1. The name of this organization for all purposes is the “Rice Animal Welfare Society”

.2. The overall mission statement of this student organization: “As members of the Rice community, we believe by working together we can fulfill our overall objective of addressing issues having to do with animal welfare by raising awareness and being a direct voice in bringing about change in the plight of animals in the Houston area and around the world. We will fulfill our goals by sponsoring various educational programs, by partnering with organizations in the Animal welfare community, and by engaging the Rice, Houston, national, and international community in a conversation about issues having to do with the welfare of animals.”

3. The purpose of this student organization shall be as follows:

a)     To foster a general awareness throughout the Rice community and the overall Houston community on the plight of various species of animals by starting a conversation about animal welfare issues.
b)    To engage the Rice, Houston, national, and international community on issues having to do with animal welfare.
c)     To provide opportunities for Rice students to be able to address problems having to do with the welfare of animals.
d)    To make partnerships with various organizations in the Houston animal welfare community to further expand opportunities for students to become involved and to further enlighten the Rice community on animal welfare issues.
e)     To academically study the various animal species by working with the Rice academic community in order to be able to better understand the animals, their environment, and threats to their welfare.
f)     To be a unifying voice on campus for those who are concerned about the welfare of animals in order to be a stronger advocate in the Houston community, the national community, and the international community for the better treatment and protection of animals.

4. This organization will follow the SA Constitution and its By-Laws on matters having to do with student organizations. This organization will recognize that it is accountable to the SA Senate. 

5. Members of this organization shall be as follows:
a)     regular members: All students at Rice and their spouses are eligible.
b)    honorary members: All other persons interested in joining the organization (i.e. faculty members, alumni, students at other universities, etc.) are eligible.
c)     At least one-half of the members must be members of the Rice community. The principal officers of each organization must be currently registered students at Rice University.
d)    Membership lists will be updated annually.

6. All regular members must pay the established annual membership fee. Honorary members are not required to pay any membership fees.

7. All decisions will be voted on by the regular members. In order to make a decision, 51% of the organization's regular members must be present. In order to pass a decision, at least 51% of the present members must vote in the affirmative.

8. The executive committee will consist of the following:
a) the President, who shall oversee all the meetings and activities, and who shall make sure that, at all times, the organization is abiding by the rules and regulations set forth by the Student Association of Rice University. In the case that a representative is needed, the president will represent the organization on it behalf except in the case where another member has been assigned by vote according to the measure described in article 5.
b) the Vice-president, who shall be responsible for documenting all association paperwork and who will distribute the minutes from all meetings. In the absence of the President, the Vice-president should fulfill his tasks.
c) the Treasurer, who shall maintain a correct balance of the organization's funds, who shall keep track of the checkbook of the organization, and who shall regularly make available a written breakdown of the income and expenses of the organization.
d) The presence of all members of the executive committee is mandatory for all regular meetings.
e) Additional officers may be expounded upon by the by-laws of the constitution.    

9. Members of the executive committee shall be selected by general vote from the pool of candidates every year. The winning candidate must receive at least 51 % percent of the vote and their must be a minimum of 51% percent of the members voting. Specific election guidelines may be expounded upon in the by-laws of the constitution. 

10.   When necessary, special tasks can be assigned to members by vote according to the measures described in article 10.

11.  All money spent shall be voted on by the regular members. The authority to sign checks shall be given to the members of the executive committee. Two signatures are required for each check.

12.  The selection of the faculty/staff sponsor for the organization must be voted on according to the measures described in article 10.

13.  Amendments to the organization's constitution can only be made by 2/3 majority vote and 51% of the organization's regular members must at least be present during voting. Final approval of the amendment will be decided upon by the SA Senate.

14.  Additional laws governing the club may be expounded upon in the by-laws of the constitution. In order to pass a by-law, the vote must go according to the measures described in article 10.

15.  The student organization will have a public meeting at least once a month. All additional meetings will be decided upon by the President and the executive committee.

16.  The student organization will publicly announce their meeting a minimum of 24 hours in advance either through posting of signs or through email announcements.

17.  A 2/3 majority of all voting members is required for a meeting to be a closed meeting.

18.   It is the obligation of the President and the Executive committee to review the organization’s constitution in order to keep it update and current with the current purposes and operations of the organization.

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