The Nebraska Chapter of the Block & Bridle Club
(Revised 2018)
We, the members of the Nebraska Chapter of the Block & Bridle Club, in order to promote the improvement and increase the interest among students of Animal Science and Agriculture and to bring about closer relationships between members, agricultural industry, students and faculty, do hereby ordain and establish this, the Constitution of its Government.
Constitution
Article I
Principles
Section I: Name - This organization shall be known as the University of Nebraska Block & Bridle Club, an official collegiate chapter of the National Block and Bridle Club.
Section II: Objects - The objects of the organization are:
- To promote and provide educational opportunities for club members and University students interested in the area of animal science.
- To provide more hands on experience with animals.
- To offer members information about career opportunities in the field of animal and agricultural industry
Section III: This organization is and shall remain nonpolitical, nonpartisan, and nonprofit. At no time shall the revenues or funds on this club be used for the personal benefit of its members or others, except for those incentives pursuant with the club’s purposes set forth in Article I, Section II. These incentives shall be scholarships and awards for excellence.
ARTICLE II
Membership
Section I: Active Member
This organization shall be open to all University of Nebraska students interested in
and not philosophically opposed to the purposes of this club. This organization shall
not limit its membership to any race, religion, sex, nor is membership restricted to any
specific majors or departments within the university.
- An active member may vote, run for office, engage in activities pursuant to the purposes of this club and enjoy the privileges afforded them under this document.
- Active Members should attend a minimum of 60% of meetings, unless extenuating circumstances prohibit attendance (determined by officers).
- All active club members must participate in at least one event per year.
- Members must serve on at least one committee per year.
- Members will be required to submit one-time National Block and Bridle fee as well as annual dues to be paid in the fall semester of the current academic year to be considered active status
- Only active members in good standing with the University are eligible to use funds provided by the club to attend National and Regional conferences
Section II: Non-Discrimination Clause.
The organization agrees to adhere to all policies and procedures of the University and all local, state, and federal laws. Members will become acquainted with policies and procedures found on the Student Affairs Student Conduct & Community Standards website. This organization is viable, functioning, composed of at least six full time undergraduate students, and adheres to the University of Nebraska’s Non-Discrimination/Title IX policies.
Section III: Non-representing Members.
The following groups of people are allowed non-voting or representing membership: or graduate students, alumni, community and honorary members. These members are not allowed to vote, hold count towards the group’s membership, nor have any influence upon decision making of the organization.
Section IV: Meetings.
General group meetings should be held a minimum of once a month per semester, and executive board meetings should also be held a minimum of once a month. In addition.
Section VI: Policies and Procedures for Disciplining/Removing Members.
The following circumstances would require removing a member from the organization:
- Taking part in actions that go against the mission of the group
- Disruptive or disrespectful behavior in meetings or towards other members
- Behavior during community events that reflect negatively on the organization
- Violations of the University of Nebraska code of conduct
Article III
Offices and Elections
Section I: Officers.
The officers of the club shall occupy the positions of President, Vice President of Beef, Vice President of Pork, Treasurer, Secretary, Historian, Ambassador and Marshall. The club may designate additional elected positions. The active members of the club will vote in the election of officers. All terms shall be one year. All officers oversee and assist a committee.
Section II: Eligibility for Office.
All elected officers of this club must be full time matriculated undergraduate students and shall have and maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA and in good standing with the University of Nebraska. They must be an active member of the organization for at least one semester (including the semester that elections occur), and they must be able to attend regular meetings.
Section III: Nominations.
Any active member may nominate another or themselves for office. Nominations occur at least one week prior to elections. At the time of elections, each nominee will be given 1-2 minutes to explain why they feel they are the best qualified for the position and how they plan to improve the organization
Section IV: Ballots.
Elections will follow a process of applying for an officer or Committee Chair position. Applications are reviewed by the Advisors, only to determine if candidate meets University eligibility requirements. Then the current offices will assign a candidate activity score based on the club’s activity points system score. A popular vote will also be taken at the election meeting, allowing candidates to introduce themselves and stating why they are qualified for the position(s). The popular vote and the activity score will be combined to determine the new officer/committee chair.
Section V: New Officers.
New officers shall be voted upon prior to the Block and Bridle Honors Banquet in the spring. The new officers are expected to attend the banquet unless there are extenuating circumstances preventing their attendance. The time between the banquet and the end of the semester shall be used as a transition period between the old and new officer teams. During this time, new officers will be required to:
- Attend RSO training,
- Learn Nvolve procedure
- Review of policies and procedures and other important information
- Begin planning the next year’s events
Section VI: Resignation.
In case of resignation of any elected officer, a special election shall be called to that vacancy. In the event the president resigns, a club vote will be held to determine which vice president will take the office, and an election will be held to fill the vacant position of the vice president. The new officer will fill the position for the remainder of the term. As stated in Article III Section Il, nominees for the vacant position must be active members. Procedures for nomination and election will be the same as in Article II Sections III and IV.
Section VII: Impeachment.
Any elected officer or committee chair found not deserving may be impeached from office by a two-thirds vote of the active members after his or her case has been brought before the club for initial review. The grounds and conditions for removal/discipline of officer include the following:
- A notice of charges
- A right to a fair hearing
- The right to appeal: If the officer is removed, immediate nominations will occur; the rules and methods of Article III Sections III and IV apply to nomination and voting procedure.
Section VIII: Description of Offices.
President. The duties of the president shall be to preside over and organize all regular meetings, prepare meeting agendas, to call special meetings, and to enforce this Constitution and Bylaws. The president is to delegate to and follow up with committee chairs and officers to ensure timeliness and completion of events and projects. The President shall work closely with the building managers in relation to events being held in the Animal Science Building and property.
Vice President of Beef and Vice President of Pork. The duties of these officers are to preside at meetings if the President is absent, unable to serve his/her duties, or if the President resigns. It shall be the duty of the VP-Beef to oversee the subgroup Collegiate Cattlemen and to set up events or speakers from the beef industry for club meetings. The VP-Swine will oversee the Future Pork Leaders and to set up events or speakers from the swine industry for club meetings. It shall also be the duty of the Vice-Presidents to periodically review the Constitution to be sure that the Constitution of the organization complies with the rules and regulations of the University.
Secretary. The secretary’s duties are to keep accurate records of all meetings (including electronic minutes), conduct club correspondence, provide a membership list, and submit a new member list to the National Block and Bridle Secretary. The secretary will email out all club announcements. The secretary is also in charge of keeping track of attendance and the point system.
Treasurer. Duties shall be to collect all dues and receipts, keep an accurate inventory and sales record, handle all expenses and report to every meeting. In addition, the treasurer should submit a yearly treasurer’s report. The treasurer should also be responsible for requesting funds from Student Organization Financial Services. Historian. The historian is responsible for compiling the Annual for distribution to past honorees, advertisers and others as assigned. The historian is also responsible for submitting the annual for competition at the National Bock and Bridle Meeting. Historians shall assemble all memorabilia to preserve for a permanent record. They shall be responsible for taking pictures at all events.
Ambassador/Marshall. The ambassador and marshall represent the Block and Bridle Club at recruitment events such as the Big Red Welcome, CASNR Week and the Kid’s Day booth at the LPS Science Fair. They work closely together to set up social events for the club and for new initiates. In addition, they promote the club through the upkeep of the Animal Science building display case, recruitment letters and brochures.
Section X: Advisor.
There must be at least one full time professional faculty member serving as advisor to the club. The purpose of the advisor is to have another professional assist with guidance of the organization, developing leadership skills, and ideally should be familiar and agree with the objectives of the organization. The Animal Science Department Head, with the approval of the club shall select the advisor(s). Duties of the advisor shall include the following:
- Attending meetings and events
- Offering advice
There may be as many advisors as deemed necessary by the organization.
Article IV
Committees
Section I: Committee Chairperson
Committee Chairpersons are applied for on the officer application forms. If there are
no volunteers for a committee, nominations from the floor can be taken on the day of
election. There shall only be one Chairperson per committee. Chairpersons are
responsible for filling out EPR’s for each activity for which they are responsible. The
Chairperson of each committee must attend regular meetings, is responsible for
making final decisions for the committee and is in charge of any activities within the
committee. Committee Chairpersons must report to the club at the conclusion of
committee meetings. Committee Chairpersons are also responsible for writing the
article for the annual on the event.
Section II: Standing Committees
Honors Banquet Chair. Committee duties include obtaining nominations and selection
for the Block and Bridle Honoree, creating banquet invite and mailings, creating
banquet program, Event Planning and Registration Form, Honoree video,
advertisement. Creates subcommittee for cake auction
Steak Fry Committee. Committee duties are obtain donations for event, work with a Cargill or other entity representative for donation of steaks, purchasing all supplies and additional food for the event. Advertisement of event and EPR.
Porkfest Committee. Committee duties are obtain donations for event, purchasing all supplies and additional food for the event. Advertisement of event and EPR.
Big Red Beef Show Committee. This committee is responsible for organizing and planning all livestock activities.
Little AK-SAR-BEN Committee. Committee helps line up livestock, organizes show, maintains animal welfare throughout the training and show, advertisement of event and EPR.
ARTICLE V
Amendments
Section I: Bylaws.
Bylaws may be adapted to this constitution; however, they cannot in any manner or intent change the original purposes of this constitution or club. Bylaws and amendments to the bylaws must be approved by a majority vote of active members at a designated regular meeting.
Section II: Amendments to the Articles.
The articles of this constitution may be amended by the following procedure:
- The proposed amendments must originate and be brought before the executive committee.
- The proposed amendment must be read and discussed at two regular meetings
- After which, the proposed amendment may be approved by a vote of two-thirds of the active members at that meeting
Section III: Rules for Ratifying the Constitution.
Approval of changes to the constitution requires a simple majority vote of all active members and approval by the Activities and Programs Office.