constitution

Constitution of the Collegiate Business Networking Association

This proposal is in reference to the Collegiate Business Networking Association, henceforth referred to as CBNA.

I. Purpose of the Organization

The Association is formed in order to promote the free exchange of information, insight, knowledge, and ideas among students with business interest. Our goals are as follows:

	To provide a forum by which any student interested in business can express his plans, theories, and goals pertaining to that business.
	To establish a network so that students may interact with other students with various backgrounds and fields of knowledge and experience.
	To serve as a means of interaction between students and business executives.

	To create a system of resources for each student to rely upon for success in entrepreneurship.
	To familiarize student entrepreneurs with their colleagues on campus.
	To provide a structured means of establishing a business culture among students at Hampton.

II. Eligibility of Membership

All Hampton University undergraduate students in good academic standing are eligible for membership.

III. Officers

CBNA will be governed by a Board of Directors (“Board”) consisting of the following positions:

	Chairman
	Vice-Chair
	Director of Administration
	Director of Finance
	Director of Marketing
	Director of Public Relations

These positions shall be applied for by members of the Board of Directors and determined by a majority vote. In case of an unexpected vacancy, the Chairman reserves the right to appoint a replacement from the Board of Directors pending election. Each of these officers shall have the ability to appoint and manage a committee of members as he sees fit.

However, no member of a board committee may participate in more than one committee, and no member of the Board of Directors shall serve as a subordinate of another Director in a committee. The responsibility of managing, maintaining, and organizing the committee shall be solely upon the respective Director. In the event of a vacancy in which no Board member wishes to assume the position, the position will be opened to general members. A majority election shall be held to determine the position

Delegation of Responsiblities

Chairman

The Chairman is directly responsible for all aspects of CBNA operations, including but not limited to the planning of events and meetings, the execution of internal initiatives, the promotion of CBNA in the immediate and extended community, and the management of CBNA human and material resources. The Chairman oversees and directs all CBNA general body and officers meetings. The Chairman may organize special committees, appoint officers or other leadership in the event of a vacancy, implement new administrative procedures, and otherwise act in the general interest of the Association.

Vice-Chair

The Vice-Chair is responsible for directly participating in the active management of CBNA operations, including overseeing progress on CBNA initiatives, delegation of responsibilities among CBNA committees and members, and maintaining strong leadership within the organization. The Vice-Chair will work in coordination with the Board of Directors to ensure that the Association is being run efficiently and effectively. The Vice-Chair may organize special committees with the consent of the Chairman. The Vice-Chair may propose new initiatives, hold and direct meetings in the absence of the Chairman, and otherwise make critical decisions related to the general interest of the Association.

Director of Marketing

The Marketing Director is responsible for the coordinated contact of CBNA with the University community, including promoting and generating awareness of CBNA activities, implementing initiatives to increase public interest in CBNA, and re-evaluating the progress of the Association in this area. The Marketing Director is expected to assist in administrative tasks related to this cause, including but not limited to the completion of administrative procedures through the University, the generation of promotional materials and literature, and active contact with the public and press. The Director of Marketing may organize and manage a Marketing Committee to assist with this cause, being directly responsible for the delegation of responsibilities related to this committee.

Director of Administration

The Administrative Director is responsible for the efficient management of CBNA operations through the creation & maintenance of records, interaction with University administration, and continuous contact with CBNA membership. The Administrative Director will engage in the establishment of records pertaining to membership and attendance, the procurement of resources for CBNA meetings and events, and other administrative tasks as necessary. The Administrative Director may organize and manage an Administrative Committee to assist with this cause, being directly responsible for the delegation of responsibilities related to this committee.

Director of Public Affairs

The Public Affairs Director is responsible for the coordination of CBNA's overall public identity. In cooperation with the Director of Marketing, the Public Affairs Director will perform functions related to the Association's image management and expansion, including the implementation of new marketing initiatives, contact with the School of Business and corporate sponsors, and review of internal procedure. The Public Affairs Director will manage all contact with other student organizations at Hampton University. The Public Affairs Director will serve as an independent advisor to the Marketing Committee. If the need arises, a Public Affairs Committee may be organized after approval by the Chairman.

Advisors and Consultants

The Executive Board may appoint individual student advisors or consultants within the organization to assist with various points of operations. These associates may be asked to work independently or with officers and committees. Consultants are not Board members, but are encouraged to attend Board meetings and participate in upper-level management processes. These staff members may be promoted to officers depending upon their performance of their positions and need within the Association. All promotions must be approved by vote of the Board of Directors.

IV. Terms of Office

Officers will serve a term of one academic year. Advisors and consultants will serve a term of one semester.

V. Rules of Order

The administrative meeting process shall take place as follows:

1. Quorum Call / Call to Order

2. Agenda presented, attendance taken by Secretary of the Board or designee.

3. Review of last meeting / Old Business

4. New Business

5. Concerns / Announcements by Board

6. Concerns / Announcements by Members

7. Review and Adjournment – Secretary submits minutes to Chairman for review and file.

VI. Disciplinary Action

The following are the methods of disciplinary action, in order of severity.

Verbal Reprimand or Warning

Official Reprimand (Written)

Censure

Suspension / Dismissal

Removal from Office (Board and Committee Members)

Expulsion

Removal from Office (Board Members)

Chairman: Unanimous vote from Board.

Board Member: Majority vote from Board excluding disciplined member.

VII. Financing

A financial report and annual budget may be obtained from the Office of the Director of Finance.

VIII. Staff Advisory

Dr. E. Makamson (School of Business) will serve as faculty advisor for CBNA.

IX. Regional Affiliation

The Association is a member of the Hampton University Business Students Association.

X. Amendment to the Constitution

Amendment will be made in a special public assembly of the Board. The meeting shall consist of general discussion and collaboration, with key changes being made by majority vote. The Chairman shall decide the outcome of tie voting.