Constitution
of the Biomedical Engineering Society
at the Catholic University of America

Article I - Name
Article II - Objective
Article III - Membership
Article IV - Officers
Article V - Meetings
Article VI - Advisor
Article VII - Affiliated Organizations
Article VIII - Fiscal year
Article IX - Amendments
Article X - Ratification

The name of this organization will be "The Biomedical Engineering Society of CUA (BMES)" hereinafter called "BMES".

The objective of BMES shall be to facilitate the development and education and enhancement of students studying biomedical engineering by:

1. Providing a forum for the exchange of pertinent information and ideas concerning Biomedical Engineering/Science students enrolled in The Catholic University of America.
2. Promoting the growth, advancement, and recognition of biomedical engineering in employment and education.
3. Providing an opportunity for growth of knowledge of members.
4. Promoting cooperation by maintaining communication with regional and national recognized organizations.
5. Developing and participating in programs with industry and the university that benefit students enrolled in Biomedical Engineering and Science.
6. Increasing the number of Biomedical Engineering students at The Catholic University of America.

Section A

Membership shall consist of members of The Catholic University of America who are undergraduate, and/or graduates who are studying biomedical engineering.

Section B

Members will be expected to pay a yearly due in the amount of $25 to the National Biomedical Engineering Society.

Section C

Application for membership shall be made in writing to BMES on forms provided by that organization. Such applications shall be considered by BMES for appropriate membership.

Section A - Positions

The officers of the BMES shall be active members and shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Only undergraduate students of the Catholic University of America may hold office.

Section B - Election

Elections will be held in March/April of the previous academic year. Elections must occur before the end of the academic year. An overlap of officers will allow new officers to learn the responsibilities of the offices.

Any member on the floor can make nominations of candidates for office in the BMES after the Presiding Officer has called for nominations. A nomination must receive a second for the nominated individual to appear on the ballot as a candidate for office.

The officers of the BMES shall be elected by ballot, by a plurality of those active members qualified to vote. The ballots will be closed during the election so as to keep votes private. Officers shall assume responsibilities on the first of each academic year.

Section C - Duties

1. President: the president shall preside at all meetings of the BMES and shall be responsible for the total operation of the organization. To make arrangements for meetings and organize events that will foster the work of the organization and the members.
2. Vice-President: the vice president shall assist the president in all business concerning the chapter. In the absence of the president, the vice-president shall act as President Pro Term and perform the duties of the president. The vice-president shall perform other duties assigned by the president. The vice-president will also be in charge of the external affairs of the chapter (i.e. Industrial relations, company tours, etc.)
3. Secretary: the secretary shall be responsible for the membership role of the BMES, the maintaining of records of all proceedings of all membership meetings, and notification of all members of such meetings.
4. Treasurer: the treasurer shall be responsible for the receipt and the disbursement of all funds and shall be responsible for records thereof.

Section D - Removal

The removal of any elected officer within the society shall proceed by the following steps:

1. Complaint: The petitioner must submit a formal letter of complaint to the Society's Faculty Advisor. The Advisor will then notify the officer in question and provide a copy of the complaint. The officer must file a counter letter in his/her behalf within two weeks.
2. Procedure: If such a letter does not resolve the issue to the satisfaction of the advisor and the petitioner, both letters shall be read before the entire BMES. Both officer and petitioner must be present. A vote will then be taken to either appoint a committee to investigate the matter further or to vote upon the impeachment request. If such a vote is decided upon and held, a two-thirds majority is required for impeachment. If a committee is appointed, they will be asked to submit a letter of their findings. This letter, as well as the previous ones, will be read again before the society and a vote taken for the impeachment request.

Section E - Succession

In the event an officer resigns or loses his/her position due to impeachment, the officers will ascend one position (i.e. Vice-President to President, Secretary to Vice-President, Treasurer to Secretary). An officer not wishing to ascend position shall maintain his or her current position. A member shall be appointed to any open position after such an incident by the new president and is subject to approval by a majority vote of the members of BMES.

The BMES shall meet every month. The officers shall meet on the call of the President or upon the request of one of the officers or advisor. Members shall be notified of regular meetings at least fifteen days in advance and a notice will indicate the purpose of the meeting.

The advisor of this organization shall be a full time member of the faculty, or staff of The Catholic University of America. The advisor will be chosen by the dean and shall be subject to change because of absence or personal reasons.

Removal

The advisor may be subject to removal if the members of the BMES feel that the advisor is not fulfilling the position adequately. A two-thirds majority vote will be necessary to remove the advisor.

The BMES may formally recognize regional affiliates in various areas of the Region. These organizations of appropriate size must represent the pursuit of the purpose of the BMES and report their activities to the officers.

The fiscal year shall correspond to the academic calendar year.

These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the officers followed by the affirmative vote of the qualified voters, provided that the proposals have been sent to the membership at least thirty days prior to the date of the vote.

Proposals for ratification of the constitution shall be submitted to the society in both written and oral form at which time a vote will be taken. BMES members shall ratify the constitution by a two-thirds majority vote.

Last modified on: April 8, 2002
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