Constitution
Below you will find The Racquet Press’ constitution. Any questions or concerns can be directed to [email protected].
CONSTITUTION
The Racquet Press – UWL’s Student News Source
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
ARTICLE I NAME
SECTION 1
The name of this organization shall be The Racquet Press – UWL’s Student News Source.
ARTICLE II PURPOSE
SECTION 1
The purpose of this organization is to serve the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse student body and the public as a source of the free press.
ARTICLE III AUTHORITY
SECTION 1
This organization is a recognized student organization at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse but exists as a separate entity from the University in some ways. In legal matters, The Racquet Press has no legal protection from the University but is still considered an organization of the University. The Racquet Press must abide by the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse student organization rules but the Executive Editor has final say.
SECTION 2
This organization will establish bylaws to govern administrative and procedural matters (such as time and location of meetings, etc.). Bylaws shall not conflict with this constitution. Bylaws may be adopted, amended, or temporarily suspended by a majority vote present at an organization meeting where a quorum is present.
ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1
Membership in the organization shall be open to those regularly-enrolled University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
SECTION 2
Eligibility for positions may not be limited on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. The organization shall have no rules or policies that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability.
ARTICLE V POSITION NAMES
SECTION 1
The position names of The Racquet Press shall be EXECUTIVE EDITOR, MANAGING EDITOR, MULTIMEDIA EDITOR, ASSISTANT EDITOR, ADVERTISING DIRECTOR, BUSINESS MANAGER, PHOTOJOURNALIST, SPORTS REPORTER, SOCIAL JUSTICE REPORTER, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER AND GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER.
SECTION 2
In order to hold a position at The Racquet Press, members must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
SECTION 3
Members must be a matriculated student and be in good standing with their college.
SECTION 4
All members must commit to ONE (1) SEMESTER.
ARTICLE VI MEETINGS
SECTION 1
Regular meetings shall be held weekly.
SECTION 2
Special meetings may be called by the Head Editors. All members must be given a minimum of 24 hours’ notice prior to the meeting time.
ARTICLE VII UNIVERSITY ADVISOR(S)
SECTION 1
The Racquet Press shall have a University Advisor who will be a full- or part-time member of the University faculty, staff, or administration. The advisor will fulfill the responsibilities specified in the UWL Student Organization Advisor manual. Advisors shall serve on an academic year basis or until their successor has been selected. The advisor is chosen by the current Head Editors.
SECTION 2
The head editors are allowed to request a new advisor if they are not meeting expectations.
SECTION 3
The advisor does not have to be from the English department. It is required to have someone who has a passion for journalism and provides the utmost support and will fight for The Racquet Press and defend us to administration and beyond.
SECTION 4
The option of “co–advisors” may be pursued when the current advisor is not competing with the set standards or it is of comfort to the organization.
ARTICLE VIII DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS
SECTION 1
All members of The Racquet Press are expected to uphold the rules and regulations of the University of La Crosse Student Code of Conduct.
SECTION 2
Members that violate the Student Code of Conduct and Student Organization policies may face disciplinary action.
ARTICLE IX AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1
Proposed amendments to this constitution shall be presented to the current Head Editing team and will be discussed and decided by them with the consultation of the rest of the staff. Student Association is not allowed to make any changes to the constitution or bylaws without the approval of both Head Editors.
ARTICLE X RACQUET READERS
SECTION 1
Racquet Readers will be added each semester by the Head Editors.
SECTION 2
The Racquet Reader member’s role is to provide constructive criticism and to support the paper cross-department and encourage the free press.
SECTION 3
Head Editors can terminate Racquet Reader members for lack of attendance and contribution.