This document outlines the constitution and bylaws of the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Organization (SLPGO) at Central Michigan University. The constitution defines the organization's name, purpose, membership eligibility, executive board positions and their duties. It also describes the process for amendments. The bylaws further define membership requirements, financial processes, executive board composition and duties. The document establishes the governance structure and procedures for the SLPGO.

1. CONSTITUTION OF THE SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY GRADUATE
ORGANIZATION
Date Ratified: January 12, 2005
Date Revised: January 22, 2015
ARTICLE I: NAME
This organization shall be known as the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate
Organization, herein after referred to as the SLPGO.
ARTICLE II: AFFILIATION
1. The SLPGO is a registered student organization under the Central Michigan
University Office of Student Activities and Involvement.
2. The SLPGO will house the Central Michigan University chapter of the National
Student Speech Language Hearing Association.
ARTICLE III: PURPOSE
The purpose of the SLPGO shall be to:
1. Advance the rights, interests, and welfare of students pursuing careers in speech-
language pathology at Central Michigan University.
2. Introduce students to lifelong involvement in activities that promote and progress the
profession of speech-language pathology.
3. To provide services, information, education, representation and advocacy for the
profession and the public we serve (e.g., Summer Specialty Clinic (SSC) and
scholarships).
4. Fundraise to provide monetary support to members attending the annual American
Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) conference held in the fall.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
Eligibility:
1. Any full-time student of the Central Michigan University speech-language pathology
graduate program.
2. Membership in the organization is open to all in accordance with the Central
Michigan University Affirmative Action statement. (“Central Michigan University,
an AA/EO institution, is strongly and actively committed to increasing diversity and
providing equal opportunity within its community. Central Michigan University does
not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, genders, familial
status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion,
sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight”).

2. Requirements:
1. All members required to pay dues before taking part in any organization activity. The
amount of dues required shall be voted on before the start of a new Executive Board’s
term.
2. All members are required to abide by attendance and fundraising requirements
stipulated in the Bylaws.
3. All members are required to demonstrate support for the purpose of the organization.
ARTICLE V: EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1: The Executive Board
Meetings
1. The Executive Board shall meet at the discretion of the President.
2. Majority of the Executive Board present at any properly called meeting shall
constitute quorum.
Powers and Composition
1. The executive power of the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Organization
shall be vested in the Executive Board.
2. The Executive Board shall be composed of the: President, Vice President,
Treasurer, Secretary, Fundraising Chair(s), Graduate Room Coordinator(s), Social
Chair(s), Historian, Student Government Association Representative, Student
Leadership Advisory Council Representative.
3. Positions to which more than one member may be elected include the following:
Fundraising Chair, Graduate Room Coordinator, and Social Chair.
Section 2: President
Eligibility
Any student who meets the eligibility guidelines for membership in the organization
and is in good standing with the university shall be eligible for election as President
of the SLPGO.
Powers and Duties
1. This person shall ensure that the organization is operating within the guidelines
set forth by Central Michigan University and the Office of Student Activities and
Involvement.
2. This person shall organize the annual trip to the ASHA convention for active
members of the SLPGO.
3. This person shall oversee members of the Executive Board and communicate
regularly will all members of the organization.
4. This person shall preside as the chair person in all meetings, complete room
reservation requests, and prepare the meeting agenda.

3. Section 3: Vice President
Eligibility
Any student who meets the eligibility guidelines for membership in the organization
and is in good standing with the university shall be eligible for election as Vice
President of the SLPGO.
Powers and Duties
1. This person shall learn the duties of the President and fulfill the role when the
President is absent.
2. This person shall assist the President whenever possible.
3. This person shall make room and space arrangements for special events in
coordination with the President.
Section 4: Treasurer
Eligibility
Any student who meets the eligibility guidelines for membership in the organization
and is in good standing with the university shall be eligible for election as Treasurer
of the SLPGO.
Powers and Duties
1. This person shall be responsible for all moneys due, paying checks, making
deposits and reporting financial status at meetings.
2. This person shall issue money receipts, keep record of expenses and bills paid.
3. This person shall prepare financial statements when required.
Section 5: Secretary
Eligibility
Any student who meets the eligibility guidelines for membership in the organization
and is in good standing with the university shall be eligible for election as Secretary
of the SLPGO.
Powers and Duties
1. This person will handle correspondence of the organization as a whole.
2. This person will keep record of minutes in both general body and Executive
Board meetings.
3. This person will keep record of the organization’s roster and of each member’s
attendance/participation.
Section 6: Fundraising Chair
Eligibility

4. Any student who meets the eligibility guidelines for membership in the organization
and is in good standing with the university shall be eligible for election as
Fundraising Chair of the SLPGO.
Powers and Duties
1. This person shall design, plan and implement fundraising events.
2. This person is expected to work collaboratively with a committee on planning
fundraising events when required. At least one representative from the fundraising
committee shall be present during all SLPGO meetings.
Section 7: Social Chair
Eligibility
Any student who meets the eligibility guidelines for membership in the organization
and is in good standing with the university shall be eligible for election as Social
Chair of the SLPGO.
Powers and Duties
1. This person shall design, plan and implement social activities that involve all
speech-language pathology graduate students.
2. This person is expected to work collaboratively with a committee on planning
social events when required. At least one representative from the social
committee shall be present during all SLPGO meetings.
Section 8: Graduate Room Coordinator
Eligibility
Any student who meets the eligibility guidelines for membership in the organization
and is in good standing with the university shall be eligible for election as Graduate
Room Coordinator of the SLPGO.
Powers and Duties
1. The coordinator shall maintain the graduate room in a way that provides an
organized environment.
2. This person is expected to work collaboratively with other graduate room
coordinators when applicable. At least one of the graduate coordinators
committee shall be present during all SLPGO meetings.
Section 9: Historian
Eligibility
Any student who meets the eligibility guidelines for membership in the organization
and is in good standing with the university shall be eligible for election as Historian
of the SLPGO.
Powers and Duties

5. 1. This person shall take pictures at each event, or designate another member of
SLPGO in the event of their absence.
2. This person shall include a summary of club events throughout the school year
and give a copy to the administrative assistant of the CDO department.
Section 10: Student Government Association (SGA) Representative
Eligibility
Any student who meets the eligibility guidelines for membership in the organization
and is in good standing with the university shall be eligible for election as Student
Government Association Representative of the SLPGO.
Powers and Duties
1. This person will be responsible for attending scheduled SGA meetings and
participating in committees and events as assigned.
2. If unable to attend meetings due to academic commitments, this person is
responsible for filing a Hardship Request to keep SLPGO in good standing.
3. This person will apply for Student Budget Allocation Committee (SBAC)
funding for the ASHA trip.
Section 11: Student Leadership Advisory Council (SLAC) Representative
Eligibility
Any student who meets the eligibility guidelines for membership in the organization
and is in good standing with the university shall be eligible for election as Student
Leadership Advisory Council Representative of the SLPGO.
Powers and Duties
1. This person shall act as the liaison between SLAC and the SLPGO.
2. This person will be responsible for attending scheduled SLAC meetings and
participating in additional events or committees as assigned at SLAC meetings.
Section 12: Term
1. An Executive Board member’s term shall begin on the first day of the ASHA
conference in the year of election and end on the first day of the ASHA
conference in the fall of the next year.
Section 13: Elections
1. Elections for new board members shall be held no later than the first week of
November.
2. Nominations shall be made during the election meeting itself, prior to closing of
nominations and taking the vote.
3. Nominations and voting will be open to only first year students in the program.
Absentee ballots will not be considered.

6. 4. Any first year member may nominate any other member, including himself or
herself.
5. A simple majority vote of the quorum present at that meeting will be sufficient to
elect an officer. If there are more than two candidates and no candidate receives a
majority, there will be a run-off vote between the top two vote recipients in the
general meeting.
ARTICLE VI: ADVISORS
1. There shall be at least one full time Central Michigan University faculty or staff
advisor who shall serve as an advisor to the Organization.
2. The Executive Board shall approve all advisors to the Speech-Language
Pathology Graduate Organization.
3. Advisors may not vote in Organization matters, hold office or unduly influence
decisions of the Organization.
ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS
1. General Body meetings shall be conducted on a monthly basis, with the exception
of holidays and final exams. The President shall have the authority to cancel any
general body meeting.
2. Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the President.
ARTICLE VIII: QUORUM
1. At any general body meeting, the presence of 50% of the total membership shall
constitute quorum for the transaction of business.
2. At any Executive Board meeting, the presence of the majority of board members
then in office shall constitute quorum for the transaction of business.
ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS
The Constitution may be amended or revised in the following manner:
1. Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the President.
2. Amendments will then sit for at least one week, during which members are
expected to become informed about the proposed revisions/amendments.
3. After sitting for at least one week, amendments will be read at the next general
body meeting for approval by the membership. Any amendment or revision
requires a two-thirds vote of the entire membership at any regular meeting.
ARTICLE X: BYLAWS
1. The Bylaws adopted by the Speech-Language Pathology Organization shall be the
governing rules of the organization so long as they are consistent with this
Constitution.

7. BYLAWS OF THE SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY GRADUATE
ORGANIZATION
Date Ratified: January 22, 2015
Article I: MEMBERSHIP
Initiation of Members
1. New members may join the SLPGO at the beginning of their first semester of
graduate school.
2. To be eligible for membership, individuals must meet the requirements listed in
the Constitution.
Withdrawal of Membership:
1. Members may have their membership withdrawn for not meeting the eligibility
requirements stipulated in the Constitution and/or Bylaws.
2. Withdrawal of membership will be at the discretion of the Executive Board. A
majority vote at any Executive Board meeting shall be sufficient to withdraw
membership.
3. Members to be voted upon in this regard will be notified of the intention to do so
in writing at least one week prior to the meeting at which the vote will be taken.
Resignation
1. A member may resign from the SLPGO at any time.
2. Any member wishing to resign, must notify the President so that they may be
removed from the organization roster.
3. Refund of dues will not be provided at the time of resignation.
Rights
1. All members are eligible to attend all meetings and events of this organization.
2. All members present at general body meetings will have the right to vote on
organization matters.

8. 3. All members are eligible to reap the benefits of funds raised by the organization
toward their cost of attendance to the annual ASHA conference.
Attendance Requirements
1. Members are allowed no more than two absences throughout their term in the
SLPGO. Attendance credit shall be earned through the participation in fundraising
and community services events. What constitutes participation in an event may
vary as some organization activity will not require a member’s physical presence
(e.g., online fundraisers).
2. Monthly meetings shall be mandatory to all members. Members may submit a
reason for absence to the Secretary no later than 24-hours before a meeting.
3. The President is responsible for scheduling meetings that are convenient for the
majority of members and notifying members of the schedule at the beginning of
each semester.
4. Participation credit will not be given for purchasing items from the graduate room
supply.
5. Exceptions to attendance requirements will be made at the discretion of the
Executive Board.
ARTICLE II: FINANCES
Dues
1. The amount of dues to be paid by incoming SLPGO members shall be determined
by the organization’s current Executive Board as this board is expected to have
the most up to date knowledge on the finances needed to initiate fundraising.
2. Members wanting to join the SLPGO will pay dues to the current Treasurer in
office by the deadline provided.
3. Dues shall only be used toward fulfilling the purpose of the organization.
General Reimbursements
1. All privately made purchases must be approved by the Treasurer to be eligible for
reimbursement.
2. A formal record of the purchase (i.e., bill or receipt) must be given to the
Treasurer in order for the member to receive reimbursement. No reimbursements
will be made without an official record of the purchase.
Trip Reimbursement and Reimbursement of Dues
1. All reimbursements shall be issued in the form of a check to each individual
member.

9. 2. Reimbursements shall be issued no later than the last week of the semester in
which the ASHA convention took place.
Dissolution
1. In the event of dissolution of this organization, all accrued funds will go to the
Communication Disorders Department of Central Michigan University.
ARTICLE III: EXECUTIVE BOARD
Composition
1. The Executive Board shall include no less than 10 people and shall be composed
of the following positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary,
Fundraising Chair, Graduate Room Coordinator, Social Chair, Historian, Student
Government Association Representative, and the Student Leadership Advisory
Council (SLAC) Representative.
2. New positions or specialty committees may be proposed by any member of the
SLPGO and shall require a majority vote of the Executive Board for approval.
Duties of Board Members
3. President:
a. This person shall organize the annual trip to the ASHA convention for
active members of the SLPGO. Duties shall include, but are not limited to,
making reservations for housing and travel.
b. This person shall delegate tasks when needed to the Vice President and
other members of the Executive Board.
c. This person shall maintain correspondence with the organization advisor.
d. This person shall ensure that the organization Constitution and Bylaws are
clearly understood by all members. This person will also be the recipient
to all amendments and revisions.
4. Vice president:
a. This person shall assist the President in organizing the annual ASHA trip.
b. This person will act as chairperson for meetings in the President’s
absence.
c. This person will arrange for a faculty and SLPGO dinner at a restaurant of
choice during the annual convention trip.

10. 5. Treasurer:
a. This person shall be responsible for all moneys due, paying checks, making
deposits and reporting financial status at meetings.
b. This person shall issue money receipts, keep record of expenses and bills
paid.
c. This person shall prepare financial statements when required.
6. Secretary:
a. This person will handle correspondence of the organization as a whole and
keep the minutes of all meetings.
b. This person shall have e-mails to the organization approved by the
President (for additional announcements or revisions) as needed.
c. This person will also write thank you notes for guest speakers and create
fliers and/or posters as needed.
7. Fundraising Chair:
a. This person shall be responsible for taking attendance at fundraising
events and relaying attendance information to the Secretary.
b. This person shall be responsible for dividing duties among participating
members at fundraising events.
8. Social Chair:
a. The social chair/ committee will plan events to foster mentorship and
friendship between first and second year speech-language pathology
graduate students.
b. At least one representative from the social chair committee shall be
present during all SLPGO meetings.
9. Graduate Room Coordinator(s):
a. This person(s) may delegate responsibilities to other graduate students.
(Responsibilities include, but are not limited, to purchasing snacks,
returning bottles, managing IOU list and maintaining general order in the
graduate room.)
b. The person(s) shall not be responsible for cleaning up after the other
graduate students.
10. Historian:
a. This person shall provide price quotes for film, processing, and/or other
materials to the treasurer for prior to purchase to obtain consent from
president.
b. This person shall update the SLPGO bulletin board with information
including, but not limited to that which is relevant to the CDO profession,
SLPGO events and/or important dates.
11. Student Government Association (SGA) Representative:

11. a. This person is responsible for providing updates as needed to the President
on the status of the SLPGO’s application to the Student Budget Allocation
Committee (this includes the Hardship Request).
12. Student Leadership Advisory Council (SLAC) Representative:
a. This person shall be responsible for keeping the SLPGO up to date on
current events sponsored by SLAC.
b. This person shall apply for funds for the ASHA conference from SLAC
when available.
Vacancy
2. Should a vacancy in office occur, there will be another nomination procedure and
election for the vacant office.
3. Up to the time that the vacancy is filled, the Vice President will assume the duties
of the President and the Secretary/Treasurer will assume the duties of the Vice
President. All other vacancies will be temporarily filled as appointed by the
President.
Removal from Office
1. Board members may be removed from office for not meeting the eligibility
requirements, qualifications, and/or powers and duties stipulated in the
Constitution and/or Bylaws.
2. Board members to be voted upon in this regard will be notified of the intention to
do so in writing at least one week prior to the meeting at which the vote will be
taken.
3. A two-thirds majority of quorum present at a regularly scheduled meeting shall be
sufficient for removal from office.
ARTICLE IV: SPECIALITY COMMITTEES
1. Ad-hoc committees—set up solely in response to a specific situation or problem,
without considering wider or longer-term issues—may be formed for the purpose
of organizing complex projects, recruiting new members, or adviser selection.
ARTICLE V: RULES OF ORDER

12. 1. "Robert's Rules of Order, Revised'' shall be the parliamentary authority for all
matters of procedure not specifically covered by these by-laws.
ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
4. Proposed amendments shall be submitted to the President.
5. Amendments will then sit for at least one week, during which members are
expected to become informed about the proposed revisions/amendments.
6. After sitting for at least one week, amendments will be read at the next general
body meeting for approval by the membership. Any amendment or revision
requires a simple majority vote of the entire membership at any regular meeting.