The Constitution of the Cognitive Science Club of the University of Waterloo

Effective Monday, October 01, 2001

I. PURPOSE

The Cognitive Science Club of the University of Waterloo, also known as the "CogSciClub", (and for the remainder of this document, "the club"), is a group whose purpose is to promote, encourage and facilitate discussion amongst individuals about the mind.  Using particular events, presentations, seminars, or other activities, the CogSciClub hopes to provide a stimulating forum for exploring issues relevant to the study of Cognitive Science.

Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the mind.  It incorporates research and ideas from disciplines such as Psychology, NeuroScience, Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy, Linguistics and Anthropology.  Thus, the club intends to attract individuals who have an interest in the study of mind (and particular, though not limited to, students of Cognitive Science) to come together and discuss ideas, research, opinions and other information about the mind.


II. MEMBERSHIP

A member of the club shall be any person who has given their full name and student id (and optionally their email and/or phone number) to the President or the Vice President of the club with the expressed intent in becoming a member.

A. Privileges

All members of the club shall be entitled to participate fully and vote during all meetings of the club, utilize club resources and participate in any event sponsored by the club in accordance with all applicable regulations and procedures which apply.  Only members can stand for and hold executive positions within the club.


III. EXECUTIVE OFFICES

The members of the executive act on the behalf of the club, and are responsible to the club membership. Certain powers are vested in them in order to perform their assigned duties.

A. Terms of Office

The members of the club executive have a term of office extending from the date of their election until the election of a new member in the subsequent term.

B. President

The president of the club shall:

1.be the chief executive officer of the club; 
2.be the chairperson at all meetings of the club at which the president is present; 
3.represent the club and club membership to external organizations and gatherings when such representation is necessary, especially (but not limited to) the Federation of Students; 
4.be responsible for any activities of the club that are not specifically under the control of any other member of the executive; especially (but not limited to) administrative details required as a Federation of Students Club, notwithstanding those activities assigned (temporarily or permanently) to the Special Operations Expert; 
5.be one of two signing authorities.

C. Vice-President

The vice-president of the club shall:

1.be responsible (along with Communications Director) for club publicity and public relations; 
2.assume the duties and responsibilities of the president in the president's absence; 
3.be one of two signing authorities.

D. Communications Director

The communications director of the club shall: 

1.act as a liason for exchanging information between the club and external organizations, especially (but not limited) to the Cognitive Science Department of the University of Waterloo; 
2.be responsible (along with the Vice-President) for club publicity and public relations.

E. Treasurer

The treasurer of the club shall:

1.administer the finances of the club; 
2.be responsible for keeping accurate and complete records of the financial transactions of the club; 
3.prepare and present a budget for the operations of the club for each academic term by the end of the first month of said term; 
4.be able to answer any member's questions about the financial affairs of the club at any meeting.

F. Special Operations Expert

The special operations expert of the club shall:

1.be responsible for the maintenance of all non-financial records of the club including, but not limited to, the minutes of all meetings, lists, and club correspondence; 
2.administer the club's non-financial assets; 
3.be responsible to support the other executive, which may require the help of the specials operations expert for certain tasks or roles.

F. Other Executive Positions

As necessary, additional executive positions may be created to perform specific duties. The new position must have a mandate describing the duties and terms of office. The creation of any new executive positions is considered an amendment to the constitution. The position is filled by normal election procedures.

G. Vacancies

If an executive position is not held, the remaining executive officers must both assume the responsibilities and duties of the vacant position, and begin nominations to fill the vacancy.


IV. ELECTIONS

1. Elections for each executive position must be held within the first three weeks of each term. 
2. Elections are also held as necessary to fill vacant positions on the executive. 
3. The elections will be conducted according to the pursuant Bylaws. 
4. Any member may hold an executive position. 
5. Any member may hold only osne executive position, except in case of vacancies (above). 
6. Any member may hold any position for consecutive terms, under condition (1).


V. MEETINGS

A. General

Meetings of the membership of the club shall be convened from time to time in order to generally oversee the activities of and conduct business of the club.

B. Meeting Powers

Club meetings have all powers vested in the executive of the club, including the power to examine, rescind and otherwise deal with any decision of the executive, decided by majority vote.

C. Convocation

Meetings are called according to the relevant Bylaw.

D. Procedure

Meetings are run following the Bylaws of the club.


VI. BYLAWS

A. General

The membership of the club shall be empowered to enact bylaws not contrary to any provision of this document to govern or regulate any aspects of the affairs and operations of the club.

B. Notice

Notice of any motion to enact, amend or repeal a bylaw of the club shall be given at a club meeting no less than five days before the meeting at which the matter is to be considered.

C. Approval

Any motion subject to the above provision must be approved by a two-thirds majority of members present at the time of consideration in order to take effect.


VII. AMENDMENTS

A. General

The membership of the club shall be empowered to amend this document if the changes are not contrary to any other documents regulating the club.

B. Notice

Notice of any motion to amend the constitution of the club shall be given at a club meeting no less than fourteen days before the meeting at which the matter is to be considered.

C. Approval

Any motion subject to the above provision must be approved by a three-quarters majority of members present at the time of consideration in order to take effect.

Jesse Bergman, October 1, 2001