Constitution

I. Name

The official name of this organization is Cornell Asian Pacific Student Union Activities and University Relations have approved it. The name follows the Cornell University Policy 4.10 on Student Organization Branding.

This organization is also called CAPSU and will be the official acronym.

II. Mission

The purpose of CAPSU is to be the umbrella organization for Asian/Asian-American and Asian-interest organizations at Cornell University. We aim to bring undergraduate organizations representing students of Asian descent together to facilitate networking among the members of the community. We strive to be the platform for the Cornell community to learn about and understand our diverse ethnic backgrounds in order to form a more cohesive community.

The goal of CAPSU is to augment its presence on the Cornell campus by providing further funding opportunities to its sub-organizations to increase the diversity of programming that is present in the community. CAPSU also plans on increasing its own programming to further develop its mission of being a platform for all Asians and Asian Americans on campus.

III. Relations with Constituents

The relationship between the CAPSU organization and its constituent member organizations shall be

founded upon the principle of sovereign equality of its members.
that nothing within this constitution will permit CAPSU to directly intervene in the internal affairs of its member organizations.
that the member organizations will fulfill obligations in good faith to which they have previously agreed to.

IV. Membership Requirements and Limitations

Membership in CAPSU is open to all organizations and individuals who agree to the conditions set within this constitution.

The organization shall consist of undergraduates of Cornell University who are interested in the purpose of the Cornell Asian Pacific Student Union and who shall be approved by the Officers.
Members of registered student organizations must be registered, matriculated full-time students at their respective Cornell University campuses (i.e., Ithaca, Geneva, NYC Tech). Part-time students, non-matriculated students, students on a leave of absence, or students who are abroad may not serve as officers, e-board, and/or voting members of student organizations. It is the responsibility of the Advisor to collaborate with the President to ensure that all officers are full-time students on their campus. If one of your officers has a change in status that will require them to step down from their position, please contact the Campus Activities Office. General members may be students, faculty, staff, or community members.
Full membership for an organization not previously a member will be attained only upon the attendance of 3 meetings.
Previous years’ membership continues unless otherwise requested by the organization in question.
Cornell Asian Pacific Student Union complies with Cornell University Policy 6.4 of Prohibited Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual and Related Misconduct. This policy is also outlined in the Big Red Guidebook.

The Officers reserve the right to remove any member (based on the unanimous decision of the Officers and Advisor) through the following grounds:

An organization may be rejected or removed from membership status by passing a simple majority vote at a general body meeting.
Voting rights will be allocated as follows:

1 vote for each voting (full by III.2) member organization as a whole

1 vote for each executive board member.

‍

VI. Executive Board of Officers

The organization of CAPSU shall be as such.

The elected officers in Cornell Asian Pacific Student Union shall be the President, Vice President, Director of Financial Affairs, Director of Administrative Affairs, Director of External Affairs, Director of Internal Affairs, Director of Public Relations, and two Directors of Advocacy.

A President, whose role is to lead the day-to-day affairs of the organization, and to be the main negotiator between CAPSU and other bodies. The head of CAPSU ensures that CAPSU's work always aligns with the greater CAPSU mission and builds the board's leadership and group dynamics. They also ensure that Cornell Asian Pacific Student Union activities and members follow all Cornell University policies.
A Vice President, who guides the Executive Board in event planning and acts as a liaison for events that CAPSU is collaborating on with other organizations. If a Facilitator is recalled or resigns, the Vice Facilitator will be the acting Facilitator until the election of another Facilitator. They also ensure that all the organization’s activities and members follow all Cornell University policies.
A Director of Administrative Affairs, whose role is to organize the day to day administrative and logistical concerns of the organization. Will also be required to compile the calendar and keep records of meetings or designate a replacement upon absence during the term.
A Director of External Affairs, who will focus on relations between CAPSU and specifically but not limited to, the Student Assembly, alumni associations, university institutions, and umbrella organizations within and outside the campus.
A Director of Internal Affairs, who will focus on relations between CAPSU and the Asian and Asian American affiliated student organizations within the campus.
A Director of Financial Affairs, who will be required to maintain the day-to-day financial situation of the organization, and be in charge of funding requests.
A Director of Public Relations, who will be required to oversee the use of various media to advertise CAPSU and its events to the Cornell and greater community, as well as engage in passive programming.
Directors of Advocacy, who will be responsible for raising awareness about national and campus-wide AAPI issues.
The President, Vice President, Director of Internal Affairs, and Director of External Affairs shall be elected once every year at a general election called by the prior facilitator. The other positions will be on an application basis and reviewed by members of the outgoing and incoming Executive Board.
Candidates will present their platform to the CAPSU community, followed by a question & answer session, followed by a discussion of their candidacy within the general body.
Voting organizations have the option of abstaining from a vote.
For single positions, candidates must win by a simple majority.
If more than 2 candidates run for a position, and there is a tie between 2 of them, a run-off election between them will occur.
For joint positions, candidates may run separately or together. Member organizations will each receive 2 votes, and they must vote for 2 separate candidates, or they may abstain from either vote or both.
In the event of a tie between 2 candidates, it will be broken by a vote among the executive board.
Board members shall take the lead in all events sponsored by CAPSU.
A board member may resign by sending a resignation letter to the entire board. The Facilitator will then call elections for a replacement as soon as possible.
If a board member fails to or is negligent in carrying out their duties, a board member or an advisor may propose a recall vote by the general body.
At that meeting, the board will present the case for recall, and the board member in question may defend him/herself, followed by a discussion amongst the general body.
The board member is recalled if there is a 2/3 majority vote in the general body. The Facilitator will then call an election for a replacement as soon as possible.
If the President is recalled or resigns, the Administrative Vice President will be acting President until an election can be called and a new Facilitator is elected.
Both elected and appointed officers shall be responsible for their duties as listed in this constitution.
Each officer shall also establish and maintain a working relationship with the General Membership, Executive Board, and all other officers, advisors, chairs, committees, and staff necessary to perform their duties.
Each officer shall maintain a record of their position, including budgets and activities of the office, to provide to incoming officers following elections
Outgoing officers shall also make every effort to assist in the transition process, including helping to ensure that incoming officers are aware of their responsibilities.

VIII. Advisor

Advisor selection

Any faculty or staff member at Cornell University capable of corresponding with the university in the official and legal matters of the Cornell Asian Pacific Student Union.
A majority vote of active members selects Independent organization advisors.
University/Department advisors are assigned by the university/department to oversee an organization.

Responsibilities of the advisor:

Attend general body and/or executive board meetings when needed
Meet regularly with the organization’s President to stay updated and serve as a resource
Assist with the annual registration process
Assist with the funding process

Term of service:

There is no limit to how long the advisor may hold the position subject to the advisor acting in the organization’s best interests, does not violate any Cornell University Policies rules and/or Student Code of Conduct, and is not engaged in activity jeopardizing the organization’s existence.

VIII. Meetings

The general meeting will be constituted of all members present.
Only present members may vote or may vote through a previously designated proxy.
All event proposals, changes to the constitution, and changes to the organization must pass a majority vote within the general meeting.
All proposals must come to a vote at the earliest possible general meeting.
Any member may call a vote on an issue if the call is taken up by at least one-third of present members, or an officer.
All decisions by the general meeting may be appealed in writing prior to the next general meeting to an Internal Affairs Vice President.
The Internal Affairs Vice President may then choose to bring the issue back to a vote in accordance with IV.3.5.
Upon failure of an appeal to an Internal Affairs Vice President, the appeal may be escalated to the Facilitator, who may choose to bring the issue to a vote in accordance with IV.3.5.
The General Meeting shall meet at a minimum biweekly and may increase meetings as necessary.
All votes may be taken by consensus voice vote, or upon request, by secret ballot.

IX. Amendments and Ratification

This constitution shall become effective once uploaded to CampusGroups during the annual re-registration process.

Ratification Process:

The constitution on file in CampusGroups is uploaded annually during the re-registration process and is valid until amendments are made.
This constitution must be ratified again once every academic year and re-uploaded to the CampusGroups group file.
The officers will propose any changes to the document before ratification to allow time for organization members to review it.
These changes will be voted upon by all Cornell Asian Pacific Student Union members who attend the meeting and must receive a majority vote.
Any member may submit a written proposal to the President or Vice President to amend anytime during the academic year.
Submitted amendments will be voted upon at the next general body meeting.
Any change to this constitution approved by a majority of the organization’s members voting goes into effect.
Any changes to the constitution must be shared with Campus Activities as a revised constitution for review.

‍