Society of Automotive Engineers
Constitution

Preamble

The purpose of this organization is to serve as an industry liaison and to foster enthusiasm and interest for automotive and mobility related careers at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor.

Article I – Name

The name of this organization will be the Student Chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers at the University of Michigan, henceforth referred to as MSAE.

Article II – Membership

Membership shall be limited to persons officially connected with the University of Michigan as faculty, staff, or registered students. In addition, the following requirements are necessary to constitute general members:
            1. Payment in full of membership in SAE International.
            2. Attendance of biweekly MSAE general meetings.
            3. Active participation in activities and sponsored events.

MSAE openly admits students to its membership and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex (including gender identity and expression), color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.

Article III – Active Membership

Active membership shall be limited to persons meeting the criteria of Article II. In addition the following requirements are necessary to attain active membership status for the following semester:

1. Current membership in SAE-International
2. Attendance at three general body/SAE-Detroit meetings
3. Volunteer at two MSAE events
4. Participation at one social event

Recognition for active membership status will be awarded at the conclusion of the current semester.

Article IV - Officers

MSAE will be governed by the following means:

1. President - shall present all motions to the body, shall plan and lead all meetings, oversee all chapter activities and maintain chapter functionality.
2. External Vice President. - shall be to lead professional development initiative, organize lecture series, and assist the President and External Vice President.
3. Internal Vice President - shall serve as MESLB representative for chapter, maintain contact with other societies, organize joint activities with other societies, and assist the President and External Vice President.
4. Treasurer - shall apply for funding at the beginning of each semester (UMEC and MSA), write financial report at the end of each semester, maintain chapter budget, handle disbursements, and serve as contact for the SOAS office
5. Administrator/Webmaster – shall take meeting minutes, publish minutes on chapter website, and maintain chapter website
6. Events Executive – shall lead  and handle logistics for all on and off-campus events
7. On-Campus Events Chair – shall coordinate activities on U of M campuses and assist off-campus events chair and events executive
8. Off-Campus Events Chair – shall coordinate activities off U of M campuses, arrange for transportation to event locations, and assist on-campus events chair and events executive
9. Publicity Chair - shall lead advertising initiative for all events, maintain chapter showcase in EECS atrium, and promote chapter presence on campus
10. Service Chair – shall plan service events each semester and encourage membership participation
11. Membership Chair – shall lead active membership program and organize events for the program.
12. UMEC Representative – shall attend UMEC meetings, and report relevant information to MSAE meetings.
13. Corporate Chair – shall maintain contact with companies within the industry and lead the corporate sponsorship program.
14. Advisor Emeritus – any returning member who formerly held any of the above positions shall move into this role if not currently in another position, the responsibilities of which include providing support and advice for events and chapter governance.

Article V – Operations

1. Voting Eligibility
1. Those members meeting all requirements of active membership as set forth in Article III will be granted voting privileges.
2. Election Process
1. All officers, with the exception of Advisor Emeritus, shall be elected by a majority vote of the eligible voting members of MSAE. All elections will be held on an annual basis during the month of April.
2. The President will take nominations from the floor, and the nomination process must be closed. The nominated parties will be allowed to vote.
3. All voting shall be done by secret ballot to be collected and tabulated by the Secretary.
3. Meetings
1. All General meetings will occur on a bi-weekly basis or other regular basis at a time selected by MSAE.
2. An Executive Board Officer meeting shall be held at least every week, independent of the General meeting.
4. Executive Leadership

The President, Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Events Executive, and Administrator shall mentor their respective officers as follows:

1. President – Internal and External Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Events Executive, and Administrator
2. Internal Vice President – Membership and UMEC officers
3. External Vice President – Corporate and Service Officers
4. Events Executive – On-campus and Off-campus events and publicity officer
5. Administrator - Webmaster

Article VI – Finances

MSAE will finance the activities it engages in by the following means:

1. Direct funding from the MSAE SOAS account
2. Funds from the Mechanical Engineering department
3. Allocations from the University of Michigan Engineering Council
4. Allocations from the Michigan Student Assembly
5. Funds from Student Leadership and Academic Services
6. Corporate and private sponsorship
7. Funds from SAE-Detroit and SAE-International

Article VII – Amendments

This Constitution is binding to all members of MSAE, however the Constitution is not binding unto itself.

Amendments to the Constitution may be proposed in writing by any voting member of MSAE at any meeting.

These amendments will be placed on the agenda for the next regular meeting.

Proposed amendments will become effective following approval of a two-thirds vote of all active members present.

Article VIII – Removal of Membership

1. Removal of Officers
1. An officer of MSAE in violation of MSAE’s purpose or Constitution may be removed from office by the following process:
1. A written request by at least three active-members of the Organization.
2. Written notification to the officer of the request, asking the officer to be present at the next meeting and prepared to speak.
3. A two-thirds majority vote is necessary to remove the officer

Article IX – Registration Renewal

MSAE will re-register with the Michigan Student Assembly on an annual basis, no later than September 15.

MSAE will return a signed SOAS card no later than September 15.

Article X – Statement of Compliance

By completing the registration process, we agree to abide by the University’s policies. We understand that the organization’s registration is contingent on the acceptance of these policies.

Questions? Please email sae.info@umich.edu with MSAE in the subject line.