CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I.  NAME

The name of this organization shall be the University of Houston-Clear Lake Support Staff Association.  For the purpose of identification and brevity, the University of Houston-Clear Lake shall be referred to as UHCL and the Support Staff Association shall be referred to as "SSA." 

ARTICLE II.  MISSION

To provide representation in the Shared Governance structure in all matters relating to the welfare, opportunities, responsibilities, and administration of the UHCL support staff both internally and externally.  To promote positive and meaningful communication, coordination, and unity between the support staff and faculty members, students, administration, and with other elements of the university.  To promote opportunities for the professional development of the support staff members. 

ARTICLE III.  MEMBERSHIP 

Membership in the UHCL SSA shall be open to all non-exempt, benefits eligible, members of the UHCL support staff. 

ARTICLE IV.  EXECUTIVE BOARD 

The affairs of the SSA shall be managed by the duly elected members of the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall consist of the officers of the Association and the representatives to the Shared Governance Committees.  The officers of SSA shall be President, President-Elect, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Historian and Immediate Past President.  The representatives shall serve on the following Shared Governance Committees: Educational Policies and Curriculum; Library, Research, and Computing; Facilities and Resources; University Life; and University Planning. 

1. The powers and duties of the officers and representatives shall be defined within the By-Laws. 

2. The terms of office shall be one fiscal year (September 1 - August 31).  No officer or representative shall serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office. 

ARTICLE V.  MEETINGS 

Meetings of the Association membership and the Executive Board shall be held in accordance with the By-Laws. 

ARTICLE VI.  DISSOLUTION

In the event of dissolution, any existing funds after all debts have been paid shall be disposed of as voted by the Executive Board.  No funds shall be distributed to the Executive Board members. 

ARTICLE VII.  BY-LAWS

The By-Laws of the Association shall be admitted and taken to be its laws subject to this Constitution. 

ARTICLE VIII.  AMENDMENTS

The Constitution or By-Laws of the Association may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote provided: 

1.  Before becoming effective, any resolution to amend the Constitution or By-Laws must be submitted to, and be approved by, the Executive Board.

 2.  A copy of the resolution to amend the Constitution or By-Laws is mailed to the Association membership by the Corresponding Secretary and provided that;

 3.  There is to be a referendum vote no later than 14 working days from the time the resolution is mailed.  The votes are to be tallied and results made known to the membership.