Our Constitution
ARTICLE I – Name
What is the exact title and any group acronym that will be used in addressing your organization?
The organization's title and acronym is the Boalt Hall Labor Coalition (the “BHLC”).
ARTICLE II – What is your group's purpose?
Briefly describe the purpose and objectives of your organization.
The primary purpose of the Boalt Hall Labor Coalition is to develop and support student involvement in workers' rights efforts and the labor movement. In order to further this purpose, BHLC will (a) serve as a point of contact for workers' rights and labor campaigns, (b) mobilize and coordinate student involvement in those campaigns, (c) assist students seeking careers relating to workers' rights and labor issues, and (d) advocate for University policies in faculty hiring, course offerings and financial aid that support those students and students generally interested in labor and employment issues. BHLC may also pursue other activities that will further its primary purpose.
ARTICLE III – Membership
Describe who is eligible for membership.
All currently registered University of California, Berkeley students, faculty and staff members are eligible for BHLC membership. Only currently registered students, faculty and staff may be active members. Only active members may vote or hold office. We will not haze according to California State Law; we will not restrict membership based upon race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical and mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship or status as a covered veteran (special disabled veteran, Vietnam-era veteran or any other veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized).
ARTICLE IV - Officers/Elections
List the officers by title (e.g., President) or define the leadership structure if another system is used (e.g., spokesperson by consensus).
BHLC shall be led by the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee may appoint an executive committee to manage administrative functions and any other executive duties delegated by the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee may also create ad hoc committees comprising of Steering Committee members and members at large.
Describe the process and required majority of votes by your active, voting membership by which officers will be elected or selected.
The membership of the Steering Committee shall be ratified by the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast at a general meeting of the BHLC membership.
What time of year will selection occur?
A ratification vote of the Steering Committee membership shall occur at least once every academic year. The Steering Committee shall set the date for ratification vote.
How long do officers serve?
Steering Committee members shall serve until replaced by a ratification vote of the membership.
Which officer serves as the primary signatory?
The Steering Committee shall appoint a primary signatory.
How will officers be removed or replaced?
Members of the Steering Committee may be removed by the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast at a general meeting of the BHLC membership. The Steering Committee may appoint interim members to the Steering Committee without holding a ratification vote so long as at least 50 percent of the Steering Committee has been previously ratified by the general membership.
ARTICLE V - Meetings
How often will the group meet?
A general meeting shall be held every other month, but may be called more frequently by any member of the Steering Committee.
Who will call the meetings?
Meetings may be called by any member of the Steering Committee.
What is quorum?
At least five BHLC members must cast a vote to constitute a quorum. Members may vote in absentia by email or any other method designated by the Steering Committee.
Will there be a call for special emergency meetings?
Emergency meetings may be called by any member of the Steering Committee.
How will you notify people of emergency meetings?
Members will be notified by email addresses they have provided to the Steering Committee.
ARTICLE VI - Constitutional Amendments
Who can propose an amendment? How are they proposed?
Any active member may propose an amendment by notifying a member of the Steering Committee. Proposed amendments must be made in writing.
What is the required period of time between the proposed amendment and a final vote?
If a member provides the proposed amendment to a member of the Steering Committee, the Steering Committee must place it on the agenda of the next general meeting.
How will you notify active members that an amendment is going to be voted upon?
Active members will be notified of the proposed amendment by email.
How many votes are needed to pass an amendment?
Amendments must receive a 2/3 majority of votes cast at a general meeting of the BHLC membership in order to be adopted. All amendments, additions or deletions must be filed with the Office of Student Life, 102 Sproul Hall. All amendments, additions or deletions must be filed with the ASUC Office of Student Affairs, 400 Eshleman Hall within one week of adoption.
ARTICLE VII – Dissolution
How will dissolution be decided?
Any member of the Steering Committee may propose the dissolution of BHLC.
What is the required majority of votes to dissolve the group?
Proposals to dissolve must be approved by a 2/3 vote of the Steering Committee in order to move to a vote of the general membership. If such a proposal is adopted by the Steering Committee, it will be brought before the membership using the same process as an amendment to this constitution. A proposal to dissolve must receive a 2/3 majority of votes cast at a general meeting of the BHLC membership to be adopted.
What will you do with the unspent funds?
All unspent ASUC funds shall remain the property of ASUC, all Graduate Assembly funds shall remain the property of the Graduate Assembly. Remaining privately-obtained funds may be donated to another nonprofit organization with prior approval of the ASUC Senate Finance Committee.
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