CLUB
CONSTITUTION

CONSTITUTION OF THE UNR PRE-VETERINARY CLUB

Academic Year: 2025–2026

Article I: Preamble

The UNR Pre-Veterinary Club is established for students interested in veterinary medicine and animal-related careers. The club offers opportunities for educational enrichment and professional development through activities such as guest speakers, presentations on veterinary topics, tours of veterinary facilities, animal-related volunteer work, community service, and social events. The club exists to provide students with knowledge of the field and to facilitate meaningful connections with peers and professionals.

Article II: Name

This organization shall be officially known as the University of Nevada, Reno Pre-Veterinary Club (UNR Pre-Vet Club).

Article III: Membership

Section A – Membership Qualifications: Any currently enrolled student at the University of Nevada, Reno who expresses an interest in pre-veterinary medicine or animal science may become a member by attending at least two scheduled meetings. Graduating students must have been active members for at least two semesters to be eligible to receive a graduation stole.

Section B – Selection of Members: Membership in the UNR Pre-Veterinary Club shall not be denied based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, socio-economic status, physical or mental ability, or sexual orientation.

Section C – Voting Privileges: A member is eligible to vote in club elections and decisions if they have attended at least half of the scheduled meetings, have paid any required dues, and have participated in at least one official club event during the semester.

Article IV: Officers and Responsibilities

Section A – Elected Officers: The President is responsible for the overall organization and leadership of the club, including coordination of members, officers, events, and meetings. The President secures guest speakers for each meeting or delegates this responsibility to a designated chair. They are responsible for finalizing and distributing meeting updates and announcements via Band within one week after meetings, organizing trips and club activities, creating meeting presentations, maintaining club documents, and providing Zoom links for virtual meetings.

The Vice President assumes the responsibilities of the President in their absence and assists with organizing speakers and programming for general membership meetings. The Vice President is also responsible for leading fundraising efforts, initiating contact with veterinary schools for informational presentations, and assisting the Secretary with responding to emails as needed.

The Treasurer manages the club’s finances, including collecting dues, tracking income from fundraising, and preparing a semester budget in collaboration with the President. The Treasurer presents budget updates at general meetings and coordinates fundraising with the Vice President.

The Secretary records meeting minutes, tracks attendance and participation, and maintains a record of member points. The Secretary is responsible for managing communications including meeting announcements and reminders, preparing agendas with the President, and responding to general emails. If overwhelmed, the Secretary may request assistance from the Vice President.

The Historian manages and updates the club’s website and CABNR page, creates posters and promotional materials, produces a semester newsletter summarizing past events, and maintains the club’s social media presence, including posting a monthly calendar and promoting fundraising and volunteer opportunities.

The Community Service Chair is responsible for planning and organizing at least one animal-related or general community service event per month. They coordinate with outside organizations, schedule volunteer events in consultation with the President, and manage all community service-related communication.

Section B – Standing Committees: Committees such as an ASUN Liaison, Fundraising Chair, or others may be created and appointed by the officers as needed to support club operations.

Section C – Officer Qualifications: Candidates for officer positions must have been active members for at least one previous semester and must be enrolled as full-time students, taking a minimum of 12 credits per semester at the University of Nevada, Reno. Officers are allowed no more than two unexcused absences per semester. Absences due to illness, family emergencies, or other valid reasons will not count toward this limit. Candidates for the office of President must have junior or senior standing.

Section D – Selection of Officers: Officer elections shall be held at the final general meeting of each semester. Only members who have earned a designated number of participation points may be eligible to run. Elected officers shall assume their duties immediately and serve for a term of one academic year, unless graduating or resigning earlier.

Section E – Filling Vacancies: If the office of President becomes vacant, the Vice President shall assume the role. Other vacancies shall be filled by election of a replacement officer by a vote of the membership.

Section F – Recall of Officers: Officers may be removed from office for failure to perform their duties, excessive unexcused absences, or conduct unbecoming of a club representative. Removal requires a two-thirds majority vote of the active membership. An officer may resign at any time by providing reasonable advance notice.

Section G – Advisor: The club shall have at least one faculty advisor from the Pre-Veterinary or Animal Science department at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Article V: Budget and Finance

Section A – Budget Planning: The Treasurer, in collaboration with the President, shall prepare a comprehensive budget plan at the beginning of each semester, including anticipated expenses for events, socials, and presentations. The budget shall be presented during general meetings and may be approved either by the executive board or the active membership, depending on the situation.

Section B – Banking: All funds shall be held in an account through ASUN. The Treasurer and President shall have access to the account. The club shall comply with all ASUN financial policies and procedures for university-affiliated student organizations.

Section C – Inactivation of Club: In the event the club becomes inactive, any remaining funds shall be donated to an organization selected by a majority vote of the current active members.

Article VI: Quorum

A quorum shall be defined as the presence of at least three of the five officers and a minimum of ten active members at a meeting. Quorum is required for the transaction of official club business.

Article VII: Meetings and Procedures

Section A – General Meetings: General meetings shall be held biweekly, typically on Wednesdays or Thursdays, unless adjusted for holidays, special events, or tours. Meetings will usually take place in the OB or MS buildings, though locations may vary. If there is no formal agenda or speaker scheduled, meetings may be used for group study or peer tutoring.

Section B – Special Meetings: Special meetings may be called by the President as needed for planned events or urgent matters. Members shall be notified through email or social media, and the meeting will also be announced at the preceding general meeting when possible.

Section C – Officer Meetings: Officers shall hold monthly meetings either before or after general meetings. Additional officer meetings may be held as necessary upon agreement among the officers. Attendance at officer meetings is mandatory unless prior notice is given due to emergency or extenuating circumstances.

Section D – Parliamentary Procedure: Meetings shall be conducted according to the following general order of business: call to order, attendance, reports from the Secretary and Treasurer, review of old business, discussion of upcoming activities, and, when applicable, guest speaker presentations.

Article VIII: Amendments

The Constitution may be amended by the President with the agreement of the full officer board. A majority vote of all officers is required for ratification. Approved amendments shall take effect immediately upon agreement.