Texas A&M University Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor Constitution. Mission Statement

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1 Texas A&M University Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor Constitution Mission Statement Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor (FLASH) is a freshman led organization that is committed to developing its freshmen into leaders dedicated towards serving the greater good by instilling excellence, friendship, selfless service, leadership, and honor in all its members. FLASH seeks to fully integrate freshmen at Texas A&M into its organization and develop a network through which they can establish a foundation for success in their career at Texas A&M. Article I Name and Membership This organization will be formally known as Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor. All freshman students at Texas A&M University and Blinn Team are allowed to apply for admittance into Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor. The leadership of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor is comprised of one Director, an Executive Board comprised of an Executive of Finance, an Executive of Logistics and Planning, an Executive of Public Relations, an Executive of the Big Program (collectively the five shall be referred to as the Executive Board), a group of mentors, and a FLASH Big Program. All members of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor, upon entering the organization, are subject to pay membership dues, of which the amount is up to the Executive of Finance, the Director, and the advisor s discretion. This amount must be decided before the revision of the constitution before the fall semester of the school year. The dues amount for the school year is $160, to be paid in full at the beginning of the fall semester, unless otherwise discussed with the Finance Executive. A Comprised of money collected from freshman dues, 5 full scholarships will be available to students who are cannot afford the dues on their own. They will be awarded through an application process determined by the current Executive Board. Discrimination and harassment based on the age, ethnic background, social standing, gender, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status of individuals or any other subgroup will not be accepted. Article II Purpose and Goals To create a well-organized group of freshmen focused developing leadership, honor, and professionalism. Through peer mentoring, the members of FLASH will gain experience that ought to prepare them for a successful college career. To provide an enjoyable and safe environment for incoming freshmen to become accustomed to Texas A&M University. To provide a lasting positive impact at Texas A&M, College Station, and the Bryan community through leadership and selfless service. To provide an avenue through which lifelong friendships can be built through both social and service events.

2 Article III Core Values LEADERSHIP Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor is a freshman leadership organization that bases its activities on the value of leadership. The Executive Board and Staff want each freshman to grow in their leadership skills and use these qualities to impact their campus and community. Our organization aims to provide experiences that will assist freshmen in building social and service skills. EXCELLENCE Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor wants each of the freshmen members to strive to do more for their campus and community. FLASH will shape freshmen into respectful and ambitious individuals who strive to better their community and themselves. HONOR Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor strives to uphold and contribute to the reputation of Texas A&M University in all its activities. All members of the organization are expected to serve as model representatives of the university and characterize all that Texas A&M stands for as a university. Members will comply with the Aggie Honor Code in both the organization and all their college activities. INTEGRITY - Each member of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor is expected to uphold both the Aggie Code of Honor and FLASH Policy in all that they do. This includes but is not limited to: upholding a specific GPA, meeting membership requirements, behaving respectfully, and representing FLASH well in their community. SERVICE Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor seeks to develop its members into leaders committed to the betterment of society. Members are expected to engage in service events that aid in the development of the College Station/Bryan area, which ought to translate to a desire to serve on a grander scale past organization involvement. All members are required to participate in a set number of service events per semester to achieve this goal. Section 6 RESPECT Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor is a community of peers, made up of freshmen, bigs, mentors, and executive board members, creating a network of support. All staff members want to create an inclusive environment where each individual freshman can connect with others from any background. A culture of acceptance and trust ought to be developed amongst all members of FLASH. Section 7 LOYALTY - Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor is an organization with the aim of promoting healthy relationships between all members, staff and freshmen and alike. Individuals in FLASH ought to learn to treat each other equally and love blindly in the face of adversity.. Article IV Organization The leadership of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor will be comprised of the advisor, followed by the Director, Executive Team, FLASH Mentors, FLASH Big Leaders, then the freshman members - every member of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor will have a voice. The Mentor team will be divided into groups of mentors to head a leadership committee. The freshmen members of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor will be split as evenly as possible among each of the committees. The mentors will help guide, plan and participate in activities to build relationships between themselves and their freshmen. The primary goal of each mentor should be to develop their freshmen as leaders. The FLASH Big Program will include a number of Big Leaders chosen at the Executive Board s discretion. The Big Families will be comprised of 2 Big Leaders, and the freshmen of FLASH will be split as evenly as possible among each of the families. Big Families will go alongside members of FLASH throughout their freshman year in college by facilitating individual and group bonding activities, providing an accepting support system, and ensuring that members stay involved in FLASH events.

3 Article V Advisor The advisor to Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor shall only have the power to disapprove of an event if there is both legitimate risk and that said risk has been discussed with the current Executive Board. The advisor is allowed to participate as much or as little as they prefer in order to promote involvement, and is permitted to contribute as any member of the organization. Article VI Executive Board As stated before, there will be an Executive Board in Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor comprised of one Director and an Executive Team comprised of a Finance Executive, a Logistics and Planning Executive, a Public Relations Executive, and a Big Executive. The Executive Board will select the following year s Director. The new Director chosen by the Executive Board will select the new Executive Team with assistance from the past Director. The Director will serve as Chief Student Leader and the Finance Executive shall serve as the Treasurer barring any unforeseeable circumstances.. This process will be held at the end of the academic school year. The responsibilities and duties of the Director are to: (a). Select the Mentor team along with the Executive Team (b). Select the Big leaders along with the Executive Team (c). Be the official representative for the organization to the university and other organizations (d). Assess and perform risk management (e). Establish goals for FLASH and each member of the Executive Team and execute plans to accomplish these goals (f). Be accountable and hold all of Staff accountable (g). Create and maintain group unity (h). Be a resource and voice for the entire team (i). Select the following year s Director and assist the future Director in selecting the future Executive Team (j). Approve budgets drafted by the Finance Executive (k). Send out weekly s to freshmen and staff The responsibilities and duties of the Finance Executive are to: (a). Select the Mentor and Big teams along with the Executive Board (b). Keep all finances in order and in accordance with university policy (c). Draft budgets for each committee events for approval by the Director (d). Assess and perform risk management (e). Manage the collection of dues and apparel money (f). Keep up with day-to-day activities involving the SOFC (g). Select the future Director along with the rest of the Executive Board The responsibilities and duties of the Logistics and Planning Executive are to: (a). Select the Mentor and Big teams along with the Executive Board (b). Assess and perform risk management (c). Maintain an up-to-date attendance record of all freshmen (d). Keep an Entire Staff Calendar of Events up to date (e). Keep an Entire Organization Calendar of Events up to date (f). Assist the Director in day to day activities of bookings, correspondence, and Staff notifications (g). Select the future Director along with the rest of the Executive Board The responsibilities and duties of the Big Executive are to:

4 (a). Select the Mentor and Big teams along with the Executive Board (b). Assess and perform risk management (c). Plan and run weekly meetings for Big Leaders (d). Delegate and maintain the accountability of all Big Leaders (e). Maintain active communication with all of the Big Leaders (f). Coordinate the end of the year event along with the Big Leaders (g). Select the future Director along with the rest of the Executive Board The responsibilities and duties of the Public Relations Executive are to: (a). Select the Mentor and Big teams along with the Executive Board (b). Communicate with other Texas A&M University student organizations to build a supportive relationship with them (c). Plan and coordinate possible events with other organizations (d). Maintain social media sites or designate another Staff member to do so in their stead (e). Be the official voice of the organization to the university and other organizations (f). Remain responsible for the reputation and image of FLASH in relation to outside vendors and locations (g). Coordinate and maintain the Alumni Program (h). Monitor and regulate policy amongst FLASH members If a disagreement arises between the Director and any member of the Executive Team, a voting process shall be held, with the Director maintaining a tie-breaking 2-vote majority. If the conflict cannot be resolved or dropped, the Executive Board will meet with the advisor and each member of the Board will be allowed to present his/her view on the matter. After hearing the details of the disagreement, the advisor will make the final decision based on what is best for the organization. If a member of the Executive Board is not fulfilling their leadership duties or has acted in a way that reflects poorly on the organization, the advisor will be informed on the matter. If the advisor and the remaining Executive members believe that removing the Director or member of the Executive Team from their position is in the best interests for the organization, he/she may be removed from the Executive Board. Article VII Mentors The mentors will be composed of second year students who had been involved in Freshmen Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor the previous year. They must go through both an application and interview process held by the Director and Executive Board for the upcoming academic school year. After the members of the Executive Board for the following academic school year have been chosen, they will choose the new mentor team at their discretion. Mentors will be notified of the Executive Board s decision by the end of the academic school year. The responsibilities and duties of the mentors are to: (a). Oversee the planning and attendance of social, service, fundraising, campus related, and public relations events (b). Run the organization s weekly meetings (c). Find guest speakers for the weekly meetings (d). Guide and develop the freshmen through their first year of college (e). Maintain a welcoming atmosphere year-round to all freshman members Mentors will be required to attend all weekly organization-wide meetings, staff meetings, committee meetings, and all their events their committee plans unless a valid excuse is permitted by the Logistics and Planning Executive. If the Executive Board of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor decides that any member of the Mentor team is not fulfilling their duties or has acted in a way that reflects poorly on the organization, the officer will be given notice a week in advance of their leadership hearing. At this hearing before the Executive Board where they will be given a chance to give their perspective and defend their membership in the organization. After this hearing, a unanimous decision by the Executive Board will result in removal of the member from the organization.

5 Article VIII FLASH Big Program The Big Leaders will be composed of second year students who had been involved in Freshmen Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor the previous year. They must go through both an application and interview process held by the Director and Executive Board for the upcoming academic school year. After the members of the Executive Board for the following academic school year have been chosen, they will choose the new Big Leaders at their discretion. Big Leaders will be notified of the Executive Board s decision by the end of the academic school year. The responsibilities and duties of the FLASH Big Leaders are to: (a). Plan individual hangouts with their freshmen and build supportive relationships with their Big members (b). Plan bi-weekly hangouts for their family (c). Provide a positive atmosphere and influence for incoming freshmen (d). Work with Mentors and the Executive Board to keep up attendance at all FLASH events (e). In charge of collaborating with fellow Bigs to create and manage at least one service and one social event each month FLASH Big Leaders shall communicate announcements to the Executive Board on a weekly basis. They may also be required to speak at FLASH weekly meetings to communicate announcements. If the Executive Board of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor decides that any member of the Big team is not fulfilling their duties or has acted in a way that reflects poorly on the organization, the officer will be given notice a week in advance of their leadership hearing. At this hearing before the Executive Board where they will be given a chance to give their perspective and defend their membership in the organization. After this hearing, a unanimous decision by the Executive Board will result in removal of the member from the organization. Article IX Freshmen The freshmen members must go through an application and interview process held by the Executive Board and staff for the upcoming academic school year. The freshmen will be notified within a week of their interview about the decision, unless extraneous circumstances arise. The freshmen will be evenly divided between the leadership committees and big families based on a preference system. Freshmen who are suspected by Staff or the Executive Board for being in severe violation of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor rules and standards will be ed a notice of their violation and will be asked a week in advance to attend a hearing before the Executive Board and the Staff member(s) who reported it, where they will be given a chance to give their perspective and defend their membership in the organization and also have their membership defended by their Mentors or Bigs.. After this hearing, a unanimous decision by the Executive Board results in removal of the member from the organization. If the freshman refuses to attend the hearing they will be removed from the organization.

6 Article X Leadership Committees A Director will be placed at the head of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor in order to overlook all operations of the organization, as well as finalize all official paperwork and assist the Mentor team. A Mentor team for Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor will be created to guide the freshman members towards their goals in both the service and social aspects of the organization. A Community Outreach committee will be created to plan and organize service activities in which all members of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor will be given the opportunity to participate. The Community Outreach committee will be headed by a team of mentors from the organization to assist the freshmen in ideas, paperwork, and logistics of the events. A Fundraising committee will be created to plan and organize fundraising activities in which all members of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor will be given the opportunity to participate. The Fundraising committee will be headed by a team of mentors from the organization to assist the freshmen in ideas, paperwork, and logistics of the events. A Social committee will be created to plan and organize large social activities in which all members of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor will be encouraged to attend. These events would have the intention of building stronger relationships between members. The Social committee will be headed by a team of mentors from the organization to assist the freshmen in ideas, paperwork, and logistics of the events. Section 6 A Campus Relations committee will be created to plan and organize activities happening on the Texas A&M campus and to publicize on-campus events that may interest members. It is the primary goal of Campus Relations to familiarize freshmen with the Texas A&M campus, traditions, and events. The Campus Relations committee will be required to organize organization attendance to athletic events, Silver Taps, Muster, and other events. The Campus Relations committee will be headed by a team of mentors from the organization to assist the freshmen in ideas, paperwork, and logistics of the events. Section 7 A Give Back committee will be created to plan and organize large service events aimed at contributing to the organization s reputation and the College Station/Bryan area. The Give Back committee members will be responsible for leading Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor in the hosting of such big events. The Give Back committee will be headed by a team of mentors from the organization to assist the freshmen in ideas, paperwork, and logistics of the events. Section 8 A Public Relations committee will be created to establish relationships with the Texas A&M community. It is the primary goal of Public Relations to maintain positive relations with other organizations on and off Texas A&M s campus. This committee is expected to collaborate and sustain a positive relationship between other organizations, working together to serve a greater purpose. The Public Relations committee will be led by a group of mentors who will promote FLASH and help to assist freshmen in creating ideas, maintaining paperwork, and sustaining the logistics of the events associated. Article XI Meetings and Point System A meeting of the entire organization will be held each week to discuss organizational matters, including new activities. Attendance of these meetings is mandatory for every member of the organization. An absence from a meeting must fall under the list of university-excused absences or be approved by the Logistics and Planning Executive given viable proof of circumstance via by 5pm on the Friday prior to the meeting. If an absence is not university excused or discussed with the Logistics and Planning Executive, it will result in a strike. For freshmen, two absences from general meetings per semester will be excused by the Logistics and Planning Executive.. Any subsequent absences will result in a meeting with the Executive Board and possible expulsion from the organization.

7 A point system will be enacted and enforced by the leadership of the organization to ensure participation of the freshmen within the organization. A minimum of 12 committee points and 2 Big points are required each semester (28 for the entire year), to be gained by attending: (a). 4 Fundraising events (b). 4 Community Outreach events (c). 4 Social events (d). 4 Campus Relations events (e). 4 Give Back events (f). 4 Public Relations events (g). 4 Big Family events If the freshmen do not have at least 6 committee points and 1 big point at midterm, a one-on-one meeting will be held with a member of the Executive Board. If the minimum 12 committee points and 2 big points are not met by the end of the current semester, the violating party will no longer be in good standing with the organization and must attend a meeting with the Executive Board and their Mentors. The violating party must meet all requirements to apply for a staff position for the next year. Points are to be reported by the Staff members in charge of the event. The Logistics and Planning Executive will keep track of the point system for the freshmen and mentors, and the Big Executive will keep track of freshmen attendance at Big Events, reporting each member s totals monthly. Section 6 Section 6A Mentors will be required to attend ALL general meetings as well as weekly committee meetings. Mentor teams will also be required to host no less than 2 committee hangouts a month, in which at least 2 partners must be present. Additionally, each mentor team will be expected to have at least 1 partner at each FLASH associated event, whether it be a committee event, PR event, or Big event open to mentors. IF no partners from any given mentorship can attend an event, an must be sent to the Logistics and Planning Executive at least 3 business days in advance. In the case that unexcused absences are incurred by mentor teams, individual partners or the entire mentor team will be penalized in accordance to the strike system with discretion of the Logistics and Planning executive. Section 6B Bigs will be required to attend ALL general meetings as well as having at least partner at all FLASH associated events, whether it be a committee hosted event, PR event, or other Big event. IF no partners from any given Big partnership can attend an event, an must be sent to the Big Executive at least 3 business days in advance. In the case that unexcused absences are incurred by Big partnerships, individuals partnerships or the full partnership will be penalized accordance to the strike system with discretion of the Big executive. Additionally, Bigs will be required to host 2 family hangouts a month, with at least 1 partner present at each. Section 6C The Strike System: Strikes will be awarded by the Logistics and Planning Executive (or Big Executive) Strike 1: verbal warning Strike 2: written warning Strike 3: sent and meeting organized with the full executive board, PROBATION awarded Strike 4: written and verbal warning Strike 5: meeting with the executive board will decide consequence, serious consideration of removal Section 6D In all situations, unforeseeable circumstances will be considered in all attendance strike decisions by the Logistics and Planning Executive (or Big Executive). In addition, absences from PR events which cost money will be excused due to financial consideration. Section 7 A meeting of each committee will be held each week or as needed to discuss committee matters.

8 Section 8 A meeting of the Executive Board, Mentors, and Bigs will be held each week, prior to the general meeting, to discuss organization matters. Announcements from the Executive Board will be made and progress on upcoming events will be reported by Staff. Discussion will be held about the next meeting for the entire organization, to ensure adequate planning has been completed. Article XII By-Laws All members of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor must: Have a minimum grade point ratio (GPR) as stated below. For all members, this minimum GPR must be met in the semester immediately prior to the selection and the semesters during the term of office. (a). For all members, the minimum GPR is In order for this provision to be met, at least six hours must have been taken for the semester under consideration. In one limited provision, summer semester hours may be applied to this provision. In order for summer coursework to qualify toward a GPR prior to selection, at least six credit hours must have been taken during the course of either the full or two summer session(s). Be in good standing with the university: (a). enrolled at least half-time (six or more credit hours), if an undergraduate student (unless fewer credits are required to graduate in the fall or spring semesters) during the term of office. Student enrolled in the Blinn Team program are also eligible to hold an office, as long as the student is meeting all applicable Blinn Team requirements and is in good standing with the program. Meet the point system requirement and abide by the attendance policy to remain in good standing with the organization. There will be no alcohol consumption or drug use between the staff members and freshmen during or outside any Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor sponsored events. All members of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor are required to uphold all parts of the Policy Contract. If the respective point requirements are not met by any member, that member will not be able to list FLASH on their resume as an activity or experience. Article XIII Finances All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed through a bank account established for this organization at the Student Organization Finance Center and/or the Fiscal Office. All funds must be deposited within 24 hours after collection. The advisor to this organization must approve and sign each expenditure before payment. Whenever a member of the organization is responsible for collecting money, they are also responsible for giving that money to the Director or Finance Executive (treasurer) by midnight on the day that the money was collected. The member and Director or Finance Executive will be required to sign off on the exchange of money. Any member desiring a reimbursement for an expense benefiting Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor will be required to fill out a check request form. Article XIV Alumni Program The FLASH Alumni program shall be coordinated by the Public Relations Executive and committee.

9 An Alumni is described as a ex-member of FLASH that is no longer a freshmen or on FLASH Staff. Acceptance into the FLASH Alumni program requires 1) submission of Alumni Application, 2) being in good standing with FLASH s policies and expectations in the year prior, 3) a membership fee that will be decided under the discretion of the Finance Executive, but exceeding no more than $30. All applicants that fulfill these requirements will be accepted into FLASH s Alumni program at the discretion. of the Public Relations Executive. Alumni will have the opportunity to network and attend certain FLASH-wide events that are specified by the Executive Board. Membership in this program will have the requirement of attending a minimum of 1 event per semester. All Alumni must maintain and abide by FLASH s behavioral policy agreement. Violation of these policies will result in removal from FLASH s Alumni program. If the Executive Board of Freshman Leaders Advancing in Service and Honor decide that any FLASH Alumni has acted in a way that reflects poorly on the organization, they will be given a hearing before the Executive Board and they will be given a chance to give their perspective and defend their membership in the organization. After this hearing, a unanimous decision by the Executive Board will result in removal of the member from the organization. Section 6 Though not classified as staff members, all members of the Alumni Program are required to follow the same policy as all FLASH staff. Section 7 The Public Relations Committee is required to host a minimum of two events specifically designated towards alumni networking. Article XV Additions and Amendments If at any time this constitution needs to be amended, all of the Executive Board and Staff will be notified and the changes will be discussed in an open discussion with the entire Staff. The final decision will be subject to the Executive Board and Staff through a majority vote for each amendment in question. This constitution must be revised annually and is subject to approval by the Department of Student Activities. In regards to sponsorships, FLASH will refrain from allowing a sponsor to affect the organization's name, mission, values, constitution, or admissions process. FLASH will refrain from accepting sponsorships from organizations that degrade the image or values at FLASH. At no time will FLASH be sponsored by an organization that represents a topic mentioned in our policy contract or breaks a rule set out by student activities. All Staff members will be given a chance to review and vote in approving the constitution. A simple majority will ratify all changes to the constitution for the upcoming year. Article XVI Conformity No provision of this Constitution shall be presented contrary to the rules and regulations of Texas A&M University, and the Department of Student Activities.