Al-Islam Students Association (AISA)
The organization will strive to familiarize the local and university community with customs, cultures, and faith of Muslim peoples throughout the world with the aim of creating peace and harmony, and reducing misunderstandings, biases, and prejudices.
There will be two elected office holders: President and General Secretary. New positions for various offices may be created as need be, upon proposal from the President, by a majority vote of all dues-paying members. Term of office for all offices will be limited to one year. New elections will be held as soon as possible during the fall semesters. Elections may be held via email. Responsibilities of the office bearers include:
1. President: The President bears the overall responsibility of achieving the goals of the organization through active participation of members. S/He will propose activities, such as, brown bag lunches, informal talks, formal/invited presentations, mixers, games, pot lucks, and fund raisers, that will be undertaken during the year. Besides activities listed above, e-mail list will be used to carry on constructive group discussions on relevant topics to improve understanding among peoples of different countries and nationalities, especially on Islam. The president must have the leadership ability to motivate, through consultations and interactions, the membership at-large for active participation in various programs. S/He may solicit assistance from individual members or may create teams to properly conduct various activities.
2. General Secretary: The General Secretary will assist the President in meeting the goals set by the organization. S/He will be responsible for informing members of meetings, election, and special events, through appropriate means, well in advance. S/He will also be responsible for the revenue/expenditure accounts of the organization in the absence of a treasurer/ finance secretary. S/He will write minutes/reports of meetings and events. S/He will also give a final summary report highlighting the activities conducted during the year before new elections are held.
Elections will be held yearly early into the Fall semester. The General Secretary will announce a date for the election, which will be held at least two weeks after the announcement. Nominations will be entertained up to a week before elections. A brief introduction and a statement of commitment will be required from each candidate. A candidate may not be nominated for more than one office. The candidates must be Members; Associates will neither have voting rights nor they can be elected to any office (See next section for definition of Members and Associates.)
There will be three categories of membership: 1. Members, and 2. Associates. Any University of Arkansas student, who agrees to participate in fulfilling the objectives of the organization, is eligible for becoming a Member or an Associate. A student can become a Member either by paying a yearly membership of $10.00 or, in lieu of the dues, by volunteering his/her time for at least two hours per semester for an assignment given by the association. Associates can participate in all events except for the elections. A Member or Associate will be removed from the association membership if s/he commits activities contrary to the mission of the association during a sponsored activity or on the email list.
University of Arkansas faculty and staff are eligible for becoming Patrons of AISA by agreeing to contribute at a higher level than expected from students. For example, by agreeing to lead/moderate discussion, giving a talk, loaning articles for exhibits, or by making financial contributions of $25.00 or more per year.
Members are expected to pay $10.00 per year or to agree to volunteer two hours per semester on an assignment given by the association. Patrons of AISA may also contribute $25.00 or more per year in lieu of making other contributions such as a talk. The President and the General Secretary together will be responsible for the expenditures whereas the General Secretary will be responsible for collections of funds and keeping proper record. General Secretary will also request B funds from the ASG for undertaking some of the activities.
Several meetings will be held during the year to plan for events and to ask for volunteers. A simple majority will constitute a quorum.
Any amendment to the constitution will require a 2/3 majority of voting members
(Members.)
The executive committee will choose a faculty advisor. He will evaluate the proposals and activities of the association upon the request of the President. He may also audit the accounts occasionally.