SAAC By-Laws in Printable Form
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Article I Purpose: A. The Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) will serve as a medium of communication through which student-athletes discuss issues relating to the management, operations and rules governing the Athletic Department and its sport teams, and to represent the diverse backgrounds, views, interests, and concerns of student-athletes to the Athletic Department Administration. B. The SAAC will continuously evaluate and develop support services and enrichment programs to assist student-athletes. C. The SAAC will emphasize and make aware academic opportunities and responsibilities of student athletes in their college experience. D. The SAAC will give the administration an opportunity to familiarize the student-athletes with NCAA and Conference news, updates, laws, etc. E. The SAAC will promote positive relationships between student-athletes and the staff and faculty of WCU and the residents of the community as well as the students attending the university. F. Assist in the implementation of programs that will promote a positive image of intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete. G. Assist in the implementation of orientation programs for student-athletes and organize functions throughout the academic year specifically for student. H. To encourage more involvement of the student-athlete in campus and community projects. I. To act as a liaison between university student groups and student-athletes in encouraging relationships among athletes and non-athletes in ways that will benefit the university. J. To assist the university in soliciting student-athlete opinions to proposed NCAA legislation that affects students.Article II Membership: A. SAAC members must be full-time student-athletes or athletic trainers listed on the team squad list (active or inactive). Inactive student-athletes are those defined as red-shirting or those that have completed their fourth year of eligibility. B. No university student-athlete may be denied membership on the basis of sex, national origin, marital status, disability or age. C. There will be at least two (2) representatives for each team serving on the board during each academic year entitled to one vote per person. Any student may attend the meetings and are encouraged to do so. However, voting is limited to SAAC representatives. D. The team coach and SAAC Advisor will select members of the SAAC committee. Representatives should include an upperclassman and underclassman. E. Attendance is mandatory, unless excused. SAAC representatives must inform the SAAC Advisor of any absence. Coaches will be informed of any absence. F. If a team does not have at least one representative at a meeting, than that team will have no vote for that meeting. G. Representatives are allowed and encouraged to find a substitute from their team. H. Teams, which have official team events in conflict with a meeting, are excused and may vote by proxy. However, they must notify the SAAC Advisor before the meeting.
Article III Structure: A. The SAAC Executive Board consists of: 1. A President who is responsible for organizing meetings, running meetings, and acting as a spokesperson for the council. 2. Vice-President serves as President when he/she is unable to do so, and foresees activities of committees. 3. A Record Secretary, who will take active, detailed minutes and distributes the minutes, alert representatives of meetings, will take attendance of representatives and keep track of voting rights, and performs other such duties. 4. A Treasurer who will be responsible for organizing and coordinating funding. 5. Southern Conference liaisons (2), of different gender and grade level that will represent Western Carolina University at the Southern Conference SAAC events. B. The SAAC will elect the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Record Secretary for one year terms, from August to July. In this election, each member will have one vote. Freshman may not be elected to hold office. The vote will be held in April. C. Sub-Committees/Standing Committees: 1. Each SAAC member shall serve on a sub-committee. 2. SAAC members will volunteer for sub-committees of their choice. If the numbers of members on various committees are not balanced then the President or Vice President will have the power to make necessary changes. 3. Each Sub-Committee will make a report for each SAAC meeting. 4. Each Sub-Committee will be have an officer serve as Chairperson. 5. Sub Committees are determined on an as-needed basis
Standing Committees: a. Budget/Fundraising b. Community Service & Outreach c. Team Support & Social d. Awards Banquet e. Life Skills
Article IV Meetings: A. SAAC meetings agendas will be determined during the Executive Board meeting. B. Each Sub-Committee will meet as needed between each SAAC meeting. C. The SAAC Meeting Agenda will include an overview of the previous SAAC meeting, team updates, a report from each Sub-Committee, business from the Athletic Department, new business, and an open discussion session, which may hear comments from non-voting attendants at the meeting. D. Resolutions will be passed by a simple majority of those representatives in attendance, with voting rights, if a quorum is present. E. A quorum will be one/third of all representatives. F. Amendments to the by-laws require a two-thirds vote of a quorum. G. A regular SAAC meeting should be held at least once a month. The first meeting should occur no later than the fourth week of the academic semester. H. Regularly scheduled SAAC meetings will be "open" meetings. I. No expenditures shall be made without approval of the SAAC advisor, SAAC President, and the SAAC Secretary/Treasurer. J. Any and all fund-raising activities will follow athletic fund-raising procedures and must be granted written approval by the SAAC advisor. K. The Athletic Director and/or SAAC Advisor or President has the authority to call meetings. The Executive Board will meet prior to every SAAC meeting.
Article V Elections:
The election date will be announced at the first SAAC meeting of the academic year and the members will be notified at least two weeks prior to the election.
Article VI Finance:
No dues will be collected, all expenses will be paid by the Athletic Department and other university departments or fundraising.
Article VII Resolution:
Approval from the Athletic Director will enact this document. It will take effect immediately upon passage.
