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CONSTITUTION

Society for Biomaterials Student Chapter

at The Johns Hopkins University

 Preamble

The purpose of this chapter of the Society for Biomaterials (SFB) at Johns Hopkins University is to encourage the development, dissemination, integration and utilization of knowledge in the field of biologically related materials among students and faculty of the Johns Hopkins University with members of industry, government research facilities, and other academic institutions.

 Article I – Name

The name of this organization shall be Society for Biomaterials Student Chapter at The Johns Hopkins University.

 Article II – Objectives

The objectives of this Chapter of the SFB shall be to: (a) enhance student interest in biomaterials and related disciplines; (b) promote the advancement of biomaterials research and education both locally in the university community and in the field as a whole; (c) further the aims and objectives of the national SFB as they relate to student research and education. 

Article III – Affiliations and Membership

This Chapter of the SFB shall be supported by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and encourages membership in the Chapter by students who share the stated purpose of the Society.  Students of any academic discipline who have educational, research, or practical interests in biomaterials or related fields are welcome to join the Chapter.  Furthermore, while student participation in the national SFB is encouraged, Chapter membership does not depend on national SFB student membership.

 Article IV – Officers

 Any member of the Chapter in good standing may hold office.  The officers of the Chapter shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer and any Committee Chairman.

 Duties:

1. The President shall, in general, supervise and control the business and affairs of the Chapter, and shall preside over Chapter meetings. The President shall also serve as the representative of the Chapter to the University community, the SFB and other student chapters, and industry contacts. Term of office shall be for a period one academic semester.

2. The Vice President shall direct the actions of committees and assist the President in his or her duties. Term of office shall be for a period one academic semester.

3. The Secretary-Treasurer shall record the minutes of all meetings, and prepare and distribute announcement for Chapter meetings. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also receive all mail to the Chapter and file them for future reference. In the absence of the President, The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible for the duties of the former.  Term of office shall be for a period one academic semester.

4. The Graduate liaison shall serve as a link between graduate students and undergraduates and offer insight that their experience provides.

5. Committee Chairmen shall be in charge of their respective committees in accomplishing tasks set by the Executive Board.

6. General Chapter members will be expected to participate in any activities which suit their personal or academic interests.  Active society members shall have the ability to vote in officer elections and officer removals.

Article V – Governance of the Chapter

1. The governance of the Chapter shall be the responsibility of the Executive Board.

2. The Executive Board shall be made up of officers. The faculty adviser shall serve as an ex officio member of the Executive Board. Disagreements between members of the Executive Board shall be resolved by proposition to the general membership.

3. A quorum shall be constituted by two‑thirds of the active membership and with 50% of the Executive Board, including the President or Vice-President, present.

4. Any officer may be removed from office by approval of two-thirds the voting membership when a quorum is present.  The vacancy shall be filled by election in the next meeting.

5. Meetings of the Chapter shall be held to inform members about upcoming events and business. Times for these meetings shall be decided upon by the Executive Board during general Chapter meeting.

6. A motion shall be carried with two‑thirds of the votes cast with a quorum present.

Article VI – Elections 

Section 1 – Nominations and Votes

 Nominations for officers shall be accepted by the floor or by written submission. Results of elections shall be made by simple majority vote.

 Elections shall be held during the last meeting of the Fall and Spring semester with officer-elects assuming their positions the first meeting of the following semester. During the interim period, the officer-elects shall become familiar with the duties of their office.

Article VII – Amendments

Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by members of the Executive Board or by petition signed by at least five members of the Chapter. Amendments will be approved by a two-thirds majority of those voting with a quorum present. 

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