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CSA

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University of South Alabama

Catholic Student Association

Last revised: 01/27/2023

Constitution:

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 identify 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.
Article II Purpose

Catholic Students are invited to share a common faith community based on the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and the Canon Law, 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 (appointed by the Archbishop of Mobile), 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 III 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 IV Membership
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.
2. Members of the Catholic Student Association at the University of South Alabama accept the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and Catholic moral doctrine and commit themselves to growing in understanding the faith and practicing it in their lives.
3. A person is considered a member when he or she fills out a registration form, attends an interview with one of the officers, and is accepted by the President as a valid member based on matriculation at the University and according to what is stated in 1.
4. Membership and any position for the CSA (officer, committee leader) can be revoked at any time by the President when a member (including officers and committee leaders) does not accept the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and does not commit himself to growing in understanding the faith and practicing it (Article II, 2.). Before making the decision about revoking the membership, the President consults the Chaplain.
Article V Officers
1. The CSA is led by the Officers. The Officers will be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer:
- President- Chief executive officer of the CSA who oversees general meetings of the organization, officer board and appoints committee leaders. The President shall serve as the liaison between the CSA and University/Non-University offices or individuals. Works with the Chaplain to plan and organize community activities and lead the members of the CSA according to the purpose of the organization.
- Vice President- Assists the President with any support that may be needed and becomes President if the President is unable to uphold their office.
- Secretary- Records meeting minutes and assists the President and Chaplain in providing meeting times to the general membership body.
- Treasurer- Serves as the financial officer for CSA. The Treasurer will also be responsible for submitting all documentation to the SGA regarding approbations and grant funding.
1. Terms of Office are one year and can begin or end according to the student’s status of enrollment and or date of appointment. Current officers can be reelected for the same position if they continue to be members of the CSA. The offices are open only to matriculated Catholic students at the University of South Alabama. Officers are chosen by election from the candidates for each position.
2. Committees will be formed from members of the CSA Community and must have the approval of the President. Committees must have a minimum membership of two active student members. Terms for committee leaders are one year. Current committee leaders can be appointed for the same position if they continue to be members of the CSA. The committee leader (captain) is responsible for calling meetings, organizing events and reporting to the President of the results of any such meetings and the progress made by the committee (according to the Student Leadership Team guide of the CSA). Committee goals are discussed and presented at the beginning of the new academic year by the President and Vice President. The following committees are to be formed at the CSA:
- Spirituality
- Liturgy
- Music
- Social
- Service
Committee leaders (captains) are appointed by the President of the CSA from among the candidates for these positions.
1. To become a candidate for an officer position or committee leader position, one needs to:
  - be an active member of the CSA
  - apply for the position (according to the instructions published on the CSA website)
  - provide a recommendation letter from the University of South Alabama faculty member and the Chaplain of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Student Center
  - attend an interview with one of the officers and receive an approval of the current President of the CSA
2. To become an officer, one needs to:
  - be a candidate for the position
  - win the election (majority of votes of the active members of the CSA)
3. Elections for the positions of officers will be held during the second semester of every academic year, according to the instructions provided on the CSA website. The winner of any election must receive a majority of the votes cast.
Article VI Advisor

1. The official advisor to the organization must either be a faculty member or a full-time staff member at the University of South Alabama.
2. The advisor will serve as a resource to the CSA and, when available, attend official events and meetings.
3. The CSA officers are responsible for finding a faculty member or full-time staff member willing to serve as an advisor. Once a potential advisor has been identified, the officers and leaders of the committees will vote on the nominee. The nominee must receive most of the ballots cast to be confirmed as advisor. With the support of the officers, an advisor may serve indefinitely. If an advisor resigns or a majority of members vote to replace the current advisor, the selection process will begin anew.
Article VII Meetings

The CSA is a faith-based community and gathers daily in accordance with its published events calendar, which can be found updated at csajags.com.

Article VIII Finances

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

2. CSA does not have a bank account.

3. There are no dues for 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 the Archdiocese of Mobile.

Article IX Amendments

Amendments and bylaws can be proposed in writing by any member at any regular meeting. Majority of the members approval is required for adoption. The constitution will be published on the official CSA website, www.csajags.com.

SACRED HEART OF JESUS
CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY

CATHOLIC STUDENT ASSOCIATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

CSA