Our Constitution
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE
MARYLAND SENIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
Adopted July, 2019
CONSTITUTION OF THE MARYLAND SENIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
ARTICLE I
NAME AND EMBLEM
Section 1. Name. The name of this organization shall be the Maryland Senior Classical League, hereafter in this document referred to as MDSCL.
Section 2. Emblem. The emblem shall be the torch of knowledge under the initials “MDSCL” all encircled by a laurel wreath.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization shall be to enhance and promote the appreciation of the classics and classical scholarship in post-secondary education, and to advise, encourage, and help the Maryland Junior Classical League.
ARTICLE III
GOVERNANCE
Section 1. Affiliation. This organization is affiliated with the National Senior Classical League, hereinafter referred to as the NSCL, and the American Classical League, hereinafter referred to as the ACL. No act of this organization or section of this constitution or its bylaws may conflict or be construed as to conflict with the constitution, bylaws, or acts or its affiliated organizations.
Section 2. Membership. Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution or its Bylaws, the paramount authority of this organization resides in the membership. The explicit mention of certain powers of the membership does not deny or limit its exercise of others.
ARTICLE IV
AMENDMENT
Section 1. Origin of Amendments. Any member of this organization may propose an amendment to this Constitution by submitting such to the MDSCL President, the MDSCL Parliamentarian[1], and the MDSCL Advisor. Furtherance of a proposed amendment requires approval by the in a manner in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the ACL.
Section 2. Amendment Procedure. A proposed amendment to this Constitution shall be considered at the first annual meeting[2] held following final approval by the Advisor[3]. The procedure shall be as follows:
2.1. The MDSCL Parliamentarian[4] shall give notice of the proposed amendment no later than the first assembly of the annual meeting at which the amendment is to be considered.
2.2. The [state initials] Executive Board shall report to the membership the possible effect of the amendment and may recommend whether the proposed amendment ought to be ratified.
2.3. The membership shall debate the proposed amendment at the antepenultimate assembly of the annual meeting[5].
2.4. Voting shall take place during the penultimate assembly of the annual meeting[6], unless postponed by the Executive Board or the membership.
2.5. A three-fourths vote of the members present and voting shall be required for passage
of a proposed amendment.
BYLAWS OF THE MARYLAND SENIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
ARTICLE I
MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Section 1. Membership and Eligibility. There shall be three membership classes: Regular, Associate, and Tertiary.
1.1 Regular. Secondary school graduates shall be eligible for regular membership until the opening of the final assembly at the fifth annual meeting after their graduation. Graduating seniors may join at the annual meeting in the year of their graduation or at the first Maryland Junior Classical League Convention following their graduation. MDSCL members attending the Maryland Junior Classical League convention immediately following graduation shall be governed by the rules for Maryland Junior Classical League delegates, although they may participate in activities. The rights of regular members are described in the MDSCL Constitution and these Bylaws.
1.2. Associate. Secondary school graduates shall be eligible for associate membership from the opening of the final assembly at the fifth annual meeting following their graduation from high school until the closing of the ninth annual meeting following their graduation from high school. Associate members possess all the rights of regular members except eligibility to hold state office.
1.3. Tertiary. Secondary school graduates shall be eligible for tertiary membership from the opening of the tenth annual meeting following their graduation from high school. Tertiary members may not vote or hold office.
Section 2. Dues.
2.1. Regular. The dues for regular members shall be six dollars ($6.00) and shall cover the of the period for which they are eligible for regular membership.
2.2. Associate. The dues for associate members shall be four dollars ($4.00) and shall cover the entirety of the period for which they are eligible for associate membership.
2.3. Tertiary. The dues for tertiary members shall be two dollars ($2.00) and shall cover the entirety of the period for which they are eligible for tertiary membership.
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATIONAL DIVISIONS
Section 1. University Chapters. Any five members may organize a university chapter. A university chapter should affiliate with the Maryland Junior Classical League, if possible. University chapters shall represent and pursue the objectives of the state organization within their region.
1.1. Chapter Bylaws. University chapters shall adopt governing documents in accord with the Constitution and Bylaws of the MDSCL.
1.2. Charters. The Executive Board may grant charters to, or revoke the charters of, university chapters of the MDSCL. The MDSCL President shall encourage the organization of new chapters and, upon submission of appropriate documents, may grant temporary charter which shall be valid for up to one year, at which time the Executive Board shall decide whether to grant a permanent charter.
1.2.1. University chapters shall annually submit contact information for the chapter as well as the most recent copies of their governing documents to the MDSCL Parliamentarian[7] prior to the election of the MDSCL officers at the annual meeting.
Section 2. Members at Large. Any member who does not affiliate with a university chapter shall be considered a Member at Large. These persons should contact the Executive Board who will connect them to the nearest university chapter to affiliate with.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers. The MDSCL officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Parliamentarian elected by the membership at the annual meeting.
Section 2. Qualifications. A MDSCL officer shall be a regular member of the MDSCL. In addition, the President and Vice President shall have attended at least one annual meeting as an MDSCL member prior to the annual meeting at which they are elected. No member shall simultaneously hold two state offices. No elected officer shall hold the same office for two consecutive terms. MDSCL officers must maintain their qualifications through their term. Failure to maintain qualifications shall constitute resignation from office. In addition, a candidate for office must meet the requirements for voter eligibility established in this article in order to be elected.
Section 3. Nominations. Candidates for elected office shall be nominated from the floor of the penultimate assembly of the annual meeting. Any member may nominate an eligible member for office. Candidates so nominated may speak on their own behalf for up to four minutes.
Section 4. Election.
4.1. Time of Elections. The election of officers shall occur at the last assembly of the annual meeting. Election of each office shall occur in the order in which the offices are listed in these Bylaws, with the winners being announced before the election of the next office begins.
4.2. Discussion. Any member may discuss or question any candidate. Candidates may remain present in the meeting throughout the election.
4.3. Unsuccessful Candidates. An unsuccessful candidate may be nominated for another office at the election. Candidates so nominated may speak on their own behalf for up to two minutes.
4.4. Voter Eligibility. A registered delegate who has attended at least one assembly prior to the assembly of elections, and who was present for either the speeches or the question and answer period shall be eligible to vote. The Parliamentarian shall note attendance at each assembly in order to create a list of eligible voters.
4.5. Voting. Eligible members shall vote by ranked secret ballot. Eligible members unable to attend the voting assembly may provide the Parliamentarian with a sealed absentee ballot. The President, Parliamentarian and Advisor shall count the ballots according to the instant run-off procedure prescribed by the parliamentary manual adopted by the NSCL. If the President or Parliamentarian is a candidate, then the three shall jointly appoint an impartial teller.
4.6. No Election. Should the first ballot for an office fail to produce a winner, the members of the outgoing Executive Board, not running for the office in question, shall decide among the top two candidates (or among all candidates tied for first), by secret ballot. A majority of those voting shall be required for the election. If this procedure again fails to produce a winner, the election shall be decided by random draw.
4.7. Uncontested Elections. If no member objects, uncontested elections may be voted on by acclamation.
Section 5. Term.
5.1. Elected Officers. The President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Parliamentarian shall be elected for a term of one year. The term shall begin upon inauguration at the close of the annual meeting.
Section 6. Vacancy.
6.1. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the Vice President.
6.2. Vacancies in offices other than that of the President shall be filled by appointment of the President with the consent of the Executive Board and Advisor.
Section 7. Removal.
7.1. An officer may be removed by decision of the Advisor[8] or a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board.
7.2. Failure to attend or register for the annual meeting shall constitute automatic removal from office.
Section 8. Duties.
8.1. President. The duties of the President shall be as follows:
8.1.1. Chair the meeting of the membership and the Executive Board;
8.1.2. Convene the membership or the Executive Board, with cause;
8.1.3. Coordinate membership promotion and alumni relations;
8.1.4. Delegate responsibility for which exercise is not otherwise provided;
8.1.5. Assist new university chapters in organizing and granting temporary
charters to such chapters as needed;
8.1.6. Coordinate and oversee the duties of the officers.
8.2. Vice President. The duties of the Vice President shall be as follows:
8.2.1. Assume the Presidency in the event of permanent vacancy of the position;
8.2.2. Perform the duties of the President in the event of the President’s absence or temporary inability to serve;
8.2.3. Assist the President; and,
8.2.4. Have jurisdiction over the talent show at the annual Maryland Junior Classical League Convention, if they so choose.
8.3. Secretary. The duties of the Secretary shall be as follows:
8.3.1. Carefully record all proceedings of the membership or the Executive Board, and circulate these minutes to each officer and the Advisor after the meeting;
8.3.2. Maintain any business records or other official documents in good order;
8.3.3. Maintain, in conjunction with the Treasurer, the roll of members and alumni;
8.3.4. Make the roll of members and other official documents available on the website[9], updating these documents when necessary;
8.3.5. Manage communications between the Executive Board and the membership; and,
8.3.6. Act as administrator for any MDSCL email lists or webpages.
8.4. Treasurer. The duties of the Treasurer shall be as follows:
8.4.1. Collect any dues or fees or any routine debt owed to the organization;
8.4.2. Deposit any income to the treasury in a timely manner and provide for its safe keeping in the organization’s name;
8.4.3. Disburse funds as appropriated by the Executive Board or the Advisor;
8.4.4. Maintain, in coordination with the Advisor, accurate record keeping of the treasury;
8.4.5. Maintain, in conjunction with the Secretary, the roll of members and alumni; and,
8.4.6. Recommend an annual budget to the Executive Board for approval by the National Committee.
8.5. Parliamentarian. The duties of the Parliamentarian shall be as follows:
8.5.1. Administer the election of officers and the voting on amendments to the Constitution or these Bylaws;
8.5.2. Advise any officer or other member on matter of procedure;
8.5.3. Help the chair maintain order at meetings;
8.5.4. Work with the university chapters toward the maintenance of their permanent charters.
8.6. Historian. The duties of the Historian shall be as follows:
8.6.1. Incorporate the official history in the MDSCL website, making updates as necessary; and,
8.6.2. Maintain the official online presence of the MDSCL.
ARTICLE IV
MEETINGS
Section 1. Annual Meeting. The membership shall meet annually during the convention of the Maryland Junior Classical League. A MDSCL member must be a delegate to the convention in order to participate in the meeting.
1.1. Registration Fee. The Executive Board with the consent of the Advisor shall set a registration fee for the convention, payment of which shall entitle an eligible member to participate in the meeting.[10]
1.2. Assemblies. The annual meeting shall consist of not fewer than three assemblies. The Executive Board shall give notice of each assembly to registered delegates, though the convention program. The President may call a special assembly, not originally scheduled in the convention program, if required. Reasonable notice shall be provided for such assemblies.
1.3. Quorum. For an assembly scheduled in the convention program, the registered delegates present at the assembly shall constitute a quorum. For a special assembly, a simple majority of the registered delegates shall constitute a quorum.
1.4. Agenda. The Executive Board with the advice of the President, Parliamentarian, and Advisor, shall set the agenda of each assembly. Any member may introduce business onto the agenda by written notice to the President, Parliamentarian, or Advisor prior to the assembly at which it is to be considered.
Section 2. Special Meetings. The President or the Executive Board may, with cause, call a special meeting of the membership. All regular and associate members shall be given at least one month’s prior notice of such a meeting. One third of the membership shall constitute a quorum at such a meeting.
ARTICLE V
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. Composition. The Maryland officers shall constitute the Executive Board. The Advisor shall serve ex officio as a non-voting member of the board.
Section 2. Duties and Powers. The Executive Board shall have general supervision of the affairs
of the MDSCL between its meetings and shall transact business on its behalf, subject to the authority of the membership, the NSCL, and the ACL.
Section 3. Meetings. The Executive Board shall meet at the convention of the National Junior Classical League. A special meeting of the Executive Board may be held at the call of the President, the Advisor, or any two officers. A simple majority of the officers shall constitute a quorum, with the presence of the Advisor required to transact any business.
ARTICLE VI
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the MDSCL in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the documents governing the ACL, the Constitution, these Bylaws, or any special rules of order which the MDSCL may adopt.
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENT
Section 1. Origin of Amendments. Any member of this organization may propose an amendment to this Constitution by submitting such to the MDSCL President, the MDSCL Parliamentarian, and the MDSCL Advisor. Furtherance of a proposed amendment requires approval by the in a manner in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the ACL.
Section 2. Amendment Procedure. A proposed amendment to this Constitution shall be considered at the first annual meeting held following final approval by the Advisor. The procedure shall be as follows:
2.1. The MDSCL Parliamentarian shall give notice of the proposed amendment no later than the first assembly of the annual meeting at which the amendment is to be considered.
2.2. The MDSCL Executive Board shall report to the membership the possible effect of the amendment and may recommend whether the proposed amendment ought to be ratified.
2.3. The membership shall debate the proposed amendment at the antepenultimate assembly of the annual meeting.
2.4. Voting shall take place during the penultimate assembly of the annual meeting, unless postponed by the Executive Board or the membership.
2.5. A two-thirds[11] vote of the members present and voting shall be required for passage
of a proposed amendment.
Footnotes
[1] If your state does not have the Parliamentarian office, simply omit this statement.
[2] Not all states operate in the same fashion. For example, Florida holds their elections and amendments at the final SCL assembly of their state convention. Alter your state constitution accordingly.
[3] Decide the best method to handle this situation. Should your advisor approve proposed amendments before they're presented to the membership? Or the Executive board and the Advisor? Or should there be no approval process for proposed amendments?
[4] Or state president depending on whether or not a Parliamentarian exists.
[5] Define when the proposed amendments will be discussed.
[6] Define when the voting of amendments will take place.
[7] Or President, depending on whether the office of Parliamentarian exists in your state.
[8] The NSCL Constitution says here the "National Committee" may remove an officer. Try to put the power of officer removal in the hands of more than one person.
[9] Omit this if you do not have a website.
[11] N.B. This is an important distinction between the amendment process of the Constitution and the Bylaws. This article and the article of amendments in the Constitution are vital to each document. The core ideas should never be removed.
MARYLAND SENIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
Adopted July, 2019
CONSTITUTION OF THE MARYLAND SENIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
ARTICLE I
NAME AND EMBLEM
Section 1. Name. The name of this organization shall be the Maryland Senior Classical League, hereafter in this document referred to as MDSCL.
Section 2. Emblem. The emblem shall be the torch of knowledge under the initials “MDSCL” all encircled by a laurel wreath.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization shall be to enhance and promote the appreciation of the classics and classical scholarship in post-secondary education, and to advise, encourage, and help the Maryland Junior Classical League.
ARTICLE III
GOVERNANCE
Section 1. Affiliation. This organization is affiliated with the National Senior Classical League, hereinafter referred to as the NSCL, and the American Classical League, hereinafter referred to as the ACL. No act of this organization or section of this constitution or its bylaws may conflict or be construed as to conflict with the constitution, bylaws, or acts or its affiliated organizations.
Section 2. Membership. Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution or its Bylaws, the paramount authority of this organization resides in the membership. The explicit mention of certain powers of the membership does not deny or limit its exercise of others.
ARTICLE IV
AMENDMENT
Section 1. Origin of Amendments. Any member of this organization may propose an amendment to this Constitution by submitting such to the MDSCL President, the MDSCL Parliamentarian[1], and the MDSCL Advisor. Furtherance of a proposed amendment requires approval by the in a manner in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the ACL.
Section 2. Amendment Procedure. A proposed amendment to this Constitution shall be considered at the first annual meeting[2] held following final approval by the Advisor[3]. The procedure shall be as follows:
2.1. The MDSCL Parliamentarian[4] shall give notice of the proposed amendment no later than the first assembly of the annual meeting at which the amendment is to be considered.
2.2. The [state initials] Executive Board shall report to the membership the possible effect of the amendment and may recommend whether the proposed amendment ought to be ratified.
2.3. The membership shall debate the proposed amendment at the antepenultimate assembly of the annual meeting[5].
2.4. Voting shall take place during the penultimate assembly of the annual meeting[6], unless postponed by the Executive Board or the membership.
2.5. A three-fourths vote of the members present and voting shall be required for passage
of a proposed amendment.
BYLAWS OF THE MARYLAND SENIOR CLASSICAL LEAGUE
ARTICLE I
MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Section 1. Membership and Eligibility. There shall be three membership classes: Regular, Associate, and Tertiary.
1.1 Regular. Secondary school graduates shall be eligible for regular membership until the opening of the final assembly at the fifth annual meeting after their graduation. Graduating seniors may join at the annual meeting in the year of their graduation or at the first Maryland Junior Classical League Convention following their graduation. MDSCL members attending the Maryland Junior Classical League convention immediately following graduation shall be governed by the rules for Maryland Junior Classical League delegates, although they may participate in activities. The rights of regular members are described in the MDSCL Constitution and these Bylaws.
1.2. Associate. Secondary school graduates shall be eligible for associate membership from the opening of the final assembly at the fifth annual meeting following their graduation from high school until the closing of the ninth annual meeting following their graduation from high school. Associate members possess all the rights of regular members except eligibility to hold state office.
1.3. Tertiary. Secondary school graduates shall be eligible for tertiary membership from the opening of the tenth annual meeting following their graduation from high school. Tertiary members may not vote or hold office.
Section 2. Dues.
2.1. Regular. The dues for regular members shall be six dollars ($6.00) and shall cover the of the period for which they are eligible for regular membership.
2.2. Associate. The dues for associate members shall be four dollars ($4.00) and shall cover the entirety of the period for which they are eligible for associate membership.
2.3. Tertiary. The dues for tertiary members shall be two dollars ($2.00) and shall cover the entirety of the period for which they are eligible for tertiary membership.
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATIONAL DIVISIONS
Section 1. University Chapters. Any five members may organize a university chapter. A university chapter should affiliate with the Maryland Junior Classical League, if possible. University chapters shall represent and pursue the objectives of the state organization within their region.
1.1. Chapter Bylaws. University chapters shall adopt governing documents in accord with the Constitution and Bylaws of the MDSCL.
1.2. Charters. The Executive Board may grant charters to, or revoke the charters of, university chapters of the MDSCL. The MDSCL President shall encourage the organization of new chapters and, upon submission of appropriate documents, may grant temporary charter which shall be valid for up to one year, at which time the Executive Board shall decide whether to grant a permanent charter.
1.2.1. University chapters shall annually submit contact information for the chapter as well as the most recent copies of their governing documents to the MDSCL Parliamentarian[7] prior to the election of the MDSCL officers at the annual meeting.
Section 2. Members at Large. Any member who does not affiliate with a university chapter shall be considered a Member at Large. These persons should contact the Executive Board who will connect them to the nearest university chapter to affiliate with.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers. The MDSCL officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Parliamentarian elected by the membership at the annual meeting.
Section 2. Qualifications. A MDSCL officer shall be a regular member of the MDSCL. In addition, the President and Vice President shall have attended at least one annual meeting as an MDSCL member prior to the annual meeting at which they are elected. No member shall simultaneously hold two state offices. No elected officer shall hold the same office for two consecutive terms. MDSCL officers must maintain their qualifications through their term. Failure to maintain qualifications shall constitute resignation from office. In addition, a candidate for office must meet the requirements for voter eligibility established in this article in order to be elected.
Section 3. Nominations. Candidates for elected office shall be nominated from the floor of the penultimate assembly of the annual meeting. Any member may nominate an eligible member for office. Candidates so nominated may speak on their own behalf for up to four minutes.
Section 4. Election.
4.1. Time of Elections. The election of officers shall occur at the last assembly of the annual meeting. Election of each office shall occur in the order in which the offices are listed in these Bylaws, with the winners being announced before the election of the next office begins.
4.2. Discussion. Any member may discuss or question any candidate. Candidates may remain present in the meeting throughout the election.
4.3. Unsuccessful Candidates. An unsuccessful candidate may be nominated for another office at the election. Candidates so nominated may speak on their own behalf for up to two minutes.
4.4. Voter Eligibility. A registered delegate who has attended at least one assembly prior to the assembly of elections, and who was present for either the speeches or the question and answer period shall be eligible to vote. The Parliamentarian shall note attendance at each assembly in order to create a list of eligible voters.
4.5. Voting. Eligible members shall vote by ranked secret ballot. Eligible members unable to attend the voting assembly may provide the Parliamentarian with a sealed absentee ballot. The President, Parliamentarian and Advisor shall count the ballots according to the instant run-off procedure prescribed by the parliamentary manual adopted by the NSCL. If the President or Parliamentarian is a candidate, then the three shall jointly appoint an impartial teller.
4.6. No Election. Should the first ballot for an office fail to produce a winner, the members of the outgoing Executive Board, not running for the office in question, shall decide among the top two candidates (or among all candidates tied for first), by secret ballot. A majority of those voting shall be required for the election. If this procedure again fails to produce a winner, the election shall be decided by random draw.
4.7. Uncontested Elections. If no member objects, uncontested elections may be voted on by acclamation.
Section 5. Term.
5.1. Elected Officers. The President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and Parliamentarian shall be elected for a term of one year. The term shall begin upon inauguration at the close of the annual meeting.
Section 6. Vacancy.
6.1. A vacancy in the office of President shall be filled by the Vice President.
6.2. Vacancies in offices other than that of the President shall be filled by appointment of the President with the consent of the Executive Board and Advisor.
Section 7. Removal.
7.1. An officer may be removed by decision of the Advisor[8] or a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board.
7.2. Failure to attend or register for the annual meeting shall constitute automatic removal from office.
Section 8. Duties.
8.1. President. The duties of the President shall be as follows:
8.1.1. Chair the meeting of the membership and the Executive Board;
8.1.2. Convene the membership or the Executive Board, with cause;
8.1.3. Coordinate membership promotion and alumni relations;
8.1.4. Delegate responsibility for which exercise is not otherwise provided;
8.1.5. Assist new university chapters in organizing and granting temporary
charters to such chapters as needed;
8.1.6. Coordinate and oversee the duties of the officers.
8.2. Vice President. The duties of the Vice President shall be as follows:
8.2.1. Assume the Presidency in the event of permanent vacancy of the position;
8.2.2. Perform the duties of the President in the event of the President’s absence or temporary inability to serve;
8.2.3. Assist the President; and,
8.2.4. Have jurisdiction over the talent show at the annual Maryland Junior Classical League Convention, if they so choose.
8.3. Secretary. The duties of the Secretary shall be as follows:
8.3.1. Carefully record all proceedings of the membership or the Executive Board, and circulate these minutes to each officer and the Advisor after the meeting;
8.3.2. Maintain any business records or other official documents in good order;
8.3.3. Maintain, in conjunction with the Treasurer, the roll of members and alumni;
8.3.4. Make the roll of members and other official documents available on the website[9], updating these documents when necessary;
8.3.5. Manage communications between the Executive Board and the membership; and,
8.3.6. Act as administrator for any MDSCL email lists or webpages.
8.4. Treasurer. The duties of the Treasurer shall be as follows:
8.4.1. Collect any dues or fees or any routine debt owed to the organization;
8.4.2. Deposit any income to the treasury in a timely manner and provide for its safe keeping in the organization’s name;
8.4.3. Disburse funds as appropriated by the Executive Board or the Advisor;
8.4.4. Maintain, in coordination with the Advisor, accurate record keeping of the treasury;
8.4.5. Maintain, in conjunction with the Secretary, the roll of members and alumni; and,
8.4.6. Recommend an annual budget to the Executive Board for approval by the National Committee.
8.5. Parliamentarian. The duties of the Parliamentarian shall be as follows:
8.5.1. Administer the election of officers and the voting on amendments to the Constitution or these Bylaws;
8.5.2. Advise any officer or other member on matter of procedure;
8.5.3. Help the chair maintain order at meetings;
8.5.4. Work with the university chapters toward the maintenance of their permanent charters.
8.6. Historian. The duties of the Historian shall be as follows:
8.6.1. Incorporate the official history in the MDSCL website, making updates as necessary; and,
8.6.2. Maintain the official online presence of the MDSCL.
ARTICLE IV
MEETINGS
Section 1. Annual Meeting. The membership shall meet annually during the convention of the Maryland Junior Classical League. A MDSCL member must be a delegate to the convention in order to participate in the meeting.
1.1. Registration Fee. The Executive Board with the consent of the Advisor shall set a registration fee for the convention, payment of which shall entitle an eligible member to participate in the meeting.[10]
1.2. Assemblies. The annual meeting shall consist of not fewer than three assemblies. The Executive Board shall give notice of each assembly to registered delegates, though the convention program. The President may call a special assembly, not originally scheduled in the convention program, if required. Reasonable notice shall be provided for such assemblies.
1.3. Quorum. For an assembly scheduled in the convention program, the registered delegates present at the assembly shall constitute a quorum. For a special assembly, a simple majority of the registered delegates shall constitute a quorum.
1.4. Agenda. The Executive Board with the advice of the President, Parliamentarian, and Advisor, shall set the agenda of each assembly. Any member may introduce business onto the agenda by written notice to the President, Parliamentarian, or Advisor prior to the assembly at which it is to be considered.
Section 2. Special Meetings. The President or the Executive Board may, with cause, call a special meeting of the membership. All regular and associate members shall be given at least one month’s prior notice of such a meeting. One third of the membership shall constitute a quorum at such a meeting.
ARTICLE V
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. Composition. The Maryland officers shall constitute the Executive Board. The Advisor shall serve ex officio as a non-voting member of the board.
Section 2. Duties and Powers. The Executive Board shall have general supervision of the affairs
of the MDSCL between its meetings and shall transact business on its behalf, subject to the authority of the membership, the NSCL, and the ACL.
Section 3. Meetings. The Executive Board shall meet at the convention of the National Junior Classical League. A special meeting of the Executive Board may be held at the call of the President, the Advisor, or any two officers. A simple majority of the officers shall constitute a quorum, with the presence of the Advisor required to transact any business.
ARTICLE VI
PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the MDSCL in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the documents governing the ACL, the Constitution, these Bylaws, or any special rules of order which the MDSCL may adopt.
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENT
Section 1. Origin of Amendments. Any member of this organization may propose an amendment to this Constitution by submitting such to the MDSCL President, the MDSCL Parliamentarian, and the MDSCL Advisor. Furtherance of a proposed amendment requires approval by the in a manner in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws of the ACL.
Section 2. Amendment Procedure. A proposed amendment to this Constitution shall be considered at the first annual meeting held following final approval by the Advisor. The procedure shall be as follows:
2.1. The MDSCL Parliamentarian shall give notice of the proposed amendment no later than the first assembly of the annual meeting at which the amendment is to be considered.
2.2. The MDSCL Executive Board shall report to the membership the possible effect of the amendment and may recommend whether the proposed amendment ought to be ratified.
2.3. The membership shall debate the proposed amendment at the antepenultimate assembly of the annual meeting.
2.4. Voting shall take place during the penultimate assembly of the annual meeting, unless postponed by the Executive Board or the membership.
2.5. A two-thirds[11] vote of the members present and voting shall be required for passage
of a proposed amendment.
Footnotes
[1] If your state does not have the Parliamentarian office, simply omit this statement.
[2] Not all states operate in the same fashion. For example, Florida holds their elections and amendments at the final SCL assembly of their state convention. Alter your state constitution accordingly.
[3] Decide the best method to handle this situation. Should your advisor approve proposed amendments before they're presented to the membership? Or the Executive board and the Advisor? Or should there be no approval process for proposed amendments?
[4] Or state president depending on whether or not a Parliamentarian exists.
[5] Define when the proposed amendments will be discussed.
[6] Define when the voting of amendments will take place.
[7] Or President, depending on whether the office of Parliamentarian exists in your state.
[8] The NSCL Constitution says here the "National Committee" may remove an officer. Try to put the power of officer removal in the hands of more than one person.
[9] Omit this if you do not have a website.
[11] N.B. This is an important distinction between the amendment process of the Constitution and the Bylaws. This article and the article of amendments in the Constitution are vital to each document. The core ideas should never be removed.