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Ambassador Constitution

University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Engineering Ambassadors Constitution

Article I: Name, Mission Statement, Purpose, and Basic Policies

Section A: Name

The name of the organization shall be “UL Engineering Ambassadors.”

Section B: Mission Statement

Our mission as UL Engineering Ambassadors is to aid and represent the College of Engineering by recruiting, conducting ourselves as role models, and presenting a positive impression of UL as whole, especially the College of Engineering. We will strive to become the best individuals possible and to inspire others to achieve. We will hold ourselves to the highest standards in our efforts to become open-minded leaders, effective communicators, and considerate team players.

Section C: Purpose

The primary purpose of the organization shall be to aid the University Our mission as UL Engineering Ambassadors is to aid and represent the College of Engineering by recruiting, conducting ourselves as role models, and presenting a positive impression of UL as whole, especially the College of Engineering, and to advise all students and parents on the rules, regulations, traditions, resources and different aspects of University life. The secondary purpose of the organization shall be to promote spirit and unity among UL Engineering students and to provide general service to the UL community.

Section D: Basic Policies
  1. The organization shall be non-commercial.
  2. The name of the organization or the names of any members in their official capacities shall not be used in connection with a commercial concern.
  3. The organization shall cooperate with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to support the improvement of education in ways that will not interfere with administration of the University.
  4. The organization may cooperate with other organizations and agencies, but persons representing the organization in such matters shall make no commitments that bind the organization.
  5. The organization agrees to abide by all University policies and local, state, and federal laws.

Article II: New Members

Section A: Eligibility for Application to Membership

Any UL Engineering student may apply for membership given that he/she is a full-time, undergraduate student maintaining a 2.3 cumulative GPA and may not be on any academic or disciplinary probation with the University during the semester in which he/she is applying for membership.

Section B: Selection to Membership
  1. The Membership Committee shall have the power to select applicants to the organization.  The Membership Committee shall consist of the Membership Chair, the Membership associate chair(s) and the members of the General Membership as selected by the Membership Chair.
  2. The selection process shall be run according to the rules set forth in the UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws.
  3. Any individual who subscribes to the purpose and basic policies of the organization may become a member of this organization, subject only to compliance with the provisions of the constitution.  No student who meets the other criteria for membership can be denied membership on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation.
Section C: Criteria for Induction
  1. Applicants selected by the Membership Committee for membership shall be called “Associate Ambassadors” until such time they are inducted into UL Engineering Ambassadors.
  2. Although an Associate Ambassador has yet to be inducted into the UL Engineering Ambassadors organization, as a potential member in training, an Associate Ambassador is expected to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in the UL Engineering Ambassador Constitution and Bylaws. Failure to do so may result in ineligibility for membership in UL Engineering Ambassadors.
  3. Induction criteria include payment of new member fees as determined by the Funding and Financial Chair, completion of all training as determined by the Training Chair, and eligibility for application to membership as verified by the Membership Chair.
  4. An Associate Ambassador can be inducted into UL Engineering Ambassadors at the Polo Ceremony. Each Associate Ambassador eligible for induction will receive a red polo shirt bearing the UL Engineering Ambassador logo.  Only members who have completed the criteria stated in Article II, Section C are eligible to receive the red polo.
  5. At such time that an Associate Ambassador is inducted, they will be given one retroactive academic year of active status.
  6. Failure to meet criteria for induction will result in ineligibility for membership in UL Engineering Ambassadors.
  7. Any Associate Ambassador who fails to complete any portion of the criteria for induction has the right to appeal his/her ineligibility to the pertinent chair.
  8. Regulations regarding failure to complete training are outlined in the UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws. 

Article III: Membership

Section A: Active Status
  1. The criteria for active status in UL Engineering Ambassadors are as follows:

a. Payment of dues.
b. Maintain a 2.3 cumulative GPA and not be on any academic probation, disciplinary probation or deferred suspension with the University.
c. Any other requirements as set by the Membership Chair in the UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws.

  1. An inducted member must have active status to participate in UL Engineering Ambassador functions unless otherwise determined by the UL Engineering Ambassador Council and advisor.
  2. Each of the criteria must be met during each separate point period as set by the Membership Chair.
  3. All appeals must be made to the Membership Chair.
Section B: Inactive Status
  1. An UL Engineering Ambassador can attain inactive status by failing to meet the requirements for active status or by voluntarily applying to the Membership Chair for one point period of inactivity. 
  2. After a point period of inactivity, an UL Engineering Ambassador will automatically be reinstated to active status.
  3. Participation of members with inactive status in UL Engineering Ambassador functions shall be determined at the discretion of the UL Engineering Ambassador Council and the advisor.
  4. An UL Engineering Ambassador is only permitted one point period of inactivity. Failure to attain active status for a second point period will result in removal from the organization.
  5. Any UL Engineering Ambassador who wishes to appeal inactive status or removal from the organization has the right to appeal his/her situation to the Membership Chair.
  6. An UL Engineering Ambassador will be placed on inactive status should they be given the following disciplinary probation with through the Office of the Provost (Academic Affairs):  You may participate in campus groups and activities, but you may NOT represent the University in any official function or leadership position (e.g. varsity athletics, cheerleader, teaching assistant, student leadership position, elected office, etc. This will be checked continually throughout each semester.
Section C: Transfer Status
  1. An UL Engineering Ambassador participating in a study abroad, national exchange, or co-op program, or any similar program, will neither be considered active or inactive.
  2. Therefore, the time spent away from UL will not count toward inactive status.
  3. After returning from the program, the UL Engineering Ambassador will automatically be reinstated to active status.
Section D: Priority Status
  1. UL Engineering Ambassadors can become eligible for priority registration by attaining active status and fulfilling the priority requirements as set forth by the Membership Chair in the UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws.
  2. UL Engineering Ambassadors eligible for priority scheduling may receive priority at the discretion of UL Engineering Ambassador Advisor, the Dean of Engineering and your department head. (not all UL Engineering Ambassadors eligible for priority scheduling through the organization may receive priority scheduling from their respective Department Heads).
Section E: Alumni Status
  1. An UL Engineering Ambassador may attain alumni status by satisfying one of the following criteria: 

a. Graduation from the University
b. Completion of six semesters of active status as an UL Engineering Ambassador
c. Continuation into a professional school including but not limited to nursing, pharmacy, allied health, etc.

  1. UL Engineering Ambassadors who wish to attain alumni status before graduation from the University must apply to the Membership Chair.
  2. Alumni of the organization may wear UL Engineering Ambassador apparel. 
  3. Alumni members will not be considered active, will not receive membership points, and will not attain priority registration, but may participate in UL Engineering Ambassador and University functions as needed.
  4. Alumni may not return to active status.
  5. An UL Engineering Ambassador may appeal his/her situation to the Membership Chair.
  6. A student who transfers to another University with two or more semesters of active status can obtain alumni status by applying to the Membership Chair.
  7. The Membership Chair will provide a request form for all members wishing to apply for Alumni Status.
Section F: Removal from the Organization
  1. An UL Engineering Ambassador may be voluntarily removed from membership of the organization through one of the following means:

a. Application for inactive status for more than one point period
b. Resignation from the organization
c. Resignation from the University

  1. 2. An UL Engineering Ambassador may be involuntarily removed from membership of the organization through one of the following means:

a. Failure to meet criteria for active status for more than one point period
b. Removal from the University
c. Failure to follow the UL Engineering Ambassador Constitution and Bylaws

  1. Any appeals will be made to the Membership Chair

Article IV: UL Engineering Ambassador Council

Section A: Selection of Officers
  1. Officers will be selected in accordance with the UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws.
Section B: Officers and Voting
  1. The officers of the organization shall be the voting members of the Council. 
  2. Each member of Council shall have one equal vote in all matters brought to the Council.
  3. For any Council vote to be binding, at least one half of all Council members must be present and voting. The voting will proceed in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws.
  4. The method for selecting Council members is outlined in the UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws.
Section C: Committees and Committee Chairs
  1. Each committee in the organization shall have a chair that sits on the Council.
  2. The committees within the organization are as follows:

a. Cohesion: Responsible for maintaining the continuity and morale of the organization. Plan and implement social and bonding activities (the first committee will be voted into office at the end of the 2014 spring semester).

b. Communications: Responsible for gathering information and composing articles for publication on the UL Engineering webpage and Facebook page, and the official University of Louisiana at Lafayette Facebook Page. Publish dates and all other pertinent information about UL Engineering Ambassador functions in the occurrences section of the Vermillion. Plan, implement and oversee all publicity. Maintain the content for the UL Engineering Ambassador website, calendar, and social media accounts. Responsible for updating, publishing, and filing Alumni and UL Engineering Ambassador records, gathering and storing of archives, and taking pictures at all events, which require recognition. Maintain database of member contact information.

c. Funding and Financial: Responsible for pursuing and arranging funding, sponsorships or monetary donations for UL Engineering Ambassador activities. Plan and implement promotional programs (e.g. T-shirts or other merchandise) that promote the UL Engineering Ambassadors or specific university functions.  Responsible for making budgetary information available to all members.  Develop budget and determine the allocation of funds. Collect dues and maintain financial records.

d. Membership: Responsible for the selection of new members. Develop and enforce membership policy, membership criteria, and the criteria for priority registration privileges. Coordinate all correspondence to members. Maintains records of points available to and earned by all members. Maintain records of the membership status of all members.

e. UL Preview Days and Orientations: Plan campus events during Preview Days. Assist with determining UL Engineering Ambassador assignments and responsibilities during Preview Day and all other orientation sessions. Assist the Office of Orientation by providing volunteers for all orientation-related activities as needed.

f. Performance and Talent (PERTA): Organizing the planning, creation, and performance of skits, entertainment and all other creative supplements for all pertinent UL Engineering Ambassador functions. Maintain inventory of the skills and talents possessed by UL Engineering Ambassadors. Upkeep and revamp the art and office supplies in the UL Engineering Ambassador office. Keep Council members informed of supplies available.

g. Recruiting: Working with the Office of Admissions and Recruiting, participate in the planning, preparation, implementation and evaluation of recruiting events. Manage the recruiting activities of the UL Engineering Ambassadors, and assign UL Engineering Ambassadors to specific recruiting activities. Plan, implement and evaluate training sessions intended to prepare UL Engineering Ambassadors to be effective representatives of the University community.

h. Special Programs: Responsible for sponsoring and promoting different programs in order to promote service to the University, its students, and the community as well as to UL Engineering Ambassadors.

i. Training: Participation in the planning, preparation, implementation and evaluation of the trainings intended to prepare Ambassadors to Associate status. Participate in editing of training manual. Instill in new members a sense of pride, devotion, and spirit for the UL Engineering Ambassadors.

  1. Each committee chair is responsible for the activities concerning his/her committee and for the programs presented by that committee.
Section D: At-Large Council Members
  1. The UL Engineering Ambassador Council shall consist of each committee chair and two At-Large Members.
  2. The At-Large Members are directly elected by the general membership towards the end of the Spring Semester.
  3. The methods for selecting the At-Large Members are outlined in the UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws.
  4. The purpose of the At-Large members is to be a liaison between the general members and the council, to assist all members in matters pertaining to the Constitution and Bylaws, and to represent the interests of concerned members to the Council. 

Article V: Finances

Section A: Dues
  1. The amount of dues shall be set forth by the Funding and Financial Chair in the UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws.
  2. The method and deadline for collection shall be decided upon by the Funding and Financial Chair before the first meeting of each respective semester.
  3. No active member shall be exempt from payment of dues except under extreme circumstances as determined by the Funding and Financial Chair.
Section B: New Member Fees
  1. New members will be assessed a fee in the semester in which they are chosen as set in the UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws by the Funding and Financial Chair.
  2. The Funding and Financial Chair shall decide upon the new member fee, as well as the deadline for collection.
  3. No new member shall be exempt from payment of the new member fee except under extreme circumstances as determined by the Funding and Financial Chair.
Section C: Expenditure of Funds
  1. The Funding and Financial Chair has authority in all matters involving expenditure of money collected by the organization.
  2. All UL Engineering Ambassador expenditures from dues or other money are to be governed by the Funding and Financial Chair.
  3. The Funding and Financial Chair may present a request for reimbursement to the UL Engineering Ambassador Advisor for any UL Engineering Ambassador who spends money for an UL Engineering Ambassador function with appropriate proof of purchase (i.e. receipt).

Article VI: Amendments and Ratification

Section A: Renewal of UL Engineer Ambassador Bylaws
  1. The UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws will be reviewed by Council between the first Council meeting and the first general meeting of the fall semester.
  2. The renewal of the UL Engineering Ambassador Bylaws shall be voted on by three-fourths (¾) vote of the Council.
  3. The Bylaws should be presented to General Members at the first General Meeting of the fall semester.
Section B: Amendments
  1. Proposals to amend the UL Engineering Ambassador Constitution may be submitted by any current Council member or any general member with the assistance of an At-Large Member to Council. 
  2. The proposed amendment to the UL Engineering Ambassador Constitution must be approved by a three-fourths (¾) vote of Council members present and voting.
  3. The proposed amendments will then be brought before the membership for approval by majority vote. 
  4. All amendments to the UL Engineering Ambassador Constitution will be made to the pertinent section, unless the purpose of the amendment is to add a new clause or policy.  In such a case, the amendment will be added to the end of the Constitution.
Section C: Ratification
  1. Ratification of the UL Engineering Ambassador Constitution will occur upon a majority vote of the UL Engineering Ambassadors present at the first General Meeting of the semester.

Article VII: Registration Renewal          

Section A: Student Government
  1. UL Engineering Ambassadors will apply through Campus Life for registration on an annual basis two weeks after UL Engineering Ambassadors’ new officer elections. 

Article VII: Ambassador Advisor          

Section A: Advisor’s Role
  1. The UL Engineering Ambassador Advisor will be responsible for managing the officers and assisting with operations along with the Ambassador Assistant.
Last updated on April 15, 2015