The University of Vermont Biochemical Society Constitution

Article 1: Name of Organization

The name of the club shall be known as The UVM Biochemical Society, hereto referred to as The Society.

Article 2: Purpose and Goals

Section 1: Purpose
The purpose of The Society is to promote and further the education of students interested in the field of
biochemistry by providing academic and peer resources, career exploration and opportunity, and
professional involvement in the area of the biochemical sciences. The club wishes to guide every student
in fulfilling a complete understanding of today’s biochemical arena for optimal professional success
upon graduation.

Section 2: Goals
The major goals of The Society are to:
Educate students about different aspects of biochemical research, including the relevance of
biochemistry to current issues and vice-versa
Inform students of career choices in the biochemical sciences and assist students in attaining
their career goal
Provide a framework for the needed business skills (ex. Grant proposals, Publication Drafts,
Poster Presentations)
Help educate the UVM campus about campus-based biochemical research through student run
seminars and poster sessions
To educate students about bioethical issues and ethical behavior in science
To provide an open environment friendly to all UVM students who wish to further their interest
in biochemistry and the general field of science.

This will be accomplished through professional development lecture series on topics relevant to both a
scientific perspective as well as the more business end of biochemistry, entertaining guest speakers,
taking field trips to major biochemical facilities, and exploring and providing access to undergraduate
biochemistry opportunities on UVM campus through networking with faculty and staff.
Article 3: Expectations of Members

Members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner reflective of University

standards while at meetings and events. All members will join the American Society for Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology, which is an expense covered in the dues. Every member should actively
participate in at least three (3) of the club sponsored events every semester and actively participate in
the planning and execution of all club events. Members should attend all biweekly meetings, with
exceptions given to those who can provide a written excuse in advance. Dues are not mandated by the
club but are required for participation in club voting.

Article 4: Officers Section

Section 1: The executive positions and responsibilities are as follows:

President: Presides over meetings to keep a steady forum. His/her responsibilities include:
Calling meetings and setting agendas for the meetings
Being an advocate between the advisor and the club
Maintaining responsibility for notifying members of meetings
Act as a student representative between the University Officials, S.G.A, and the
Biochemistry Department

Vice President of Academic and Career Development: Assist the President in running club affairs.
His/her responsibilities include:
Coordinating activities related to Academic and Career Development
Preside over meetings when the President is unavailable
Knowing the ins and outs of the opportunities available on campus for students and
keeping an up to date calendar of guest speakers or other activities that the
university hosts
Maintaining relations with Career Services

Vice President of Communication: Maintains open communication with UVM and outside
organizations
His/her responsibilities include:
Keeping up-to-date meeting minutes and attendance
Keeping an updated website and “Lynx” page
Maintaining the club email account
Keeping an address book for members and outside speakers, guests, etc..
Provide and maintain positive relations with other schools, organizations, and
community activities

Vice President of the Treasury: Takes control over club expenses

His/her responsibilities include:
Monitoring the budget and recording all expenses
 Maintain positive relations with SGA
Prepare and draft a budget for the following year
Organize effective fundraisers

At any point in time, additional positions may be added with a ¾ majority club vote. After the position is
approved, it is the responsibility of the Vice President of Communications to update the Constitution.
Officers for the following year will be voted upon by April 1 (as required by SGA) of the previous spring.
At the start of each year, additional officers can be elected as seen fit by a club majority vote.

Article 5: Meeting and Quorum

Section 1: Frequency of Meetings

The club will have bi-weekly meetings in a location TBA by the officers at the start of each year, based
upon availability. Meetings will be help on campus to support a positive environment for all members.
Additional meetings may be called as seen fit by the officers, pending approval by the rest of the
members.

Section 2: Quorum
At least 2/3 of the club must be present for the meeting to be official. Any vote requires 2/3 of the
members to pass. If a smaller percentage of people show up to a meeting, the meeting may occur and
information can be passed along but there can be no decisions voted upon.

For officer meetings, everybody must be present for any decision making process. The decision-making
process should be in the style of an open forum so everybody can provide input.

Article 6: General Provisions

Committees are allowed to be formed if seen fit by the officers. This may generally happen for larger
events, etc… that require a great deal of work and planning.

Article 7: Amendments

An amendment to the constitution may be presented by any member of the club at any point in time.
Upon presentation, the amendment will be discussed at the next meeting and then voted upon for
approval. An amendment will be passed if there is a ¾ majority. The Vice President of Communications
will be responsible for adding the amendment to the Constitution.

At the start of each year, it is the responsibility of the officers to review the constitution and provide
copies to the rest of the club to check for applicability.
Article 8: Removal of Officers

If any member of the club feels that an officer is not acting in the best interest of The Society, the officer
can be voted out of position by a 2/3 vote. The officer must step down and can regain an executive
position during the next available elections. The replacement officer will be voted by election
immediately.

Article 9: By-Laws

The following are rules that must be abided to be a member of The Society:
Every member must abide by SGA and University policy.
Every member should attend three club sponsored events each semester, in addition to all
meetings unless a valid excuse is presented
Every member should respect the rights, beliefs, and traditions of other members.
Discrimination of any kind is strictly prohibited.
Every member should actively participate in discussions and brainstorming.

This constitution was drafted and approved in August, 2008 by the officers of The Society in conjunction
with the club advisor.