HISTORY CLUB BYLAWS

Bylaws

Revised May 7, 2026

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1 - Name:
The name of this organization shall be College History Club of the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, hereafter referred to as “College History Club" or “History Club.”

Section 2 - Purpose:
The mission of our organization is to promote a greater understanding of how history and politics intertwine and their relation to the world around us through events, activities, simulations, socials, and games.

Section 3 - Core Values

1. Diversity and Inclusivity: Create an inclusive environment that welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
   
   

2. Open-mindedness: Encourage members to approach historical topics with an open mind, considering various viewpoints and interpretations.
   
   

3. Innovation: Embrace innovative approaches to studying and presenting history, incorporating technology and activities.
   
   

4. Civic Responsibility: Encourage members to recognize the role of history in shaping civic responsibility and promote active citizenship.
   
   

5. Fun and Enjoyment: Ensure that the club provides an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for all members, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 - Qualifications:

1. Membership is open to all those interested in history (UWL students, faculty, and community members).

2. Membership privileges, including voting and eligibility to hold office, shall be extended to all students without discrimination.

3. 75% of the membership must be UWL students enrolled for a minimum of one semester hour of credit.

Section 2 – Dues:
Dues will be set by the Executive Board each academic year by a 2/3 vote.

ARTICLE III: EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1 – Composition:
The Executive Board will consist of the following elected officers:

1. President

2. Vice President

3. Treasurer

4. Secretary

5. Social Lead

6. Event Lead

Section 2 - Executive Board Responsibilities:
The Executive Board shall encourage participation in club activities, plan meetings and events, promote the organization's mission, and mentor the next generation of club leaders.

Section 3 - Duties of Officers:

• President: Presides over all meetings, sets broad goals for the organization, serves as the main representative of the club, and oversees all club operations.

• Vice President: Assists the President, presides in their absence, leads membership recruitment efforts, and manages internal communication.

• Treasurer: Manages all club finances, prepares the budget, and ensures proper documentation of expenditures.

• Secretary: Maintains meeting records, organizes documentation, and ensures effective communication within the club.

• Social Lead: Manages social media accounts, creates promotional materials, and supports the Vice President in membership recruitment.

• Event Lead: Plans events, coordinates event logistics, secures venues, and ensures successful execution of club activities.

Section 4 - Teams

1. The Social and Event Leads will be charged with running the Media and Event Teams respectively.

2. The membership of these teams are open to any dues paying member. 

3. Teams are required to meet at minimum once per month.

Section 5 - President, Participation & Attendance

1. Officers are expected to attend all executive and general meetings as well as events.

2. Excessive absences without valid reasons may result in disciplinary action or removal.

3. The President may not simultaneously serve as President, Chair, Co-Chair, or Primary Contact of another Registered Student Organization. If they are, the office is to be considered vacant.

ARTICLE IV: ELECTIONS AND REMOVALS

Section 1 - Election Process:

1. Elections shall be held annually in April.

2. Candidates must be active members in good standing.

3. A nomination period of one week shall precede elections, during which members may nominate themselves or others.

4. Each candidate may provide a brief statement outlining their qualifications and goals.

5. Voting shall be conducted by a secret ballot and decided by a simple majority.

6. Newly elected officers shall assume office at the end of the meeting where they were elected.

Section 2 - Removal of Officers:

1. If an officer is deemed deficient in their duties, they shall receive a formal warning and a one-month probationary period.

2. If no improvement is observed, a removal vote may be initiated by any executive board member.

3. Removal requires a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board and approval by a majority of general club members.

4. If an officer is removed, a special election will be held within three weeks to fill the vacancy.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS

Section 1: Meeting Times and Location:

1. Meeting times and locations shall be determined by the Executive Board.

2. There must be at least three general meetings and one Executive Board meeting per semester.

Section 2 - Quorum 

1. A quorum of at least 35% of active members is required to conduct official club business.

2. A quorum of two-thirds of officers is required for Executive Board decisions.

Section 3 -  Special Meetings:

1. Special meetings may be called by the Executive Board or by a petition signed by 30% of the general membership.

2. A minimum of 72 hours' notice must be given for any special meeting.

ARTICLE VI: CODE OF CONDUCT

1. All members are expected to act respectfully and professionally in meetings, events, and online interactions.

2. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

3. Violations will be addressed through a formal review process, which may include warnings, mediation, or disciplinary action up to revocation of membership.

ARTICLE VII: NON-DISCRIMINATION & ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

1. The club is committed to maintaining an inclusive and harassment-free environment.

2. Discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status will not be tolerated.

3. Complaints will be handled confidentially, and appropriate actions will be taken to address violations.

ARTICLE VIII: VACANCY AND SUCCESSION

1. If the President is unable to serve, the Vice President shall assume the role until a special election is held.

2. If any other officer position becomes vacant, the executive board may appoint with a 2/3rds majority vote a replacement officer who is a dues-paying member in good standing, to be confirmed with a majority vote of the History Club.

3. Interim appointments may be made by the Executive Board until an election is completed.

ARTICLE IX: FINANCE & FUNDRAISING

1. The Treasurer shall present a financial report at least once per semester.

2. All fundraising activities must be approved by the Executive Board.

3. Club funds shall be used only for activities that align with the club’s mission.

ARTICLE X: CLUB DISSOLUTION

1. The club may be dissolved by a 2/3 vote of all active members in good standing.

2. Any remaining funds will be donated to the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse History Department or another relevant organization.

3. A final report must be submitted to the university administration detailing the dissolution process.

ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS

Section 1 - How to Amend:

1. Amendments may be proposed by any member.

2. Proposed amendments must be shared with members at least 48 hours before a meeting.

3. Amendments require approval by a majority vote of both the Executive Board and the general membership.