The members of the Black Collegian Caucus, are dedicated to the cultural and educational development of the individual within the context of the university community. Our focus will be to explore the rich heritage and culture of African-Americans, to draw knowledge and strength from this history and to celebrate the lives and contributions of our people. It is through learning that we create, build and find hope for a better future, and a richer university community. Our objective is to contribute to the quality of life of Black students and to acquaint all people with African heritage. The purpose intended is to bring about increased self-awareness, self-appreciation, unity, trust, and a positive image through which we may share and grow with others. Membership in the Black Collegian Caucus is open to any interested student.

The name of the organization shall be the Black Collegian Caucus of Indiana University - Purdue University at Fort Wayne.

The purposes and objectives of this organization are:

 A. To explore the heritage and culture of African-Americans as a means of clarifying our self-image and enhancing self-esteem.

 B. To assist in the educational process of all students.

 C. To provide a common cultural base designed to foster unity and a spirit of community.

 D. To encourage and support the accomplishment of high academic standards by our members.

 E. To facilitate the development of more coalitions among campus groups and the increased involvement of students of color.
 
 

Section I - Qualifications

 A. Membership in this organization shall be open to all IPFW students and may not be denied on the basis of race, religion, gender, color, age, national origin or ancestry, disability, status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. IPFW will not tolerate discrimination against any person in the IPFW community for any reason. While  individuals with alternative lifestyles are accorded no special privileges, they are assured of equal protection under IPFW regulations.

 B. Associate membership (non-voting) shall be open to interested members of the community.

Section II - Status

 A. A current list of members shall be maintained by the secretary.

 B. An individual member shall retain active membership until such time as he/she no longer matriculates at the university or fails to comply with the stated requirements and standards of this organization.

 C. Duties of the members will be:

     1. Attending meetings
     2. Upholding the Constitution
     3. Participating in meetings
     4. Maintaining a non-discriminatory policy

 D. Organized membership shall be revoked if:

                 1. A student is academically dismissed from the university.
      2. A student is found in violation of Part I of the IPFW Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct (see IPFW Undergraduate Bulletin).

Section III - Dues

 A. Dues shall be $5.00 a year for regular members.

 B. Dues shall be $6.00 a year for associate members.
 

 
                                              Article IV - Officers

Section I - Officers

 A. The officers of this organization shall be President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Assistant Secretary.
 

Section II - Terms of Office

 A. The elected officers of this organization shall remain in office for one academic year or until such time as they fail to comply with the stated qualifications or membership standards. The term for new officers begins on July 1 of the current year.
 

Section III - Eligibility

Candidates for office in this organization must:

 A. Maintain a 2.0 at Indiana University or a 4.0 at Purdue University.

 B. Be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester.

 C. Be a member of the BCC for at least one semester.

 D. Maintain regular membership at meetings and functions for at least one semester.
 

Section IV - Nominations, Elections, and Officer Vacancies

 A. Nomination of officers shall be made by any member present at the appropriate meeting.

 B. Nominated candidates may be elected by a majority vote of attending active members during the last week of April.

 C. Officers may be re-elected by a majority vote of the attending active members during the last week of April.

 D. In the event of a vacancy occurs for the office of the President, the presidency shall be filled by the Vice-President.

 E. In the event of a vacancy in an office other than the President, attending active members shall nominate a candidate for the office. Election will be any majority vote of attending active members for the remainder of the term.
 

Section V - Duties and Powers

A. President - The President of this organization shall perform the following duties:

 1. Preside over all meetings
 2. Call and preside over special meetings
 3. Form committees and appoint members to them with the consent of those appointed; act as a standing member of all committees
 4. Sign all outgoing correspondence
 5. Act as the official spokesperson for the organization

B. Vice-President - The Vice-president of this organization shall perform the following duties:

 1. Assume the duties and responsibilities of the president in his/her absence
 2. Act as a standing member of all committees; coordinate the effort of committee chairs and report their progress to the President
 3. Assist the President and work in collaboration with him/her to carry out the objectives of the BCC

C. Secretary - The Secretary of this organization shall perform the following duties:

 1. Maintain a list of active members
 2. Record and make public to the organization the minutes of regular meetings and executive meetings
 3. Notify the membership of up-coming meetings
 4. Complete appropriate responses to correspondence received by the organization.

D. Treasurer - The Treasurer of this organization shall perform the following duties:

 1. Collect dues and maintain checking account
 2. Maintain an accurate record of receipts and disbursements of funds
 3. Maintain the organization’s account in accordance with university regulations
 4. Submit to the appropriate office such financial statements as are requested.
 

E. Assistant Secretary - The Assistant Secretary of this organization shall perform the following duties of the Secretary in his/her absence:

 1. Maintain a list of active members
 2. Record and make public to the organization the minutes of regular meetings and executive committee meetings
 3. Notify the membership of up-coming meetings
 4. Complete appropriate responses to correspondence received by the organization
 

                                         Article V - Faculty Advisor

 Section I - Faculty or full-time administrative staff members of IPFW may be selected by a majority vote of the attending, active members to serve this organization as Faculty Advisor for a time consistent with that of the elected officers of the BCC.

                       Article VI - Impeachment and Removal of an Officer(s)

Section I - A petition signed by a majority of the active members of this organization may initiate impeachment proceedings against any officer.

Section II - Impeachment of an Officer(s)

 A. The charged officer shall be notified in writing at least 7 (seven) days prior to the date of scheduled proceedings; notification must also state the date and time of the meeting. Officers may be impeached for malfeasance in office, dereliction of duty, failure to comply with the standards of the organization or the IPFW Student Handbook.

 B. The officer shall be provided an opportunity to respond to his/her situation as he deems pertinent.

Section III - Presidential Impeachment

 In the event of presidential impeachment proceedings, the Vice-President shall immediately assume the duties of the President, until such time as the President has been cleared of all charges pending against him/her.

Section IV

 In the event an officer is impeached and removed from office, he/she will (unless they choose otherwise) retain membership in the BCC

 
                                   Article VII - Resignation of Officers

 Section I - In the event that the President should resign, the resignation should be presented in writing to the members.

                                                                   Interim

 A. The office of the Vice-President shall be appointed by the new President with the approval of the Executive officers.

 B. In the event the President and Vice-President resign simultaneously, the Treasurer shall immediately assume the duties of President and appoint interim Vice-President and treasurer with the approval of the Secretary.

                                 Article VIII - Organizational Meetings

Section I - Frequency

 There should be a minimum of one organizational meeting per month. An executive Committee meeting will be held prior to each organizational meeting.

Section II - Meeting Time and Place

 The time and location of regular meetings shall be determined by a majority vote at the beginning of each semester

Section III - Quorum

 Fifty percent of the active membership shall constitute a quorum

Section IV

 Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order (revised) if necessary.

                                                   Article VIII - Amendments

Section I

 An amendment to this Constitution may be proposed by petition, and must be signed by two-thirds of the active membership, to be enacted.
 

Section II

 Amendments shall be introduced in writing. There must be a one week interim, then the  proposal must be reviewed and voted upon at the next meeting of the BCC.

Section III

 Amendments passed by a two-thirds vote of the active membership, shall be effective immediately.

Section IV

 If an amendment is approved by the organization, it must be submitted to the IPSGA Senate, via the Director of Student Activities for approval.

                                                     Article X - Ratification

Section I - Executive Board

 The Executive Board shall consist of all officers and committee chairs. The Executive Board shall have general supervision of the affairs of the BCC between meetings; make recommendations to the organization concerning Constitution, By-laws, and other duties of the organization. They shall meet prior to each regular meeting. They shall also assume any duty not covered by an existing committee.

Section II - Program Committee

 The Program Committee shall plan activities within the university and larger local community. This group may organize programs of interest and provide recommendations for artistic groups, plays, or shows. It is further understood that no program will be presented unless all arrangements for staff, equipment, location, etc. have been finalized two (2) weeks prior to the date of program.

Section III - Finance Committee

 The Finance Committee shall be in charge of raising funds, and appropriating funds for events organized by the BCC. All business transactions shall be signed by President, Vice-President, or Treasurer.
 
 

Section IV - Education Committee

 The Education Committee shall be responsible for:

      1. Training Programs
      2. Briefing Freshman
      3. Securing Books and Films
      4. Working with the Advisory Board

Section V - Communications Committee

 The Communications Committee shall maintain contact with community organizations. The committee shall keep an up-to-date history of this organization., and act as the historian of the BCC.

Article XI - Non-Discriminatory Policy

 The BCC strives to maintain and promote an environment free of discrimination in any form. We adhere to this policy:

 No student will be denied membership in this organization on the basis of: Race, Religion, Sex, Age, National Origin, or Handicap.
 

Article XII - Fiscal Business Year

Section I - Organization Operating Calendar

 The fiscal and business year of the BCC shall be commensurate with the university’s academic calendar for the start and end of fall and spring semesters, July 1- June 30.

Section II - Installation of Officers

 Officers shall be installed at the last regular meeting of the BCC for the Spring semester.