By Laws

ARTICLE I: ORGANIZATION NAME

The name of this organization shall be the "Residence Hall Association of Montana State University-Bozeman." It may be abbreviated as "RHA." The governing body of this organization will be known as "Interhall Residence Hall Association." It may be abbreviated as "IRHA."

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The Residence Hall Association has been organized in order to improve the overall quality of life for students living within the residence halls.

It seeks to accomplish this primary goal through the following specific goals:

SECTION I

RHA shall provide a platform of representation for on-campus residents with the authority to act on the behalf of all residents regarding interaction with other groups, organizations and administrations.

SECTION II

RHA shall organize, implement and promote quality activities, educational programming and services for the on-campus resident population.

SECTION III

RHA shall promote personal growth and development by providing continued opportunities for leadership and involvement.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

All Montana State University-Bozeman (MSU-Bozeman) students who live in the residence halls and have paid their social fee for the current semester are enrolled as active members.

ARTICLE IV: AFFILIATION

The MSU-Bozeman RHA is affiliated with the following organizations:

• National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH)
• Intermountain Affiliation of College and University Residence Halls (IACURH)
• National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
• Montana State University Department of Residence Life
• Other organizations as described within the Constitutional By-laws

ARTICLE V: ORGANIZATION OF GOVERNMENT

There shall be three levels of government within the RHA. These levels are the Floor, Hall and Interhall levels.

SECTION I : Floor RHA

Each floor shall have a representative platform. This body will be advised by the floor Resident Advisor(s) and will maintain the office of President and Vice-President. Other offices may be created as a need or interest arises. The Floor RHA shall preside over any of the floor's activities.

SECTION II : Hall RHA

Each hall shall have a representative platform. This body will be advised by the Hall's Resident Director, Assistant Resident Director or an appointed Resident Advisor. Each hall will maintain the office of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, IRHA Representative and three Senators. Other offices may be created as a need or interest arises. The Hall RHA shall preside over any of the hall's activities.

SECTION III : Interhall RHA

This body will be advised by the Coordinator of Student Leadership. The IRHA will have an Executive Council consisting of ten (10) officers plus one (1) IRHA representative from each hall. Other offices may be created at the discretion of the Executive Council. The IRHA will preside over any of the campus-wide activities. The IRHA will also have a legislature, the IRHA Legislature. The IRHA Legislature will be comprised of three (3) representatives from each hall and the IRHA Executive Council who governs the IRHA Legislature.

ARTICLE VI: IRHA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The IRHA Executive Council shall maintain the following offices:

• President (1)
• Vice President of Personnel (1)
• National Communications Coordinator (NCC) (2)
• Vice President of National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) (1)
• Vice President of Programming (1)
• Vice President of Communications (1)
• Vice President of Business (Business Manager) (1)
• IRHA Hall Representatives (7)

ARTICLE VII: IRHA LEGISLATURE

The legislature for the MSU-Bozeman RHA shall consist of representatives from the following residence halls:

• Hannon / Atkinson Quadrangle (Quads)
• Hapner
• Johnstone / Mullan
• Langford
• North Hedges / Suites
• Roskie
• South Hedges

Each hall will have three (3) voting members attend each meeting of the IRHA Legislature. Meetings are called to order by the IRHA President and adjourned by the IRHA Legislature.

ARTICLE VIII: ELECTIONS

Elections that will be held throughout the course of the academic year include Fall and Spring elections at the Floor, Hall, and Interhall levels. In addition, semester-end Hall RHA Elections may be held. Alternate Elections may be called in case of an emergency.

ARTICLE IX: FUNDING

A social fee shall be charged to all members of RHA at the beginning of each semester. This fee will be distributed for use in the budget voted upon in the IRHA Legislature and within individual hall RHA budgets. Fund requests may be made to Interhall RHA by hall RHAs and requests may be made to hall RHAs by floor RHAs, other hall RHAs or the IRHA.

ARTICLE X: OFFICER CONDUCT

All people holding an RHA officer position at the floor, hall or Interhall level shall agree to uphold to a high standard of personal conduct. Officers are expected to abide by and uphold the expectations set forth in the Residence Hall Handbook, RHA Constitution and Constitutional By-laws. Failure to do so may result in the removal of the officer from his/her position.

ARTICLE XI: INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL

SECTION I : Initiative

RHA shall have the power of initiative. This power may apply to any matters pertaining to the government of RHA, including action of the IRHA Legislature.

SECTION II : Referendum

The IRHA Legislature shall have the power of referendum. A referendum may be held on any matter pertaining to the government of the RHA.

SECTION III : Recall

RHA shall have the authority to recall any member of the IRHA Legislature.

ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS

Amendments to the Constitution shall be voted upon by the RHA membership. This vote shall follow the guidelines for elections in the Constitution and Constitutional By-laws. Amendments to the By-laws shall be voted upon by the IRHA Legislature.

ARTICLE XIII: RATIFICATION AND ENACTMENT

A vote shall be put forth to the IRHA Legislature for adoption of the Constitution of the Residence Hall Association of Montana State University-Bozeman. This Constitution, dated April 2nd, 2008, shall supersede all previous constitutions and shall become effective with 1.) two-thirds (67%) majority of ballots cast in favor of ratification and enactment 2.) the signatures of the President of Interhall RHA and the Vice-President of Personnel to verify the vote and 3.) the signature of the Coordinator of Student Leadership to finalize ratification.

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 7/29/2008