Constitution and By-laws for the - Department of Atmospheric Sciences

Constitution and By-laws for the
Texas A&M Student Chapter
of the American Meteorological Society
Article I. Name
For national recognition, this organization shall be known as the Texas A&M Student
Chapter of the American Meteorological Society. For simplicity and local appeal, it may
be called "TAMSCAMS" or something similar.
Article II. Address
The club shall keep a permanent address to be used by TAMSCAMS officers in Club
correspondence and shall be as follows:
Texas A&M Student Chapter of the AMS, 4383
MSC Student Finance Center
P.O. Box 5688, Aggieland Station
College Station, Texas 77844-9081
In the event that this address is not accessible, the following address may be used
Texas A&M Student Chapter of the AMS
c/o Department of Meteorology
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843
Both addresses should be made available to out-going members who wish to keep in
contact with the club.
Article III. Objectives
11. To provide educational and social meetings for all students of Texas A&M University
who are interested in meteorology in any of its phases or applications.
22. To provide a forum for discussions of meteorology or other related topics of general
interest.
33. To develop and disseminate knowledge of the atmospheric and related oceanic and
hydrologic sciences and the advancement of their applications at the college level.
44. To promote the ideals of Texas A&M University
55. To acquaint the student body and the public with the science and applications of
meteorology.
Article IV. Membership
Membership is open to any student of Texas A&M with an interest in meteorology. The
only requirement for membership is the payment of dues.
Article V. Dues, Assessments, Expenditures
1. Each semester, dues shall be established by the Executive Committee and
Faculty Advisor. If dues are determined to be excessive by two-thirds of
those members present at the first regular meeting, an appropriate amount
shall be set at no less than $5.00 per semester and no less than $3.00 during
the summer sessions.
2. Dues shall be collected at the first meeting and at each meeting thereafter. Also,
the officers may collect dues between meetings. Those who wish to
participate in club-funded activities will be required to have paid dues.
3. Members must have paid dues for the current semester in order to participate in
field trips or other activities requiring funding.

14. Additional assessment may be made for purposes benefiting the club, other
than entertainment of part of its members, in an amount totaling for the academic
year, September 1 through August 31 following no more than $5.00 per month.
Additional assessments require the approval of two-thirds of the membership
present at a regular meeting no less than one month following that regular
meeting at which the purpose of the particular assessment is announced.
25. Expenditures may be authorized by the President, either the Primary or
Secondary Faculty Advisor, and either the Vice President or Treasurer.
Disbursements may be made by the President Pro-Tempore only on the approval
of both the Primary and Secondary Advisors.
36. All funds not expended after the last regular meeting of any semester shall be
entered into the treasury of the next semester. That amount shall be no less than
$150, and no expenditures may be approved which would likely endanger this
limit.
47. All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed
through a bank account established for this organization at the Student
Organization Finance Center and/or the Fiscal Office. All funds must be
deposited within 24 hours after collection. The advisor to this organization
must approve and sign each expenditure before payment.
Article VI. Elective Officers
11. The elective officers of the Chapter shall consist of the President, Vice
president, Secretary, and Treasurer. Each candidate for President shall hold or be
an applicant for membership in the American Meteorological Society of the
category of at least student member. For benefit of national recognition, all
candidates for office are urged to hold student membership, or at least associate
membership.
22. The officers of this organization must meet the following requirements:
a. Have a minimum grade point ratio (GPR) as stated below and meet that
minimum GPR in the semester immediately prior to the
election/appointment, the semester of election/appointment and
semesters during the term of office.
01) For undergraduate students, the minimum GPR is 2.00. In order
for this provision to be met, at least six hours (half-time credits) must
have been taken for the semester under consideration. In one limited
circumstance, summer semester hours may be applied to this
provision. In order for summer coursework to qualify toward a grade
point ratio prior to election/appointment, at least six credit hours
must have been taken during the course of either the full or two
summer session(s).
12) For graduate level students the minimum GPR is a 3.00. In order
for this provision to be met, at least four hours (half-time credits)
must have been taken for the semester under consideration. In one
limited circumstance, summer semester hours may be applied to this
provision. In order for summer coursework to qualify toward a grade

point ratio prior to election/appointment, at least four credit hours
must have been taken during the course of either the full or two
summer session(s) unless fewer credits are required as they complete
the final stages of their degree.
2b. Be in good standing with the university and enrolled:
11) at least half time (six or more credit hours), if an undergraduate
student (unless fewer credits are required to graduate in the spring
and fall semesters) during the term of office, and
22) at least half time (four or more credits), if a graduate level
student (unless fewer credits are required in the final stages of their
degree as defined by the Continuous Registration Requirement)
during their term of office.
3c. Be ineligible to hold an office should the student fail to maintain the
requirements as prescribed in (a) and (b).
43. Officers of TAMSCAMS shall be elected at the last meeting of the spring
semester by the following method for each office:
1a. The president shall present the required duties of the office to be filled.
2b. Members wishing to run may put forth their names.
3c. Candidates shall briefly present their qualifications as well as any
specific plans the candidate may have for the Club.
5d. After each candidate has spoken, the election shall be carried out by
secret ballot. The Secretary shall oversee the voting and tally votes. The
President shall announce the results.
e. The newly elected officer shall begin his term following completion of
the elections and shall obtain from the outgoing officer records
pertinent to his position.
4. The duties of offices left unfilled after the election may be delegated to the
elected officers as seen proper by the President and those offices may be
filled at a future regular meeting by the above outlined procedure. In the case
that neither the President nor any other elected official will be able to serve
during the summer sessions, a President Pro-Tempore shall be elected to
carry on club functions over the summer. Otherwise, the highest-ranking
officer that will be present over the summer sessions shall serve as President
Pro-Tempore.
5. Vacancy in the office of President shall be filled temporarily by the Vice
president. All vacancies shall be filled by special election at the next regular
meeting of the club, except during the summer, when the President Pro-
Tempore shall act in the office of the President in the event that the President
may not serve over the summer.
6. It shall be the duties of the President to:
1a. Preside at all meetings, and functions of the club.
2b. Appoint members to ad hoc committees of the club
1c. Head the executive committee.
2d. Promote with highest standards the objectives of the University and
the club.
3e. Authorize expenditure in conformance with this constitution.

4f. Aid and oversee the actions of the other officers as necessary
5g. Update and keep an inventory of material possessions of the club.
6h. To serve on the Geosciences Undergraduate Council
77. It shall be the duties of the Vice-president to:
8a. Act of the President in his absence.
9b. Act as the program director whose function is to arrange for all nonbusiness
part of the meetings, and to notify the President and Secretary of
the program for the next meeting at least one week in advance.
10c. Coordinate affairs of the club.
11d. Issue membership cards to paid members of the club.
128. It shall be the duties of the Secretary to
13a. Act as public relations officer whose function is to present and
disseminate information to the membership, the student body, and the
public of promoting the chapter, the science, and the University. This
includes newspaper articles, exhibits, tours, demonstrations and open
house. This duty shall also include mailing meeting announcements as
well as minutes from the previous meeting to members no less than five
days before a regular meeting.
149. It shall be the duties of the Treasurer to:
a. Maintain all records of the chapter in accordance with the regulations of
the University and with the provisions of this constitution.
b. Collect dues, assessments, and contributions for the club.
c. Disburse funds at the discretion of the president within four business days
of the request.
d. Deposit any club funds collected within twenty-four hours of collection
or of the president's request.
e. Maintain the financial statements and inventories for the club.
f. Transact business with the pertinent student committees of the University.
g. Plan and conduct fund-raisers on the advise, approval, or direction of the
President.
15i. Submit all records and remaining treasury, in person, to the primary
faculty advisors as soon as possible after the last meeting of the spring
semester.
1j. Receive the records from the previous faculty advisor before the -first
regular meeting of the autumn semester.
210. It shall be the duties of the President Pro-Tempore to:
3a. Act in the absence of regular officers during the summer
4b. Hold two meetings during the summer sessions.
c. Transact necessary business as needed only with the approval of both faculty advisors.
Article VII. Committees
11. The club shall have an Executive Committee as its standing committee, on
which the Primary and Secondary Faculty Advisors are ex-officio members. The
Executive Committee shall also be comprised of the elected officers of the Club.
1a. The Executive Committee has the following Functions

2b. To act on ad hoc committee appointments by the President
3c. To review, propose, or execute policies of the Club.
4d. To serve, or otherwise delegate an individual or group to serve as
material property custodian of the Club.
5e. To represent the Club in the parent organization and in activities of
the University.
6f. To meet at the beginning of each semester in order to set an agenda
for the semester and perform any of the above listed duties.
7g. To hold a joint meeting of incoming and outgoing officers following
the election of new officers before the end of the spring semester in order
to acquaint the new officers with their duties.
Article VIII. Meetings
11. Meetings shall be held in public on the campus of Texas A&M University at
least once each month from September to May, inclusive, with possible
exception of September, January, and May. At least one officers’ meeting and
one general meeting shall be held during the summer session.
22. The dates of future meetings shall be tentatively set and announced at regular
meetings.
3. The date of regular meetings shall be in accord with the policies of the
University and chosen for least possible conflict with other related technical
student clubs on campus and for the best convenience of Club members.
4. The order of each meeting normally shall be:
a. Call to order.
b. Reading of the minutes from the previous meeting.
c. Treasurer's report.

d. New or unfinished business.
e. Feature Program.
f. Adjournment.
5. The quorum for business shall be half the active membership of the club
At least the feature portion of the each meeting shall be open to all guests. It is
the policy of the chapter to invite all students, faculty, friends, relatives, and other
clubs that might be interested in the program to be presented. Joint meetings with
other clubs are to be encouraged.
Article IX. Recall of Elected Members
Any member who has reason may call for removal proceedings. Proper reason
includes failure of an elected member to perform the duties outlined for that
position. The proceedings shall be of the following manner:
1. The member informs the Primary Faculty Advisor of the charges. If the
Advisor agrees that the penalty for the offense should be recall, he notifies the
President and the accused, if the accused is other than the President. The
Advisor should not attempt to determine guilt, only if the offense warrants
removal.
2. The business of the next meeting will be recall proceedings. The Faculty
Advisor shall preside. He shall call for the accuser to make his complaint, of
the accused to make his defense, and for a discussion period. The members
shall then vote on recall. Two-thirds of the membership present is required for
removal.
13. If the accused is found guilty and removed, the office shall be filled as in
Article VI.
24. If the accused is acquitted, he shall resume his post.
Article X. Amendments
No part of this constitution may be amended or annulled except by the
affirmative vote of two thirds of the present membership at a regular meeting at
least one month following announcement of the essential context of the
amendment. This constitution is reviewed annually, and is subject to the approval
of the Department of Student Activities.
Amendment I
All amendments shall be appended to the end of the TAMSCAMS constitution.
Upon request from the student activities office for an updated constitution,
amendments shall be included in the body of the constitution in their appropriate
place.
Amendment II The official TAMSCAMS logo shall be shown below. The use of this
logo shall be encouraged in correspondence, membership cards, and club paraphernalia.
Amendment III
1. The officers of the club may announce policies at any time during the semester
that are valid only for the course of that semester. Such policies may not be

contrary to the policies or regulations neither of the University nor to the
policies set forth by the constitution. Both advisors must approve any policy
in order to be valid. Any member may contest any policy at a regular meeting.
Following discussion of a policy, a vote will follow. A simple majority of
those members present shall decide whether the policy is sustained or rejected.
Rules may be enforced by the appropriate action.
2. A resolution may be put forth in a similar manner as the policy and shall be
subject to the same review procedure as a policy. However, a majority of
members present at the meeting where the resolution is put forth must
approve. A resolution shall not be enforced, as its purpose is only to make a
statement. Resolutions do not require advisory approval.
Amendment IV
The procedure of the election of officers shall be appended in the following way:
1. The election shall be prior to the meeting at which the election will take place.
2. A sign-up sheet shall be provided for candidates to express their desire to run
for an office. An officer shall contact interested persons in order to explain the
duties of the desired office. People may announce candidacy at the election
meeting.
3. Officers may, and are encouraged to speak on behalf of any candidate.
Officers may not speak against a candidate. Only factual information may be
provided. Each candidate must still speak for himself at the election meeting.
Amendment V
TAMSCAMS can grant membership to the club to former students of the Texas
A&M Department of Meteorology. This Former Student membership is free with
a subscription to the TAMSCAMS Newsletter.
Amendment VI
Texas Aggie Storm Chasers (TASC) shall be made a permanent branch of
TAMSCAMS. The following is a synopsis of TASC. For more information on
operations, please refer to the TASC operations manual.
1. GOALS OF TASC:
1a. To observe and learn about severe weather.
2b. To report severe weather events to the National Weather Service.
2. TASC PARTICIPANTS:
ALL TASC participants are required to take a safety seminar given by the
TASC coordinator at least once during the academic year prior to participating
in a TASC event. TASC participants are also encouraged to become certified
weather spotters and get their ham radio licenses to help attain these goals.
Participants in TASC events are also encouraged to be members of
TAMSCAMS; in the filling of vehicles TAMSCAMS members will have first
priority.
3. TASC OPERATIONS:
Since storm spotting can be dangerous, safety is of the utmost importance. In
addition to the required safety seminar, each participant involved in a TASC
chase must sign a waiver of liability prior to departure on the chase. The
waiver dismisses the responsibility of Texas A&M, any affiliated group,
including TASC, the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, the TASC

coordinator(s) and/or assistant(s), any other participants on the trip and any
faculty member or advisor associated with TAMSCAMS or TASC in the case
of an incident. Storm spotting is conducted at your own risk! In the event a
participant of a trip does not sign a waiver, that person will not be allowed to
participate in TASC events for the rest of the semester.
The cost of gas should be split evenly between all participants in a chase
vehicle. TASC will not pay for any expenses incurred by the participants in a
chase, including gas, food, lodging, etc.
4. CHOOSING TASC COORDINATORS:
At the beginning of each new TAMSCAMS administration, two TASC
coordinators should be appointed jointly by the TAMSCAMS officers and
the TASC Coordinators. The choice for TASC coordinator should be based
on storm-chasing experience, leadership abilities, and the amount of time he
or she can dedicate to TASC. The incoming TASC coordinators cannot also
be an incoming TAMSCAMS officer. The TASC officers will present the
TAMSCAMS officers with persons that meet the former qualifications.
Then, the incoming TAMSCAMS officers and outgoing TASC coordinators
must reach an agreement on the two new TASC coordinators. Once the
TASC coordinators and TAMSCAMS officers reach an agreement, the
Faculty advisor must then approve the new TASC coordinators. The
positions of TASC Coordinator must be held by at least one graduate student.
To help with transition between semesters, at least one of the coordinators
should be a returning student the following year.
5. POWERS OF THE COORDINATORS:
1a. One of the TASC coordinators and the Financial Chair will be
designated to have access to the TASC sub-account for withdrawls and
deposits..
1b. The coordinator is responsible for the daily operation of TASC. If
severe weather is expected and the coordinator will not be available for
operations, he should get an assistant to take his place. The coordinator
can delegate authority as he wishes, but is ultimately responsible for
TASC.
2c. After being appointed, the TASC coordinator should become familiar
with the TASC operations manual for a thorough understanding of club
operations.
6. MEETINGS:
TASC is encouraged to conduct business during TAMSCAMS meetings
when possible, but may have its own meetings as well.
7. REMOVAL OF A TASC COORDINATOR
Any member who has reason may call for removal proceedings. Proper reason
includes failure of an elected coordinator to perform the duties outlined for that
position. The proceedings shall be of the following manner:
1. The member informs the Primary Faculty Advisor of the charges. If the
Advisor agrees that the penalty for the offense should be recall, he notifies the
President and the accused, if the accused is other than the President. The

Advisor should not attempt to determine guilt, only if the offense warrants
removal.
2. The business of the next meeting will be recall proceedings. The Faculty
Advisor shall preside. He shall call for the accuser to make his complaint, of
the accused to make his defense, and for a discussion period. The members
shall then vote on recall. Two-thirds of the membership present is required for
removal.
33. If the accused is found guilty and removed, the office shall be filled as in
Article VI.
44. If the accused is acquitted, he shall resume his post.
Amendment VII
It may become necessary in the course of a year to recall the membership of a
non-elected member of TAMSCAMS. Proper reason for removal include
inappropriate disruption of club proceedings, conduct not becoming of a
TAMSCAMS member or Texas A&M student, and activities that are illegal or
endanger the lives, health, or property of others. The proceedings shall be of the
following manner:
11. The accuser informs the Primary Faculty Advisor of the charges. If the
Advisor agrees that the penalty for the offense should be recall of membership,
he notifies the President and the accused, if the accused is other than the
President. The Advisor should not attempt to determine guilt, only if the offense
warrants removal from the club.
22. The business of the next meeting will be recall proceedings. The Faculty
Advisor shall preside. He shall call for the accuser to make his complaint, of the
accused to make his defense, and for a discussion period. The members shall
then vote on recall. Two-thirds of the membership present is required for
removal.
33. If the accused is found guilty, their membership in the club shall be cancelled
for a period of ten weeks (the length of one academic semester) with no refund
of dues. For this period, the accused may not attend club meetings or participate
in club activities.
44. Once ten weeks has passed, the guilty party may again become eligible for
membership upon approval of the Faculty Advisor and two-thirds of the
membership present at the next meeting after the tenth week. Upon approval
from both of the above, the said person will become eligible for membership and
may be reinstated upon payment of regular dues. The guilty party will not be
allowed to attend club meetings or activities until approval of membership
eligibility from both the faculty advisor and 2/3 of the membership.
Amendment VIII
Faculty Advisor expectations are as follows:
11. When serving as an advisor, you must be a Texas A&M University employee
as defined by the Human Resources Department and must advise at level
consistent with the categorization of the organization you advise. To advise a
registered organization, you must be a faculty member, professional or associate

staff member, or graduate assistant. It is critical that you be familiar with the
activities of the organization and have (or be willing to obtain) an appropriate
level of experience, resources, and knowledge related to those activities and the
mission of the organization.
22. You should meet with the officers of the organization you advise to discuss
expectations for roles and responsibilities. In order to stay connected with the
organization, you should regularly attend executive as well as general meetings
and be available outside those meetings for advice and consultation related to the
operations of the organization. Additionally, you should assist the organization in
developing realistic goals for the academic year. This will contribute to the
educational and personal development of the students involved.
13. As an advisor, you will perform your greatest service by facilitating
opportunities for students to exercise initiative and judgment within a proper
measure of autonomy when coordinating events and activities. In keeping with
this approach, you should participate in event planning and attend events when
possible or when identified as necessary through the planning process.
24. Recognized student organizations at Texas A&M University are required to
coordinate financial transactions with the Student Organization Finance Center
(SOFC). As an advisor you will regularly receive statements from the SOFC and
should be aware of the organization’s financial status via review of these
statements and approval of expenditures. Completion of the on-line education
process for the SOFC is required of all organization advisors. This training can
be accessed online at http://sofc.tamu.edu.
35. As an advisor, you should be aware of the University Student Rules and other
institutional guidelines that establish expectations for student behavior and
activities. You should ensure that the group and its officers know where rules
and guidelines are published, what the rules are, why they exist, and the
consequences for choosing to operate outside their parameters. As an employee
of Texas A&M University, you are expected to report all rule violations or
potential violations to the appropriate university official. You should be familiar
with the organization’s constitution and all other governing documents, so that
you may advise effectively.
Amendment IX
11. The Undergraduate Student Council to the College of Geosciences shall have
elections at the last spring meeting each year. It shall adhere to the election
protocols that the Chapter officer elections are administered under.
Amendment X
11. The elected officers of the Chapter shall also include the position of Social
Chair.
22. Any member wishing to fill this position must meet the same requirements
that the other officers must meet as stated in Article VI. In addition the member
must be a freshman or sophomore at the time of election.

33. The Social Chair Position has be elected at the last meeting of the spring
semester by the same method as the other officers are elected as stated in Article
VI.
44. Any member who runs for the officer position of Social Chair shall have to
meet the same requirements as the other four officers as stated in Article VI.
55. It shall be the duties of the Social Chair to:
0a. Coordinate all social events sponsored by the Chapter in the
Bryan/College Station area. This includes but is not limited to:
intramurals, attending sporting events, dances and movie nights.
1b. Coordinate, monitor, and maintain the social listserv.
Amendment XI
1. TAMMSSDA is now known as TASC: Texas Aggie Storm Chasers.
Amendment XII
TASC will now include four additional positions, Lead Forecaster, Financial
Chair, Outreach Chair, and Undergraduate Liaison. These positions will be
appointed by the TASC Coordinators based on experience and leadership ability
exhibited by the members who are interested in holding these positions.
1. LEAD FORECASTER CRITERIA:
a. Responsible for recruiting and training forecasters as well as coordinating
forecasting/nowcasting training.
b. Provide oversight of conditions leading up to operations.
c. Establish a weekly schedule for the forecaster and apprentice forecaster
during the spring and fall with weekly email reminders sent to the forecast
team of the week.
2. OUTREACH CHAIR CRITERIA:
a. Responsible for coordinating at least one community service project
throughout the year.
b. Establish and promote other social events, this may include at least one
party/get together for the purpose of team building.
c. In concert with TASC coordinators, provide reminders and/or promotion
via web and email of upcoming events.
d. Ensures that each monthly meeting has a designated speaker and topic of
discussion. Speakers shall be selected with the goal of furthering the
knowledge and involvement of the general membership.
3. FINANCIAL CHAIR CRITERIA:
a. Formulate and execute fundraising projects to earn money for TASC
equipment.
b. Manage transactions for the TASC sub-account.
c. Have access to the TASC sub-account for general inquiry of withdrawls
and deposits.
4. UNDERGRADUATE LIASON
a. Serves as the point of contact between the TASC officers and
TAMSCAMS officers.
b. Attend all TAMSCAMS and TASC meetings

This Constitution meets the approval of the President, Primary and Secondary Advisors
and the general membership.
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President Date
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Advisor Date
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