Constitution

MAHS Constitution

(Revised 5/84, 2/90, 5/06 and 5/19)

ARTICLE I

NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1: This association shall be known as the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies.

Section 2: In addition, it shall act as an instrument through which a working philosophy of Minnesota Honor Society can be adopted by:

  1. a) Serving as a resource center for all established chapters.
  2. b) Acting as an advisor to association member chapters.
  3. c) Bringing about better communication between association member chapters.
  4. d) Providing workshops for member chapters where common problems can be discussed and ideas exchanged.

PURPOSE: Exclusively Charitable and Educational within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Code.

ARTICLE II

GENERAL CONTROL

Section 1: The general control of this organization shall be vested in an annual convention of delegates from the chapters of the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies (See Article III).

Section 2: The advisors of member chapters shall constitute a State Honor Society Advisors' Group (officers’ advisors) to cooperate with the Coordinator of Student Activities in planning the business of the state association. The advisors shall meet at the convention and at the regularly scheduled meetings of the MAHS/MASC executive committee.

Section 3: An executive committee shall carry on the business of the organization between annual conventions. (See Article IV)

ARTICLE III

MEETINGS

Section 1: MAHS membership entitles a MHS chapter to attend the Summer Leadership Academy, the Fall Leadership Forum, and the Spring MAHS/MASC Leadership Convention.

Section 2: Each delegate and advisor attending the MAHS events shall pay a fee to defray expenses. The state executive committee shall determine this fee with input from the host chapter.

Section 3: No chapter shall be allowed to attend MAHS events unless that chapter has paid its state dues.

Section 4: All meetings shall be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, unless they conflict with this constitution or its by-laws.

ARTICLE IV

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1: There shall be an executive committee made up of the three state officers, the conference coordinator of the host school for the state convention, the advisor of the state officers and Coordinator of Student Activities.

Section 2: The voting rights of the state executive committee:

  1. a) The state executive committee officers each get one vote.
  2. b) The office of state convention coordinator gets one vote.
  3. c) The Coordinator of Student Activities gets one vote.

Section 3: The membership year of the organization shall be from July 1 to June 30.

ARTICLE V

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1: The officers of the state association shall be President, Vice- President, and Secretary. Terms of office shall be one year.

Section 2: Each candidate for office must be an underclassman at the time of the election, a delegate to the Spring Convention, and must have permission from his/her advisor, principal, and parent/s to run for office.

Section 3: No more than one candidate from any member school may be entered in the election at the Spring Convention.

Section 4: Election of officers shall take place at the business meeting of the Spring Convention. Voting shall be by written ballot. Each chapter present shall have two votes per office.

Section 5: Election shall be by the following method: a ballot will be prepared for the offices of President and Secretary. These elections will be by simple plurality except for the office of Vice- President. The candidate receiving the second highest vote for the office of President will be the Vice-President.

Section 6: In the event that an elected officer is unable to complete the term in office, the vacancy shall be filled by an appointment made by the executive committee. The exception to this procedure shall be in the case of a vacancy in the presidency. The vice-president shall assume the office of the presidency.

ARTICLE VI

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1: It shall be the duty of the President to:

  1. a) Preside at all meetings of the Association and the executive committee.
  2. b) Represent the Association at public occasions.
  3. Read and select scholarship recipients.

Section 2: It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to:

  1. a) Perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President.
  2. b) Serve as editor of the MAHS newsletter
  3. c) Read and select scholarship recipients.

Section 3: It shall be the duty of the Secretary to:

  1. a) Keep minutes of all meetings.
  2. Conduct correspondence.
  3. Read and select scholarship recipients.

ARTICLE VII

ADMINISTRATION

Section 1: All activities of this state organization must be in accordance with the policies and regulations established by the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies and the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals. The administration of these policies and regulations shall be through the Coordinator of Student Activities.

Section 2: No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers or other private persons except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to award scholarships to students as authorized by the MAHS Executive Committee.

Section 3: Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on:

  1. a) by a corporation exempt from Federal Income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law)
  2. b) by a corporation, contributions, to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

Section 4: Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the Board of Trustees shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all the assets of the corporation exclusively for the purpose of the corporation in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) as the Board of Trustees shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENTS

Section 1: This constitution may be amended at the Spring Convention of the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies by a 2/3 majority vote. Each chapter present is entitled to two votes. Voting will be conducted by Roll Call.

Section 2: The Directors of the MASSP, the sponsoring organization of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, may amend this constitution.

BY-LAWS OF THE MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF HONOR SOCIETIES

(Revised 1983)

By-law 1: Each chapter of the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies shall be assessed dues, the amount of which shall be determined by the parent organization (MASSP).

By-law 2: Official funds may be used to pay all expenses of the Association.

By-law 3: RATIFICATION

This revised constitution shall be ratified by a 2/3 vote of the delegates in attendance as the first item of business at the MAHS Spring Convention. The vote shall be taken by roll call of the member schools in attendance with each chapter casting two votes.

This constitution shall also be ratified by the MASSP Board of Directors.

The constitution shall become effective immediately upon ratification.

Article IX

Minnesota Honor Society

Established 2016

Section I: The name of this organization be the Minnesota Honor Society (MHS.)

  1. The MHS shall be recognized as a subset of the MAHS.
  2. All schools that join the MAHS are automatically part of the MHS.
  3. There is no additional fee to belong to the MHS.
  4. The MHS is under the sponsorship of the Minnesota Association of Secondary Principals.
  5. The purpose of the MHS is stated in Article I, Section 2 of the MAHS constitution.

The purpose of this organization shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools in Minnesota.

Section II: The Principal of the MHS school has the right to approve all activities and decisions of the MHS chapter.

  1. The principal shall appoint a MHS advisor.
  2. The principal shall appoint a Faculty Council of three to five members. The number shall be the principal’s choice.
  3. The principal shall have the final decision on all appeals regarding discipline or dismissal of MHS members.

Section III: The MHS advisor has the responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the organization.

  1. The MHS advisor has the responsibility to serve as a liaison to all key stakeholders in the school organization including the superintendent, the principal, the school board, the faculty, the student body, and the community in which the school district serves.
  2. The MHS advisor has the final responsibility for the organization’s files on membership, finances, and activities.
  3. The MHS advisor has the final responsibility for maintaining records pertaining to the MHS members’ eligibility.
  4. The MHS advisor should provide leadership for the MHS chapter’s executive board.
  5. The MHS advisor will serve on the Faculty Council as a non-voting member.

Section IV: Faculty Council will consist of three to five faculty members appointed annually by the principal.

  1. The Faculty Council does not have a term limit but must be re-appointed each year.
  2. The Faculty Council will meet once a year to read and select the applicants for the MHS chapter.
  3. The Faculty Council will meet as needed to consider dismissal and disciplinary cases.

Section V: Membership in the MHS chapter is an honor based on the following qualities:

Leadership, Character, Service, and Scholarship

  1. A student has the responsibility to maintain and further develop the qualities that initially made them eligible for MHS.
  2. A student becomes a member of the MHS when inducted at a ceremony conducted by current members of the MHS.
  3. The MHS advisor and the current members of MHS develop the ceremony.
  4. A MHS member who transfers from another school is automatically a member of the local MHS chapter. The individual has one semester to meet the local MHS chapter’s requirements.

Section VI: The selection of MHS members must meet the state organization’s minimum standards.

  1. The recommended standard for scholarship is 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Schools may establish a standard appropriate for their school.
  2. The minimum standard for service is 15 hours of volunteer service per school year. Schools may establish a higher standard.
  3. MHS chapters can establish their own criteria for leadership and character.
  4. A faculty rating scale may be used as a way to provide information to the faculty council.
  5. The MHS does not encourage a faculty rating formula plus grade point average to be the final determination of an applicant’s consideration.
  6. The selection of each member shall be determined by a simple majority vote by the faculty committee.
  7. The selection process of the members should be available upon request.
  8. If an applicant is not selected, the MHS chapter may establish an appeal process. The faculty council hears the appeal. A simple majority determines the outcome of the appeal. The principal has the final decision. The principal may decide not to hear the appeal. The appeal ends at this point. There is no appeal to the superintendent or school board. The MHS is under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School

Section VII. The Executive Council in conjunction with the Faculty Advisor and the high school principal will establish the discipline and dismissal procedures.

  1. A written description of the discipline and dismissal procedures will be made available to all interested parties.
  2. A member who drops below the original standards for acceptance in the MHS will be given a warning and a reasonable amount of time to correct the deficiency.
  3. A member who violates a school’s code of conduct may face immediate dismissal from the MHS by action of the Faculty Committee.
  4. A member of MHS who receives a warning or faces dismissal shall have the right to a hearing before the Faculty Council. This meets the criteria of due process.
  5. For purposes of a warning or dismissal, a majority vote of the Faculty Council is required.
  6. A member who has been warned or dismissed may appeal to the principal of the school for a final decision.
  7. The MAHS will not hear any appeals but may be consulted by the member, the faculty advisor, or the faculty council. The MHS is under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School

Section VIII. The local chapter shall determine the number and title of MHS officers.

  1. The titles and duties of the officers shall be outlined in the local MHS constitution.
  2. The MAHS encourages the local chapter to hold an installation ceremony

Section IX. The executive committee shall include the executive officers and the Faculty Advisor.

  1. The executive committee shall perform the leadership function of the local chapter.
  2. The executive committee shall carry out the individual office responsibilities as defined by the local chapter’s constitution.
  3. The executive committee shall have the responsibility of ensuring that all activities and procedures follow school policy and regulations.

Section X. Each MHS chapter shall have regular meetings during the school year.

  1. The meetings shall be held at a time established by the executive committee.
  2. The meetings shall be held at a time when MHS chapter members can attend.
  3. The MHS president may call special meetings as necessary. MHS members may request a special meeting with the executive committee’s approval.
  4. The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall conduct meetings.

Section XI. Each MHS shall develop a calendar of yearly activities and projects that fulfill the mission of leadership, character, scholarship, and service.

  1. All MHS chapter members are encouraged to participate in the activities.
  2. The Faculty Advisor and the school principal should approve the MHS chapter activities.
  3. The MHS activities should encourage broad participation by the entire school population when appropriate.
  4. The MHS activities be publicized and recognized by the host school and the local community.

Section XII. The local MHS chapter is automatically part of the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies.

  1. A school’s membership in the MAHS precludes any additional fees to belong to MHS.
  2. Local MHS chapters are encouraged to participate in statewide MAHS activities.
  3. Local MHS chapters are encouraged to run candidates for the MAHS executive board at the MAHS/MASC state convention.
  4. Local MHS chapters are encouraged to nominate candidates to receive one of the four scholarships award annually.
  5. Local MHS chapters are encouraged to submit nominations for the All Star Team, Advisor of the Year, Chapter Yearbook, and Star Chapter Award.
  6. Local MHS chapters are eligible to purchase MHS pins, cords, certificates, and cards.
  7. The official colors of the MHS are Orange and White.

XIII. The sections of the MAHS constitution that are dedicated to MHS may be amended per Robert’s Rules of Order at the spring convention held annually.

MASC Constitution

(As amended 5/88, 4/91, 3/92, 3/94, 4/94, 4/96, 4/97, 5/98, 4/00, 3/04, 6/04 and 8/17)

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Minnesota Association of Student Councils.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization is to encourage the formation, development, and expansion of activities of student councils of the secondary schools in Minnesota by facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences concerning student government, by providing a base for cooperation between member schools, and by promoting leadership training experiences.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Any secondary school student council/government in Minnesota shall be eligible to be a dues paying member in the Minnesota Association of Student Councils. Secondary school shall mean any junior high, middle school, senior high, or six-year high school.

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS and DUTIES

SECTION 1: OFFICERS

(a) The officers of this organization shall be a president, vice-president, and secretary, each of whom shall be elected at the annual state convention and shall hold office for one year, commencing the month following election.

(b) The officer must be a member of their schools’ student council during the term of office.

(c)  Each officer must be an enrolled student in a member school during the complete term of office.

(d) In the event that an elected officer is unable to complete the term in office, the vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of the Executive Committee. The exception to this procedure shall be in the case of a vacancy in the presidency, and then the vice president shall assume the office of the presidency.

(e) Due to the importance and rarity of executive committee meetings which have been predetermined by the Executive Committee, each executive committee officer must be present at all meetings and conventions except in cases of emergency. Emergency is defined as family emergencies and acts of God. The absent officer must notify the President or Coordinator of Student Activities of the emergency prior to the meeting. In the event of an unexcused absence, the officer will be removed from the executive office. For replacement of the position refer to Article IV, Section 1 (b).

SECTION 2: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

(a) The President shall:

(1) Preside at Executive Committee meetings

(2) Preside over the convention business meetings and assemblies

(3) Provide a written report to each delegate at the convention outlining the year's activities

(4) Call all meetings

(5) Approve an agenda for each Executive Committee meeting

(6) Appoint committees deemed necessary

(b) The Vice President shall:

(1) Preside at all meetings in the absence of the President

(2) Assist in the publication of the MASC Newsletter

(3) Assume any responsibilities assigned by the President

(c)  The Secretary shall:

(1) Keep minutes of all Executive Committee meetings and of the convention business meeting. A summary of these minutes will be included in the MASC Newsletter. Copies of these minutes are available to member schools upon request.

(2) Present a report at Executive Committee meetings

(3) Work with the MASC State Office concerning all official correspondence

(4) Notify all voting and non-voting members of the Executive Committee of committee meeting dates

ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SECTION 1: An Executive Committee shall be formed to carry on MASC business between annual convention dates and to execute the instructions laid on it by association members through due process in convention assembled.

SECTION 2: The Executive Committee shall consist of the following voting members:

(a) The elected officers of MASC;

(b) The convention coordinator(s), appointed by the student council chosen to host the next MASC convention, his/her term to begin as soon as appointment is made and to end when his/her successor is appointed;

(c)  One advisor (hereafter called State Advisor) elected at the state convention by the advisors present to serve for a three-year term; and may be re-elected for a second three year term. The State Advisor may run for additional terms if no other MASC advisor declares the his/her candidacy.

(d) The Executive Director of the MASC, appointed by the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, the sponsoring organization of the MASC. The Executive Director may select an MASC Coordinator who will also be a voting member of the Executive Committee.

SECTION 3: NON-VOTING MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(a) The division president or his/her student representative are to be included in Executive Committee meetings at least once a year.

ARTICLE VI: ELECTIONS

SECTION 1: Elections shall be held at each annual convention. Officers shall assume office in the month following the election. At that time all the records shall be transmitted by the retiring officers to the newly elected officers.

SECTION 2: Nominations for state office shall be made in accordance with the procedure determined by the Executive Committee. No nominations shall be made without the personal approval of the candidate and his/her advisor, who shall work with the candidate to make appropriate speeches and campaigns within the guidelines of good taste.

SECTION 3: All candidates for officer positions must be registered as official delegates of a member school at the state convention at which the election will take place.

SECTION 4: No more than one candidate for officers from any member school may be entered in the election at any given state convention.

SECTION 5: To be elected as an officer, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes of the members present and voting. If more than two members run for any one position, a primary election will be held in advance of the final election.

SECTION 6: Voting for new officers shall be limited to official delegates from each member school and the current student officers of the MASC Executive Committee. The MASC Executive Committee shall decide a tie vote at the time of the election.

SECTION 7: The school for convention host shall be a member school. The person who might fill the role of convention coordinator for the next annual state convention need not be in attendance at the convention at the time of the selection; the selection of convention sites shall be an Executive Committee decision.

SECTION 8: The Executive Committee shall have the power to fill vacancies among officers or committees which may develop between conventions, subject to the provisions of ARTICLE IV, Section 1, (a), (b), (c).

SECTION 9: The candidates for MASC state elections must participate in an open forum as determined by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS

SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee shall meet at least five (5) times each term. The location shall be decided by the Executive Director. The presence of the Executive Director, the State Advisor, and at least four of the five student voting members shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 2: STATE CONVENTIONS

(a) Shall be held annually for senior high school student councils that are members of the MASC;

(b) Shall permit each member senior high school to be represented at the convention by three (3) voting student delegates and no more than three (3) student delegates. Member schools shall insure that candidates, campaign managers, and/or authors of big ideas to be presented at that state convention shall be included within the selection of the three official delegates. It is expected by the MASC/MASSP that each school will send its advisor(s) to the convention, accompanying the student delegates. If an advisor is unable to attend, the advisor may appoint an attending advisor to serve in his/her capacity.

(c)  Each division will be allowed to send four officers as non-voting members to the State Convention. It will be left up to the division’s discretion whether these officers will be past, current or future division officers. These names must be submitted to the MASC office thirty days prior to the State Convention.

SECTION 3: STATE CONVENTION SITES

(a) Convention sites shall be selected two (2) years in advance if at all possible. Schools wishing to host the convention must submit a written invitation from the Principal/Superintendent of that member school to the Executive Director prior to the convention dates. Member student councils who wish to host the state convention must secure certification from the Executive Director that the facilities available to that council are adequate to handle the needs of the convention.

(b) After approval, the host school may authorize up to two additional persons to attend from each member school. The Executive Committee shall be approved the authorization. The two additional persons shall not have voting rights but shall be allowed full participation in all other convention activities. Notification shall be given by October 1 to all member schools of the number of students (voting and non-voting) that each member school is allowed for the next convention.

ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS and BY-LAWS

SECTION 1: AMENDMENTS TO THIS CONSTITUTION

(a) May be proposed by the Executive Committee or any student council member. Amendments should be prepared and presented to the divisional organizational conventions, if desired, but must be in the hands of the Executive Director/Executive Committee no later than ten (10) calendar days before the annual state convention at which the amendment is to be presented;

(b) Shall be printed and presented to all delegates at the time of registration at the convention;

(c)  Shall be discussed at divisional meetings to be held at the state convention prior to the voting on the floor of the convention;

(d) Shall be voted on at a regularly scheduled business meeting of the MASC at its annual state convention;

(e) Shall be adopted when passed by a two-thirds majority vote of the delegates present and voting at the business meeting described in paragraph (c) above;

Shall be adopted by the MASSP Board of Directors.

SECTION 2: BY-LAWS TO THIS CONSTITUTION

(a) Shall be proposed by the Executive Committee. The origination of the by-law may come from any student council who is a member of the MASC;

(b) Must be presented to the delegates at the time of registration at that convention;

(c)  Shall be discussed at divisional meetings to be held at the state convention prior to the voting on the floor of the convention;

(d) Shall be voted on at a regularly scheduled business meeting of the MASC at its state convention;

(e) Shall be adopted when passed by a majority vote of the delegates present and voting at the meeting.

ARTICLE IX: DISSOLUTION

On the dissolution of this MASC, the entire net assets remaining after the payment of any and all liabilities and obligations of the corporation, shall be distributed exclusively to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

ARTICLE X: RATIFICATION

This constitution shall be ratified by a two-third vote of the delegates in attendance as the first item of business at the 1977 MASC State Convention held at Marshall, Minnesota, November 3, 4, 5, 1977. The constitution shall become effective immediately upon ratification. The vote shall be taken by roll call of the member schools in attendance with each delegate casting one vote.

This constitution shall be ratified by the MASSP Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XI: DUTIES OF MEMBER SCHOOLS

All member schools should, at a minimum, enforce MSHSL rules within their student council and act accordingly based on the infraction.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I: DUES

SECTION 1: The amount of the annual dues for membership in MASC shall be determined by the Executive Committee and approved by the MASSP Board of Directors.

SECTION 2: The membership year in MASC shall be from July 1 to June 30, and unless, in case of some emergency situation, the Executive Committee deems it necessary to change these dates. (Amended and ratified 11/2–4/78, 3/29–31/92)

SECTION 3: The annual dues shall be paid to the Executive Director of MASC by a deadline to be set and announced by the Executive Committee. (Amended and ratified 11/2-3-4/78)

SECTION 4: The Executive Committee may establish annual dues at different levels for different classifications of member schools, with the MASSP Board of Directors' approval.

SECTION 5: Dues may be pro-rated by the Executive Committee for schools joining MASC after the annual State Convention is held.

ARTICLE II: NASC DELEGATES

SECTION 1: Delegates to the NASC Annual Conference shall be under the direction and leadership of the MASC. A portion of the cost of attending the NASC Conference shall be paid out of MASC funds for the following:

(a) MASC President - $200

(b) MASC Convention Coordinator - $150

(c)  MASC Vice President - $150

(d) MASC Secretary - $150

SECTION 2: If the Executive Committee deems MASC funds insufficient to follow Section 1 above, funds shall be allotted as far as they will extend.

ARTICLE III: DIVISIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN MASC

SECTION 1: MASC SHALL BE COMPOSED OF TEN DIVISIONS:

Capital                                      Northwest

Central                                     South Central

Eastern                                    Southeast

Hennepin                                Southwest

Northeast                                Western

(Adopted at the MASC State Convention at White Bear Lake on 11/2-3-4/78)

SECTION 2: Each division shall organize itself with MASC guidance. Any divisional convention shall be held no later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the annual state convention of the MASC. All amendments to this constitution and big ideas for MASC State Convention consideration must be forwarded to the MASC Executive Director in order to be considered at that year's state convention. (See Constitution ARTICLE VIII, Section 1a.)

SECTION 3: The Division Presidents or designated representatives shall meet three (3) times in conjunction with the MASC Executive Committee. Once in the Fall for organizational procedures, once prior to the State Convention to address resolutions and once during the convention. Advisors designated by the division are recommended to attend.

SECTION 4: The MASC may conduct one-day workshops for each divisional organization during each year for the junior high school student councils who are members of MASC.

SECTION 5: MASC may organize and sponsor a Student Leadership Academy to be held during the summer months for individual students who are members of MASC member councils. The Executive Director, or his/her designate, shall be responsible for this MASC offering.

ARTICLE IV: BUSINESS MEETINGS

SECTION 1: At each convention, a definite time and place shall be announced for the purpose of conducting the business of MASC.

SECTION 2: Any student council member in attendance at the annual convention wishing to have business brought before the convention must submit it to the Executive Committee ten (10) calendar days before the opening date of the convention or at such other time within the ten (10) calendar days before the convention convenes, as the Executive Committee may determine.

SECTION 3: A quorum of a convention business meeting shall consist of 100 voting delegates.

SECTION 4: The order of business shall be determined by the Executive Committee and shall include the following:

(a) Call to Order

(b) Acceptance of the Previous Convention's Minutes

(c)  Reports of Officers and Committees

(d) Unfinished Business

(e) New Business

(f)  Announcement of Election Results and Installation of New Officers

(g) Adjournment

SECTION 5: Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be the procedure followed.

SECTION 6: The Executive Committee shall have the authority to appoint a parliamentarian for the convention.

ARTICLE V: Big Ideas

SECTION 1: Big Ideas, for consideration by the delegates at the annual state convention of MASC, may be authored by the members of the Executive Committee, member schools, or divisional organizations.

SECTION 2: All Big Ideas to be considered at any state convention of MASC must be in the hands of the Executive Director no less than ten (10) calendar days before the opening day of the state convention and must be printed and available to the delegates at the state convention of MASC at the time of registration.

SECTION 3: The member school authoring any Ideas must be in attendance at the state convention with an official delegate, a state officer, or a division representative, to explain the resolution.

SECTION 4: Each Big Idea shall be identified as to the number, author, school, and division.

SECTION 5: All Big Ideas not addressed at the State Convention, shall be discussed and voted, within one month’s time, by the Executive Committee of the MASC and the Division Presidents who preside at the State Convention or their designated representative.

MAHS Constitution

(Revised 5/84, 2/90, 5/06,5/15, 8/17)

ARTICLE I

NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1: This association shall be known as the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies.

Section 2: In addition, it shall act as an instrument through which a working philosophy of Minnesota Honor Society can be adopted by:

a) Serving as a resource center for all established chapters.

b) Acting as an advisor to association member chapters.

c) Bringing about better communication between association member chapters.

d) Providing workshops for member chapters where common problems can be discussed and ideas exchanged.

PURPOSE: Exclusively Charitable and Educational within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Code.

ARTICLE II

GENERAL CONTROL

Section 1: The general control of this organization shall be vested in an annual convention of delegates from the chapters of the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies (See Article III).

Section 2: The advisors of member chapters shall constitute a State Honor Society Advisors' Group (officers’ advisors) to cooperate with the Coordinator of Student Activities in planning the business of the state association. The advisors shall meet at the convention and at the regularly scheduled meetings of the MAHS/MASC executive committee.

Section 3: An executive committee shall carry on the business of the organization between annual conventions. (See Article IV)

Section 4: The position of the State Advisor for the MAHS is elected at the state convention MAHS/MASC business meeting. The position is a three-year term. An individual may run for re-election after the first term. They may run for additional terms only if no honor society advisor applies to run.

ARTICLE III

MEETINGS

Section 1: MAHS membership entitles a MHS chapter to attend the Summer Leadership Academy, the Fall Leadership Forum, and the Spring MAHS/MASC Leadership Convention.

Section 2: Each delegate and advisor attending the MAHS events shall pay a fee to defray expenses. The state executive committee shall determine this fee with input from the host chapter.

Section 3: No chapter shall be allowed to attend MAHS events unless that chapter has paid its state dues.

Section 4: All meetings shall be conducted according to Robert's Rules of Order, Revised, unless they conflict with this constitution or its by-laws.

ARTICLE IV

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1: There shall be an executive committee made up of the three state officers, the conference coordinator of the host school for the state convention, the advisor of the state officers, the state advisor and Coordinator of Student Activities.

Section 2: The voting rights of the state executive committee:

a) The state executive committee officers each get one vote.

b) The office of state convention coordinator gets one vote.

c) The Coordinator of Student Activities gets one vote.

d) The MAHS State Advisor gets one vote.

Section 3: The membership year of the organization shall be from July 1 to June 30.

ARTICLE V

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1: The officers of the state association shall be President, Vice- President, and Secretary. Terms of office shall be one year.

Section 2: Each candidate for office must be an underclassman at the time of the election, a delegate to the Spring Convention, and must have permission from his/her advisor, principal, and parent/s to run for office.

Section 3: No more than one candidate from any member school may be entered in the election at the Spring Convention.

Section 4: Election of officers shall take place at the business meeting of the Spring Convention. Voting shall be by written ballot. Each chapter present shall have two votes per office.

Section 5: Election shall be by the following method: a ballot will be prepared for the offices of President and Secretary. These elections will be by simple plurality except for the office of Vice- President. The candidate receiving the second highest vote for the office of President will be the Vice-President.

Section 6: In the event that an elected officer is unable to complete the term in office, the vacancy shall be filled by an appointment made by the executive committee. The exception to this procedure shall be in the case of a vacancy in the presidency. The vice-president shall assume the office of the presidency.

ARTICLE VI

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1: It shall be the duty of the President to:

a) Preside at all meetings of the Association and the executive committee.

b) Represent the Association at public occasions.

c) Read and select scholarship recipients.

Section 2: It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to:

a) Perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President.

b) Serve as editor of the MAHS newsletter

c) Read and select scholarship recipients.

Section 3: It shall be the duty of the Secretary to:

a) Keep minutes of all meetings.

b) Conduct correspondence.

c) Read and select scholarship recipients.

ARTICLE VII

ADMINISTRATION

Section 1: All activities of this state organization must be in accordance with the policies and regulations established by the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies and the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals. The administration of these policies and regulations shall be through the Coordinator of Student Activities.

Section 2: No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, trustees, officers or other private persons except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to award scholarships to students as authorized by the MAHS Executive Committee.

Section 3: Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on:

a) by a corporation exempt from Federal Income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law)

b) by a corporation, contributions, to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

Section 4: Upon the dissolution of the corporation, the Board of Trustees shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all of the liabilities of the corporation, dispose of all the assets of the corporation exclusively for the purpose of the corporation in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) as the Board of Trustees shall determine. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

ARTICLE VIII

AMENDMENTS

Section 1: This constitution may be amended at the Spring Convention of the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies by a 2/3 majority vote. Each chapter present is entitled to two votes. Voting will be conducted by Roll Call.

Section 2: The Directors of the MASSP, the sponsoring organization of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, may amend this constitution.

BY-LAWS OF THE MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF HONOR SOCIETIES

(Revised 1983)

By-law 1: Each chapter of the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies shall be assessed dues, the amount of which shall be determined by the parent organization (MASSP).

By-law 2: Official funds may be used to pay all expenses of the Association.

By-law 3: RATIFICATION

This revised constitution shall be ratified by a 2/3 vote of the delegates in attendance as the first item of business at the MAHS Spring Convention. The vote shall be taken by roll call of the member schools in attendance with each chapter casting two votes.

This constitution shall also be ratified by the MASSP Board of Directors.

The constitution shall become effective immediately upon ratification.

Article IX

Minnesota Honor Society

Section I: The name of this organization be the Minnesota Honor Society (MHS.)

  1. The MHS shall be recognized as a subset of the MAHS.
  2. All schools that join the MAHS are automatically part of the MHS.
  3. There is no additional fee to belong to the MHS.
  4. The MHS is under the sponsorship of the Minnesota Association of Secondary Principals.
  5. The purpose of the MHS is stated in Article I, Section 2 of the MAHS constitution.

The purpose of this organization shall be to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools in Minnesota.

Section II: The Principal of the MHS school has the right to approve all activities and decisions of the MHS chapter.

  1. The principal shall appoint a MHS advisor.
  2. The principal shall appoint a Faculty Council of three to five members. The number shall be the principal’s choice.
  3. The principal shall have the final decision on all appeals regarding discipline or dismissal of MHS members.

Section III: The MHS advisor has the responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the organization.

  1. The MHS advisor has the responsibility to serve as a liaison to all key stakeholders in the school organization including the superintendent, the principal, the school board, the faculty, the student body, and the community in which the school district serves.
  2. The MHS advisor has the final responsibility for the organization’s files on membership, finances, and activities.
  3. The MHS advisor has the final responsibility for maintaining records pertaining to the MHS members’ eligibility.
  4. The MHS advisor should provide leadership for the MHS chapter’s executive board.
  5. The MHS advisor will serve on the Faculty Council as a non-voting member.

Section IV: Faculty Council will consist of three to five faculty members appointed annually by the principal.

  1. The Faculty Council does not have a term limit but must be re-appointed each year.
  2. The Faculty Council will meet once a year to read and select the applicants for the MHS chapter.
  3. The Faculty Council will meet as needed to consider dismissal and disciplinary cases.

Section V: Membership in the MHS chapter is an honor based on the following qualities:

Leadership, Character, Service, and Scholarship

  1. A student has the responsibility to maintain and further develop the qualities that initially made them eligible for MHS.
  2. A student becomes a member of the MHS when inducted at a ceremony conducted by current members of the MHS.
  3. The MHS advisor and the current members of MHS develop the ceremony.
  4. A MHS member who transfers from another school is automatically a member of the local MHS chapter. The individual has one semester to meet the local MHS chapter’s requirements.

Section VI: The selection of MHS members must meet the state organization’s minimum standards.

  1. The minimum standard for scholarship is 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Schools may establish a high standard.
  2. The minimum standard for service is 15 hours of volunteer service per school year. Schools may establish a higher standard.
  3. MHS chapters can establish their own criteria for leadership and character.
  4. A faculty rating scale may be used as a way to provide information to the faculty council.
  5. The MHS does not encourage a faculty rating formula plus grade point average to be the final determination of an applicant’s consideration.
  6. The selection of each member shall be determined by a simple majority vote by the faculty committee.
  7. The selection process of the members should be available upon request.

Section VII. The Faculty Council in conjunction with the Faculty Advisor and the high school principal will establish the discipline and dismissal procedures.

  1. A written description of the discipline and dismissal procedures will be made available to all interested parties.
  2. A member who drops below the original standards for acceptance in the MHS will be given a warning and a reasonable amount of time to correct the deficiency.
  3. A member who violates a school’s code of conduct may face immediate dismissal from the MHS by action of the Faculty Committee.
  4. A member of MHS who receives a warning or faces dismissal shall have the right to a hearing before the Faculty Council. This meets the criteria of due process.
  5. For purposes of a warning or dismissal, a majority vote of the Faculty Council is required.
  6. A member who has been warned or dismissed may appeal to the principal of the school for a final decision.
  7. The MAHS will not hear any appeals but may be consulted by the member, the faculty advisor, or the faculty council.

Section VIII. The local chapter shall determine the number and title of MHS officers.

  1. The titles and duties of the officers shall be outlined in the local MHS constitution.
  2. The MAHS encourages the local chapter to hold an installation ceremony

Section IX. The executive committee shall include the executive officers and the Faculty Advisor.

  1. The executive committee shall perform the leadership function of the local chapter.
  2. The executive committee shall carry out the individual office responsibilities as defined by the local chapter’s constitution.
  3. The executive committee shall have the responsibility of ensuring that all activities and procedures follow school policy and regulations.

Section X. Each MHS chapter shall have regular meetings during the school year.

  1. The meetings shall be held at a time established by the executive committee.
  2. The meetings shall be held at a time when MHS chapter members can attend.
  3. The MHS president may call special meetings as necessary. MHS members may request a special meeting with the executive committee’s approval.
  4. The latest edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall conduct meetings.

Section XI. Each MHS shall develop a calendar of yearly activities and projects that fulfill the mission of leadership, character, scholarship, and service.

  1. All MHS chapter members are encouraged to participate in the activities.
  2. The Faculty Advisor and the school principal should approve the MHS chapter activities.
  3. The MHS activities should encourage broad participation by the entire school population when appropriate.
  4. The MHS activities be publicized and recognized by the host school and the local community.

Section XII. The local MHS chapter is automatically part of the Minnesota Association of Honor Societies.

  1. A school’s membership in the MAHS precludes any additional fees to belong to MHS.
  2. Local MHS chapters are encouraged to participate in statewide MAHS activities.
  3. Local MHS chapters are encouraged to run candidates for the MAHS executive board at the MAHS/MASC state convention.
  4. Local MHS chapters are encouraged to nominate candidates to receive one of the four scholarships award annually.
  5. Local MHS chapters are encouraged to submit nominations for the All Star Team, Advisor of the Year, Chapter Yearbook, and Star Chapter Award.
  6. Local MHS chapters are eligible to purchase MHS pins, cords, certificates, and cards.
  7. The official colors of the MHS are Orange and White.

XIII. The sections of the MAHS constitution that are dedicated to MHS may be amended per Robert’s Rules of Order at the spring convention held annually.

MASC Constitution

(As amended 5/88, 4/91, 3/92, 3/94, 4/94, 4/96, 4/97, 5/98, 4/00, 3/04, 6/04 and 8/17)

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Minnesota Association of Student Councils.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization is to encourage the formation, development, and expansion of activities of student councils of the secondary schools in Minnesota by facilitating the exchange of ideas and experiences concerning student government, by providing a base for cooperation between member schools, and by promoting leadership training experiences.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

Any secondary school student council/government in Minnesota shall be eligible to be a dues paying member in the Minnesota Association of Student Councils. Secondary school shall mean any junior high, middle school, senior high, or six-year high school.

ARTICLE IV: OFFICERS and DUTIES

SECTION 1: OFFICERS

(a) The officers of this organization shall be a president, vice-president, and secretary, each of whom shall be elected at the annual state convention and shall hold office for one year, commencing the month following election.

(b) The officer must be a member of their schools’ student council during the term of office.

(c)  Each officer must be an enrolled student in a member school during the complete term of office.

(d) In the event that an elected officer is unable to complete the term in office, the vacancy shall be filled by the appointment of the Executive Committee. The exception to this procedure shall be in the case of a vacancy in the presidency, and then the vice president shall assume the office of the presidency.

(e) Due to the importance and rarity of executive committee meetings which have been predetermined by the Executive Committee, each executive committee officer must be present at all meetings and conventions except in cases of emergency. Emergency is defined as family emergencies and acts of God. The absent officer must notify the President or Coordinator of Student Activities of the emergency prior to the meeting. In the event of an unexcused absence, the officer will be removed from the executive office. For replacement of the position refer to Article IV, Section 1 (b).

SECTION 2: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

(a) The President shall:

(1) Preside at Executive Committee meetings

(2) Preside over the convention business meetings and assemblies

(3) Provide a written report to each delegate at the convention outlining the year's activities

(4) Call all meetings

(5) Approve an agenda for each Executive Committee meeting

(6) Appoint committees deemed necessary

(b) The Vice President shall:

(1) Preside at all meetings in the absence of the President

(2) Assist in the publication of the MASC Newsletter

(3) Assume any responsibilities assigned by the President

(c)  The Secretary shall:

(1) Keep minutes of all Executive Committee meetings and of the convention business meeting. A summary of these minutes will be included in the MASC Newsletter. Copies of these minutes are available to member schools upon request.

(2) Present a report at Executive Committee meetings

(3) Work with the MASC State Office concerning all official correspondence

(4) Notify all voting and non-voting members of the Executive Committee of committee meeting dates

ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SECTION 1: An Executive Committee shall be formed to carry on MASC business between annual convention dates and to execute the instructions laid on it by association members through due process in convention assembled.

SECTION 2: The Executive Committee shall consist of the following voting members:

(a) The elected officers of MASC;

(b) The convention coordinator(s), appointed by the student council chosen to host the next MASC convention, his/her term to begin as soon as appointment is made and to end when his/her successor is appointed;

(c)  One advisor (hereafter called State Advisor) elected at the state convention by the advisors present to serve for a three-year term; and may be re-elected for a second three year term. The State Advisor may run for additional terms if no other MASC advisor declares the his/her candidacy.

(d) The Executive Director of the MASC, appointed by the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, the sponsoring organization of the MASC. The Executive Director may select an MASC Coordinator who will also be a voting member of the Executive Committee.

SECTION 3: NON-VOTING MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(a) The division president or his/her student representative are to be included in Executive Committee meetings at least once a year.

ARTICLE VI: ELECTIONS

SECTION 1: Elections shall be held at each annual convention. Officers shall assume office in the month following the election. At that time all the records shall be transmitted by the retiring officers to the newly elected officers.

SECTION 2: Nominations for state office shall be made in accordance with the procedure determined by the Executive Committee. No nominations shall be made without the personal approval of the candidate and his/her advisor, who shall work with the candidate to make appropriate speeches and campaigns within the guidelines of good taste.

SECTION 3: All candidates for officer positions must be registered as official delegates of a member school at the state convention at which the election will take place.

SECTION 4: No more than one candidate for officers from any member school may be entered in the election at any given state convention.

SECTION 5: To be elected as an officer, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes of the members present and voting. If more than two members run for any one position, a primary election will be held in advance of the final election.

SECTION 6: Voting for new officers shall be limited to official delegates from each member school and the current student officers of the MASC Executive Committee. The MASC Executive Committee shall decide a tie vote at the time of the election.

SECTION 7: The school for convention host shall be a member school. The person who might fill the role of convention coordinator for the next annual state convention need not be in attendance at the convention at the time of the selection; the selection of convention sites shall be an Executive Committee decision.

SECTION 8: The Executive Committee shall have the power to fill vacancies among officers or committees which may develop between conventions, subject to the provisions of ARTICLE IV, Section 1, (a), (b), (c).

SECTION 9: The candidates for MASC state elections must participate in an open forum as determined by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS

SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee shall meet at least five (5) times each term. The location shall be decided by the Executive Director. The presence of the Executive Director, the State Advisor, and at least four of the five student voting members shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 2: STATE CONVENTIONS

(a) Shall be held annually for senior high school student councils that are members of the MASC;

(b) Shall permit each member senior high school to be represented at the convention by three (3) voting student delegates and no more than three (3) student delegates. Member schools shall insure that candidates, campaign managers, and/or authors of big ideas to be presented at that state convention shall be included within the selection of the three official delegates. It is expected by the MASC/MASSP that each school will send its advisor(s) to the convention, accompanying the student delegates. If an advisor is unable to attend, the advisor may appoint an attending advisor to serve in his/her capacity.

(c)  Each division will be allowed to send four officers as non-voting members to the State Convention. It will be left up to the division’s discretion whether these officers will be past, current or future division officers. These names must be submitted to the MASC office thirty days prior to the State Convention.

SECTION 3: STATE CONVENTION SITES

(a) Convention sites shall be selected two (2) years in advance if at all possible. Schools wishing to host the convention must submit a written invitation from the Principal/Superintendent of that member school to the Executive Director prior to the convention dates. Member student councils who wish to host the state convention must secure certification from the Executive Director that the facilities available to that council are adequate to handle the needs of the convention.

(b) After approval, the host school may authorize up to two additional persons to attend from each member school. The Executive Committee shall be approved the authorization. The two additional persons shall not have voting rights but shall be allowed full participation in all other convention activities. Notification shall be given by October 1 to all member schools of the number of students (voting and non-voting) that each member school is allowed for the next convention.

ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS and BY-LAWS

SECTION 1: AMENDMENTS TO THIS CONSTITUTION

(a) May be proposed by the Executive Committee or any student council member. Amendments should be prepared and presented to the divisional organizational conventions, if desired, but must be in the hands of the Executive Director/Executive Committee no later than ten (10) calendar days before the annual state convention at which the amendment is to be presented;

(b) Shall be printed and presented to all delegates at the time of registration at the convention;

(c)  Shall be discussed at divisional meetings to be held at the state convention prior to the voting on the floor of the convention;

(d) Shall be voted on at a regularly scheduled business meeting of the MASC at its annual state convention;

(e) Shall be adopted when passed by a two-thirds majority vote of the delegates present and voting at the business meeting described in paragraph (c) above;

Shall be adopted by the MASSP Board of Directors.

SECTION 2: BY-LAWS TO THIS CONSTITUTION

(a) Shall be proposed by the Executive Committee. The origination of the by-law may come from any student council who is a member of the MASC;

(b) Must be presented to the delegates at the time of registration at that convention;

(c)  Shall be discussed at divisional meetings to be held at the state convention prior to the voting on the floor of the convention;

(d) Shall be voted on at a regularly scheduled business meeting of the MASC at its state convention;

(e) Shall be adopted when passed by a majority vote of the delegates present and voting at the meeting.

ARTICLE IX: DISSOLUTION

On the dissolution of this MASC, the entire net assets remaining after the payment of any and all liabilities and obligations of the corporation, shall be distributed exclusively to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

ARTICLE X: RATIFICATION

This constitution shall be ratified by a two-third vote of the delegates in attendance as the first item of business at the 1977 MASC State Convention held at Marshall, Minnesota, November 3, 4, 5, 1977. The constitution shall become effective immediately upon ratification. The vote shall be taken by roll call of the member schools in attendance with each delegate casting one vote.

This constitution shall be ratified by the MASSP Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XI: DUTIES OF MEMBER SCHOOLS

All member schools should, at a minimum, enforce MSHSL rules within their student council and act accordingly based on the infraction.

BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I: DUES

SECTION 1: The amount of the annual dues for membership in MASC shall be determined by the Executive Committee and approved by the MASSP Board of Directors.

SECTION 2: The membership year in MASC shall be from July 1 to June 30, and unless, in case of some emergency situation, the Executive Committee deems it necessary to change these dates. (Amended and ratified 11/2–4/78, 3/29–31/92)

SECTION 3: The annual dues shall be paid to the Executive Director of MASC by a deadline to be set and announced by the Executive Committee. (Amended and ratified 11/2-3-4/78)

SECTION 4: The Executive Committee may establish annual dues at different levels for different classifications of member schools, with the MASSP Board of Directors' approval.

SECTION 5: Dues may be pro-rated by the Executive Committee for schools joining MASC after the annual State Convention is held.

ARTICLE II: NASC DELEGATES

SECTION 1: Delegates to the NASC Annual Conference shall be under the direction and leadership of the MASC. A portion of the cost of attending the NASC Conference shall be paid out of MASC funds for the following:

(a) MASC President - $200

(b) MASC Convention Coordinator - $150

(c)  MASC Vice President - $150

(d) MASC Secretary - $150

SECTION 2: If the Executive Committee deems MASC funds insufficient to follow Section 1 above, funds shall be allotted as far as they will extend.

ARTICLE III: DIVISIONAL ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN MASC

SECTION 1: MASC SHALL BE COMPOSED OF TEN DIVISIONS:

Capital                                      Northwest

Central                                     South Central

Eastern                                    Southeast

Hennepin                                Southwest

Northeast                                Western

(Adopted at the MASC State Convention at White Bear Lake on 11/2-3-4/78)

SECTION 2: Each division shall organize itself with MASC guidance. Any divisional convention shall be held no later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the annual state convention of the MASC. All amendments to this constitution and big ideas for MASC State Convention consideration must be forwarded to the MASC Executive Director in order to be considered at that year's state convention. (See Constitution ARTICLE VIII, Section 1a.)

SECTION 3: The Division Presidents or designated representatives shall meet three (3) times in conjunction with the MASC Executive Committee. Once in the Fall for organizational procedures, once prior to the State Convention to address resolutions and once during the convention. Advisors designated by the division are recommended to attend.

SECTION 4: The MASC may conduct one-day workshops for each divisional organization during each year for the junior high school student councils who are members of MASC.

SECTION 5: MASC may organize and sponsor a Student Leadership Academy to be held during the summer months for individual students who are members of MASC member councils. The Executive Director, or his/her designate, shall be responsible for this MASC offering.

ARTICLE IV: BUSINESS MEETINGS

SECTION 1: At each convention, a definite time and place shall be announced for the purpose of conducting the business of MASC.

SECTION 2: Any student council member in attendance at the annual convention wishing to have business brought before the convention must submit it to the Executive Committee ten (10) calendar days before the opening date of the convention or at such other time within the ten (10) calendar days before the convention convenes, as the Executive Committee may determine.

SECTION 3: A quorum of a convention business meeting shall consist of 100 voting delegates.

SECTION 4: The order of business shall be determined by the Executive Committee and shall include the following:

(a) Call to Order

(b) Acceptance of the Previous Convention's Minutes

(c)  Reports of Officers and Committees

(d) Unfinished Business

(e) New Business

(f)  Announcement of Election Results and Installation of New Officers

(g) Adjournment

SECTION 5: Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be the procedure followed.

SECTION 6: The Executive Committee shall have the authority to appoint a parliamentarian for the convention.

ARTICLE V: Big Ideas

SECTION 1: Big Ideas, for consideration by the delegates at the annual state convention of MASC, may be authored by the members of the Executive Committee, member schools, or divisional organizations.

SECTION 2: All Big Ideas to be considered at any state convention of MASC must be in the hands of the Executive Director no less than ten (10) calendar days before the opening day of the state convention and must be printed and available to the delegates at the state convention of MASC at the time of registration.

SECTION 3: The member school authoring any Ideas must be in attendance at the state convention with an official delegate, a state officer, or a division representative, to explain the resolution.

SECTION 4: Each Big Idea shall be identified as to the number, author, school, and division.

SECTION 5: All Big Ideas not addressed at the State Convention, shall be discussed and voted, within one month’s time, by the Executive Committee of the MASC and the Division Presidents who preside at the State Convention or their designated representative.