SACS Student Council By-Laws

Article I: Name and Purpose 

1. The name of this organization shall be the School of Applied Computational Sciences (SACS) Student Council. 
2. The purpose of the SACS Student Council is to represent and serve the interests of M.S. and Ph.D. students, simplify communication between students and faculty/administration, and promote academic and professional growth within the student body. 

Article II: Membership 

1. Membership is open to all M.S. and Ph.D. students enrolled in the School of Applied Computational Sciences. 
2. Active members must participate in at least one council meeting or event per academic semester. 

Article III: Officers and Duties 

• President: 
  • Serve as the chief executive officer of the council. 
  • Preside over meetings, represent the council at official functions, and act as the primary liaison between students and the administration. 
• Vice President: 
  • Assist the President in their duties and assume the President’s responsibilities in their absence. 
  • Oversee the organization of events and programs. 
• Secretary: 
  • Maintain accurate records of meetings, including minutes and attendance. 
  • Handle all official correspondence and communication. 
• Treasurer: 
  • Manage the council’s finances, including budgeting, fundraising and financial reporting. 
  • Ensure transparency and accountability in financial matters. 
• Public Relations Officer: 
  • Manage the council’s communication and outreach efforts, including social media, newsletters and promotional materials. 
  • Build and maintain relationships with external organizations, industry partners and the broader academic community. 
  • Promote council events and initiatives to the student body. 
• Class Representatives: 
  • Serve as the voice of their respective classes (M.S. and Ph.D.) within the council. 
  • Gather and relay feedback, concerns and suggestions from their classmates to the council. 
  • Assist in organizing events and initiatives specific to their class’s needs. 
• Committee Chairs (as needed): 
  • Lead specific initiatives or committees, such as academic affairs, professional development, social events and well-being. 

Article IV: Elections 

1. Elections shall be held annually in the spring semester (March-April), starting in 2025, for the upcoming school year in the Fall. 
2. All members in good standing are eligible to run for office. 
3. Voting shall be conducted by secret ballot, and a simple majority is required to win an office. 

Article V: Meetings 

1. Regular meetings shall be held at least once a month during the academic year. 
2. Special meetings may be called by the president or by petition of one-third of the active members. 
3. A meeting can only be considered official, and its decisions valid, if at least half of the active members are present. 

Article VI: Committees 

1. The council may establish standing and ad-hoc committees as necessary to carry out it’s goals and mission. 
2. Committee chairs shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the council. 

Article VII: Amendments 

1. Amendments to these by-laws may be proposed by any active member. 
2. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Secretary at least two weeks prior to a scheduled meeting. 
3. Amendments require a two-thirds majority vote of the active members present at the meeting for adoption. 

Article VIII: Finances 

1. The council shall operate as a non-profit entity. 
2. Funds shall be raised through student contributions, fundraising events, and, where possible, grants. 
3. The Treasurer shall present a financial report at each regular meeting and an annual report at the end of the academic year. 

Article IX: Code of Conduct 

1. Members shall conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the School of Applied Computational Sciences. 
2. Disciplinary actions for misconduct shall be determined by the council and may include removal from office or revocation of membership.