THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOCIETY GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA 22030-4444

Approved on October 16, 1995

ARTICLE 1: NAME AND ADDRESS
Section 1.1 NAME
Section 1.2. ADDRESS

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
Section 2.1. GENERAL
Section 2.2. NON-PROFIT

ARTICLE III: OFFICERS AND ADVISOR
Section 3.1. OFFICERS
Section 3.2. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Section 3.3. DE FACTO RESIGNATION OF AN OFFICER
Section 3.4. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
Section 3.5. TERM OF SERVICE AND SUCCESSION OF OFFICERS
Section 3.6. ADVISOR

ARTICLE IV: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 4.1. PRESIDENT
Section 4.2. VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
Section 4.3. VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS
Section 4.4. SECRETARY - TREASURER
Section 4.4. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ARTICLE V: THE ADVISOR
Section 5.1. ROLE OF THE ADVISOR
Section 5.2. RESTRICTIONS

ARTICLE VI: ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE
Section 6.1. ROLE OF THE ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE
Section 6.2. RESTRICTIONS

ARTICLE VII: COMMITTEES
Section 7.1. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 7.1.1. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AUTHORITY
Section 7.1.2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Section 7.1-3. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VOTING
Section 7.2. STANDING COMMITTEES

ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS
Section 8.1. ANNUAL MEETING
Section 8.2. SPECIAL MEETINGS
Section 8.3. NOTICE
Section 8.4. ORDER OF BUSINESS
Section 8.5. ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER
Section 8.6. LOCATION
Section 8.7. EXCEPTION

ARTICLE IX: VOTING
Section 9.1. GENERAL
Section 9.2. PROCEDURE

ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS
Section 10.1. PROCEDURE
Section 10.2. EFFECT

ARTICLE XI: MEMBERSHIP
Section 11.1. DEFINITION
Section 11.2. PARTICIPATION
Section 11.3. NOTICE
Section 11.4. VOTE
Section 11.5. NONRESTRICTIONS
Section 11.6. QUALIFICATIONS
Section 11.7. MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Section 11.8. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
Section 11.8.1. PRIVILEGES AND OBLIGATIONS
Section 11.8.2. RESTRICTIONS

ARTICLE XII: BUDGET
Section 12.1. PURPOSE
Section 12.2. PREPARATION AND REPORTING
Section 12.3. DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section 12.4. RESTRICTIONS
Section 12.5. AUTHORIZATION

ARTICLE XIII: FEES
Section 13.1. FEES

ARTICLE XIV: SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
Section 14.1. NAME
Section 14.2. FREQUENCY OF PUBLICATION
Section 14.3. DISTRIBUTION

P R O X Y (EXHIBIT 1)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING PROXY (EXHIBIT 2)

ARTICLE 1: NAME AND ADDRESS
Section 1.1. NAME: The name of the organization shall be THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOCIETY, hereinafter known as the "Society."

Section 1.2. ADDRESS: The mailing address shall be as follows: The Telecommunications Society, Student Organization Development Center, SUB 1, Room 251, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444. George Mason University shall hereinafter be referred to as the "University."

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
Section 2. 1. GENERAL: The purpose of the Society shall be to promote the graduate program in Telecommunications through exchange of information, participation in development committees, and support of activities that are interactive with telecommunications groups outside the University.

Section 2.2. NON-PROFIT: The Society shall be a non-profit organization that neither contemplates nor pursues pecuniary gain or profit to its members, incidental or otherwise.

ARTICLE III: OFFICERS AND ADVISOR
Section 3.1. OFFICERS: The officers of the Society shall consist of (1) the President, (2) the Vice President, Communications, (3) the Vice President of Programs, and (4) the Student Government Representative.

Section 3.2. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE: Each officer of the Society must be enrolled at the University and serve without compensation during tenure.

Section 3.3. DE FACTO RESIGNATION OF AN OFFICER: Substandard academic performance or violation of University Policy, as defined by the Society Advisor, or withdrawal from the University shall constitute de facto resignation.

Section 3.4. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE: An incumbent shall be removed from office upon receipt by the Advisor of a petition for removal signed by at least twenty percent of the membership. 1 of 11 pages The Telecommunications Society Constitution, Approved October 16, 1995

Section 3.5. TERM OF SERVICE AND SUCCESSION OF OFFICERS: Except as otherwise specified, the officers of the Society shall be elected by the membership at an annual meeting during the spring semester, and shall serve for one year with responsibility and authority commencing the first day following the election. Upon resignation or removal of the President, the Vice President of Communications shall succeed to the office of President. A vacancy in any office of Vice President Communications shall be filled by a recommendation of the Executive Committee and endorsed by the Advisor. Should the office of the President and a Vice President be vacated simultaneously, a general or special meeting shall be held at the earliest opportunity that the membership may elect new officers to fill the unexpired terms. Upon resignation or removal of any other officer, a successor shall be appointed by the Executive Committee to fill the unexpired term of the vacated office.

Section 3.6. ADVISOR: The Advisor will be the Director of the Telecommunications Program, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444, or a suitable faculty or staff member.

ARTICLE IV. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 4. 1. PRESIDENT: The President shall serve as the leader of the Society and shall preside at all meetings of the general membership and the Executive Committee. The President shall make appointments and establish Committees, other than as specified in ARTICLE VI COMMITTEES, Section 6.2 STANDING COMMITEES. The President shall be, "ex officio," a member of all committees. All appointments and Committee Chairs shall be approved by the Executive Committee. In addition, the President shall ensure that the Nominating Committee is established.

The President shall be responsible for all administrative details and requirements necessary for sustained University recognition of the Society, including filing of the packet Registration of Campus Organization and presentation of the budget to the Student Organizational Development Committee.

The President shall be responsible for identifying students who will serve as Track Representatives.

Section 4.2. VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS: The Vice President of Communications shall assist the President in the discharge of duties. The responsibilities of the Vice President of Communications shall include, but shall not be limited to: (1) serving as Editor and Chief of the Society newsletter; (2) establishing and serving as Chairperson of the Newsletter committee; (3) coordinating with the other officers to notify members of meetings and events through the newsletter and other appropriate media; (4) acting as Society liaison with external media; and, (5) maintaining all historical files of the newsletter in the office of the Advisor, and (6) identifying and introducing new accepted members through timely announcements in the newsletter, (7) preparing minutes of meetings and filing said minutes with the Advisor.

Section 4.3. VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMS: The Vice President of Programs shall assist the President in the discharge of duties. The responsibilities of the Vice President of Programs shall include, but shall not be limited to, (1) organizing activities that advance the development of members in the Society; (2) establishing and serving as Chair of a Programs committee to set objectives and plan events; and, (3) ensuring that all members are informed through the newsletter and other appropriate media of scheduled events, and that all notices conform to University poster policy.

The Vice President of Programs shall insure that all events follow the policies of the University, particularly regarding use of facilities, services, equipment, and vehicles. In addition, the Vice President of Programs shall obtain the required permits or authorizations of the Student Program Development Center for events at which alcohol shall be served.

Section 4.4. SECRETARY - TREASURER: The Secretary - Treasurer shall maintain the University account; collect Society funds and insure timely deposits into the University account; make disbursements after approval of the Advisor within thirty days of the billing date, or as specified by contract; maintain complete records of all Society transactions; prepare, maintain, and update the budget, which shall be subject to Executive Committee and Advisor approval; and submit a current written report on the financial condition at Society and Executive Committee meetings. On request, the Secretary-Treasurer shall make records available for inspection by any member of the Society.

Section 4.4. STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE: The Student Government Representative shall be the Society representative to student government meetings and functions.

ARTICLE V: THE ADVISOR
Section 5. 1. ROLE OF THE ADVISOR: The role of the Advisor shall be to represent George Mason University in matters of University policy. The Advisor shall attend each special and general meeting or appoint a representative to attend; preside as parliamentarian; approve all disbursements of student funds; be custodian of Society records; recommend programs; and represent the Society in conflicts with members of the University staff.

The Advisor shall be responsible for the transition of officers between school years. The Advisor shall approve all candidates for office according to established requirements for scholastic standing.

The Advisor shall veto any decision where passage of decision would violate the purpose of the Society or the policy, bylaws, codes, or standing rules of the University.

The Advisor may recommend to the Director of the Telecommunications Program the President of the Society, or any suitable representative, to serve on the Telecommunications Program Advisory Committee.

Section 5.2. RESTRICTIONS: The Advisor shall not be authorized to vote in special, general, or committee meetings.

ARTICLE VI: ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE
Section 6. 1. ROLE OF THE ALUMNI REPRESENTATIVE: The role of the Alumni Representative shall be to assist the officers and members of the Telecommunications Program in the pursuit of the objectives of the Society. The Alumni Representative shall be responsible for maintaining relationships with alumni and for providing timely information about alumni to the Vice President of Communications for publication in the newsletter. The Alumni Representative shall assist in the succession of officers by providing historical perspective to prospective candidates.

Section 6.2. RESTRICTIONS: The Alumni Representative shall not be authorized to vote in special, general, or committee meetings.

ARTICLE VII: COMMITTEES
Section 7. 1. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: The Executive Committee shall consist of the three officers (i.e., President, Vice President of Communications, and Vice President of Programs), the Advisor, and, if available, an Alumni Representative.

Section 7. 1. 1. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AUTHORITY: The Executive Committee shall serve as the management body of the Society, and as such is empowered with all management functions necessary to pursue the aims and objectives of the Society, as set forth herein. The Committee shall ensure adequate planning organizing and funding of Society activities and controlling of monies, and shall develop necessary rules, guidelines and instructions as may be necessary. The committee shall preserve the minutes of all meetings and shall make all such records available for review by any member, upon request.

Section 7.1.2 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be open to all members and schedules of meetings and reports of significant decisions shall be published in the newsletter. Meetings shall be called at the discretion of the President, the Advisor, or two other officers jointly requesting a meeting. Two officers of the Executive Committee present at any meeting shall constitute a quorum.

Section 7.1.3. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE VOTING: All members of the Executive Committee, except the Advisor and the Alumni Representative, shall be voting members. Resolutions of the Committee shall be carried by simple majority vote of all members present.

Section 7.2. STANDING COMMITTEES: There shall be three standing committees as follows: Communications, Programs, and Nomination. These committees shall be established annually upon assumption of office of each Committee Chair, except that the Nomination Committee shall be established not later than March l. The membership shall be informed of the corpus of all committees.

ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS
Section 8. 1. ANNUAL MEETING: The Annual Meeting of the general membership shall be held during, the month of April or May, when officers shall be elected and other business shall be conducted.

Section 8.2. SPECIAL MEETINGS: Special meetings of the general membership may be authorized at other times by the Executive Committee, or by the Advisor, to address matters affecting the Society and to fill vacancies in the Executive Committee when necessary.

Section 8.3. NOTICE: The membership shall be notified of the date, time, and place of all Special and Annual meetings.

Section 8.4. ORDER OF BUSINESS: The order of business at Society meetings shall include (a) reading of previous meeting's minutes; (b) Officers' and committees' reports; (c) consideration of unfinished business, and, (d) addressing new business.

Section 8.5. ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER: Except as otherwise specified, Roberts Rules of Order shall guide the conduct of business of all meetings.

Section 8.6. LOCATION: Meetings shall be held on the main campus of the University unless notice is provided in advance.

Section 8.7. EXCEPTION: The Executive Committee is not bound by specific formalities and shall be empowered with sufficient flexibility that it may devise programs and activities in conjunction with Annual or Special meetings, provided such programs or activities contribute to the interest and enjoyment of the members, and are consistent with the spirit and objectives of this Constitution.

ARTICLE IX: VOTING
SECTION 9.1. GENERAL: When electing officers or considering amendments to this Constitution, a member may vote either in person or by proxy. Absentee ballots shall not be authorized.

SECTION 9.2. PROCEDURE: All such voting shall be conducted by secret ballot. Elections of officers shall be determined by majority vote among all eligible members present and by proxy ballots. Floor nominations for officers shall be permitted during the Annual Meeting. Members who are unable to attend annual or special meetings may appoint another member of the Society to vote on the appointing member's behalf concerning any matters voted during said meeting. For this purpose, a proxy (example attached as Exhibit 1) and an instruction sheet (example attached as Exhibit 2) shall be made available. Solicitation of proxy votes shall not be authorized.

ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS
Section 10. 1. PROCEDURE: Proposals for changes to the Constitution must be made by either the Executive Committee or by petition signed by not fewer than 25 percent of all members eligible to vote. The Executive Committee must schedule such proposals for the agenda of that annual or special meeting that immediately follows receipt of proposals. Changes to the Constitution shall require two thirds vote of members present together with duly authorized proxy ballots. To receive consideration, the proposal, or a summary thereof, must be provided to each member in writing at least fifteen days before the meeting.

Section 10.2. EFFECT: Approved amendments to the Constitution shall be immediately effective.

ARTICLE XI: MEMBERSHIP
Section 11.1. DEFINITION: Any person or persons whose application for acceptance in the Telecommunications Program has been approved or any student who expresses an interest in Telecommunications shall be a member. The names of these persons shall be maintained on a Master Membership Roster.

Section 11.2. PARTICIPATION: Any person listed on the Master Membership Roster is considered a valid member, eligible to vote and hold office, and entitled to receive Society communiqués and the newsletter.

Section 11.3. NOTICE: New members and members who have graduated shall be reported routinely in the newsletter.

Section 11.4. VOTE: Each Society member is permitted one vote.

Section 11.5. NONRESTRICTIONS: The total number of Society memberships shall neither be restricted nor shall there be any qualifications by reason of race, color, gender, age, religion, political affiliation, national origin, or disability.

Section 11.6. QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must be enrolled in the University to be eligible for membership, except Honorary Members.
Any member who withdraws from enrollment shall be removed from the Membership Roster and shall not be entitled to the perquisites and privileges of Society membership.

Section 11.7. MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES: In accordance with University policy, any form of hazing is prohibited.

Section 11.8. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP: An Honorary Membership shall be bestowed upon an individual of marked distinction and in recognition of outstanding achievement or service to the Society. An Honorary Membership shall be conferred pursuant to a unanimous vote of the quorum of the Executive Committee and approval of the Advisor and shall continue for the life of the recipient.

Section 11.8.l. PRIVILEGES AND OBLIGATIONS: Honorary Members shall be accorded all privileges of regular membership including attendance at meetings, functions, and social activities, as well as participation in Society programs. Honorary members shall be separately listed in the Society membership directory.

Honorary Membership shall not require the usual prerequisites or obligations of regular memberships; but, Honorary Members may be required to pay any fees or assessments normally associated with participatory activities (i.e. program and social events, newsletter, and merchandise).

Section 11.8.2. RESTRICTIONS: Honorary Members shall not be entitled to vote or participate in Society affairs in an elected or appointed capacity unless the Honorary Member also becomes a regular member. Dual membership shall be accorded the Honorary Member who chooses to become a regular member, and an Honorary Membership does not lapse but continues should the regular membership be ended for any reason.

ARTICLE XII: BUDGET
Section 12.1. PURPOSE: The purpose of the Budget shall be to maintain an orderly and accountable system for the management of Society finances. To accomplish this goal, the budget shall provide a financial model by which expenses and revenues can be estimated, and shall serve as a reporting vehicle for targeted versus actualized objectives.

Section 12.2. PREPARATION AND REPORTING: The President shall be responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the budget. Written reports of the financial condition of the Society shall be made at each Executive Committee meeting and to the membership at large at the Annual and Special meetings, and year-end in the newsletter. In particular, the budget shall be reviewed and adjusted by the Executive Committee in the fall semester to reflect actual and projected revenues.

Section 12.3. DEFINITION OF TERMS: Revenues are defined as funds received from fees, donations, programs, and events. Expenses are defined as allocation of funds for Society activities such as the newsletter, membership development, awards, social events, administrative supplies, membership in other organizations, and donations.

Section 12.4. RESTRICTIONS: Social events shall be revenue neutral to the Society; therefore, food and beverage costs shall not be subsidized.

Section 12.5. AUTHORIZATION: Obligation of all funds shall require Executive Committee approval. Expenditure of funds by the President shall be authorized for recurring expenses approved by the Executive Committee and the Advisor. Expenditures of $2500 or more must be signed by a Vice President of the University.

ARTICLE XIII: FEES
Section 13. 1. FEES: The Executive Committee is authorized to establish fees to defer expenses of particular programs or events.

ARTICLE XIV: SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
Section 14.1. NAME: The Society newsletter shall be named THE SPECTRUM.

Section 14.2. FREQUENCY OF PUBLICATION: The Society newsletter shall be published and distributed at least once a semester. Acceptance of articles shall be at the sole discretion of the editor.

Section 14.3. DISTRIBUTION: Each regular and honorary member shall receive one copy of the newsletter. The Executive Committee may authorize additional distribution to organizations or individuals that are deemed as having reciprocal, supportive, or mutual interests to the Society.

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P R O X Y (Exhibit 1)

THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOCIETY GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

NUMBER_____________ AUTHORIZED FOR THE MEETING TO BE HELD ON ,20_______ I, (1) , HEREBY AUTHORIZE (2) TO VOTE IN MY NAME, PLACE, AND STEAD AS MY PROXY ON ALL MATTERS VOTED DURING THE MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP TO BE HELD ON THE DATE SPECIFIED ABOVE. IN EXECUTING THIS DOCUMENT, I UNDERSTAND THAT THE INDIVIDUAL APPOINTED MUST BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING, AND THAT THIS PROXY SHALL REMAIN IN FORCE, UNLESS SOONER REVOKED (EITHER IN WRITING OR IN PERSON AT SAID MEETING) WITH FULL POWER TO CAST MY VOTE AS IF I WERE THEN PERSONALLY PRESENT, WHEREOF, I HAVE EXECUTED THIS PROXY ON (3) , 20____

(4) (SIGNATURE OF MEMBER AUTHORIZING PROXY) ****************************************************************************************

ACCEPTED BY SOCIETY SECRETARY_________ (INITIALS) ON _____________20___ (DATE)


INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING PROXY (EXHIBIT 2)

COMPLETION: (NOTE: THE NUMBERS BELOW CORRESPOND TO THE BLANK SPACES ON THE PROXY FORM).

(1) PRINT YOUR NAME.

(2) PRINT THE NAME OF THE PERSON YOU HAVE APPOINTED TO VOTE FOR YOU.

(3) DATE THE PROXY.

(4) SIGN YOUR NAME.

FILING:
(1) ONCE COMPLETED, THE PROXY MUST BE FILED WITH THE VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS.

(2) THE PROXY CAN BE FILED WITH THE VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS (A) BY MAIL USING THE SOCIETY ADDRESS OR THE VICE PRESIDENT'S STREET OR E-MAIL ADDRESS, OR FAX; OR (B) IN PERSON BY EITHER THE MEMBER AUTHORIZING THE PROXY OR THE INDIVIDUAL APPOINTED.

(3) THE PROXY MUST BE FILED WITH THE VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS BEFORE THE ACTUAL COMMENCEMENT OF THE MEETING; (I.E., BEFORE THE TIME THE MEETING IS FORMALLY "CALLED TO ORDER").

(4) IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MEMBER AUTHORIZING THE PROXY TO HAVE THE PROXY FILED IN A TIMELY MANNER WITH THE SOCIETY VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS.

VALIDITY:
(1) IN ORDER FOR THE PROXY TO BE VALID, THE INDIVIDUAL AUTHORIZED MUST:

(A) BE CLEARLY STATED ON THE PROXY;

(B) BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING; AND

(C) BE A VOTING MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY.

(2) THE PROXY MUST BE DATED AND SIGNED.

(3) THE PROXY IS TO BE USED ONLY FOR THE MEETING HELD ON THE DATE STATED IN THE UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THE PROXY. IF THE PROXY IS NOT USED, PLEASE DESTROY IT.

AUTHORIZATION:
(1) VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS:
NAME:___________________________________ ADDRESS:____________________________________ E-MAIL:__________________ FAX:_____________

(2) SOCIETY: THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOCIETY, STUDENT ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER, SUB I, GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, FAIRFAX, VA 22030