Constitution
Die Verfassung

I. Name of Organization

     The name of the organization shall be "Der Deutsche Klub."

II. Purpose

     This organization should bring together those students interested in the culture of the German speaking peoples.

III. Membership

     A. Every Bates student, members of the faculty, and all alumni are welcome to participate; however, they do not become active until they meet the criteria listed in Article III, Section B.

     B. Active members are defined as those who have attended at least 75% of the meetings which have been held up to that time.

IV. Officers: There shall be one chairperson and two representatives.

     A. Chairperson — The duties of the chairperson are to call and preside at all meetings.

     B. Representatives

          1. One representative shall undertake a secretarial role and the other shall undertake the treasurer's role. Which person will have which responsibilities is a question to be decided between the representatives.

     C. All three officers are collectively responsible for implementing all decisions made by the club.

V. Voting (This section does not cover elections; that special case is dealt with in article VI.)

     A. Eligibility

          1. Only active members may vote.

          2. The chairperson may only vote in the case of a tied vote in order to break the deadlock.

     B. Quorum: A quorum for voting purposes will be defined as a meeting with two-thirds of the active members in attendance.

VI. Elections

     A. Elections shall be held regularly in February. Nominations shall be made by active members only. Non-active members may be nominated for office.

     B. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the active club members present, provided a quorum is achieved.

     C. Nominations shall be held the meeting prior to the actual election date.

     D. Officers shall be elected by secret ballot.

     E. Initially, the three representatives shall be chosen by the first vote. A second vote by the club will determine from those elected representatives, which shall be the chairperson of the club.

     F. Term of office shall run from September through August. Officers elected in February shall be termed officers-elect until their terms begin.

VII. Meetings

Meetings shall be held at least every other week. The members will strive to speak German as much as possible.

VIII. Adoption

This constitution shall become effective upon the approval of two-thirds of the active members present.

IX. Amendments

     A. This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the membership present at any meeting with a quorum.

     B. Notice of the said amendment will be included in a written call for the meeting.