Unleashed! A Cappella

RSO Constitution

Article I – Name

The name of this organization shall be Unleashed.

Article II – Purpose

The purpose of Unleashed is to promote a cappella music among the University of Washington (UW) community. The group will also provide a fun atmosphere for UW students to share a cappella music.

Article III – Affiliations

Unleashed is affiliated with The Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA). The Contemporary A Cappella Society is a non-profit organization formed in 1990 to foster and promote a cappella music of all styles. CASA’s members include thousands of fans and vocalists as well as professional, collegiate and recreational a cappella groups from around the world. Through CASA, Unleashed has access to online a cappella resources, various educational programs, and an extensive, nation-wide a cappella networking system.

Article IV – Membership

Section 1 - The majority of the membership of this organization shall consist of regularly enrolled undergraduate and graduate students of the University of Washington. Enrolled students of the University of Washington will have active membership status, which will permit them to vote, hold office, and participate fully in the organization's activities.

Section 2 - University of Washington staff and faculty, and non-UW persons may have associate membership status. Associate members may not vote or hold office but may participate in all other activities.

Section 3 – Both active and associate memberships are granted after completion of an informational survey.

Article V – Officers

Section 1 – General

The officers of this organization shall consist of:

1. Musical Director
2. Assistant Music Director
3. General Manager
4. Public Relations Manager
5. Treasurer

Section 2 – Qualifications and Duties

1. The Music Director must be able to read music. The Music Director shall lead music rehearsals and guide the musical development of the organization.
2. The Assistant Music Director must be able to read music. The Assistant Music Director shall lead music rehearsals in the absence of the Music Director and shall be in charge of maintaining an archive of all music that the group rehearses.
3. No special qualifications for the General Manager. The General Manager shall handle all scheduling for practices, meetings, and performances. The General Manager will also be responsible for maintaining the membership list and sending any notices to the members.
4. No special qualifications for the Public Relations Manager. The Public Relations Manager shall be responsible for publicizing all events and will ensure that Unleashed maintains a known and respectable presence on campus.
5. No special qualifications for Treasurer. The treasurer will be responsible for the finances of the organization and make a monthly report to the members. Any expenditures over two hundred dollars ($200) must be approved by a majority of the active members.
6. All officers hold equal authority over the organization, and all members, including the officers, hold equal responsibility for soliciting performances for the organization.
7. Officers may delegate responsibilities to other members and create committees; however, each respective officer is in charge of ensuring that the position’s duties are carried out.

Section 3 – Term of Office

The term of all officers shall be one year. The term of office begins on June 1 and ends on May 31, except for the first year of the organization’s existence. During the first year, the term will begin immediately after the first elections and end on May 31.

Section 4 – Removal of an Officer

If officers do not perform their duties or if the members have a valid complaint against any officer, the officers are subject to removal by a majority vote of the membership. In order for the vote to be effective, two-thirds (2/3) of the members must be present at the vote. Additionally, the charged officer must be given an opportunity to answer the complaints levied against him or her prior to the election. The General Manager shall organize and preside over a special meeting within one month of when the complaints are lodged. If the complaint is against the General Manager, the members shall appoint, upon a majority vote of the quorum, a member to organize and conduct the special meeting within one month of when the complaints are lodged.

Article VI – Elections

Section 1 – Election Procedures

Election of officers shall occur prior to June 1. The General Manager will notify the members of Unleashed in May of the time and place for elections. The General Manager will accept nominations for available positions until the time of the elections for the particular position. It is possible to nominate one’s self. In order to hold elections, two-thirds (2/3) of the membership must be in attendance. For each position, the candidate who receives a majority of the votes (i.e. greater than fifty percent) will become the new officer.

Section 2 – Procedure for Vacancies

If a position for an officer becomes vacant during the regular school year, the General Manager will organize and preside over a special election within one month after the position becomes vacant. The General Manager will follow the remaining election procedures as described in Article VI, Section 1. If the position for General Manager becomes vacant, the Music Director shall organize and preside over the special election as outlined in this section.

Article VII – Amendments

Any member of the group may propose an amendment by submitting a written amendment to the General Manager. The General Manager will organize and preside over a special election within one month of receipt of the proposed amendment, unless the one-month period is dispensed with by a majority vote of the members. Two-thirds of the membership must attend in order to hold the vote at the special election. The amendment becomes a part of the constitution if two-thirds of the members at the election approve the proposition.