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The CWRU Undergraduate Biochemistry Society (CUBS) aims to foster a friendly, nurturing community for students interested in or seeking a career in biochemistry and cultivate curiosity for biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University. Through mentorship programs, we strive to promote lasting relationships among undergraduate students and create connections with graduate students, researchers, and department faculty. Furthermore, we seek to establish a more accessible pipeline to biochemical research and to provide exposure to biochemistry-related careers for interested undergraduates and prospective incoming students. Networking opportunities we hope to organize include rotational shadowing in department labs, career-building seminars from working professionals, and one-on-one workshops between underclassmen and more experienced upperclassmen.

CWRU Undergraduate Biochemistry Society Constitution; Founded: Fall 2019

Article I: Name and Mission

Section I: Name:

The name of this organization will be the "CWRU Undergraduate Biochemistry Society."

Section II: Mission

The CWRU Undergraduate Biochemistry Society (CUBS) aims to foster a friendly, nurturing community for students interested in or seeking a career in biochemistry and cultivate curiosity for biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University. Through mentorship programs, we strive to promote lasting relationships among undergraduate students and create connections with graduate students, researchers, and department faculty. Furthermore, we seek to establish a more accessible pipeline to biochemical research and to provide exposure to biochemistry-related careers for interested undergraduates and prospective incoming students. Networking opportunities we hope to organize include rotational shadowing in department labs, career-building seminars from working professionals, and one-on-one workshops between underclassmen and more experienced upperclassmen.

Article II. Membership Requirements

Section I. Non-Discrimination Clause

Membership is open to all students in good standing with Case Western Reserve University. This organization will not discriminate on the basis of color, gender, culture, national origin, creed, disabilities, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, political affiliation, course of study, or fraternal memberships.

Section II. Membership Status

Each member of the CWRU undergraduate biochemistry society will have one vote at general body meetings. To maintain membership status, members must attend at least 70% of general body meetings.

Section III. Suspending and Revoking Membership Status

A probation period is a semester-long period during which a member may not be considered to participate in the organization's activities. Expulsion is the permanent removal of a member from the organization. An expelled member may not rejoin at any time during their academic career. By a four-fifths decision of voting members of the executive committee, a member may be subject to expulsion or probation. Following this action, a member of the executive committee must present a report to the general body of their actions.

Article III. Officers and Duties

All officers will hold a term of 1 year.

Section I. President

The President oversees the proper function and well-being of the organization. They shall be responsible for executing the long-term vision of the organization, providing direction to the club and executive committee, and acting as the official spokesperson and representative with those outside the club. Involved in creating agenda for chairing and executive committee meetings, delegating or fulfilling all other duties as necessary and meeting regularly with officers to provide guidance and monitor their direction.

Section II. Vice President

The Vice President shall aid the President, and, in their absence, have the full authority of the President. They are accountable to all risk-related issues, including ensuring compliance with Undergraduate Student Government (USG) risk management guidelines and maintaining USG recognition each year. They are also responsible for overseeing and appointing Committees, Ad-Hoc Committees, and Program Managers.

Section III. Treasurer

The treasurer is responsible for all financial transactions of the club. They are required to maintain an accurate record of club expenses, execute financial requests for USG and the Biochemistry Department, and provide a budget report to the Executive Committee upon request.

Section IV. Secretary

The secretary shall maintain and distribute typed minutes of Executive Committee and General Body meetings. They are also responsible for updating the membership roster, regulating membership status, organizing official organization documents, and sending out internal communication to organization members.

Section V. Public Relations Chair

The Public Relations Chair shall manage publicity efforts for the organization. They are responsible for overseeing external media publications from the organization to the community, maintaining and updating relevant social media pages, and organizing social events for the organization.

Section VI. Ad-hoc Positions

Ad-hoc positions are defined as non-executive council positions that can be temporarily created and appointed at the discretion of the executive council. At its time of creation, the executive council must specify a term length no longer than a year.

Article IV. Election and Removal of Officers

Section I. Requirements for Officership

To qualify for officer positions, members must be a full-time undergraduate students in good standing with the university as defined by the Office of Undergraduate Studies, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. In addition, officers must have at least 1 previous semester of active membership in the organization. Officers may not hold 2 executive officer positions concurrently.

Section II. Election of Officers

Officers must be elected prior to the first week of April each academic year. The date of elections shall be decided by the Executive Committee. Candidates for officer positions must be elected by a simple majority with quorum present.

● All aforementioned officers will hold a term of 1 academic year.

Section III. Removal of Officers

An officer who fails to fulfill his or her duties may be removed from office at any time by a two-thirds vote from active members, provided a quorum prevails. Every member, including officers and those in the Executive Board will have one vote.

Section IV. Special Elections

In the case that an officer is removed or resigns, a special election will take place. The remaining officers on the Executive Board will decide the date of the election. To fill the vacancy, the President may appoint a temporary officer with the approval of a majority of the executive board.

Article V. Advisors

Section I. Duties

The advisor will ensure that all members of this club are students at Case Western Reserve University. The advisor may also be held responsible for the actions of the organization.

Section II. Selection

An advisor must be a staff member, faculty, or graduate student at Case Western Reserve University. The Executive Board will appoint the advisor. A new advisor will be appointed only if the Executive Board feels that it is necessary. The advisor will be selected by 2/3-majority vote of the Executive Board.

Article VI: Amendment Process

Section I. Proposal

An amendment to this constitution may be proposed, and submitted in writing to the Executive Board, by any member in good standing.

Section II. Ratification

All members of the organization will be notified about the proposed amendment. The Executive Board will designate when the vote will take place. Ratification of the amendment will require a 3Ôüä4 vote where a quorum prevails. All members including the officers and those on the Executive Board will have one vote.