Constitution of the Alhambra High School Mathematics, Engineering, Science and Achievement Club “MESA”
Article 1: Purpose
1.1 The purpose of the club shall be to enhance and increase members’ educational experience in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field.
Article 2: Membership and Attendance
2.1. Membership shall be open to all 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students at
Alhambra High School who have met the minimum requirements as dictated by the constitution. 12th grade students new to MESA are not eligible to join UNLESS under special circumstances (such as being a new transfer-student).
2.2 There will be a 2.00 grade point average requirement; any members who do not receive a minimum 2.00 GPA on their quarter report card would be on academic probation for one quarter.
2.3 Requirements to become a general member:
2.4 All members shall be excused only to THREE MEETINGS AND EVENTS PER SEMESTER if s/he notifies their Cohort Captain president, vice presidents, or secretaries in a minimum of two days before the next meeting If:
2.5 Any flagrant or chronic violation of school code of conduct or this Constitution will be grounds for dismissal from the club.
2.6 All members must attend all general meetings. Any absences must have a valid excuse (some examples include family, emergencies, health). These excuses must have a signature from a valid adult or supervisor of the respective situation. For example, to be validly excused from MESA due to a sports event/practice, S/He must obtain a signature from the coach. Excused forms must be submitted in accordance to 2.4; if not submitted on time, the absence will be counted as an unexcused absence.
2.7 MESA seniors who do not clear their probation by the end of the school year will not receive their sash for graduation.
2.8 Members who were kicked the previous year have an opportunity to rejoin if they appeal to any members of MESA Leadership. If allowed to rejoin, they will begin the semester with a probation.
2.9 If any member reasonably observes that a leadership member is not doing his or her job, they may anonymously notify the advisors for a trial of said leadership member to be dismissed from leadership.
a. The leadership member on trial will be presented in front of
Top 3 and advisors which consist of the advisors, president, vice
president of competition, and vice president of policy. The
leadership member on trial will be allowed a hearing in front of Top 3 and advisors to present valid arguments as to why they
shouldn’t be dismissed.
b. The final verdict on dismissal will be decided by advisors with consideration of the majority vote of leadership and Top 3
counseling.
c. The dismissal period will last for the remainder of the school
year, but they will be eligible to run next year.
Article 3: Probation
3.1 Probation is a "sudden-death" like status. If S/He violates any section of the Constitution and/or are not meeting the expectations of a MESA member, S/He will be kicked from the club without warning.
3.2 The criteria for obtaining probation status are:
3.3 In order to remove Probation status, S/He must do one of the following:
Article 4: Officers & Election
4.1 There shall be 12 officers: President, Vice President of Competition and Events, Vice President of Policy, 2 Logistics/Activity Officer, Webmaster/Historian, 2 Secretaries, 2 Treasurers, and 2 Art Chairs.
4.2 Members who hold office will interview a select group of MESA members who are interested in running for a cohort or representative position.
4.2 There are to be elections held annually.
4.3 Elections for officers shall be held during leadership meetings with Advisor participation.
4.4 All valid members are allowed one vote per office.
4.5 Elections are to be held at the beginning of September and the officers shall hold their office until the following May. (Graduating Seniors shall vacate their office in June). Members may be re-elected to the same office or be elected to other offices. Advisors also have the power to appoint or veto a candidate.
Article 5: Duties of Officers
5.0 All leadership
5.1 The President
5.2 Vice President of Club Policy
5.3 Vice President of Competition and Events
5.4 Secretary
5.5 Treasurer
5.6 Historian/Webmaster
5.7 Art Chair
5.8 Logistics Officer
5.9 Cohort Captains
5.10 Event Captains
5.11 Representatives
Article 6: Student Bank and Budget
6.1 Prior to funds raised, activities must go through the approval process designed and monitored by ASB.
6.2 Money raised will be deposited into the student bank in a timely manner. Money deposited or expended must be stated in club minutes.
6.3 Leadership gets to vote on how and where to designate club funds.
Article 7: Advisor
7.1 Advisor Conditions:
Article 8: Member Expectations
8.1 The following are as expected of MESA members:
Article 9: Amending this Constitution
9.1 This Constitution may be amended in part or in its entirety by leadership members at any leadership meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership present.
9.2 Amendments may be proposed at leadership meetings either by the VP of Policy, President, Advisors or by an agreement between ⅔ of the total leadership members of the club at the time
9.3 The proposed amendment must be submitted in writing to the President indicating which wording of the constitution or amendment may be changed. However before this process, a discussion and debate must be held among the members.
9.4 This Constitution cannot be amended in such a way as to run contrary to any school rules, school board regulations, or education code.
9.5 Advisers possess the ability to change The Constitution.
Article 10 Club Pledge
10.1 MESA will abide by the following guidelines and conditions, set forward by Alhambra High School, at all times:
1.1 The purpose of the club shall be to enhance and increase members’ educational experience in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field.
Article 2: Membership and Attendance
2.1. Membership shall be open to all 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students at
Alhambra High School who have met the minimum requirements as dictated by the constitution. 12th grade students new to MESA are not eligible to join UNLESS under special circumstances (such as being a new transfer-student).
2.2 There will be a 2.00 grade point average requirement; any members who do not receive a minimum 2.00 GPA on their quarter report card would be on academic probation for one quarter.
2.3 Requirements to become a general member:
- Attend two mandatory meetings
- Attend one fundraiser
- Have a signed MESA Tracker card filled out (Collect 3 signatures from MESA Leadership or Advisor(s))
2.4 All members shall be excused only to THREE MEETINGS AND EVENTS PER SEMESTER if s/he notifies their Cohort Captain president, vice presidents, or secretaries in a minimum of two days before the next meeting If:
- S/he does not notify their Cohort Captain, president, vice presidents, or secretaries:
- S/he shall be marked absent.
- S/he has 3 or more unexcused absences per semester:
- The advisors shall meet with the member to discuss his or her schedule.
- S/He will be placed on probation or be dismissed from the club.
- If s/he decides not to communicate with the president or be present at the meeting, s/he shall automatically be dismissed.
2.5 Any flagrant or chronic violation of school code of conduct or this Constitution will be grounds for dismissal from the club.
2.6 All members must attend all general meetings. Any absences must have a valid excuse (some examples include family, emergencies, health). These excuses must have a signature from a valid adult or supervisor of the respective situation. For example, to be validly excused from MESA due to a sports event/practice, S/He must obtain a signature from the coach. Excused forms must be submitted in accordance to 2.4; if not submitted on time, the absence will be counted as an unexcused absence.
2.7 MESA seniors who do not clear their probation by the end of the school year will not receive their sash for graduation.
2.8 Members who were kicked the previous year have an opportunity to rejoin if they appeal to any members of MESA Leadership. If allowed to rejoin, they will begin the semester with a probation.
2.9 If any member reasonably observes that a leadership member is not doing his or her job, they may anonymously notify the advisors for a trial of said leadership member to be dismissed from leadership.
a. The leadership member on trial will be presented in front of
Top 3 and advisors which consist of the advisors, president, vice
president of competition, and vice president of policy. The
leadership member on trial will be allowed a hearing in front of Top 3 and advisors to present valid arguments as to why they
shouldn’t be dismissed.
b. The final verdict on dismissal will be decided by advisors with consideration of the majority vote of leadership and Top 3
counseling.
c. The dismissal period will last for the remainder of the school
year, but they will be eligible to run next year.
Article 3: Probation
3.1 Probation is a "sudden-death" like status. If S/He violates any section of the Constitution and/or are not meeting the expectations of a MESA member, S/He will be kicked from the club without warning.
3.2 The criteria for obtaining probation status are:
- 3 Unexcused absences.
- Not reaching deadlines for events (as determined by event leaders/captains).
- Captains/Cohort Captains have the authority to request any member to be reviewed to be placed under probation if they deemed them to be violating the constitution or not meeting the expectations of a MESA member.
- Everyone in a Pre-MESA day event must attend Pre-MESA day and MESA-Day (if you qualify) and failure to do so will result in a dismissal from the club. The only exception is an emergency or any prior (to knowing the Pre-MESA date) commitment cleared by the advisors.
3.3 In order to remove Probation status, S/He must do one of the following:
- Collect 1 Ralphs size grocery bag of recyclables
- Bring supplies that could benefit the club
- Appeal to MESA leadership or Advisor(s)
Article 4: Officers & Election
4.1 There shall be 12 officers: President, Vice President of Competition and Events, Vice President of Policy, 2 Logistics/Activity Officer, Webmaster/Historian, 2 Secretaries, 2 Treasurers, and 2 Art Chairs.
4.2 Members who hold office will interview a select group of MESA members who are interested in running for a cohort or representative position.
4.2 There are to be elections held annually.
4.3 Elections for officers shall be held during leadership meetings with Advisor participation.
4.4 All valid members are allowed one vote per office.
4.5 Elections are to be held at the beginning of September and the officers shall hold their office until the following May. (Graduating Seniors shall vacate their office in June). Members may be re-elected to the same office or be elected to other offices. Advisors also have the power to appoint or veto a candidate.
Article 5: Duties of Officers
5.0 All leadership
- All MESA Leadership members must attend the annual leadership retreat at USC.
- Rotate the speakers (through cabinet members) for the general meeting announcements.
- Mandatory Monday lunch meeting for Top 12 and mandatory separate lunch meeting for cohorts and other captains.
- Contribute to the smooth functioning of the club.
5.1 The President
- Presides over all general and leadership meetings.
- Communicates all information to the advisors.
- Request progress reports from other officers.
- Responsible for announcing general and leadership meetings to MESA members.
- Control all correspondence with USC (except time on task).
5.2 Vice President of Club Policy
- Preside over all regular and leadership meetings alongside the Vice President of Competition in the absence of the President.
- Assist the President with specific duties assigned by the President.
- Preside over regular duties of other officers in their absence.
- Alter and enforce any old and new club policies, regarding but not limited to the Constitution of MESA.
5.3 Vice President of Competition and Events
- Preside over all regular and leadership meetings alongside the Vice President of Policy in the absence of the President.
- Assists the President with specific duties assigned by the President.
- Preside over regular duties of other officers in their absence.
- Preside over organization of teams for competitions, designate competition captains, and preside over the organization of club competitions and activities.
5.4 Secretary
- Take attendance of regular, leadership, and events meetings.
- Takes notes of the duration of all the meetings.
- Submits Time on Task file to USC detailing member and club activities.
- Preside over all regular and leadership meetings in the absence of the President and the Vice Presidents.
5.5 Treasurer
- Manage and deposit all club funds into the student bank while maintaining accurate records of all club expenditures.
- Follow all student bank and budget procedures outlined in Article 6.
- Coordinate and handle paperwork for activities such as, but not limited to, fundraisers, apparel purchase, reimbursements, and off campus activities requiring funding from MESA ASB account.
- Issue reimbursements in a timely manner.
5.6 Historian/Webmaster
- Photograph all MESA Events and Activities and post onto Facebook page.
- Compile all photographs and send them to the USC Database.
- Update the website of any current events, competitions, and probation.
- Maintain and make any necessary changes to the website to increase efficiency and aesthetics.
5.7 Art Chair
- Create original designs or drawings for any club related materials e.g. posters, flyers, apparel, etc.
- Must have any artwork approved by ASB.
5.8 Logistics Officer
- Create supplies lists for every activity.
- Ensure that all needed supplies are prepared and ready the day before the activity.
- Take stock of the current supplies in the MESA inventory before every activity.
- Call for donations from the club to obtain supplies if need be.
- Inform the Treasurer of funds that were used to obtain supplies.
- Designs and Tests Activities for meetings.
5.9 Cohort Captains
- Maintain group attendance.
- Boost morale of members.
- Supervise and manage group activities and responsibilities.
- Must treat one another fairly and not be biased.
- Report Attendance at MESA leadership meetings to VP of Competition and Secretary.
- Designs and Tests Activities for meetings.
5.10 Event Captains
- Responsible for following deadlines set by USC MESA.
- Make deadlines for contestants to follow for Pre-MESA day events.
- Check on progress of contestants.
- Take proper actions for members that do not abide by the guidelines listed.
- Hold own meetings for event preparation.
5.11 Representatives
- Responsible for going to USC leadership meetings.
- Responsible for accepting work from Cabinet Members.
- Required to meet hard deadlines provided in advance to them and maintain an organized schedule for Cabinet Members to track.
- Responsible for filling in for cohorts.
Article 6: Student Bank and Budget
6.1 Prior to funds raised, activities must go through the approval process designed and monitored by ASB.
6.2 Money raised will be deposited into the student bank in a timely manner. Money deposited or expended must be stated in club minutes.
6.3 Leadership gets to vote on how and where to designate club funds.
Article 7: Advisor
7.1 Advisor Conditions:
- Advisor(s) must be a member of AHS faculty.
- In accordance with campus regulations, a minimum of one advisor must be present during club meetings.
- Supervise the content and direction of club activities.
- Assist in the acquisition and dispersion of information and materials.
- Advisors have the power to do whatever they want and have the final say on all matters regardless of what leadership decides.
Article 8: Member Expectations
8.1 The following are as expected of MESA members:
- Attend all meetings and events.
- Participate in at least ONE PreMesa-Day event
- If you wish to participate in more than one event, please refer to this contract.
- Abide by The Constitution and AHS rules of conduct
- Attend Fundraisers to financially assist the club
- Respect other members and MESA Leadership members
Article 9: Amending this Constitution
9.1 This Constitution may be amended in part or in its entirety by leadership members at any leadership meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership present.
9.2 Amendments may be proposed at leadership meetings either by the VP of Policy, President, Advisors or by an agreement between ⅔ of the total leadership members of the club at the time
9.3 The proposed amendment must be submitted in writing to the President indicating which wording of the constitution or amendment may be changed. However before this process, a discussion and debate must be held among the members.
9.4 This Constitution cannot be amended in such a way as to run contrary to any school rules, school board regulations, or education code.
9.5 Advisers possess the ability to change The Constitution.
Article 10 Club Pledge
10.1 MESA will abide by the following guidelines and conditions, set forward by Alhambra High School, at all times:
- Clubs upon approval must abide by all school, district, and state laws regarding extracurricular activities.
- Violation of any laws will result in consequences stated by the ASB and/or Activities Director.
- The Assistant Principal of Business and Activities and/or Principal will make the final decision on consequences.
- If our club ceases to exist next year, the student bank account will be closed and the balance will be transferred to a general ASB account or a specified account by the advisor and student representative in writing.