarded for assistance in each fundraising activity for PRSSA.

F. One (1) point shall be awarded for attending PRSSA, PRSA-BR or PRAL-BR workshops or special events.

G. One (1) point shall be awarded for each written piece printed or published for PRSSA at LSU’s or PRSSA National’s newsletter and/or blog.

H. One (1) point shall be awarded for attendance at PRSSA National Events, including National Conference, Regional Conference or National Assembly.

I. Points cannot be combined for the fall and spring semester of any academic year.Section 7. All active, dues-paying members shall be:

A. Eligible to run for officer positions in the spring semesters;B. Able to receive awards given at the end of semester and/or year;C. Have access to in-state & out-of-state agency tours;D. Have access to funds raised for PRSSA National and Regional Conferences. As

long as students are in good standing according to the university’s requirements for academics and accountability and PRSA and PRSSA’s requirements for members, active, dues-paying members can participate in PRSSA activities at the National, Regional and Chapter levels.

Section 8. An individual who has received a baccalaureate degree and who is a dues-paying member of PRSSA at LSU at the time of graduation shall be eligible for Associate membership in the Public Relations Society of America. Applications must be made within two (2) years following the date of the applicant’s graduation, and shall be made on a form approved by the PRSA Board of Directors. PRSA Associate membership may be held for a period not to exceed two (2) years after admission to such membership. Associate members shall notify the Secretary of PRSSA at LSU of application and admission within seven (7) days of admission.

Section 9. In the event this organization becomes inactive, all monies left in the treasury after all outstanding debts and claims have been paid shall be donated to The Manship School of Mass Communication. Any debt of the PRSSA Chapter at LSU is solely the responsibility of the Chapter and not of LSU, the Manship School of Mass Communication, the PRSA Baton Rouge Chapter, or PRSSA.

Section 10. A member can be deemed not in good standing and can be removed by two-thirds vote (2/3) of the Executive Board. Any member deemed not in good standing is not entitled to remittance of dues.

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS

The following are the officer requirements of the organization.

Section 1. To be eligible to be elected to, appointed to, hold an office, serve on a committee, or be a standing committee chairperson, a member must:

A. Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at LSU, with the exception of graduating seniors in their last semester;

B. Be recognized as an active member of PRSSA at LSU in the semester prior to running for office, earn active member status in the same semester in which the annual elections occur prior to election meeting or be appointed to an office or committee and remain an active member of PRSSA at LSU during each semester in which a student serves in an elected or appointed position;

C. Be in good standing with the University, have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and not be on disciplinary or deferred suspension;

D. Meet all other reasonable academic and conduct standards established by PRSA, PRSSA and LSU and included in the organization’s constitution and/or bylaws;

E. Attend all regular membership and executive board meetings;F. Complete, sign, return to Faculty Adviser and abide by the following application

language:a. “I understand the responsibilities and requirements for being an officer of

the PRSSA Chapter at Louisiana State University. I affirm that I am currently enrolled as a full-time student, in good academic and accountability standing, at LSU. I agree to share with the adviser if my full-time student status, academic, or accountability standing changes during the year.”

b. “I hereby authorize Student Advocacy and Accountability to release information as to my academic and accountability standing at LSU to the Chapter Faculty Adviser(s) in order that they may certify qualifications for this position.”

c. “Accountability Standing means any referral to the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability where a student is found responsible for a violation of the LSU Code of Student Conduct and issued a sanction, Disciplinary Probation, Deferred Suspension, or Suspension.”

G. Failure to comply with sections A through F shall prevent any member from running for office and shall require any officer to resign within five (5) business days of becoming ineligible to hold office. If an officer does not resign within five (5) business days of becoming ineligible for office, the general membership shall hold a vote at the subsequent business meeting. At that meeting, the membership shall vote (by a majority vote of 1/3 of the current dues-paying membership present) to remove the ineligible officer.

H. All actions of the executive committee shall be subject to reversal by the Chapter by a majority vote of the one-third (1/3) of the current dues-paying members present. All actions approved by the executive meeting must be shared with the membership in the form of minutes distributed to the membership via email within 24 hours of an executive meeting. During the business meeting following the executive action, any member may petition for a vote to reverse an executive committee decision.

Section 2. The officers of this organization shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Public Relations Director, a Digital Media Director, a Historian, the Director(s) of the PRSSA student-run firm, ImPRint Communications, a Fundraising Director, a Service Director and others approved by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the membership. The Secretary/Treasurer may be combined. The Director(s) of the student-run firm cannot hold another position on the Executive Board.

Section 3. Officer duties are as follows:A. The Chapter President must:

a. Motivate the executive board and members through professional conduct

and enthusiasm toward PRSSA;b. Preside, in person, at all membership and executive board meetings;c. Appoint committees and advise chairs;d. Advise members about Chapter activities in an accurate and timely

manner;e. Delegate responsibilities to help officers and committees reach reasonable

and achievable goals prior to reasonable deadlines;f. Direct overall operations of the Chapter in a professional manner;g. Recommend and establish reasonable goals, objectives and tactics for the

Chapter with the approval of the membership as well as Faculty and Professional Advisers;

h. Assist the treasurer in collecting dues and provide a complete and accurate dues form to PRSSA Headquarters before Nov. 1 and Mar. 1;

i. Stay in contact with the Faculty and Professional Advisers and PRSSA National Committee;

j. Coordinate the work of the officers and committees in order that projects be promoted and completed in a manner that abides by PRSSA and LSU policies;

k. Schedule and confirm the slate of speakers for each membership meeting. The slate of confirmed speakers for the fall semester is due to the Faculty and Professional Advisers before Aug. 1. The slate of confirmed speakers for the spring semester is due to the Faculty and Professional Advisers before Dec. 1;

l. Conduct the formal induction ceremony for new dues-paying members at the beginning of each semester; or appoint a Committee/Executive Board member to run if necessary;

m. Serve as an executive board member for ImPRint Communications, the student-run public relations firm;

n. Take part in any PRSSA at LSU recruitment activities, leadership activities, service projects and fundraising activities;

o. Notify Campus Life, PRSSA Headquarters and PRSA sponsor Chapter at the end of the academic year of changes in Chapter leaders through the Chapter Officer Form and at other times necessitated by changes in officer status;

p. Serve as the Immediate Past President, providing guidance and assistance to the following year’s Executive Board, regardless if they are no longer an LSU student or PRSSA at LSU member. The Immediate Past President must attend at least one Executive Board meeting and at least one Business meeting each semester in the subsequent year.

B. The Vice President must:a. Motivate members through his or her professional conduct and enthusiastic

attitude toward PRSSA;b. Perform presidential duties if the Chapter President is absent or unable.c. Help the Chapter President coordinate and direct committee activities and

Chapter operations;d. Perform duties as may be delegated by the Chapter President;e. Counsel the Chapter President by recommending goals, objectives, tactics,

deadlines, plans, and programs;f. Foster and maintain a good relationship with Manship School of Mass

Communication & PRSSA Alumni;g. Coordinate and disseminate information to the membership about PRSA

for graduating PRSSA members;h. Order and deliver food and soft drinks according to the budget

recommended by the Chapter Treasurer as well as LSU and PRSSA policies;

i. Take part in any PRSSA at LSU recruitment activities, leadership activities, service projects and fundraising activities.

C. The Secretary must:a. Motivate members through his or her professional conduct and enthusiastic

attitude toward PRSSA;b. Prepare agendas for membership [and committee meetings] with assistance

by the Chapter President;c. Record and distribute the minutes of all executive board and business

meetings;d. Handle Chapter correspondence according to the policies recorded in the

PRSSA guides for style and branding as well as the current PRSSA Chapter Handbook;

e. Maintain a record of Chapter members with each member’s school and permanent home address, the semester during which each member paid dues, graduation date, phone number, email, and the total number of points members earned during the current and immediate prior semester;

f. Report to the executive board as well as faculty and Chapter advisers a list of active members before Dec. 1, the annual elections held during the spring semester, as well as prior to special elections or appointments;

g. Keep the Chapter’s charter, current constitution and bylaws, other permanent documents and current copy of the Chapter handbook;

h. Prepare the membership cards and certificates for new dues-paying members prior to the induction ceremony each semester;

i. Take part in any PRSSA at LSU recruitment activities, leadership activities, service projects and fundraising activities.

D. The Treasurer must:a. Motivate members through his or her professional conduct and enthusiastic

attitude toward PRSSA;b. Work with Chapter President and Faculty Adviser(s) in preparing the

annual budget;c. Collect Chapter and National dues, with the assistance of the Chapter

President, and completely and accurately prepare the PRSSA dues form;d. Provide financial reports twice per semester to the Chapter members and

once at each executive board meeting;e. Collect fees for any Chapter special events and fundraisers;f. Disburse Chapter funds with proper approval of the Faculty Adviser(s) and

in accordance with university and PRSSA policies;g. Provide safekeeping for all Chapter funds and keep accurate financial

records that reflect receipts and expenditures;h. Receive all monies of the organization and keep accurate records of all

transactions, including archives;i. Provide copies of financial statements to an auditor or an auditing

committee of not less than two (2) members who shall examine the treasurer’s accounts annually, who, satisfied that the Treasurer’s Annual Report is correct, should sign a statement of that fact at the end of the report. The executive committee shall appoint the auditing committee at least two (2) weeks before the first meeting in April. Members of the

auditing committee cannot also hold positions on the executive committee.j. Take part in any PRSSA at LSU recruitment activities, leadership

activities, service projects, and fundraising activities.E. The Public Relations Director must:

a. Motivate members through his or her professional conduct and enthusiastic attitude toward PRSSA;

b. Coordinate, produce and print the Chapter newsletter for distribution at each regular member meeting during the academic year;

c. Produce and oversee Chapter News on the national website, www.prssa.org;

d. Coordinate, produce, edit and distribute Chapter press releases, feature articles, advertising and brochures, making sure each complies with PRSSA and LSU style and branding guidelines;

e. Handle all campus and area press issues in accordance with PRSSA and LSU style and branding guidelines;

f. Work with the PRSSA student-run firm, ImPRint Communications, and the Digital Media Director to create, update and implement a Chapter crisis communication plan, fundraising plans, and service plans;

g. Coordinate and promote recruitment and retention with brochures, fliers, Student Involvement Fair participation and visits to Manship School classes each fall and spring semester.

h. Take part in any PRSSA at LSU recruitment activities, leadership activities, service projects and fundraising activities.

F. The Digital Media Director must:a. Motivate members through his or her professional conduct and enthusiastic

attitude toward PRSSA;b. Produce and oversee the Chapter’s social media and web sites in a manner

that is consistent with the PRSSA and LSU requirements for style and branding;

c. Post announcements for Chapter meetings and updates in appropriate online forums, in the Manship Weekly and throughout campus;

d. Work with the PRSSA student-run firm, ImPRint Communications, and the PR Director to create, update and implement a Chapter crisis communication plan, fundraising plans, and service plans;

e. Take part in any PRSSA at LSU recruitment activities, leadership activities, service projects and fundraising activities.

G. The Historian must:a. Motivate members through his or her professional conduct and enthusiastic

attitude toward PRSSA;b. Maintain and record history of the Chapter for accurate record keeping

from year to year;c. Coordinate photography and videography for the Chapter, social media

sites, website and press releases;d. Coordinate, complete, submit and keep a record of applications for Chapter

awards for which the Chapter is eligible each year.e. Take part in any PRSSA at LSU recruitment activities, leadership

activities, service projects and fundraising activities.H. The Director(s) of ImPRint Communications shall also be voting members of the

PRSSA at LSU executive board. Director(s) are appointed unless decided otherwise by the current standing Co-Directors. The application process for officers of the student-run firm is explained in the ImPRint Communications

Constitution and Bylaws. The Director(s) must:a. Motivate members through his or her professional conduct and enthusiastic

attitude toward PRSSA;b. Oversee the firm’s progress with its PRSSA and Manship School of Mass

Communication clients;c. Direct account executives in strategies for completing set goals for clients;d. Handle selection of ImPRint Communications members, and account

executive(s) and secretary positions for the current semester;e. Handle selection of ImPRint Communications members, and account

executive(s) and secretary positions for the current semester;f. Serve the PRSSA Chapter by overseeing the PRSSA fundraising, service,

and crisis communication plans, and other national competitions;g. Serve the Manship School of Mass Communication by working on various

communications throughout the academic year;h. Attend and present a formal report about all activities of ImPRint

Communications to the PRSSA at LSU members at each business meeting and executive board meetings;

i. Take part in any PRSSA at LSU recruitment activities, leadership activities, service projects and fundraising activities.

I. The Fundraising Director must:a. Motivate members through his or her professional conduct and enthusiastic

attitude toward PRSSA;b. Advise and assist ImPRint Director(s) in choosing PRSSA Fundraising

account members;c. Work with Chapter President, Treasurer and Faculty Adviser(s) in

preparing fundraising budgets and reports;d. Pay ImPRint Communications dues of $30/year;e. Develop at least one (1) fundraiser each semester;f. Set fundraising goals and objectives with the approval of the Executive

Board, membership and Faculty Adviser;g. Delegate responsibilities to account members to ensure projects are

promoted and completed in a timely manner that abides by PRSSA at LSU, Campus Life and LSU policies;

h. Maintain a continuous and complete file of activities and completed projects, as well as records of PRSSA members’ fundraising participation;

i. Take part in any PRSSA at LSU recruitment activities, leadership activities, service projects and fundraising activities.

J. The Service Director must;a. Motivate members through his or her professional conduct and enthusiastic

attitude toward PRSSA;b. Advise and assist ImPRint Director(s) in choosing PRSSA Service account

members;c. Pay ImPRint Communications dues of $30/year;d. Plan at least one (1) service project each month for PRSSA at LSU,

totaling three (3) per semester;e. Delegate responsibilities to account members to ensure service projects are

promoted and completed in a timely manner that abides by PRSSA at LSU, Campus Life and LSU policies;

f. Serve as the primary contact with volunteer coordinators for all service projects;

g. Maintain a continuous and complete file of activities and completed

projects, as well as records of PRSSA members’ service participation;h. Encourage participation in service projects among PRSSA at LSU

members;i. Take part in any PRSSA at LSU recruitment activities, leadership

activities, service projects and fundraising activities.Section 4. Faculty and Professional Advisers:

A. The Faculty Adviser shall serve as a resource and support mechanism for the officers and members of the organization. The adviser shall be nominated by the Manship School of Mass Communication and then elected into office by the PRSSA membership. The Faculty Adviser shall follow duties as prescribed by the Manship School of Mass Communication, Public Relations Student Society of America’s national bylaws and Campus Life of Louisiana State University. He or she shall serve as adviser until the Chapter is dissolved or the adviser is replaced by action of the Dean of the Manship School of Mass Communication. Per the PRSSA guidelines, the faculty member shall be an instructor of at least one (1) of the core courses for public relations students and be a PRSA member or associate member.

B. The duties of the Faculty Adviser are:a. Set the tone of professionalism for the Chapter, its officers and members;b. Motivate members through example and counsel to be active members of

PRSSA;c. Stress that PRSSA is a national organization; it is the affiliate of PRSA,

the world’s largest organization of public relations professionals;d. Stress that PRSSA is not a “club,” but a pre-professional organization;e. Represent the Chapter in the Manship School of Mass Communication;f. Explain the objectives of PRSSA to other faculty members;g. Obtain the support of faculty and other college or university officials in

decision-making positions on behalf of PRSSA and of public relations as a “teachable” profession;

h. Communicate department messages to Chapter members and sponsoring PRSA Chapter;

i. Continue communication with the sponsoring PRSA Chapter, particularly with the PRSA member who has been designated as the PRSSA Chapter’s Professional Adviser, to encourage an active, productive relationship between the PRSSA and PRSA Chapters;

j. Meet with the Professional Adviser, PRSSA and PRSA Chapter Presidents early in the academic year to establish objectives for the PRSA/PRSSA relationship.

k. Oversee the finances of the Chapter, with the Treasurer, including all monies deposited from fundraising activities, departmental contributions, member dues and other sources.

C. The PRSSA Chapter shall elect annually one (1) or two (2) Professional Advisers to serve as its connection to its sponsoring PRSA Chapter. The Professional Adviser must be accredited or have at least five (5) years of professional public relations experience. Associate members of PRSA do not qualify for this position. Professional Advisers must be members in good standing of the PRSA Baton Rouge Chapter. To facilitate the students’ election of Professional Advisers, the officers of the Baton Rouge Chapter shall nominate eligible members of their Chapter annually as possible Professional Advisers and submit the names to the student group for ratification. Professional Advisers must agree to volunteer his or her time for the betterment of the students and the student Chapter. Professional

Advisers should not counsel more than one (1) PRSSA Chapter at the same time.D. The Professional Adviser shall serve as a resource and support mechanism for the

officers and members of the organization; and shall follow duties as prescribed by the Manship School of Mass Communication, Public Relations Student Society of America’s national bylaws, Campus Life of Louisiana State University and the Public Relations Society of America Baton Rouge Chapter.

E. The duties of the Professional Adviser are:a. Demonstrate that the practice of public relations is an ethical profession;b. Show that the professional practitioner is genuinely interested in and

concerned about events that affect the community, the nation and the world;

c. Be accountable to the Chapter Presidents and board of the PRSA Baton Rouge Chapter and should report to the board at least twice a year;

d. Assist in the scheduling of PRSA Baton Rouge Chapter members to discuss case histories and problems at PRSSA meetings and in classrooms;

e. Invite job-seeking students for counsel about career questions, including job-seeking, resume writing and interview techniques;

f. Involve PRSSA members and their Faculty Adviser in PRSA Chapter activities, such as seminars, public service programs, publications and conferences;

g. Arrange field trips to public relations departments, counseling firms and media;

h. Conduct internship programs;i. Establish means to identify entry-level jobs in public relations so that

seniors and graduates can follow up with resumes and requests for interviews.

Section 5. The policy for elections and removals are as follows:A. Voting members shall include all dues-paying members of PRSSA for the

semester in which the election takes place.B. To run for executive office, a student must submit a completed Executive Board

Application for to the outgoing executive board and the faculty adviser to review.C. To run for executive office, a student must present a 2-3-minute speech outlining

his or her platform for running to the PRSSA members at a special election meeting.

D. Elections may take place either online or in-person by ballot annually before April 15. However, if there is only one (1) nominee for any office, it shall be in order to move that the secretary cast the elective ballot of the organization for the nominee.

E. Elections shall take place with a quorum of current members. Per PRSSA guidelines, one-third (1/3) of the dues-paying membership at the time of the election shall constitute a quorum. If quorum is present in-person voting shall be used. If a quorum is not present at the meeting online balloting will be used. Officers shall be elected by a majority of the quorum.

F. In the event that an equal number of votes are submitted for two people running for the same officer position, a run-off election shall be performed either at a special meeting or via online ballot within two (2) weeks of the initial election.

G. Students may run for up to two (2) positions. If students are not elected their first choice, they have the option to run for a second, but will be required to give another 2-3 minute speech. The order of speeches at the election meeting will be determined by the outgoing President.

H. Officers shall officially assume their original duties on June 1 and shall serve for the term of one (1) academic year, except in the case of vacancies, removal from

office or special elections defined below.I. Officers shall only be allowed to occupy the same executive position for two (2)

semesters. Officers may run for and serve in a different position on the executive board in subsequent semesters.

Section 6. After the elections but before the end of the academic year, each year’s outgoing board will host a transition meeting for the incoming board. The purpose of the meeting is for each outgoing officer to pass on to his or her incoming counterpart the information that person will need to perform the duties of that office. This meeting will also serve as an orientation to the incoming board by discussing new and ongoing Chapter initiatives and/or key relationships to which the new board should attend. This meeting should take place at least one (1) week prior to the concentrated study period at defined by LSU’s academic calendar. Outgoing officers should transfer their officer materials to incoming officers and aid in goal setting for the next year.

Section 7. A vacancy occurring in any office shall be filled using the special election process when required by Campus Life or PRSSA. The successor will serve in the position until June 1, when officers elected in the next annual election assume their elected positions. Members will be given at least seven (7) business days notice of any special elections. Rules regarding the majority vote of the one-third (1/3) current dues-paying membership required in attendance (quorum) will apply.

Section 8. Any officer of PRSSA at LSU in violation of the organization’s purpose or constitution may be removed from office by the following process:A. A written request by at least three (3) executive officers of the organization or a

petition for removal signed by at least ten (10) percent of the current dues-paying Chapter members.

B. Written notification shall be sent to the officer no less than two (2) weeks in advance of a special meeting called to consider the petition.

C. At the special meeting, all parties concerned shall have the opportunity to present their cases.

D. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of quorum, which shall be one-third (1/3) of the dues-paying members at the time of the vote or submitting votes via online ballot, is necessary to remove the officer. If one-third (1/3) of the dues-paying members at the time of the vote are in attendance they shall constitute a quorum and the vote will be taken in-person. If less than one-third (1/3) of the dues-paying members are in attendance, balloting will be conducted online. Online voting must take place within 14 business days of the meeting. The ballots shall include statements from all parties concerned.

E. All ballots will be counted by a three (3)-person committee (two non-voting members and one adviser) appointed by a majority vote of the Chapter officers. Any officer under consideration for removal shall not be eligible to vote.

F. Grounds for removal shall be misconduct to bring discredit to PRSSA or PRSA, dereliction of assigned duties, intentional or repeated violation of PRSSA Bylaws or the Chapter constitution, and/or failure to maintain acceptable academic standards, and/or failure to maintain good conduct due to a violation of the Student Conduct Code and sanction from Student Advocacy and Accountability, and/or violations of local/state/or federal laws through one’s activities as an officer. Proceedings in such cases shall be confidential.

G. A removed PRSSA officer shall not be eligible to run for any future PRSSA or ImPRint Communications executive offices.

H. A removed officer shall be replaced through the special election process.

ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1. The executive committee shall consist of the organization’s officers and the chairperson of each standing committee designated that semester.

Section 2. The duties of the executive committee shall be to transact necessary business between organization meetings and such business as may be referred to it by the organization to approve the plans of work of each standing committee chairperson; and to present a report at the regular meetings of the organization.

ARTICLE VII. STANDING AND AD-HOC COMMITTEES

Section 1. The executive committee shall create such standing committees as may be required to promote the objects and interests of the organization. The executive committee shall appoint the chairperson of the standing committee. Their terms in office shall end upon completion of the project.

Section 2. The chairperson of each standing committee shall present plans of work to the executive committee, and no work shall be undertaken without the approval of the majority of the executive committee. The executive committee shall fill any vacancies occurring in the chairperson of a standing committee.

Section 3. All standing committees should have at least three (3) non-executive committee members and no more than two (2) executive committee members.

Section 4. The president or his/her designee shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.

ARTICLE VIII. MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular meetings of this organization shall be held biweekly during the fall and spring semester, unless otherwise provided by the organization or executive committee by change of date no less than ten (10) days prior to the date of the scheduled meeting. A written summary of the meeting’s activities shall be put in the Chapter’s permanent files and passed on to the succeeding Chapter leadership.

Section 2. The Chapter’s officers shall meet at least four (4) times per year and as needed. Written minutes of all board meetings shall be kept in the Chapter’s permanent files and shall be passed on to the succeeding leadership.

Section 3. The privilege of holding office, introducing motions, debating, and voting shall be limited to active members in good standing.

ARTICLE IX. AFFILIATIONS

Section 1. PRSSA at LSU shall operate within the guidelines set by the organizational code for the Manship School of Mass Communication and Campus Life.

Section 2. PRSSA at LSU shall have a student-run firm, ImPRint Communications, operating within PRSSA National Bylaws. ImPRint Communications shall have its own bylaws, in accordance with PRSSA Code of Professional Standards and amendable by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the PRSSA executive committee.

Section 3. PRSSA at LSU shall maintain a professional, non-commercial relationship with local, state and national public relations organizations.

Section 4. The Chapter is officially affiliated with national PRSSA and PRSA organizations and the PRSA Baton Rouge Chapter. This Chapter is recognized as an official student organization of Louisiana State University.

ARTICLE X. RULES OF ORDER

Robert’s Rules of Order Revised shall govern the organization in all cases in which they are applicable.

ARTICLE XI. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the organization by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present voting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment shall have been given five (5) business days prior to the meeting and that the proposed amendment shall be subject to approval of the Faculty Adviser and the Dean of Students or his/her designee.

Section 2. Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by (1) the Chapter bylaws committee, (2) the executive committee or (3) by any active member of PRSSA at LSU.

Section 3. A committee shall be appointed to submit a revised constitution for the existing constitution only by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the executive committee. The requirements for adoption of a revised constitution shall be the same as in the case of an amendment.

Section 4. An amendment shall become effective immediately upon its adoption unless language in the amendment specifically dictates otherwise.

Section 5. The committee shall be responsible for notifying Chapter membership at least three (3) days prior to the next scheduled meeting of any proposed changes to the Chapter bylaws, provided the proposed amendment was submitted to them within the required time frame. If the amendment is adopted, the executive committee shall be responsible for updating the official Chapter bylaws appropriately.

Section 6. Any amended version of this constitution must be approved by the PRSSA National Professional Adviser before the changes may officially be adopted.

Section 7. Any amended version of this constitution approved by the PRSSA National Professional Adviser must be filed with Campus Life at LSU and PRSSA in New York within five (5) business days of approval by the National Professional Adviser.

Section 8. The constitution and bylaws shall be reviewed at least once every three (3) years per PRSSA Chapter standard guidelines to ensure that they meet the requirements of changing circumstances and that they conform to all rules, regulations and PRSSA Bylaws, Policies and Procedures.

ARTICLE XII. REGISTRATION RENEWAL

PRSSA at LSU will apply to Campus Life for registration on an annual basis two (2) weeks after PRSSA at LSU’s new officer elections.

This document was last updated on March 7, 2012, by the PRSSA at LSU executive board (Mallory Richardson, Chelsea Moreau, Paige Weber, Hailey Vincent, Emily Beck, Jordan Churchman, Jacquelyn Duhon and Marie-Therese Yokum) and the faculty adviser (Jensen Moore, Ph.D.).