Article 1: Name

The name of this organization shall be The A&M Objectivist Club

Article 2: Purpose and Goals

THE A&M OBJECTIVIST CLUB is an organization dedicated to the continuing study of the philosophy developed by Ayn Rand. The fundamentals of the philosophy are best summarized as:

Metaphysics: objective reality

Epistemology: reason

Ethics: rational egoism

Politics: individual rights

Esthetics: romantic realism

This organization will seek to provide access to literature, activities, and information concerning the philosophy of Objectivism for the students at Texas A&M University.   It will serve as an information bureau and a center for educational activities, such as guest speakers and videotapes.

Article 3: Membership

Membership in the organization is open to everyone interested in the philosophy of Objectivism. Meeting attendance is restricted to current member and their guests. New membership will be extended to any interested meeting or event attendees who thereafter attend at least two meetings per semester and pays organization fees (if any). In the interest of maintaining the integrity of the organization's goals, the executive committee of the organization reserves the right to expel a member after a hearing and a majority decision to expel.

Article 4: Executive Officers

The body of executive officers shall consist of a president, vice-president, treasurer and secretary.  All officers in the executive committee must meet the following requirements:

(a)        Have a minimum grade point ratio (GPR) as stated below and meet that minimum GPR in the semester immediately prior to the election, the semester of election, and semesters during the term in office.

1)      For undergraduate students, the minimum GPR is 2.00. In order for this provision to be met, at least six hours (half-time credits) must have been taken for the semester under consideration. In one limited circumstance, summer semester hours may be applied to this provision. In order for summer coursework to qualify toward a grade point ration prior to election, at least six credit hours must have been taken during the course of either the full or two summer session(s).

2)      For graduate level students, the minimum GPR is 3.00. In order for this provision to be met, at least four hours (half-time credits) must have been taken for the semester under consideration. In one limited circumstance, summer semester hours may be applied to this provision. In order for summer coursework to qualify toward a grade point ration prior to election, at least six credit hours must have been taken during the course of either the full or two summer session(s) unless fewer credits are required as they complete the final stages fo their degree.

(b)        Be in good standing with the university and enrolled:

1)      at least half time (six or more credit hours), if an undergraduate student (unless fewer credits are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters) during the term of office, and

2)      at least half time (four or more credits), if a graduate level student (unless fewer credits are required in the final stages of their degree as defined by the Continuous Registration Requirement) during their term of office.

(c)        Be ineligible to hold an office should the student fail to maintain the requirements as prescribed in (a) and (b)

The body of executive officers shall be elected as stated below:

1)      The executive committee for each academic year will be selected at a meeting near the end of the previous term as called by the committee for that term.

2)      Open nominations and elections for each position will be held during the meeting at which the selection of the officers is to take place. One half of all current members must be present to constitute a quorum. Nominees may decline to run. The winner of a majority vote will assume office if he/she meets the above requirements.

3)      A by-election will be called by the remaining officers if any office should become vacant.

A member of the executive committee may be removed from office if a two-thirds majority of members so decide at a meeting called by the other executive officers for the purpose of making a decision on this matter. No members may be expelled from the organization while impeachment proceedings are pending.

Article 5: Finances

The organization shall maintain an account at the Texas A&M University Student Organization Finance Center, where all funds collected by the organization shall be deposited. The signatures of the faculty advisor and either the president or secretary shall be required for disbursements. Organization fees (if any) shall be determined by the executive committee and collected each school term. Contributions to the organization for general operation or specific activities will be welcomed. Should the organization be dissolved, a final meeting of the executive body will be held to determine the fate of any remaining organization funds.

Article 6: Amendments

Amendments to this constitution must be approved by a majority of the executive committee and then by two thirds of the membership voting at a meeting where the amendment is presented. The publicity chair shall notify each member of the proposed amendment at least one week prior to the meeting at which it will be considered. Two-thirds of the current members must be present to constitute a quorum. Once an amendment is approved in general election it must be approved and signed by the faculty advisor before taking effect.