PREAMBLE

The Newman Catholic Fellowship Group (Newman) is a Catholic student organization on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. The focus of Newman is to provide spiritual and social growth opportunities as well as support for not only Catholic and non-Catholic students, but also for faculty and staff members.

ARTICLE I: Name

The name of this organization is Newman Catholic Fellowship Group (Newman), named after Cardinal John Henry Newman. Cardinal Newman was a 19th century Catholic leader who was very involved in the total life, including spirituality, of the universities in England and the church's responsibility to higher education.

ARTICLE II: Purpose

Section A: The purpose of Newman is to bring together interested Catholic and non-Catholic students with faculty and staff of the college and members of area Catholic parishes and to provide opportunities for growth, prayer, worship, and community building.

Section B: The goals of Newman shall be spiritual awareness, leadership training, communication (for social and leadership purposes), mutual support, and development of responsibility. Members are encouraged to participate as much as possible.

ARTICLE III: Membership

Section A: Voting membership of the Newman Catholic Fellowship Group is open to all students interested in the Catholic faith. These students must be currently enrolled in at least one (1) credit hour at IPFW and maintain at least a 2.00 semester and/or cumulative GPA at Indiana University or at least a 4.00 semester and/or cumulative GPA at Purdue University.

Section B: Faculty and staff members are welcome at meetings and can be nonvoting members. Non-student members cannot hold office. Three quarters (75%) of the total membership must be currently enrolled students of IPFW.

Section C: Membership will not be denied for reasons relating to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran. While individuals with alternative lifestyles are accorded no special privileges, they are assured of equal protection under IPFW regulation.

Section D: There will be no monetary dues, but members are encouraged to participate in volunteer service. In order to maintain active voting privileges, each member of the Newman Catholic Fellowship Group shall complete at least two hours of volunteer service per semester.

Section E: There are no expulsion requirements for members.

ARTICLE IV: Officers

Section A: The Executive Branch of this organization shall be comprised of a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Section B: Officers shall be elected by members of the Newman Catholic Fellowship Group at a designated April meeting. Each officer will be elected by a simple majority. No graduating senior may run.

Section C: One (1) full-time faculty or professional staff member of IPFW shall be invited by the organization to serve as its primary advisor. The advisor shall provide assistance and direction in following university standards and shall also point out any other reasonable concerns to be addressed by the organization.

The organization agrees to keep its primary advisor informed of all activities, meetings, plans, and events. The Catholic Campus Minister at IPFW shall serve as the co-advisor for the organization. The co-advisor shall also be kept fully informed of all organizational activities and will work in concert with the advisor in supporting this organization.

Section D: The terms of office will run from May of the school year ending to May of the following academic year or until such time as they fail to comply with the stated qualifications or membership standards. The last month of the school year will be used by outgoing officers to communicate with the incoming officers about duties.

ARTICLE V: Responsibilities and Duties of Officers

Section A: The President is the leader of Newman and is in charge of the meetings. The President also sees that each meeting has a prayer leader. The projects and tasks taken by the group will be overseen by the President. Any transportation or room arrangements will be made by the President. The President shall call special meetings, executive committee meetings, form committees, appoint committee chairpersons and delegate responsibilities as needed, with the consent of the membership.

Section B: The Vice-President will assist the President in the performance of his/her duties and to assume these duties when the President is absent. The Vice-President is to perform duties assigned by the President, especially assisting the other offices. The Vice-President is to oversee the phone relay, when activated, with Catholic students and staff on the mailing list.

Section C: The Treasurer will keep accurate records of receipts and disbursements of Newman funds and be prepared to account for all transactions and report financial status at business meetings. The Treasurer will maintain the organization's account in accordance with University regulations, submit to the appropriate office such financial statements as are requested, and will also maintain communication with the Business office, Bookstore, and other places of billing.

Section D: The Secretary will be in charge of keeping minutes of the meetings and make them available to other members of the organization. The Secretary will maintain a list of active members; keep a file of activities, resources, and meeting minutes, as well as send out correspondence when necessary. The Secretary also oversees periodic information sharing with those who are on the mailing list, notifies members of the time and place of meetings, and performs all other usual secretarial duties.

Section E: It shall be decided at the time of elections, by willingness and availability of the new officers, which of the officers shall be the liaison representative on the Catholic Campus Ministry Board. That person shall attend the Catholic Campus Ministry Board meetings and report back to the Newman Catholic Fellowship Group.

ARTICLE VI: Nomination and Election

Section A: Nominations for offices of this organization shall be made by the active voting members at the meeting prior to the election meeting during the month of April.

Section B: Nominated candidates shall be elected by a majority of voting members present at the election meeting.

Section C: Officers may be re-elected for the same office.

ARTICLE VII: Change of Officers

Section A: In the event the President of this organization can no longer assume the duties of that office, the Vice President shall become President.

Section B: In the event that a vacancy occurs in any office other than the presidency, voting members shall nominate and elect the candidate for that office in the same manner as the election procedure in the spring.

Section C: The removal of an inadequate officer will occur if a problem arises and only after discussing the situation with that officer who is to be removed. An officer may be removed from his/her office by a 3/4 majority of the Newman Catholic Fellowship Group. A written notice of such action must be given to the members at least 10 days prior to the meeting in which the voting will take place. An officer removed from office may appeal in writing to each member of the group within 10 days of his/her removal. Within 10 days after an appeal is filed, the members must vote.

ARTICLE VIII: Meetings

Section A: Regular meetings will be held every other week. The time and location of regular meetings shall be determined by a majority of the voting members at the beginning of each semester. All members shall be notified of the time and place of each meeting at least one week prior to the date set. The members will decide on the type of meeting (business, liturgy planning) and activities (social, discussion, etc.) for each meeting. Regular meetings will be open to all students, faculty, and staff members, Catholic and non-Catholic. The regular business of the Newman Catholic Fellowship Group will be conducted by a majority of the voting members present at the meetings. All meetings and activities shall be publicly announced with signs posted on campus (and through other means of publicity, as necessary) the week prior to the meeting/activity.

Section B: Special meetings may be called by the President at his/her discretion, or as requested by another officer or the advisor. Two or more Executive Committee members, with the consent of the advisor shall have the power to make decisions regarding the organization in case of emergency situation.

Section C: General rule of all meetings is that they will be conducted with due respect of those present, listening to each other and giving each person opportunity to voice opinions.

Section D: There are no attendance requirements to join Newman Catholic Fellowship Group.

ARTICLE IX: Changing the Bylaws

Section A: Approval of the Bylaws -- all members of Newman will have access to a current copy of the Newman Catholic Fellowship Group Bylaws. Ratification requires a majority of members and the approval of the IPSGA Senate, via the Director of Student Activities..

Section B: Amendments -- The members will be provided with a copy of the proposed Bylaws and/or amendments at least one week in advance of the meeting at which they will be considered. The Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of active Newman members and shall become effective only after the IPSGA Senate, via the Director of Student Activities, has granted approval.

ARTICLE X: Enabling Act

Upon approval of this constitution by the Newman Catholic Fellowship Group and the IPSGA Senate, this constitution shall become effective immediately. Officers of this club shall be elected as soon as possible and shall serve for the remainder of the term of office.


Established: August, 1993 (adapted from the Bylaws of the Indiana Student Newman Association).
Amended: April, 1997
Editorial change: name, 2006