Constitution

ARTICLE I - ESTABLISHMENT

We the students, faculty, and staff of the University of Rochester hereby establish the Ballet Performance Group (BPG) of the University of Rochester and enact this constitution for its governance. Failure to follow this constitution could result in penalties or revocation of Students' Association recognition of this organization.

ARTICLE II - MISSION STATEMENT

The Ballet Performance Group aims to provide an outlet for individuals who seek to learn and perform all styles of dance while encouraging an awareness and appreciation of classical ballet. Our group's foremost goal is to keep ballet technique alive on campus by using it as a foundation for all the styles we perform. We welcome all levels of experience and offer dances that challenge and enhance the diverse abilities of our members. We are dedicated to showcasing our members' hard work and talents through semi-annual shows and various guest performances.

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION ONE - MEMBERSHIP

Eligibility - All Students’ Association (SA) members shall be eligible for membership. An SA Member is a University of Rochester undergraduate of the College who has paid their SA activities fee. All University of Rochester faculty, staff, graduate students and Eastman students shall be eligible for active membership. All members and associate members shall be listed on the organization’s Campus Community Connection site. Membership is automatically renewed yearly unless the member graduates, requests to cancel their membership, or fails to meet membership requirements.
Definition of active member – An active member pays dues to the group and participates in a minimum of one ballet class corresponding to their skill level. All active members are required to adhere to the attendance policy, as well as participate in one publicity event and two hours of fundraising per semester. Active members shall be placed in ballet classes before associate members.
Definition of associate member – All University of Rochester faculty, staff, graduate students and Eastman students shall be eligible for associate membership but not eligible to hold an officer position. Graduate students, faculty, and staff are not eligible to compete nor travel as part of a college student organization. Associate members pay dues to the group and may participate in a ballet class corresponding to their skill level but is not required to adhere to the attendance policy. Associate members may not vote in elections or participate in student choreographed dances and will only be placed in a technique classical.

ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS AND VOTING

SECTION ONE – QUORUM

A meeting shall be valid if a quorum is present. Quorum is defined as ½ of the active membership plus one officer.

SECTION TWO – VOTING

Voting on any issue shall be official only if the meeting is valid.
All members shall have equal voting power.
Procedure – All decisions shall be arrived at by simple majority using a hand vote unless otherwise specified by the presiding officer. The President shall only vote to break a tie.
All active members may vote for officers. Only executive board members may vote on all other group business.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND QUALIFICATIONS

SECTION ONE – OFFICER POSITIONS

President – two semesters on BPG’s executive board are required.
Vice President - one semester of choreography experience within BPG and two semesters on BPG’s executive board are required.
Business Manager
Publicity Coordinator
Fundraising Coordinator
Social Director
Technique Coordinator - background in ballet technique and appointment by current executive board required.
Outreach Coordinator – prior experience in BPG’s outreach program, work with children, and/or a background in community service is recommended. Appointment by current executive board required.
Secretary – appointment by current executive board required.

SECTION TWO - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

All officers shall be members of the Students' Association.
All officers shall promote active recruitment of new members.
All officers shall enforce this constitution.
All officers shall be responsible for knowing the sections of the Students' Association constitution and bylaws that apply to this organization.
The President shall preside over meetings and maintain organization within the club, communicate with other officers and delegate duties to maintain a functioning club that fulfills the purposes set forth above.
The Business Manager shall be responsible for maintaining all finances and keep detailed records of all transactions.
The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining a current copy of this constitution open to inspection by all members of this organization, Senators, and all members of the Students’ Association. The Secretary shall also take roll call at all meetings, keep an accurate list of organization members, and take and maintain meeting minutes.
The Vice President shall serve as the liaison between the choreographers and the executive board.
The Publicity Coordinator shall be responsible for on and off campus publicity.
The Fundraising Coordinator shall be responsible for organizing fundraisers.
The Social Director shall be responsible for connecting the group’s membership outside the context of meetings, rehearsals, and performances.
The Technique Coordinator shall be responsible for promoting the development of ballet technique and organizing student-led workshops.
The Outreach Coordinator shall be responsible for expanding BPG beyond the bounds of current members.

SECTION THREE - NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Nomination and Elections Procedure - Nominations for all positions are accepted by the President via email from any active member prior to elections. Candidates for elected positions will speak to the group one at a time. After all candidates have spoken, members will have the opportunity to discuss. All comments made during this period will be kept confidential. The President shall moderate this discussion, unless they are a candidate, in which case another executive board will moderate. If a member is running for more than one position, that information will be kept confidential. After the discussion period, votes may be cast via secret ballot. Candidates for appointed positions must prepare a written platform. Incoming and outgoing officers will meet after elections to review the platforms and appoint the best candidate for the position. The entire membership must vote to confirm the appointment.
Term of Office - all officers will hold positions for one academic year. Officers will take office at the beginning of the academic year. Transitions will occur in the spring semester of the previous year, following elections.
Timing of Elections - elections will be held at the end of February and will occur at least two weeks before the end of classes in the spring semester.

SECTION FOUR - VACANCIES, RESIGNATIONS, AND REMOVALS

At the first valid meeting following a vacancy of an office, the position is to be filled by the same manner described in Article V, Section Three.
A vote of no confidence is a vote to remove an officer. Such a vote shall require a ⅔ majority of the executive board to pass. Any member of the organization may call for a vote of no confidence. They may do so by sending an email to the President.
If a vote of no confidence on any officer is to take place, they must be notified one week in advance.
An office shall be declared vacant as the result of a vote of no confidence.

ARTICLE VI - RESOURCES

SECTION ONE - RESOURCES

The Ballet Performance Group of the University of Rochester will abide their Resource Agreement.

ARTICLE VII - HAZING POLICY

Hazing, defined as the harassment of one individual by another individual or organization, is not permitted by the Ballet Performance Group. Behavior prohibited under this rule includes actions threatening substantial risk of physical or mental injury; actions exposing the individual to distressing, repulsive, or alarming situations or sensations; forced consumption of alcohol or drugs; actions in the form of social pressure which might cause harm to an individual.

ARTICLE VIII - NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Ballet Performance Group abides by the nondiscrimination policy of the University of Rochester.