Chinese Students & Scholars Association Constitution Charter

Mission Statement

The Chinese Students & Scholars Association (CSSA) is a non-political, non-profit organization with its membership consisting of San Diego State University students and scholars and it also serves and works closely with local Chinese community in great San Diego area.

Primary Objectives

1. Through organization, leadership and networking, CSSA will provide a framework by which its members can find (a) comfort and friendship; (b) orientation to SDSU, San Diego and Southern California; and (c) local activities, agencies, businesses and services.
2. CSSA will facilitate multi-cultural exchanges through CSSA-sponsored special events that allow non-Chinese to share the richness, diversity and history of China and expose our members to the customs, traditions and unique foods and mode of dress common to other cultures.
3. CSSA will integrate as much as possible within the communities of SDSU, San Diego, and Southern California and, where possible, provide local public services to highlight the generous spirit of the Association.
4. CSSA will promote and facilitate contact between members of the Association and the Consulate General of China.

Membership

Any student and scholar at San Diego State University who have Chinese tie are eligible to become members of CSSA. Spouse of a CSSA member automatically obtains the associate membership. Associate members may freely participate in CSSA activities. SDSU students and scholars who are interested in Chinese culture, but don't have Chinese tie are welcome to apply for membership and membership is granted after approved by the CSSA committee.

Eligibility for membership or appointed or elected student officer positions may not be limited on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. The organization shall have no rules or policies that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability.

Committee

1. The CSSA Committee is an administrative body that manages the routine affairs of the CSSA and plans annual events and projects. 
2. The CSSA Committee shall be composed of President, General Vice President, Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Events, Vice President of IT, Vice President of Finance/ Treasurer. 
3. The CSSA Committee is responsible for organizing social and cultural events on behalf of the CSSA membership, announcing and distributing relevant CSSA information to all members, responsibly managing CSSA funds, and assisting CSSA members where possible in seeking legal or agency services to address personal issues.

Elections

1. Election of a new CSSA Committee shall be held prior to the end of the Spring Semester. 
2. Candidates for the new CSSA Committee must come from within the CSSA active membership and may be nominated and seconded by any active member of the Association.
3. The outgoing President shall oversee the election process and he/she shall introduce all candidates to the voting members during a specially-held annual election meeting.
4. Candidates may make campaign speeches before voting takes place. 
5. The election shall be cast by secret ballot. 
6. Each candidate must obtain a simple majority of all voters present to win the election. 
7. In the event of a tie, a re-vote will be taken at the time.

Rights and obligations of CSSA members

1. CSSA members have the rights to nominate, second a nomination and elect CSSA Committee members and to run for election when correctly nominated. 
2. CSSA members have rights to access any CSSA facilities and to participate in any Association activities. 
3. CSSA members are encouraged but not obliged to provide assistance to CSSA as necessary. Those with special skills, talents, or expertise are encouraged to volunteer where applicable for the overall good of the CSSA community. 
4. CSSA members shall have no other obligations, either explicit or implicit for being CSSA members.

Meetings and Communication

1. The CSSA Committee shall meet at least three times a semester to discuss proposed activities, agendas and other pertinent issues. 
2. One member of the CSSA Committee will take notes at each meeting and record them later in an electronic file. 
3. All such meeting report files will be stored together, along with records of announcements, newsletters, formal communication and other business documents. 
4. Document control will be formally passed from the outgoing President of the CSSA Committee to the newly elected President. 
5. Newsletters shall be issued and distributed to all CSSA members on a monthly basis.

Financial Management

1. As an official non-profit organization, all financial transactions shall be recorded permanently in a hardcover book with numbered pages. 
2. CSSA Committee's treasurer will manage all financial matters, subject to the decisions and will of the overall CSSA Committee. 
3. Good Financial Practices will be utilized in managing accounts, financial transactions and records. 
4. A bank account under the name of Chinese Students & Scholars Association (SDSU) will be maintained by the treasurer; all donations will be deposited into this checking account and monies will be spent by issuing checks and keeping proper records of all transactions. 
5. The treasurer, President and any other volunteering members of the CSSA Committee will seek charitable donations from businesses, organizations or government agencies. 
6. Acquired monies may be used to: 
   • Support CSSA official functions 
   • Purchase administrative supplies 
   • Pay modest honorariums to guest speakers or entertainers 
   • Pay for food, beverage and facilities for an annual picnic or other such Association-wide function 
   • Accept full or partial financial responsibility for other CSSA functions or expenses, provided there are sufficient funds and that they are reasonable, can benefit all CSSA members, and are justifiable to Association membership and external scrutiny. 
   • No monies may be spent to support the individual activities of a CSSA member that do not confer benefit to the whole organization.

Amendments and Ratifications

Amendments to this Charter shall be enforced when they have been approved by a simple majority of all members present at the annual election meeting.