Constitution and Bylaws: "Synthetic Biology"

      Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be "Synthetic Biology".

      Article II: Scope and Purpose

Section One: The mission of "Synthetic Biology" is to promote the study of
synthetic biology within the University of Chicago undergraduate community,
and encourage discussion and collaboration between universities in the
Chicago area.

Section Two: "Synthetic Biology" abides by established University of
Chicago policies, as well as State and Federal laws.

      Article III: Membership

Membership shall be open to registered students at the University of
Chicago. "Synthetic Biology" most definitely does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation,
sex, marital status, disability, military service, species, or
transhumanist qualities.

As a member, one is required to attend meetings regularly, at a frequency
determined by a vote at the start of each quarter, or at the request of
members.  Additionally, a member must pay dues if required, and actively
support organization projects. Membership will be revoked by a majority
vote (>50%) of the officers plus a majority vote of the general membership
if actions or inactions are deemed inappropriate by the membership.

      Article IV: Officers and Elected Positions

Election of officers will require a majority vote from the general
membership. If a candidate fails to receive a majority of votes, a run off
election will be held between the two candidates that received the most
votes. Members interested in becoming officers must meet the following
requirements: (1) Have a minimum GPA of 2.00 at the University of Chicago,
(2) Be in good standing with the university, and be enrolled at least part
time during their term in office, and (3) maintain the requirements
outlined in (1) and (2) for the duration of their time in office. If an
officer becomes ineligible during the course of their term, a special
election will be held.

General officer duties are as follows:
      President
      *Preside over all meetings
      *Represent "Synthetic Biology" on campus
      *Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with the
      standards set forth by the University of Chicago and ORCSA
      *Maintain communication with organization adviser(s)
      *Coordinate organization promotion and publicity of events
     Vice President
      *Preside over meetings in absence of the President
      *Schedule meetings/events with appropriate University offices and as
necessary
      *Coordinate organization promotion and publicity of events
      *Serve as general ombudsperson
    Secretary
      *Maintain an accurate record of all organization meetings and post
for members
      *Maintain membership directory
      *Correspond when necessary with University administration and other
      organizations
      *Work with Webmaster to maintain communications through listserve
      *Maintain integrity of constitution and bylaws
     Treasurer
      *Maintain accurate record of organization transactions
      *Collect dues if required
      *Develop organization budget and present to membership for ¾ vote
      *Co-sign organization checks along with the President and the advisor
      *Arrange fundraising opportunities for the organization
      *Solicit additional funding if needed from the Student Government
      *Association in conjunction with the President
      *Provisions allow for two treasurers to hold office and cooperatively
share duties
     Webmaster/Computer Specialist
      *Design and maintain "Synthetic Biology" website
      *Coordinate costs of hosting, domain name, advertising, etc with
Treasurer
      *Maintain/update listserve (synbio@listhost.uchicago.edu)
    Faculty Adviser
      *Maintain regular communication with officer(s)
      *Awareness and approval of financial expenditures
      *Ensure that the organization is operating in conformity with
      university, ORCSA, and federals standards

Any duties not explicitly enumerated here shall be delegated by the
officers among themselves at their discretion. If there are no members
eligible or willing to hold an above post, more than one position may be
held by an officer when necessary.

An officer may be removed by a majority vote of the other officers and a ¾
vote of the general membership if his/her actions are deemed inappropriate
by the membership. The officer is permitted to speak before the Executive
Committee and the general membership about the charges made concerning
his/her performance. The officer is not permitted to participate in the
deliberation of the Executive Committee regarding his/her charges.

      Article V: Funds and Expenditures

All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed
through a bank account established for this organization at an approved
institution/office. All funds must be deposited within 48 hours after
collection. The Treasurer and President must approve and sign each
expenditure before payment.

The organization may establish reasonable dues to be paid by all members.
The amount of dues will be determined in the beginning of the academic year
by the Executive Committee.  If there is a dispute, the proposed dues will
be presented to the general membership for a ½ vote. Dues must be paid by
third week of the quarter. The treasurer shall maintain all financial
records and shall co-sign with the president for all organization
transactions.

      Article VI: Amendments and Ratification

Amendments to this constitution and bylaws must be submitted in writing at
a regular meeting of the organization. Said amendment(s) will be voted on
at a subsequent meeting. An amendment requires a 2/3 vote of the general
membership for adoption.