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American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association Constitution and By-Laws
THE AMERICAN COLLEGIATE HORSEMEN'S ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION
Ratified February 10, 2007
Mission Statement: To unify collegiate horsemen of all levels and disciplines through the promotion of leadership, education, service, and national affiliations.
ARTICLE I
Principles
Section I: Name
This organization shall be known as the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association.
Section II: Objects
The objects of the organization are:
- First -To unite collegiate horsemen from across the nation and work together with friendship and professionalism.
- Second -To promote the entire equine industry and spread knowledge of all its aspects to our collegiate members.
- Third-To bring about a closer relationship between members and leaders of the equine industry through affiliations.
Section III: Earnings
No part of the net earnings of this club shall insure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its members, officers, or other private persons except that the club shall be authorized and empowered to provide incentives through distribution of the purposes set forth in ARTICLE I, SECTION II hereof.
Section IV: Dissolution of the club
Upon the dissolution of the club, the existing officers and advisors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities of the club, dispose of all the assets of the club by donation of such assets to any equine related non-profit unit or organization in furtherance of the purposes set forth in ARTICLE I, SECTION II hereof. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Please of the county in which the principle office of the club is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization(s) as said court shall determine which are organized and operated for such purposes.
ARTICLE II
Membership
Section I: Charter Members
The charter members of this organization shall be Southwest Missouri State University, Texas A&M University, Oklahoma State University, University of Minnesota-Crookston, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Florida, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, and The Ohio State University.
Section II: Election and Initiation
- Any student active in a collegiate equine related club who would further the ideals and goals of the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association shall be eligible for membership.
- No person shall be initiated into the organization save by an active collegiate club, except in the foundation of such clubs or by the clubs assembled in National Convention.
- No person shall be invited to join any collegiate club except by approval of that individual chapter.
- At National Convention, persons that have not paid dues both at the local and national level will not participate in delegation, and will only be considered as guests. Only paid members will receive delegate representation.
- Alumni Membership shall be available to past members of the ACHA who have shown extended leadership and have greatly contributed to the ACHA both during and after term.
- Honorary Membership may be conferred on any person actively identified with equine interests by unanimous vote of the collegiate club. Such honorary members shall owe no fees or dues and be subject to final approval by the National Secretary/Treasurer.
Section III: Resignation
Members shall be permitted to resign or honorably depart from this club only by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Committee and National Advisor, not including any officer in question.
Section IV: Expulsion
- Unbecoming conduct of a member may be punishable by expulsion.
- Members who willfully obstruct the work of a club and whose continued presence is injurious to a club may be punished by expulsion.
- No expulsion shall be made without formal charges and a duly held trial by the collegiate club and the findings approved by the executive committee. A two-thirds (2/3) vote by the Executive Committee and National Advisor shall carry conviction.
Section V: New Member Candidates
Upon receiving and accepting a club's application, they shall be known as nominees. No nominee shall be accepted into full membership until the full membership fee has been paid.
ARTICLE III
Emblems
Section I: Logo 
Designed by Russell Kriewald, the logo consists of the initials of the American Collegiate Horsemen’s Association, ACHA. The C is a sideways horseshoe containing nine stars to represent the nine founding chapters. The other letters are cerulean blue. The design of the logo shall never be changed.
Section II: Insignia
Colors: The colors of the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association shall be cerulean (blue) and silver.
Flower: Tulip
This insignia shall never be changed.
ARTICLE IV
Conventions
Section I: Annual Meetings
Each year the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association shall hold an annual meeting of its members known as the National Convention. These national meetings shall be held at places designated by the delegate body in attendance at the proceeding National Convention or by the elected National Officers (the Executive Committee).
Section II: Powers and Jurisdictions
The National Convention shall be supreme, and its jurisdiction shall extend throughout and over the members of all clubs.
Section III: Delegates and Voting Rights
- Number - Each collegiate club in good standing shall be entitled up to two delegates.
- No delegates shall consist of current national officers, or national officer candidates. Persons running for National Office, who are already delegates, may attend the delegate meeting and vote. Their ballot will be cast before leaving for officer elections.
- Delegates will be selected by their respective local chapter, and shall serve as liaisons of all business between the local chapters and the National Executive Committee throughout the entire year.
- Delegates may be substituted at national convention by notice of the respective chapter, as long as the substitute delegate is in good standing with ACHA, and is eligible for delegation during national convention.
- Credentials of the delegates from active collegiate clubs shall be approved and delegates shall be seated at each National Convention.
- Expenses of delegates shall be the responsibility of each collegiate club.
Section IV: Quorum
A majority of the seated delegates shall constitute a quorum at National Convention or an official ACHA delegate meeting.
Section V: Votes
 Each active club shall be entitled to two votes that will be made by the delegates elect. The executive committee will approve the conclusions made by the delegating body. In the case of the executive committee not approving of the conclusions, the issues will be returned to the delegates. At this point the issue can be revised and sent back to the executive committee. In the case of the executive committee not approving of the conclusions, the issues will be returned to the delegates. At this point the issue can be revised and sent back to the executive committee or kept the same and approved by the delegates over the executive committee by a two thirds (2/3) vote. Items of business may be sent to the voting delegates and undisclosed amount of times.
No voting by proxy shall be permitted.
Section VI: Notice of Meetings
The National Communications Officer shall issue a notice to each club and to all past national presidents at least sixty (60) days prior to the convention providing a tentative itinerary. In time of war or dire necessity, the Executive Committee may postpone or prohibit the regular meeting or convention.
Section VII: Presiding Officer
The National President shall preside at all regular meetings of the National Convention. In the absence of the President, the National Vice-President shall preside. If neither of these officers is present, the National Convention Delegate Body shall elect a temporary presiding officer from its remaining Executive Committee or National Advisor by a simple majority vote.
ARTICLE V
National Officers
Section I: Officers
The National Officers of the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association ranking in the order named shall be National President, National Vice-president, National Secretary, National Treasurer, and National Communications Officer. These five individuals shall constitute the Executive Committee of the national organization.
Section II: Requirements
- Must be considered a member in good standing by the ACHA.
- Must maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 in the semester immediately prior to the election/appointment, the semester of election/appointment, and during the term in office. A current transcript and officer application must be submitted to National Advisor prior to or at check-in at convention before running for National Office.
- In order to be President, the nominee must have held a previous National Officer position. In the case that there is not an incumbent or willing or able officer to serve as President the position will be an open election.
Section III: Election
- Each candidate must submit an official application as developed by committee appointed by the Executive Committee to the National Secretary prior to the deadline.
- In the event that there are more than three candidates for any office, a nomination committee shall be formed.
- The nominating committee shall consist of three persons, which may include, but is not limited to, past national presidents and or/advisors with the most immediate past president serving as chair.
- This body will make selections for the top three candidates of each position, based upon the application, while holding personal interview(s) in the case that the nominating committee is utilized.
- The delegates will vote on these three candidates for each position.
Nominees must be present at National Convention. Each nominee must address the entire convention prior to elections.
ARTICLE VI
Amendments
Amendments to this constitution may be made by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the official delegates present at the National Convention or at an official national delegate meeting.
THE AMERICAN COLLEGIATE HORSEMEN'S ASSOCIATION
BY-LAWS
Ratified January 13, 2006
Mission Statement: To unify collegiate horsemen of all levels and disciplines through the promotion of leadership, education, service, and national affiliations.
PARAGRAPH I: Duties of National Officers
It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings, enforce a rigid observance of the Constitution and By-laws of the organization, appoint committees not already provided for, see that officers perform their official duties, inspect the result of balloting when deemed necessary, and sign official documents of the organization. The President shall serve as chair for the National Convention held during his/her time in office.
It shall be the duty of the Vice-president to assume the duties of the President in the absence of that official, to work with newly organized collegiate clubs seeking membership and to assist in the promotion of the best interests of the organization as the President may direct. The Vice President shall serve as director of marketing and sponsorship.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the minutes of all meetings, notify all members of their appointments to committees, as well as to collect, compile, edit, record, and publish information of interest to American Collegiate Horsemen's Association members. The Secretary shall publish a quarterly newsletter and distribute to all paid schools and sponsors.
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive all money due to the organization, pay all bills signed by the President, keep an accurate account of the finances of the organization, and make an annual report thereof.
It shall be the duty of the Communications Officer to conduct the correspondence of the organization, distribute information concerning or of interest to American Collegiate Horsemen's Association members, and make an annual report of the work of the organization to the members.
PARAGRAPH II: Government of Collegiate Clubs
- Composition — Executive Committee of the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association shall issue charters to petitioning groups upon the approval of their petition by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of a National Convention or by a consent of two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the clubs between conventions.
- Petition — A petition for a charter shall follow guidelines established by the Executive Committee of the national organization. The petition shall be prepared by the petitioning body under the direction of the National Vice-President and submitted for presentation to the delegates assembled at the National Convention.
- Installation — Chapters may be installed either by formal initiation or by representatives present at the National Convention. A copy of the induction ceremony shall be sent to the officers of the chapter upon request.
- Powers and Duties — The powers and duties of each collegiate club shall be as follows:
The sole right to initiate members into clubs except at the National Convention.
To adopt and enforce for its own government, rules and regulations not inconsistent with the laws of the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association.
To levy and collect fees, taxes, dues, fines and accounts for national and local club purposes.
- Meetings — Collegiate clubs shall meet at their discretion, except when such meetings conflict with the regulations of their college or university.
- Quorum — A quorum of a collegiate club shall consist of a majority of all its active members.
Names — The collegiate club officers ’ titles shall be left to the discretion of the local club. Although, it is strongly encouraged to include a President, Vice-President, Communications Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer.
- Elections — The officers of the collegiate clubs shall be elected and installed before the end of each spring semester or term and their names and addresses sent to the National Secretary. The Faculty Advisor(s) may be elected by the club subject to the approval of the head of the Department of Animal Sciences or appointed by the head of the Department of Animal Sciences, whichever is customary with the club. At the discretion of the local chapter, new officers may be selected for each term, with the additional election and installation being scheduled before the end of the fall term.
- Duties — The duties of the President of a collegiate club shall be the same as for the National President; namely, it shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings, enforce a rigid observance of the Constitution and By-Laws of the organization, and see that officers perform their official duties; inspect the results of the balloting when deemed necessary; sign all orders drawn by the Secretary and other official documents of the organization.
- The duties of the Vice-President of a collegiate club shall be the same as for the National Vice-president; to wit. It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to assume the duties of the President in the absence of that official and to assist in the promotion of the best interests of the organization as the President may direct.
- It shall be the duty of the Secretary of a collegiate club to keep the minutes of all meetings, notify all members of their appointments to committees, as well as to collect, compile, edit, record, and publish information of interest to members.
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of a collegiate club to receive all money due the club, keep an accurate account of all finances of the club, collect all dues and assessments, and pay all bills owed by the club.
- It shall be the duty of the Communications Officer of a collegiate club to conduct the correspondence of the organization, distribute information concerning or of interest to the members, and make an annual report of the work of the organization to the members.
- It shall be the duty of the collegiate club President to appoint committees that may include those whose duties shall be as follows:
- The Executive Committee shall consist of all officers of the club, and may also include chairmen of standing committees, and all duly selected chapter faculty advisors. This committee shall have jurisdiction in all matters not especially delegated to some other committee.
- The Membership Committee shall investigate and report on all persons desiring membership.
- The Publicity Committee shall have charge of all nature of publicity having to do with the activities of the club.
- The Social Committee shall promote the social welfare of the club.
- The Finance and Auditing Committee’s duties shall be to audit financial reports and to promote the financial interests of the club.
- The Faculty Advisor or Advisors are the official representatives (s) of the faculty. It is his/her (their) duty to work closely with the club members and to serve as a source of advise, encouragement and leadership.
PARAGRAPH III: Dues
- Each collegiate club shall pay the National Treasurer an annual membership fee of fifty (50) dollars to maintain active standing with ACHA.
- Each collegiate club shall submit to the National Treasurer an annual membership fee of five (5) dollars per member each year to maintain active membership with ACHA.
- The deadline for these dues shall be October 15th prior to the corresponding National Convention in order for good standing status to be met.
- After October 15th of the corresponding year, a normal fee of five (5) dollars will still be accepted for general membership, however, these members will not be able to participate in delegation, shall not be a National Officer candidate, and will be subject to an increased convention fee, for recurring members only.
- Note: Individual late fees are only subject to schools of current active standing with ACHA. Membership fees will double to one hundred dollars per late club membership and ten dollars per late individual membership.
- Note: New schools’ and new members’ dues will be accepted at any time without subjection to late fees, and can take part in officer candidacy and/or delegation at the National Convention.
- Alumni Membership dues shall be either an annual fee of fifteen (15) dollars, or a lifetime membership fee of two hundred and fifty (250) dollars due in full.
 PARAGRAPH IV:
In all questions of parliamentary procedure, Robert's Rules of Order shall be the authority.
PARAGRAPH V:
A statement of the business of the past fiscal year shall be published by the National Secretary and made available to each local club each year. This shall include a financial statement, minutes of all prior national meetings, and directory of clubs.
PARAGRAPH VI:
The By-laws of the club may be amended by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the official delegates present at the National Convention or by approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the collegiate club, providing statement of such prepared amendment has been given to each club at least thirty (30) days previously.
PARAGRAPH VII:
All candidates for initiation, after they have met the requirements as set forth in the Constitution, shall be formally initiated by the induction ceremony.
PARAGRAPH VIII:
No student may be initiated before the national dues and any local chapter membership fees have been paid.
PARAGRAPH IX:
Upon the entrance into the duties of an office, each officer shall be required to take the following oath, administered by the installing officer: "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully perform the duties of (naming the office) and do all that I can to support the Constitution and By-laws of the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association".
PARAGRAPH X:
All orders for badges and other jewelry may be sent directly to the official jeweler as designated by the Executive Committee.
PARAGRAPH XI:
Student clubs at Junior Colleges shall be eligible for membership in the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association, providing the club has a primary interest in equine and prescribes to the objectives of the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association. Petition for membership and voting to membership shall be as stated in PARAGRAPH II, By-laws.
Junior college clubs shall be eligible to compete for national awards. Junior college clubs shall be allowed the same participation and voting privileges in national meetings as clubs from four-year colleges.
PARAGRAPH XIV: Transfer of Membership
American Collegiate Horsemen's Association membership of the individual member shall be transferable from one club to another pending approval by the receiving club and subject to conditions prescribed by them.
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