NOTE: THIS IS THE CONSTITUTION FROM 2010. New constitution was approved at the 2018 Midwest House of Delegates meeting. New constitution will by updated soon.
Latino Medical Student Association- Midwest
OUTLINE OF THE CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I NAME
ARTICLE II PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
SECTION I School Membership
SECTION II Voting Membership
SECTION III Non-voting Membership
SECTION IV Membership Dues
ARTICLE IV EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
SECTION I Purpose
SECTION II Responsibilities
SECTION III Composition
SECTION IV Duties of Council Members
SECTION V Election of Executive Council Members
SECTION VI Voting, Veto and Override Procedures
ARTICLE V GOVERNING BOARDS
SECTION I All Boards
SECTION II Budget and Finance Board
SECTION III Information and Networking Board
SECTION IV Community Affairs Board
SECTION V Academic Affairs Board
ARTICLE VI ADVISORY BOARD
SECTION I Purpose
SECTION II Composition
SECTION III Elections
ARTICLE VII SCHOOL BOARDS
SECTION I Purpose
SECTION II Composition
SECTION III Election of Board Members
SECTION IV Responsibilities of Board Members
ARTICLE VIII MEETINGS
SECTION I Executive Council
SECTION II Governing Boards
SECTION III School Boards
SECTION IV General Membership
SECTION V Notice of Meetings
ARTICLE IX ELECTIONS
ARTICLE X GRIEVANCES/IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS
ARTICLE XI BYLAWS
ARTICLE XII AMEDMENTS
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I NAME
The name of this association formerly known as National Network of Latin American Medical Students (NNLAMS) Midwest shall be the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Midwest.
ARTICLE II PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose and objectives of the LMSA Midwest shall be:
A. To develop a network of communication among Latino medical students in the Midwestern United States,
B. To provide support for Latino medical students in areas of academic success, retention, research, and clinical opportunities,
C. To support educational programs for recruitment of Latino High School and College students into the health professions,
D. To establish an integrated communication system between undergraduates, medical students, and healthcare professionals throughout the Midwest,
E. To promote quality healthcare in the Latino Communities, and act as liaisons with healthcare providers throughout the Midwest,
F. To maintain political awareness among members and take an active role in legislation affecting Latino healthcare,
G. To support other underserved minority groups with their healthcare and social concerns.
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
SECTION I School Membership
Any allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the Midwestern United States that maintains a delegate on the executive council.
SECTON II Voting Membership
Will consist of medical students attending member schools.
SECTION III Non-voting Membership
Will consist of individuals that have an interest in Latino healthcare issues as they relate to the purpose and objectives of the Association (see Article II).
SECTION IV Membership Dues
Dues for all members shall be determined annually by the Executive Council and will be collected by the Budget and Finance Board and its representatives. Dues will be used for administrative purposes to fulfill the purpose and objectives of the Network.
SECTION V Active Chapter Passed Unanimously 2/28/10
To obtain active chapter status, a School Board shall submit an application with the following information:
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- Identifies the name of the school at which the Chapter is being formed;
- Certify by name, e-mail and address each Officer and/or Member of the Chapter;
- Include LMSA in the front of the proposed name, (ex: LMSA-LaRama or LMSA, UIUC Chapter)
- Be supported in writing by the appropriate school official that the proposed Members and/or Officers are matriculating at the institution named.
- Certify that there are at least three (3) students from the aforementioned school, who believe in the purpose of the LMSA-Midwest, and that there is at least one medical student.
Shall be required to send a Delegate (or representative) to attend (unless appropriate communication is maintained) the House of Delegates meeting and the Annual Regional Conference. Should promote the purposes and objectives of the organization by receiving and acting upon recommendations by the general membership and the various boards and committees.
Any Active Chapter that fails to meet these criteria in a subsequent year shall be considered Inactive and must meet the stated additional requirements to become active again as defined in Section VI.
SECTON VI Inactive Chapter Passed Unanimously 2/28/10
Any School Board that was an Active Chapter during a previous medical academic year, that cannot meet aforementioned criteria for Active Chapter status, shall be considered an inactive chapter. Any Inactive chapter shall have a year probationary period in which they can become active again by providing a short statement up to 500 words explaining why the Chapter became inactive and what changes occurred since that point.
Through a majority vote, the Executive Board will approve or deny the request to become an Active Chapter based on the above criteria and the short statement provided by the chapter. If the request is denied, then the inactive chapter may appeal their rejection and request a vote on their application for Active Chapter Status by Delegates.
Vote: propose at regional unanimously passed
- We will simply vote on this as a resolution. This is not a Constitutional Change. We already have the power to set this according to Article III Section IV Membership Dues.
RESOLUTION FOR E-BOARD VOTE Passed Unanimously 2/28/10
Instatement of Chapter Dues at the following scale:
o $100 for chapters with ten or more (10+) members
o $75 for chapters with six to nine (6-9) members
o $50 for chapters with five or less (<5) members.
ARTICLE IV EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
SECTION I Purpose
The Executive Council is the body that administrates the business of the organization and provides needed leadership and direction. It will allow for coordination and communication at a central level, between all of the governing boards and representative schools.
SECTION II Responsibilities
Approves or declines all proposals from the Governing Boards or other committees.
Approves annual budget and emergency funding.
Develops all policy, rules and regulations for the Network.
Is responsible for changing the bylaws, rules and regulations of each of the Governing Boards or other committees as needed.
Is responsible for organizing and conducting general membership meetings.
SECTION III Composition
The Executive Council will be made up of the President, Vice President of Budget and Finance, Vice President of Information and Networking, Vice President of Community Affairs, Vice President of Academic Affairs and one delegate or an alternate delegate from each member school.
SECTION IV Duties of Council Members
1. All Council Members
Should promote the purposes and objectives of the organization by receiving and acting upon recommendations by the general membership and the various boards and committees. They shall meet as often as is necessary to conduct the business of the Network.
2. The President
Shall set the agenda, convene and preside over all meetings of the Executive Council.
Shall exercise general supervision over all affairs of NNLAMS.
Shall be charged with final review of the annual and Executive Council operating budgets.
Shall act as the official spokesperson for the organization.
Shall act as a liaison between the executive council and the Advisory Board.
3. The Vice President of Budget and Finance
Shall be responsible for all affairs of the Budget and Finance Board.
Shall set agenda, convene and preside over all meetings of the Budget and Finance Board.
Will represent the Budget and Finance Board at the Executive Council meetings.
Will present all final adraft budgetary proposals to the Executive Council for approval.
Shall provide written reports regarding the financial status of the organization for the Executive Council.
4. The Vice President of Information and Networking
Shall be responsible for all affairs of the Information and Networking Board.
Shall set agenda, convene and preside over all meetings of the Information and Networking Board.
Will represent the Information and Networking Board at the Executive Council meetings.
Will present all final draft budgetary proposals to the Budget and Finance Board for approval.
Shall provide written reports regarding the communications status of the organization for the Executive Council.
Shall present proposals for new ideas to the Executive Council.
Shall keep a complete record of all Executive Council proceedings.
Shall be responsible for notifying the Executive Council members of meetings and official events.
5. The Vice President of Community Affairs
Shall be responsible for all affairs of the Community Affairs Board.
Shall set agenda, convene and preside over all meetings of the Community Affairs Board.
Will represent the Community Affairs Board at the Executive Council meetings.
Will present all final draft budgetary proposals to the Budget and Finance Board for approval.
Shall keep the Executive Council informed of the current political events which may have an impact on the Network’s purpose and objectives.
Shall present proposals for new ideas to the Executive Council.
6. The Vice President of Academic Affairs
Shall be responsible for all affairs f the Academic Affairs Board.
Shall set agenda, convene and preside over all meetings of the Academic Affairs Board.
Will represent the Academic Affairs Board at the Executive Council meetings.
Will present all final draft budgetary proposals to the Budget and Finance Board for approval.
Shall keep the Executive Council informed of the current academic events and opportunities which may serve the Network’s purpose and objectives.
Shall present proposals for new ideas to the Executive Council.
7. Delegates
Shall represent their respective schools at the Executive Council.
Shall present proposals for new ideas to the Executive Council.
Shall make up any ad hoc committee deemed necessary by the Executive Council for elections, special projects or emergency situations.
8. Alternate Delegates
Shall fulfill all the responsibilities of the Delegate in the event the Delegate is unable to fulfill their responsibilities.
SECTION V Election of Executive Council Members
All Executive Council members will be elected from the general voting membership by a majority vote.
The term of office is one year.
In the event that any of the Executive Council member is unable to fulfill their responsibilities, they will be replaced by another member of their respective board, school or committee by a simples majority vote from within the respective board, school or committee.
In the case of the President, the other Executive Council members will choose a replacement from the Executive Council membership via a simple majority vote of the Executive Council. The seat left open on the Council shall be filled as detailed above.
No Executive Council member will be allowed to hold two positions on the council simultaneously.
SECTION VI Voting, Veto and Override Procedures
All Vice Presidents and Delegates shall have one vote each.
The President will have a vote only in the case of a tie.
The President may veto all or any part of the annual and Executive Council budgets.
The President’s veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the entire Executive Council.
ARTICLE V GOVERNING BOARDS
SECTION I All Boards
Shall be made up of representatives from each member school.
Shall receive information and proposals from other boards and individual member schools upon which to act.
Shall present summary proposals to the Executive Council for final approval.
Shall work closely in an integrated fashion with other governing boards or committees.
SECTION II Budget and Finance Board
1. Purpose
To maintain financial stability and direction for the organization.
2. Composition
The Board will consist of the Vice President of the Budget and Finance Board and one representative from each member school.
3. Responsibilities
The Budget and Finance Board shall be responsible for maintaining records and financial accounts for LMSA Midwest.
Shall develop and propose an annual budget to be passed on to the Executive Council for approval.
Shall include within an annual budget, an emergency contingency fund and an Executive Council operating fund.
Shall be responsible for providing written reports to the Executive Board at their meetings and to any member at their request regarding the financial status of the organization.
Shall be responsible for disbursement of all funds.
Shall be responsible for fund raising and collection of dues.
Shall review and approve all or any part of budgetary proposals from other governing boards or individual schools.
Shall assist other boards, committees and individual schools in development of their budgetary proposals.
SECTION III Information and Networking Board
1. Purpose
To maintain a smooth flow of information and communication between all members of the organization and any outside parties that are affiliated with LMSA Midwest.
2. Composition
Shall consist of the Vice President of Information and Networking Board and one representative from each member school.
3. Responsibilities
Shall provide for integrated communication among LMSA members, undergraduates interested in health careers and health care professionals throughout the Midwest.
Shall establish and maintain a roster of active members as well as a roster containing information of past members to include residency assignment and location.
Shall coordinate a network of communication between Latino medical students in Midwestern U.S. Medical Schools.
Shall disseminate information pertaining to academic success, residency selection and placement and significant activities occurring within the Latino communities of the Midwest.
Shall develop a newsletter to be published and distributed at appropriated intervals as deemed necessary by the Information and Networking Board.
SECTION IV Community Affairs Board
1. Purpose
To act as a liaison between LMSA Midwest and the Latino Communities of the Midwest.
2. Composition
Shall consist of the Vice President of the Community Affairs Board and one representative from each member school.
3. Responsibilities
Shall provide educational and otherwise pertinent assistance, where appropriate, to promote quality health care in the Latino communities.
Shall monitor and inform members of LMSA Midwest of pertinent legislation relevant to Latino health care.
SECTION V Academic Affairs Board
1. Purpose
To maintain a high academic proficiency among the general membership.
2. Composition
Shall consist of the Vice President of the Academic Affairs Board and one representative from each member school.
3. Responsibilities
Shall provide members of LMSA Midwest with information, materials and referrals relevant to academic success in medical school, research, and clinical opportunities and post graduate training.
Shall act as a resource and referral agency for those students experiencing academic hardship or those seeking to improve their academic performance.
Shall submit all documents for distribution to the Information and Networking Board for dissemination to general membership.
Shall develop educational programs and seminars for the general membership.
ARTICLE VI ADVISORY BOARD
SECTION I Purpose
To assist and advise the Network on financial, legal, political, structural and growth related matters.
To lend credibility and continuity to LMSA Midwest.
To assist in developing networks of people, institutions and other organizations which will further LMSA Midwest’s’ purpose and objectives.
SECTION II Composition
Shall be comprised of professionals and other respected community members. The president of LMSA Midwest will also be a member with responsibilities of attending any Advisory Board meetings and acting as a liaison between the Board and the Executive Council.
SECTION III Elections
The Advisory Board members shall be sponsored by an Executive Council member for a vote of acceptance by the Executive Council. A two-thirds majority vote by the Council allows the prospective advisor to serve a four year term.
After a four year term has been served another Executive Council two-thirds majority vote will allow the advisor to serve another four year term. A vote of less than two-thirds majority will be an indication that the organization no longer desires the advisor to be on the Advisory Board.
If after at least one four year term has been served by an advisor and their performance has been extra-ordinary, then a motion from any member of the Executive Council for instatement of “Lifetime Advisor” status to the advisor can be made. A unanimous vote by the Executive Council will allow the advisor to become a Lifetime Advisor.
Once an advisor receives Lifetime Advisor status, their position cannot be revoked except by a three-fourths majority vote by the entire voting membership of the Network.
ARTICLE VII SCHOOL BOARDS
SECTION I Purpose
To ensure that the benefits from and the goals and objectives of the Network are being maintained at the local level.
SECTION II Composition
Each school will have at least one delegate and one alternate delegate to serve on the Executive Council. Additional members will include a representative from each of the four Governing Boards of the Executive Council.
SECTION III Election of Board Members
Each of the six positions will be elected from the schools dues paying membership by a simple majority vote.
SECTION IV Responsibilities of Board Members
1. The Delegates
Shall attempt to attend all Executive Council functions and shall assist in Executive Council affairs as well as act as their school representative.
2. The Alternate Delegates
Shall fulfill all of the Delegate’s responsibilities in the event that the Delegate is unable to perform such duties.
3. The Governing Board Representatives
Shall participate in all of their respective Governing Board’s functions.
Shall act as representatives from their individual schools and are to carry out their organizational-wide roles at the local level.
ARTICLE VIII MEETINGS
SECTION I Executive Council
The Executive Council will meet as often as is necessary to conduct the business of the Network. It will ensure that the purpose and objectives of the organization are being fulfilled.
A quorum consisting of a simple majority of the Executive Council will be necessary to vote on any Network measures.
SECTION II Governing Boards
The vice presidents of the governing boards shall individually determine a meeting schedule suitable for their board.
SECTION III School Boards
The individual School Boards will decide at the local level how and when to conduct their meetings.
SECTION IV General Membership
There shall be at least one annual meeting of the total membership to be held at a site designated by the Executive Council.
SECTION V Notice of Meetings
Appropriate members shall receive written notification of meetings in a timely fashion. Notification shall include the date, time, place and purpose of the meeting.
ARTICLE IX ELECTIONS
SECTION I
These election rules apply to all levels of the LMSA Midwest.
SECTION II
Only dues paying medical students from member allopathic or osteopathic schools will be eligible to vote.
SECTION III
All elections will be by secret ballot
SECTION IV
Only dues paying, voting eligible members are allowed to run for or hold an office.
SECTION V
Elections will be held prior to the start of the medical school year
SECTION VI
Eligible voting members may vote in absentia by written ballot postmarked two weeks prior to the date of the election.
SECTION VII
The entire elections process will be conducted by the Delegates to the Executive Council. The Delegates shall form an ad hoc elections committee to ensure that the elections process is conducted in a fair and efficient manner.
ARTICLE X GRIEVANCES/IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS
Written statements of grievance directed against an officer must be submitted to an ad hoc Grievance Committee of the Executive Council stating the specific nature of the grievance. The Grievance Committee will study the grievance and take one of the following actions
1. Reject the grievance.
2. Elect to further study the case by
a. Notifying the officer in question t allow the officer to respond to the grievance.
b. Should the officer disprove the grievance, the case will be dismissed.
c. Should the grievance be upheld, the Committee will recommend to the Executive Council to take appropriate action.
It is the responsibility of the Executive Council to make a decision regarding the impeachment of an officer. The Executive Council must allow the officer in question to submit a defense. A three-fourths vote of the Executive Council is required for impeachment.
ARTICLE XI BYLAWS
Chapter Dues Passed Unanimously 2/28/10
Instatement of Chapter Dues at the following scale:
o $100 for chapters with ten or more (10+) members
o $75 for chapters with six to nine (6-9) members
o $50 for chapters with five or less (<5) members.
ARTICLE XII AMENDMENTS
This constitution may be amended by a simple majority vote of the general voting membership.
Revised: 09/26/90, 10/10/05, 2/28/10, 10/11/10