Constitution

CERRITOS COLLEGE

CCM

CHICANOS/LATINOS FOR COMMUNITY MEDICINE

Constitution

This Constitution is the governing entity for Cerritos College – Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this association shall be Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine, abbreviated as CCM. Anywhere in this text where “Chicanos/Latinos” appears, it shall refer to both male and female members.

Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University Policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, medical condition (including cancer or AIDS related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam Veteran, or special disabled Veteran.

Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine also prohibits sexual harassment. This non-discrimination policy covers organization membership, access to organization programs and activities, and the general treatment of members in the organization.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose and objectives of CCM shall be:

To promote the development of a communication network for pre-health students.
To promote academic excellence among our membership.
To increase the interest and retention of Chicanos/Latinos and other underrepresented groups by providing academic and moral support to those who express an interest in the healthcare professions.
To encourage and expose our membership to community service and clinical experiences.
To promote participation and networking between ethnic minority pre-health students, medical students, and health professionals.
To increase access of medical care in underserved communities and eventually serve them as trained health professionals.
To educate and develop a greater awareness of the healthcare problems and issues existing in the critically underserved areas.
To provide health services and education to the Chicano(a) / Latino(a) communities by conducting various community projects.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Section IIIa: Membership Requirement

CCM membership is open to any current student of Cerritos College regardless of their chosen major and intended educational pathway. However, the focus of the club will be based on as the stated above on Article II.

1) Eligibility for membership

a. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

b. Be a current Cerritos College student.

c. Shall maintain enrollment at Cerritos College of one (1) unit or more.

2) Types of membership and requirements

Active Membership requires that the student:

a. Pay $5.00 Non-Refundable CCM membership fee to support school year activities.

b. Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0.

c. Must physically attend at least 50% of the general body meetings per semester in their entirety.

d. Actively participate in at least one committee during the semester.

e. Actively participate in at least two community service events in their entirety during the semester.

f. Actively participate in at least two fundraising events in their entirety during the semester.

g. Turn in a list of the classes currently taking.

h. Work toward fulfilling the purposes and objectives of CCM as described in Article II.

i. Must complete and turn in to CCM the “New Member Application.”

j. Shall maintain enrollment at Cerritos College of one (1) unit or more.

Alumni Membership

a. Alumni members are former students of Cerritos College that have completed all the minimum membership requirements as stated in Section IIIa-1 for at least one semester before having either completed a certificate program, an Associates Degree program, and/or have successfully transferred to an institution of higher learning above the community college level. Alumni membership is irreversible except through a 2/3 majority vote by the CCM Board.

Section IIIb: Dues

New member packets are to be given to all new and returning members and there will be a five dollar due fee that will go towards sponsoring CCM events and activities for the membership. The payment of dues will make a Cerritos College student officially a member of CCM and will allow him/her to get access to all resources and benefits provided by the CCM’s club. Membership dues will only cover for the current school year. Thus, whether the due is paid in August or in January of the school year, the membership will expire by the end of May of the same school year. It is imperative to note that non-payment of dues will/may exclude student from certain rights and benefits as stated below in Section IIIc.

Section IIIc: Rights and benefits

Members of CCM shall have the following rights and privileges:

a. The right to vote and hold office.

b. The right to attend board member meetings and contribute to discussions regarding board decisions.

c. The right to have a vote when present for any amendments to the constitution.

d. Access to academics resources and study groups when completing and turning in to CCM the “Academic Assistance” form.

e. Access to conference expense sponsorship for the most dedicated members.

f. Access to be nominated and awarded at CCM Awards Banquet for the most dedicated members.

g. Access to participate in the scheduled events and meetings.

h. Access to leadership opportunities.

ARTICLE IV: BOARD MEMBERSHIP

All board members shall promote the purpose of this club by receiving and acting upon recommendation brought forth by the membership of the board.

Section IVa: Board member titles (in alphabetical order) with brief description of position as follows:

Director of Academics: Responsible for encouraging academic success and improvement by organizing scholastic workshops and study groups. Also responsible for collecting and providing useful educational resources including study lists, book exchanges resources, mentorship program links, etc. Also, he/she will be in charge of checking grades for board and general membership.

Director of Community Service: Responsible for increasing the access to health services and promoting health education in medically underserved communities. As well as, in charge of coordinating health fair events and working closely with Project HOPE to coordinate public service events.

Director of External Affairs: The position is responsible for the coordination and logistical planning of all conferences where CCM is involved.

Director of Finance: This position requires working on the budget proposal, organizing fundraising events, and handling all the financial transactions for each of the events planned throughout the year. In addition, he/she will be responsible for proper allocation of funds to and from the club account. Receipts from purchases shall be stored and keep for club records. Any large expenses over $50 shall be approved by the board’s majority vote. In addition, the Director of Finance will be responsible for giving financial updates.

Director of Public Relations: This position is in charge of the publicity of all CCM events via posters, display case and flyers. In addition, this position will have a dual role as the Associated Student of Cerritos College Interclub Counsel Commissioner (A.S.C.C.-I.C.C). The ICC will be the liaison between ASCC and CCM and will attend all ICC meetings held by ASCC. Also, he/she will be responsible for updating and inviting other clubs and organizations to attend CCM meetings and events.

Director of Technology: Responsible for updating and maintaining the CCM website. The director must keep updated postings of scheduled events and CCM information on website.

Historian: The position includes taking photographs throughout the year that will be displayed at the end of the year banquet and in the scrapbook. In addition, the historians will keep records of activities for the year, and will coordinate the CCM award banquets.

President: The position will welcome, update and inform the general members at the CCM meetings. This position will be responsible for planning the meetings and preparing the agendas. The president will be responsible for updating all official CCM documentation and forms. As well as insure that tasks are delegated among the board as equally as possible to ensure the goals of the club are met throughout the school year.

Secretary: This position will keep track of attendance and event participation of membership for the main purpose of accountability when confirming the selection pool of members for CCM awards and or conference participation. In addition, maintain records of weekly board meeting agendas and minutes, official documents, forms, applications, etc. This position will be in charge of facilitating logistics for meetings, including confirming the availability of locations for the entire school year. As well as, maintaining updated records of all CCM members, alumni, contacts and sponsors.

Vice-President: Responsible for contacting speakers for scheduled events. Also, this position is in charge of checking and responding to emails received from the yahoo group email account and posting events and memos via the email group. In addition, the Vice President shall be the back up for the President’s duties and responsibilities; as well as, hold the President accountable for their actions within the scope of CCM.

Section IVb: Terms of Office

Board is elected for one school year (fall and spring semester). At the end of the year, any board member may choose to either keep their position or run for another board position. However, anytime a board member runs for a new position, he/she will need to follow the general procedure of applying and election process.
Elected Replacement Board for vacant positions will be elected into office until the end of spring semester of the current school year regardless of the date of election.
Appointed Board will be elected into office until the end of spring semester of the current school year regardless of the date of election.

Section IVc: Mandatory Requirements

All elected board will be required to attend board meetings.
All board shall work together, support each other and be able to step in to help a fellow board member.
Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Attendance, punctuality, and club activity participation.
Respect towards other board members and membership. Represent CCM with pride and be a role model.
Turn in a copy of student educational plan of classes and a copy of transcript(s).
Turn in a list of the classes currently taking.
Be a Project HOPE program participant
Board will be required to attend the Summer Officer Retreat once the date is set and approved by a majority vote of both incoming and outgoing officers.
Turn in class grade status twice per semester to Director of Academics.
Must complete and turn into CCM the “Board Member Profile” application.
Shall maintain enrollment at Cerritos College of five (5) units or more.

Section IVd: Terms of Resignation

Any elected board may resign his/her position by submitting a letter of intent of resignation to the President with at least 2 weeks notice prior to vacating position. The letter should include notification of the position being vacated with some personal justification.

Section IVe: Terms of Dismissal

If a board member is unable to fulfill his/her duties, it is encouraged that he/she approaches the board and explain the situation and/or ask for assistance. If he/she fails to approach any board member and fails to complete his/her duties, he/she may be dismissed from the position by a 2/3-majority vote of the board. However, even though a board member is impeached from office, he/she is NOT prohibited from attending any of the CCM meetings and/or activities.
If a board member is absent three times and or has accrued six tardiness to any CCM event or meeting, he/she may be dismissed from the position by a 2/3-majority vote of the board. However, even though a board member is impeached from office, he/she is NOT prohibited from attending any of the CCM meetings and/or activities. Please note that it is taken into account that every three tardiness will equal one absent, and any combination of disruptive attendance will not to be over a total of three absences during a school semester. For an appointed board member position, the rule applies the same with the consideration that as a part time position the total allowed absences would be five during the school semester.

Section IVf: Terms of Replacements and Vacancies

In the event of resignation or dismissal from a board position, a new replacement may be voted in to fill the vacant position. If the vacancy occurs during the school year, the board will open a special election to the membership to fill the empty position. If however, the vacancy is during the summer, the board may fill in the position with an 80% of board present, with a majority vote of the present board.

Section IVg: Attendance

All officers are required to attend every board meeting. This shall improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the board as a whole by making it a more cohesive unit as well as holding each other to the organization.
If a board member shall need to be absent or be tardiness for a meeting or event, it is imperative to call the coordinator for the meeting or event. Example, if a meeting he/she will need to call the President, if for a Health Fair, he/she will need to call the Director of Community Service, etc.
Excessive tardiness or absenteeism will be discussed by the board as a whole and will come to an agreement of what recourse to be taken. Terms of dismissal may be applied as stated above in Section Ive-2.

Section IVh: Motion Process

The board will review and follow roughly the Robert Rules of Order format when approving motions and running the meetings. In general all motions will be approved by an 80% of board needed to be present, with a majority yes/no vote of the present board and active members. Any board member can add motions to the agenda to be discussed and voted on.

ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS

Section Va: Eligibility for Office

Meet membership requirements as stated in Article III of this constitution.
Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Be a Project HOPE program participant or be willing to become a participant.
If elected, accept and abide by the terms of this constitution.
Complete and turn into CCM the “New Board Member Application.”
Give a short presentation to membership regarding position applying for.

Section Vb: Voting

The board will prepare voting ballots with names of all running candidates. Ballots are anonymous and will be placed inside a sealed container. Casting of a vote can only be done during the election’s meeting which will be held the last meeting of the spring semester. A sealed voting box will be available for voting. The President will care for this box and its contents reviewed by the board. Results will be kept confidential by the current board until revealed at the spring CCM Awards Banquet.
A candidate must be present during the election presentation’s meeting in order to qualify for votes. This meeting will be held at the regular scheduled time and before the scheduled election’s meeting. Also, the candidate must have completed the eligibility for office as stated above in Section Va.
If a tie should occur, a secret re-vote among only board will be done to break the tie.

ARTICLE VI: APPOINTED POSITIONS

Section VIa: Appointment process

It is up to the discretion of the elected board to nominate or accept applicants for the CCM Club Facilitator position. This position is not open for general membership elections. Thus, can only be in office by appointment of the board. The candidate will need to fill out the New Board Member application and submit to CCM board for consideration.
The candidate must meet the same requirements and guidelines as stated in Article IV Board Membership for elected board. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate a strong dedication to the club. However, because of family, work and personal schedule is not able to commit to a full time board position.
Appointment of candidate must be approved with a majority vote of the present board of which an 80% of board will need to be present.

Section VIb: Position description

CCM Club Facilitator: Shall be the liaison among the board and will be responsible for assisting in the coordination of activities, events and/or meetings. This liaison will also provide networking, researching, and support to all board members and CCM events and/or activities.

ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS

Section VIIa: Types of Meetings

Board Meetings: Are to be held every Tuesday from 11am to 12p during the school year. However, no meetings shall be held during midterms and/or finals.
General Meetings: Are to be held the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 11am to 12pm during the school year. However, no meetings shall be held during midterms and/or finals.
Special Meetings: These meetings will be decided upon the discretion of the board depending on any urgent matters that should need to be address at any other time than stated above in Section VIIa 1 and 2.

ARTICLE VIII: AWARDS

CCM will hold a fall and springs awards banquet. The fall awards will recognize academic achievement and member participation during the semester. These awards will not be accompanied by any monetary award. However, spring awards will/may be accompanied by monetary awards in the form of scholarships or book vouchers. In addition, the spring awards banquet will honor our sponsors, advisors, and alumni; as well as present the new elected board.
To qualify for an award with/without monetary compensation a student must meet the CCM membership requirements as stated above in Article III and CCM must receive a completed application either for applying or for nominating a candidate.

ARTICLE IX: ADVISORS

Section IXa: Responsibilities

Attend the first and last general meeting of each semester.
Attend the board retreat to be held during the summer.
Offer support and mentorship to the board.
Advisors are responsible to the Cerritos College, Director of Student Activities and will work closely with the Coordinator of Student Activities who supervises and coordinates campus clubs and organizations.
Advisors shall attend club advisor’s meetings when scheduled by the Office of Student Activities.

ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS

Section Xa: Process of Amendment

This constitution may be amended by an 80% of board needed to be present, with a majority vote of the present board and active members.
Format for amendments: “The following amendments were suggested on DATE by the BOARD MEMBER TITLE and approved on the same day by (the majority or in a unanimous) vote of board present.” List numerically all amendments done to constitution. Note that the actual constitution will not be updated, however a notation with the amendment date and list number will be included inside a parenthesis after each item amended Example: (July 28, 2006:1).

Section Xb: Amendments

This constitution has been officially completed and approved by the 2006-2007 elected board present for the August 3, 2006 board meeting, and goes into effect on August 14, 2006. Any future amendments shall follow the format as stated above on Section Xa-2.

CERRITOS COLLEGE

CHICANOS/LATINOS FOR COMMUNITY MEDICINE

Constitution

2007-2008 CCM Board

(Alphabetical order by position title)

C.C.M. Cerritos College, 2005. All rights reserved.