Club Constitution

Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club

Article I – Name and Affiliation

Name

The official name of this organization shall be the Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club.

Affiliation

1. The Job Interview Preparation Club is not affiliated with any national organization, it is local to the Penn State Berks Campus.

Article II – Mission Statement

The mission of the organization is to prepare students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in job interviews. We aim to provide students with real-world examples and tools to successfully launch their careers in technology.
We aim to foster a collaborative environment where students can refine their problem-solving abilities, master coding challenges, and develop compelling communication techniques through peer-led workshops, mock interviews, and industry-informed guidance.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional readiness ensuring every member is equipped to thrive in competitive hiring processes and contribute meaningfully to the tech world.

Article III – Membership

1. Any Undergraduate student at Penn State Berks is eligible to join the Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club.
2. An accurate listing of our members must be maintained on Presence, with a minimum of 5 student members
3. Only Berks student members are eligible to hold officer positions, solicit funds, and vote. Faculty/Staff, Alumni, or Community members are not permitted to make decisions on behalf of the organization, solicit funds, or vote
4. RSOs, following the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy will not discriminate membership based on any protected class outlined at PSU Policy AD91

New Members and Recruitment

All new members will be given full disclosure during recruitment, including but not limited to:

New Membership Manual (if applicable)

Schedule of New Member Events and Activities (if applicable)

A list of responsibilities

A copy of the University Hazing policy, prescribed by Policies and Rules for Student Organizations

All members reserve the right to refrain from participating in any activities without consequence, based upon personal/religious beliefs, personal values, or moral reserve as defined by the member.

All interaction/activity between members and/or new members will be limited to guidelines stated by university policy, as well as local, state, and federal laws.

Non-Hazing Compliance Statement

1. 1. Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club and The Pennsylvania State University does not tolerate hazing. Hazing is prohibited for any University recognized or sanctioned organization, student, or other person associated with an organization operating under the sanction of or recognized by the University.
  2. Organizations or individuals found responsible for hazing under this Policy, whether occurring on or off campus, will be subject to disciplinary action by the University, and may also face criminal charges under state law, including The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, 18. Pa. C.S. § 2801, et seq.
  3. Annually, Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club will share the University Hazing Policy with the entire membership, prescribed by Policies and Rules for Student Organizations.

Membership Mediation

1. 1. In the case of violations of constitution policies and/or a conflict between members, the highest-ranking officer not involved in the instance, with assistance from the club Advisor, will facilitate a mediated conversation
  2. The mediation will occur outside of a normal club meeting time; include opportunities for both parties to speak; allow facilitation of a resolution between members.

Membership Removal

1. Membership may be removed if a member is found to violate any proceedings or fails to meet membership criteria outlined above
2. If a member is at-risk of removal, the President will have a meeting with the Member to let them know of their at-risk status prior to removal and outline immediate and sustainable changes that must occur to maintain membership
3. If a member fails to make the necessary changes, the executive board will vote on removal and the outcome will be shared with the members in question
4. Officer removal/replacement is outlined in the Officers section.

Article IV – Officers

Executive Officers

PRESIDENT

1. 1. 1. Provide overall leadership and direction for the club.
    2. Organize and lead meetings
    3. Set goals for the club and ensure they’re met
    4. Coordinate with faculty advisors
    5. Act as main point of contact for the college.
  2. VICE-PRESIDENT
    1. Assist the president with club duties
    2. Focus on internal operations and event management
  3. TREASURER
    1. Keep financial records updated and accurate.
    2. Balance Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club financial transactions and all accounts. Liaison with SGA Financial Manager and Student Affairs Financial Manager

Election of Officers

Term of Office

1. 1. 1. Each Executive Officer position shall be elected once every academic year in the Spring Semester.
    2. The incoming officers shall serve from the Fall, Spring, and Summer of the following academic year.
    3. Officers are only allowed to serve for 3 total semesters.

Election Procedure

1. 1. 1. Elections shall be conducted electronically on Presence no later than the last week of classes in the Spring Semester preceding the beginning of term of office. Presence provides an opportunity for secure elections. Elections shall be conducted through a vote of all members present during the announced election meeting
    2. No one involved in conducting the elections may be an official candidate.
    3. Which every candidate receives the most votes will be selected has the officer.
    4. If case of a time a runoff election will be held between them to determine who receives the seat.
    5. Members must be notified of election dates and procedures three weeks in advance.

Officer Removal

1. 1. 1. If an officer is at-risk of removal for violating organizational policies or culture, or a failure to complete their duties, the President and Advisor will have a meeting with the Officer to let them know of their at-risk status prior to removal and outline immediate and sustainable changes that must occur to maintain an officer position. If the President is the officer at-risk of removal, the next highest-ranking officer and advisor will meet with the President.
    2. If the changes are not met or sustained and an officer needs to be removed, the Executive Leadership/Membership must have a discussion and vote
    3. The highest-ranking officer and advisor will notify the officer immediately

Officer Replacement

1. 1. If an officer needs to step down, or has been removed outside of regular election time, the Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club Executive Board will appoint a replacement officer / Will hold an election to replace the officer.
  2. Members may nominate candidates, and the replacement will be chosen by a simple majority vote of the club members.
  3. If the vacancy is for the President, the Vice President will assume the role, and a new Vice President will be appointed or elected.

Article V – Operating Procedure

Meetings

1. 1. A meeting of the Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club shall be held no less than bi-monthly and no more than weekly.
  2. Adequate advance notice must be given to all student members via email and group messaging platforms.
  3. Attendance at meetings will be required for members to qualify for leadership positions or special recognition.

Decision-Making Process

1. 1. The Executive Board shall put-to-vote any decisions being made concerning the general membership of the Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club to the membership / executive leaders.
  2. A Majority vote of all members (or exec) present will determine the outcome of a decision.
  3. Decisions will be shared with the membership via meeting minutes distributed through email or the club’s messaging platform.

Amending the Constitution and Bylaws

1. Amendments to this document may be proposed by any member of the Executive Board or general membership.
2. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing and will be reviewed and voted on at the next scheduled meeting.
3. A two-thirds majority vote of all present members is required to adopt an amendment.
4. The constitution will be reviewed annually, and any approved amendments will be uploaded to Presence to ensure compliance.
5. Amendments must pass an affirmative vote following the Decision-Making process above and be presented to the entire membership
6. All amendments must be submitted and approved by the Campus Life Office as an updated constitution to ensure compliance with university regulations
7. Constitution Renewals are due to the Campus Life Office every 2 years but may be submitted sooner. Student Life will contact RSO leadership at the time of renewal

Article VI – Advisors

Requirements of the Faculty/Staff Advisor

1. The advisor must be a faculty/staff member on the Penn State Berks Campus, selected by the Executive Board
2. If our organization has a Co-Advisor, that advisor may be a Berks Campus faculty/staff member, or a current Graduate Assistant (GA) or Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA), or a Non-PSU Community member affiliated with your organization
3. Co-Advisors are not required
Duties of the Faculty/Staff Advisor
1. The advisor shall be available to mentor the students in the general membership and assist them with procedures when necessary
2. Advisors/Co-Advisors do not have voting rights
3. Advisors/Co-Advisors may not conduct business on behalf of the organization

Article VII – Financial Statement

Finances

1. 1. All organizational funds will be deposited and handled exclusively the Bursar’s office
  2. The RSO will not have an off-campus bank account

Funding

1. The dues for members of the Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club shall be no more than ten dollars a semester to be collected by the second meeting after the Involvement Fair
2. Dues will be used to fund programming costs, workshop materials, event supplies, and other activities that further the club’s mission. The Executive Board will determine the dues amount during the annual budget planning process.
3. The Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club will hold fundraisers at a minimum of once a semester to bring in additional funding on top of dues to be used to further our mission
4. The Penn State Berks Job Interview Preparation Club may choose to request funding from the Student Fee or Student Government Association.

Article VIII – Enabling Clause

This Constitution was reviewed and ratified by the Executive Board on November 27, 2024, at a regular body meeting
The entire membership and the Executive Board have reviewed and agree to this document

Penn State Berks Job Interview Preperation Club