THE GARRETT EVANGELICAL BLACK SEMINARIANS CONSTITUTION
Preamble
We, the members of the Garrett-Evangelical Black Seminarians, recognize the black experience to be dependent upon a vital and steadfast faith in a Sovereign God.
As a collective body, we have organized ourselves to insure the development of theological perspectives commensurate with the needs of the black students. Moreover, Garrett- Evangelical Black Seminarians represents an individual and a group commitment to a ministry of learning. The Black church symbolizes a significant reality in the struggle for human rights. The awareness of this struggle is indispensible to our educational mission.
Therefore, we organize ourselves as the Garrett-evangelical Black Seminarians (G-EBS). G-EBS expects to work in cooperation with The Church and the Black Experience in developing and implementing systematic efforts to augment the academic, personal and professional experiences with the Seminary community. We shall be guided by the following objectives:
(1) Promotion of academic and cultural activities which enhance wholeness in theological education, as well as recognition and appreciation of Black religious lifestyles and traditions.
(2) Provision of forums for addressing issues which impact the life of black students at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
(3) Inception of activities which enhance the development of professional ministry/skills among Black Seminarians.
(4) Exploration and development of opportunities for examining new and innovative forms of ministry, as well as, their potential impact upon the life of the Black church and the Black community.
(5) Participation and encouragement of support in the larger G-ETS community.
(6) Sponsorship of programs and activities which affirm the personhood of blacks within the G-ETS community and the celebration of the strength and integrity of the black culture.
(7) Cooperation with The Church and the Black Experience in sensitizing the G-ETS community to the knowledge and experiences which are imperative to understanding the nature and mission of the Black Church in America and the world community.
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Garrett- Evangelical Black Seminarians (G-EBS).
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE
Section 1.
The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the preparation of black persons for professional ministries. We recognize God as our source of life and meaning. The reconciling efforts of God in Christ are the basis for our participation in theological education.
Section 2.
G-EBS strives to relate theological disciplines to the existential life and faith experiences of black people. G-EBS provides leadership and involvement in the fulfillment of a dynamic Gospel of Liberation. We ally ourselves with individuals and groups whose personhood, like ours, is often denied by the forces of racism, sexism, classism, and economic exploitation. We attempt to embody truth and love as the sources of power requisite to the tasks of human redemption and reconciliation.
ARTICLE III
AUTHORITY
Section 1.
The authority of G-EBS shall be derived from the consent of the black students enrolled at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
Section 2.
G-EBS shall be recognized by Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary as being the representative body of the black students enrolled at the seminary.
Section 4.
This Constitution is the ruling document of G-EBS. Robert’s Rules of Orders shall generally determine the procedures of G-EBS.
Section 5.
G-EBS shall have the right to plan and implement programs in accordance with its purpose.
Section 6.
G-EBS shall have the authority to allocate and distribute funds from the Treasury of the organization and shall have the power to encourage financial support from its membership and alumni/ae/
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1.
Membership in G-EBS shall be open to all students of African heritage enrolled at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Active membership requires both personal and financial involvement. Therefore, dues will be accessed on a quarterly basis for all active members.
Members are equally expected to commit their spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and moral energies toward the fulfillment of the objectives of G-EBS.
Only active members shall have voting privileges.
ARTICLE V
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1.
G-EBS shall elect the following officers:
Co-Chair (male)
Co-Chair (female)
Secretary
Treasurer
Chaplain
Historian
Section 2.
A nominating committee consisting of three persons shall be elected from the active membership of G-EBS. These persons should be a representative from each level (One, Two, and Three) of the basic degree/advanced degree programs. Representation of both sexes should be taken into consideration when electing this committee. Those persons serving as present officers are not eligible for this committee.
Section 3.
The nominating committee shall select a slate of candidates for office, taking into consideration the imput of the membership. The committee shall select candidates whom meet the following standards of eligibility:
a. Nominees shall expect to be enrolled as full time studentsfor the proceeding academic year in one of the G-ETS’ basic/advanced degree programs (MDiv, MCE, or MTS).
b. Nominees shall be in good academic standing (i.e., not on academic probation).
c. Nominees shall be active members.
d. Nominees shall possess the requisite gifts to perform the duties of the office for which he/she is nominated.
In addition, the nominating committee should make all reasonable efforts to ensure a minimum of two (2) candidates nominated for each office on the election slate.
When slating candidates, the nominating committee should be mindful of our commitment for inclusiveness. Men, as well as women, should be presented on the final slate.
Prior to the elections, it shall be the responsibility of the nominating committee to verify that each candidate meets the established standards and criteria set forth in this constitution. Each nominated person shall be contacted for her/his approval before the slate is presented to the membership.
The committee shall publish the names of the candidates and give notice to the membership of G-EBS no less than one week (7 days) prior to the election.
On the day of the elections, the slate of candidates shall be presented to the G-EBS active membership to be selected by vote. A member of the nominating committee shall be chosen by the nominating committee to serve as administrator of the voting procedures. Voting shall be by secret ballot. The nominating committee shall tally the ballots and announce the new office-holders. No person can under any circumstances hold two G-EBS offices at a time. In case of any problem during the election process, the nominating committee will make the final decision guided by Robert’s Rules of Order.
Section 4.
New officers shall be elected no later than one month prior to the end of the academic year, so as to affect an efficient, smooth transition. However, the incoming office-holders shall not assume their duties and powers until two-weeks prior to the end of academic year.
Section 5.
The term of all offices shall be one year.
Section 6.
In the case of a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the academic year/term, the nominating committee shall proceed to fill the office according to the procedures established in the foregoing sections. In the interim, the executive committee shall redistribute the duties and powers so that the work of the committee can proceed without interruption.
ARTICLE VI
DUTIES AND POWERS OF OFFICERS
Section 1.
The Co-Chairs
A. Shall preside at all meetings of G-EBS and the Executive Committee
B. Shall be the Chairpersons of the Executive Committee
C. Shall be ex-officio of all other committees, excluding the nominating committee.
D. Shall be the official representatives of G-EBS at all G-ETS functions and shall report to the Executive Committee and to the membership.
E. Shall sign with the Treasurer all financial requisitions made on behalf of G-ETS
F. Shall be present at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Student Council meetings
The Secretary
A. Shall keep a written account of the proceedings at each meeting of G-EBS and Executive sessions.
B. Shall read the previous minutes at all sessions of general and Executive meetings
C. Shall be the custodian of the organization’s file.
D. Shall keep a file containing:
a. A current record of the Constitution
b. The name, address, telephone number, and email address of all members
E. Shall handle all correspondence.
F. Shall provide written notice of all meetings, both Executive and general sessions one week prior to the meeting
G. Shall be a voting member of the Executive Committee.
The Treasurer
A. Shall work with The Church and the Black Experience (CBE) to ascertain the expenditures for student programming and to determine each organization’s responsibility for joint undertakings
B. Shall work with the Treasurer of the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Student Council in order submission of a budget for the academic year/term and to proceed accordingly with the policies and procedures set forth in place in order to request monies allocated to G-EBS by the student council.
C. Shall receive all monies for G-EBS, record transactions, and control the disbursements in accordance with the provisions/wishes of the membership. No disbursement may be made without the signature of at least two officers of the Executive Committee.
D. Shall collect and keep all dues by accurate record of the active membership
E. Shall make quarterly and annual reports to G-EBS active membership
F. Shall be a voting member of the Executive Committee
The Chaplain
A. Shall have the responsibility for the opening and closing of all meetings
B. Shall be responsible for the ongoing spiritual enhancement of the body
C. Shall help to facilitate an atmosphere of spiritual openness and good will at all gatherings of the G-EBS community
D. Shall serve as lead representative of G-EBS for all co-coordinated worship services in cooperation with G-ETS Chapel Staff, (i.e. Black History Month, etc.)
E. Shall be a voting member of the Executive Committee
The Historian
A. Shall collect and maintain any and all documents or publications of potential future interest of G-EBS
B. Shall be responsible for documenting all organization public activities
C. Shall be knowledgeable of the founding, history, and present activities and undertakings of G-EBS
D. Shall be responsible for the oration of G-EBS history and founding during meetings, sessions, or activities of the organization that require such oration.
E. Shall be a voting member of the Executive Committee
Section 2.
Any officer found guilty of constantly neglecting or failing to discharge her/his duties may be removed by a 2/3 vote of the active membership after charges have been brought forth and due deliberation has taken place.
ARTICLE VII
POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1.
The Executive Committee shall be composed of all officers. Each person shall have one vote, with the exception of its chairpersons. However, in the event of a tied vote, the chairpersons may only cast one vote. The Executive Committee shall be chaired by the Co-Chairs.
Section 2.
The Executive Committee shall review all policy decision of G-EBS. This committee may delegate the authority to the Co-Chairs to make decisions on behalf of the Executive Committee between regularly scheduled Executive meetings. The Executive Committee shall supervise, direct, and administer the programs and concerns of G-EBS. It shall have the power to act on the behalf of G-EBS between the regularly scheduled general meetings of the organization. Its actions shall be subject to the review and approval of the G-EBS active membership.
Section 3.
The Executive Committee shall elicit information from the membership which will enable it to design, evaluate, proposes, an implement all activities of the organization, including educational and spiritual enrichment. (For example, lecture series, MLKing Day and social activities such as graduation, etc.)
Section 4.
The Executive Committee shall be sensitive to the needs of the Black students as related to the curriculum. It shall make appropriate recommendations for new and/or revisions to the existing courses of G-ETS. It will need to be cognizant of possible curriculum and make comments and recommendations accordingly.
Section 5.
The Executive Committee shall plan and implement, at least once a Quarter, a G-EBS sponsored or supported worship service. It shall ensure that all planned worship services receive adequate publicity. The Executive Committee shall be responsive to the cares and concerns of the G-EBS community, i.e. deaths, births, anniversaries, illnesses, etc.
Section 6.
The Executive Committee has the authority to appoint persons (with their permission) to any place where the representation/leadership is needed.
ARTICLE VIII
CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS
Section 1.
The Preamble of this Constitution may not be revised. This preserves the intent of our founders.
Section 2.
The Constitution, our ruling document, may not be arbitrarily suspended or revised. However, if in the judgment of the Executive Committee, a section of the Constitution inhibits the functioning of the organization, that section in question may temporarily be suspended by the consent of the active membership. A practical interim alternative shall be proposed and approved by the active membership. The Secretary shall record these proceedings as part of the normal recording of the meeting. That section shall at the earliest time, be revised and restored.
Section 3.
A Constitution Revision Committee may be established by a majority vote of a duly called membership meeting.
Section 4.
Ratification of an amendment to this Constitution shall be by a 2/3 vote of the active membership of a duly called membership meeting.
Section 5.
A copy of the current Constitution shall be filed at the Church and the Black Experience Office and the Office of Student Affairs.
