University of South Alabama
 
Catholic Student Association

Constitution:
 
PURPOSE: Catholic Students are invited to share a common faith community based on the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and will have, as a center for gathering, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Student Center located at 6051 Old Shell Rd. They will build community and through worship of Jesus Christ in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, personal prayer and devotion, catechetical teaching from the Chaplain of the community, and participation in community activities, the members will deepen their own identity in faith and strive to mature as human beings allowing the grace of God to perfect their human nature. Through the fostering of friendship, they will extend the Christian spirit into the life of the University of South Alabama by sharing the joy of Christ in their hearts and living a life of faith and virtue. Student members will also actively seek to discern their vocation in life through worship, prayer, and spiritual guidance offered by the Chaplain. 
 
Article I         Name and description
 

1. The name of the organization shall be the University of South Alabama Catholic Student Association and will utilize the acronym CSA to identity itself on Campus and off campus. 
2. CSA uses Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Student Center (6051 Old Shell Road) for gathering and activities. Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Student Center building is owned by the Archdiocese of Mobile and designated for the Catholic Campus Ministry.

1. Membership is open to Catholic Students or those who are pursuing conversion to the Catholic faith who are matriculated at the University of South Alabama. Alumni may also continue to be members at the discretion of the Campus Minister/Chaplain.
2. Members of the Catholic Student Association at the University of South Alabama accept the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, together with the Catholic moral doctrine and commit themselves to growing in understanding faith and practicing it in their lives.
3. A person is considered a member when he or she fills out a registration form and is accepted by the Campus Minister/Chaplain as a valid member based on matriculation at the University. Any exception is subject to the approval of the Campus Minister/Chaplain. 
4. College students who are not matriculated at the University of South Alabama and non – college students may become Friends of the Catholic Student Association after filling out registration form and being accepted by the Campus Minister/Chaplain.
5. Membership and any position for the CSA (officer, comitee leader) can be revoked at any time by the Campus Minister/Chaplain and at his discretion.

1. The CSA is led by the Chaplain who can act also as a Campus Minister and who is appointed by the Archbishop of Mobile. He is the ex-officio and appoints the student officers. The Chaplain/ Campus Minister is not the advisor.
2. The Officers will be a President and Vice President with the possibility of a Treasurer as well. Their role is to assist the Campus Minister/Chaplain in organizing and leading events and activities at the Catholic Student Center and on the Campus of the University of South Alabama. 
3. Terms of Office are for one year and can begin or end according to the student’s status of enrollment and or date of appointment. The appointment can be renewed at the discretion of the Campus Minister. 
4. The offices are open only to matriculated Catholic students at the University of South Alabama. 

5. Committees will be formed from members of the CSA Community and must have the approval of the Campus Minister/ Chaplain, who is not the faculty advisor. Committees must have a minimum membership of two active student members.  The leader of any such committee is to be approved by the Campus Minister/ Chaplain. Terms of committee leader are for one year. The leader is responsible for calling meetings, organizing events and reporting to the Campus Minister/Chaplain and president the results of any such meetings and the progress made by the committee. The following committees are to be formed at the CSA:

• Spirituality
• Liturgy
• Music
• Social
• Service
• Outreach

6. Committee goals are discussed and presented at the beginning of the new academic year by the Campus Minister/Chaplain and president.

1. All accounts, financial records, and transactions of the organization are subject to audit or review at the University’s discretion. 

2. The organization does not have its own bank account.

3. There are no dues for the membership with the Catholic Student Association.

4. Should the organization be dissolved, all remaining funds will be donated to the non-profit Catholic Charities of Archdiocese of Mobile.

5. All finances will be handled by the Campus Minister/Chaplain.

 
 
Article VI        Non-Discrimination Policy

Membership in University of South Alabama student organizations is open to all regularly enrolled students. Accordingly, no person may be excluded from membership or leadership in a registered student organization due to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender (unless exempt under Title IX), sexual orientation, disability or veteran status; provided, however, that registered student organizations may limit their membership to students who, upon individual inquiry, affirm that they support the organization's religious, political or other legally protected views, consistent with the First Amendment.
 
 
Article VII       Amendments
 
Amendments and bylaws can be proposed in writing by any member at any regular meeting. Chaplain/campus minister approval is required for adoption. .All changes to this constitution will be published at the official CSA website – www.csajags.com.