Constitution of A++ Aikido Dojo at the University of Utah Adopted on ______14th___ of April, 2022    Article I - Name A. This organization shall be named "A++ Aikido Dojo" at the University of Utah (a place for the training and promoting of peace and harmony in daily life).   Article II - Purpose A. The purpose of this organization is to provide a means by which its members may enrich the meaning of their own lives as well as to make the world around them a better place in which to live. B. This organization shall remain steadfast to the unifying principles of non-competitiveness and universal love as handed down by the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, O' Sensei.   Article III - Membership A. Membership shall be open to all students, faculty and staff who are interested in Aikido, regardless of gender, race, color, creed, ability or nationality. Non-Discrimination Policy: The non-discrimination policy (outlined in Policy 6-400, Section II-E). This organization shall not discriminate on the basis of his/her race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, or status as an individual with disability, or as a protected veteran, and any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. Within the membership part of your constitution you must state that ALL students have equal opportunity to join your organization. Exceptions: Federal law permits the following categories of student groups to select members based in part on their gender: 1) Social fraternities and sororities that are exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of Title 26 and are recognized by the University; and 2) certain sports groups including boxing, wrestling, rugby, ice hockey, football, basketball and other sports the purpose or major activity of which involves bodily contact. Only student groups falling within these categories may limit membership based upon gender. B. O' Sensei left us many techniques and methods of training, but he also spoke at great length about the spirit of compassion and of true humanity, therefore, any person who has a sincere desire and interest in learning Aikido and desires affiliation shall be eligible to apply voluntarily as an active member. C. Any person seeking membership in the organization shall fill out an application form and present it to the designated officer. Upon presentation of the application with payment of dues, the applicant shall be duly accepted into active membership. D. All membership dues shall be set by the Executive Board. E. Those who enjoy active membership shall have the right and privilege of one vote in deciding matters which are not in violation of any Article contained in this constitution, nor regulation as outlined in the U. of U. Policies and Procedures Manual.   Article IV - Meeting A. Regular meetings will consists of aikido practice. However, the actual number of training sessions held during the school year will depend upon location availability and closures at the university. B. Special meetings may be requested by any active member at the end of a training session.   Article V - Executive Board A. The Executive Board shall be comprised of this organization's officers, to vote on issues. B. Vacancies to the Executive Board may be filled by a simple majority vote of those who enjoy active membership in this organization, taken at a special meeting. C. The process for removing officers by a 2/3 majority vote or 2 nominations. Grounds for removal officers include the inadequate fulfillment of aforementioned duties or the violation of regulations described by University policies or any federal, state, or local laws.   Article VI - Elections A. President, Vice-President, and Treasurer and more Positions shall be known as the officers of this organization. These offices shall be elected by those in attendance of an election meeting, who enjoy active membership. Each officer's term shall last one year, with no restrictions on the number of terms an individual may hold said office. All active membership are eligible to hold any office. The Executive Board may create and/or dissolve non-officer positions at their discretion, as well as appoint/remove individuals who serve in such positions. B. Nominations for each officer position may be submitted by any member, including self-nominations, to the Executive Board at the end of any training session, or during an election meeting. C. Nominees for each office shall be given equal opportunity to present their qualifications during an election meeting, after which anyone who enjoys active membership in this organization will be afforded the opportunity of casting a ballot toward each office. Absentee ballots may be submitted in advance by the Executive Board. The winner of each office is determined by a simple majority. Election meetings shall occur [ close to] April 26th, in memorial of O' Sensei's passing, the exact date will be announced in advance during regular meetings. D. In the case of a tie vote, the winning officer shall be determined by the Executive Board.   Article VII - Funds A. Allocation of funds, revenues and expenses, shall be determined by the Executive Board. B. All funds shall be collected and distributed by the Treasurer but all orders on said funds shall be counter-signed by the President. The Treasurer shall present a financial statement at each annual election meeting.   Article VIII - Committees A. The formation, function, and composition of standing and/or ad-hoc committees shall be determined by the Executive Board.   Article IX - Affiliations A.This organization may accept affiliations extended by California Aikido Associationa, as well as the various CAA Dojos and Aikido practitioners worldwide.   Article X - Advisor A. The Executive Board may request an advisor be selected by a simple majority vote of those who enjoy active membership as well as state qualifications, functions, duties, etc.   Article XI - Instructor A.CAA certified instructor or instructor trainee under the direction of CAA certified instructor from our local affiliation, in Salt Lake City Dojo, will be invited to instruct each semester at this organization without payment at regular meetings. For special meetings in Aikido Seminar, the CAA certified instructor will be contracted to instruct with payment from the Executive Board.   Article XII - Ratification A. This constitution shall be ratified by a simple majority vote of those who enjoy active membership, and are in attendance at the organization's first election meeting.   Article XIII - Amendment A. Amendments shall be presented by the Executive Board to attendees of an election meeting, then ratified by a simple majority vote of those who enjoy active membership.   Article XIV - Bylaws A. Rules and/or regulations specific to this organization may be included in this constitution, upon presentation by the Executive Board to attendees of an election meeting, and receive a simple majority vote of those who enjoy active membership. B. Other information: Face coverings, 6 to 10 feet of social distancing are required for all in-person classes for both students AND faculty. Based on CDC guidelines, the university requires everyone to wear face coverings in shared public places on campus, including our classroom. As a reminder, when I wear a face covering, I am protecting you. When you wear a face covering, you are protecting me and all of your classmates. If you forget your face covering, I will ask you to leave the class to retrieve it. If you repeatedly fail to wear a face covering in class, I will refer you to the Dean of Students for a possible violation of the Student Code. Students must self-report if they test positive for COVID-19 via coronavirus.utah.edu.   ARTICLE XV – CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW A. As a recognized student organization, we will participate in a constitutional review process every three (3) years. It will be updated according to the new sample constitution (if necessary). The Amendments to the Constitution will be submitted to and approved by the Department of Student Leadership & Involvement before they become effective. It will also be reviewed by multiple officers and/or club members.