University of Northern Iowa Dance Marathon Constitution Last Updated: August 21, 2016 ARTICLE I Name The name of this organization shall be University of Northern Iowa Dance Marathon hereafter referred to as UNI Dance Marathon, abbreviated as UNI DM. ARTICLE II Purpose It shall be the purpose and objective of this organization to: A. Donate 100% of the net profit to Children s Miracle Network to benefit the University of Iowa Stead Family Children s Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa B. Raise awareness in our community about Children s Miracle Network, Miracle Network Dance Marathon, and the local children treated at a Children s Miracle Network Hospital C. Build relationships and connect UNI students with local families treated at a Children s Miracle Network Hospital D. Provide an opportunity for students to acquire practical and valuable knowledge as well as develop professional skills, and to learn to run a business with real-world challenges and experiences E. Abide by all the university s regulations as well as all local, state and federal laws ARTICLE III Membership Section 1: Membership Statement A. UNI Dance Marathon is a campus-wide organization. Any UNI student is eligible to serve on a committee or to participate as a dancer in the Big Event B. No hazing or discrimination will be used as a condition of membership in this organization
C. No university student may be denied membership on the basis of race, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, parental status, disability, or the inability to pay dues Section 2: Recruitment Recruitment shall take place throughout the year and membership is open at all times to dancers. All-committee members can join at any time first semester unless members wishing to join after have special approval from the Executive Co-Directors. ARTICLE IV Membership Section 1: Eligibility All officers of UNI Dance Marathon will be known as the Executive Board and shall be enrolled at least part time at the University of Northern Iowa. Section 2: Titles and Duties A. The members of the Management Team shall be: the Executive Co- Directors, Executive Board Directors, and the UNI Dance Marathon advisors. The members of the Executive Board include the following positions: Executive Co-Directors, Finance Director, Fundraising Director, Public Relations Director, Development Director, Community Relations Director, Morale Director, Operations Director, Entertainment Director, Media Director, Sponsorship Director and Family Relations Director. No Executive Board Director will be permitted to hold more than one committee position unless appointed by the Executive Co-Directors. The Executive Co-Directors shall: 1. Preside over the meetings of the All-Committee and the Executive Board 2. Be the official spokesperson for UNI Dance Marathon 3. Represent Dance Marathon at the University of Northern Iowa 4. Call special meetings for UNI Dance Marathon 5. Responsible for the process and selection of the Executive Board in the event of a tie 7. Attend Planning Meetings as scheduled The Director of Finance shall: 1. Supervise the finances of Dance Marathon 2. Prepare a budget for each committee 3. Work with Children s Miracle Network advisor regarding all finances 4. Be responsible for collecting all money from the organizations that participate in Dance Marathon 5. Coordinate all give-back nights with corporate partners 7. Take part in the selection process for Finance Committee Members
The Director of Fundraising shall: 1. Be responsible for researching ways to effectively fundraise and apply for grant opportunities 2. Develop new and innovative ideas to raise money for dancers and Dance Marathon as a whole 3. Develop a greater awareness of Dance Marathon 4. Coordinate one (or more) promotional weeks planned by the organization 5. Plan and execute fundraisers for UNI Dance Marathon throughout the year 6. Take part in the selection process for Fundraising Committee Members 7. Serve as a voting member of the Executive Board 8. Take part in the selection process for Committee Members 9. Attend Planning Meetings as scheduled The Director of Public Relations shall: 1. Facilitate all internal and external communications of UNI Dance Marathon 2. Be in charge of taking minutes during UNI DM Executive Board meetings, 3. Promote UNI Dance Marathon through mass media 4. Manage all social media outlets for UNI Dance Marathon on campus and in the community 5. Update and maintain the UNI Dance Marathon website 6. Assist all committees in promoting Dance Marathon and related events 7. Take part in the selection process for Public Relations Committee Members 8. Serve as a voting member of the Executive Board 9. Attend Planning Meetings as scheduled The Director of Family Relations shall: 1. Keep all the Children s Miracle Network families informed and involved 2. Recruit new families to be involved in Dance Marathon 3. Connect miracle families to all those involved in UNI Dance Marathon and serve as the liaison between families and UNI Dance Marathon 4. Plan and execute events specifically designed for the miracle families 5. Keep the Executive Board and All-Committee members in touch with the happenings of our families and in tune with the real reason why Dance Marathon exists 7. Take part in the selection process for Family Relations Committee Members The Director of Community Relations shall: 1. Welcome and organize community members attendance at the Big Event and make sure they are included
2. Plan and execute community events in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo Community 3. Maintain relationships with UNI Fraternity and Sorority Life 4. Maintain relationships with UNI Athletics 5. Maintain relationships with UNI Dance Marathon alumni 6. Coordinate one (or more) promotional weeks planned by the organization 7. Serve as a voting member of the Executive Board 8. Take part in the selection process for Community Relations Committee Members 9. Attend Planning Meetings as scheduled The Director of Development shall: 1. Welcome and organize Mini Marathon representatives attendance at the Big Event and make sure they are included 2. Coordinate all mini-marathons 3. Focus on creating new ideas for recruitment and retention of dancers 4. Serve as a voting member of the Executive Board 5. Take part in the selection process for Development Committee Members 6. Attend Planning Meetings as scheduled The Director of Morale shall: 1. Act as manager for all Morale Captains 2. Responsible for developing hour themes for the Big Event 3. Responsible for creating and choreographing the Morale Dance 4. Promote Dance Marathon and train all Morale Captains to encourage Dance Marathon awareness and recruit dancers 5. Plan and execute the kick off event/orange Party 7. Take part in the selection process for Morale Captains The Director of Operations shall: 1. Coordinate with venue staff for the Big Event 2. Responsible for planning and executing the Big Event 3. Responsible for collaborating with the Director of Entertainment regarding the logistics of the Big Event 4. Work with all committees to ensure that the Big Event is representing all aspects of UNI Dance Marathon 5. Responsible for decorating and designing the layout of the Big Event venue 7. Take part in the selection process for Operations Committee Members The Director of Entertainment shall: 1. Responsible for coordinating with all entertainment used at the Big Event
2. Responsible for collaborating with the Director of Operations regarding the logistics of the Big Event 3. Develop new ways to reach dancers with entertainment at events 4. Lead the planning and execution of activities for the Big Event 5. Coordinate setup and tear down of the Big Event 7. Take part in the selection process for Entertainment Committee Members The Director of Media shall: 1. Develop all marketing materials for UNI Dance Marathon 2. Responsible for all apparel orders for UNI Dance Marathon 3. Assist the Public Relations Director in creating visuals for social media 4. Responsible for maintaining a consistent brand for UNI Dance Marathon 5. Responsible for developing all videos used by UNI Dance Marathon 6. Responsible for photography of all UNI Dance Marathon events 7. Serve as a voting member of the Executive Board 8. Take part in the selection process for Creative Committee Members 9. Attend Planning Meetings as scheduled The Director of Sponsorship shall: 1. Responsible for training all Sponsorship Interns 2. Oversee all sponsorships for UNI Dance Marathon 3. Actively seek out new sponsors, maintain previous sponsor relationships and search for ways to increase overall sponsorship for the organization. 4. Create, maintain, and update an accurate record of previous and current sponsors 5. Coordinate all food served at the Big Event 7. Take part in the selection process for Sponsorship Interns The All-Committee members shall: 1. Work under the direction and supervision of the Executive Board and Chairs in accomplishing the duties and goals of the particular committee 2. Volunteer throughout the year and at the Big Event 3. Prepare for, attend, and assist in clean-up of the Big Event 4. Lead in fundraising and promote fundraising of others 5. Attend committee and all-committee meetings throughout the year 6. Emphasize fundraising for themselves and others The Sponsorship Interns shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Sponsorship 2. Serve as a representative of UNI Dance Marathon when communicating with previous and potential new sponsors 3. Assist in maintaining and updating an accurate record of previous and current sponsors
The Morale Captains shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Morale 2. Recruit dancers to their team 3. Be the liaison between the UNI Dance Marathon Executive Board and dancers The Recruitment Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Development 2. Establish innovative ways to recruit dancers and enhance dancer retention 3. Attend UNI Dance Marathon events and meetings 4. Abide by all responsibilities of All-Committee members The Sponsor Stewardship Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Sponsorship 2. Increase sponsor stewardship and build long-term relationships 3. Help oversee sponsorship interns The Family Care Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Family Relations 2. Lead a sub-committee within the Family Relations committee 3. Keep track of miracle kiddo birthdays and gifts 4. Be the liaison with the Director of Family Relations between Morale Captains and Families The Family Outreach Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Family Relations 2. Lead a sub-committee within the Family Relations committee 3. Provide family updates and information to fellow committee members 4. Organize volunteers for family events and community programs The Family Day of Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Family Relations 2. Lead a sub-committee within the Family Relations committee 3. Design and decorate the family room at the Big Event 4. Find innovative ways to get kiddos involved at the Big Event
The Family Event Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Family Relations 2. Lead a sub-committee within the Family Relations committee 3. Plan monthly family events 4. Be the liaison with the Director of Family Relations between Morale Captains and Families The Community Relations Internal Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Community Relations 2. Oversee Greek life involvement with UNI Dance Marathon 3. Oversee Athletic involvement with UNI Dance Marathon The Community Relations External Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Community Relations 2. Oversee Faculty involvement with UNI Dance Marathon 3. Oversee Alumni involvement with UNI Dance Marathon 4. Oversee the planning of community events in the Cedar Valley The Dancer Fundraising Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Fundraising 2. Provide tools and resources for effective dancer fundraising 3. Assist in planning monthly fundraising meetings for dancers The Fundraising Events Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Fundraising 2. Assist in planning fundraising events on and off campus 3. Plan effective in-event fundraising for UNI Dance Marathon events The Finance Chair(s) shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Finance 2. Attend UNI Dance Marathon events and meetings 3. Abide by all responsibilities of All-Committee members The Logistics Chair shall:
1. Follow the direction of the Director of Entertainment and the Director of Operations 2. Organize volunteers and track volunteer hours for events throughout the year 3. Make and update the volunteer schedule at the Big Event The Morale Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Morale 2. Oversee morale engagement and encouragement 3. Oversee morale fundraising efforts such as morale madness The Videography Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Media 2. Oversee all UNI Dance Marathon video production 3. Coordinate with other committees for video production 4. Responsible for maintaining a consistent brand for UNI Dance Marathon The Photography Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Media 2. Oversee photography at all UNI Dance Marathon events 3. Responsible for consolidation of photos following events The Marketing Chair shall: 1. Follow the direction of the Director of Public Relations 2. Take meeting minutes at Public Relations committee meetings 3. Assist in the production of blogs and press releases 4. Oversee marketing efforts for UNI Dance Marathon ARTICLE V Terms of Membership Section 1: Eligibility to Hold Executive Board Office Any part-time or full-time UNI student in good academic standing is eligible to hold a position. Section 2: Executive Board Selection Process The selection of the next Executive Board will take place after the previous Dance Marathon Big Event. The existing Executive Co-Directors and advisors will
choose the new Executive Board. The selection is made through an application and interview process under the direction and discretion of the Executive Co- Directors. Section 3: Term of Office The length of office shall be no longer than one calendar year. Newly selected members shall take office immediately following the transitional meeting. ARTICLE VI Membership Vacancies Section 1: Removal of Committee Members The Executive Board will decide upon removal of an All-Committee Member for any reason. The Executive Co-Directors and an appropriate Director reserve the right to relieve a committee member from his/her duties on the committee if needed. If an all-committee member is removed from the organization they may appeal the decision within 72 hours by contacting the Executive Co- Directors, the individual will then have a meeting with the Executive Co-Directors and the UNI Dance Marathon advisor. A final decision will be made within 24 hours of that meeting. Section 2: Removal of an Executive Board Member A. Removal of a member on the Executive Board for any reason will be decided upon by a ¾ vote by the Executive Board, and approved by the Executive Co-Directors. The officer will be notified in writing of the possible termination or removal at least 72 hours prior to the decision and will be allowed to address the Executive Board in order present any relevant defense if they so choose. If an appeal is heard, a vote to dismiss the Executive Board Member is held again, decided upon by a ¾ vote by the Executive Board and approved by the Executive Co-Directors. If removing an Executive Co-Directors, the same process is followed, the Co-Director not being voted to be removed approves the vote, and the UNI Dance Marathon Advisor must also approve the decision. B. When deemed appropriate by the Executive Co-Directors, in the case where the Executive Board is not at full knowledge of an officer s state as an Executive Board Member an Executive Board Member may be removed from office by the vote of both Executive Co-Directors and the approval of the UNI Dance Marathon advisor. The officer will be notified in writing of the possible termination or removal at least 72 hours prior to the decision and will be allowed to address the Executive Board in order present any relevant defense if they so choose. A ¾ vote by the Executive Board must be reached in the case of an appeal, and both of the Executive Co-Directors must again approve the dismissal of the Executive Board Member. Section 3: Resignation of Executive Board Members
Executive Board Members no longer wishing to serve must submit their resignation to the Executive Co-Directors at least two (2) weeks in advance. Prior to the members final day he/she shall provide all documents relating to the organization and brief his/her replacement of current projects in his/her care. Section 4: Filling Vacant Executive Board Positions If for any reason a member of the Executive Board other than an Executive Co- Director is removed or resigns from his/her position, then the Executive Co- Directors shall appoint a replacement. The person must be approved by a 2/3 vote by the Executive Board. If for any reason one or both Executive Co-Directors relinquishes his/her office, the new Executive Co-Director(s) will go trough a selection process under the direction of the Executive Co-Director in office or if there is not a Executive Co-Director in office the advisor will oversee the selection process. Once a candidate is selected the Executive Board will take a ¾ vote to approve the new Executive Co-Director(s). ARTICLE VII Meetings A. The UNI Dance Marathon Executive Board meetings shall be held on a weekly basis B. All-Committee meetings shall be held on a monthly basis. The Executive Co-Directors shall preside over all meetings C. Unless excused beforehand, it is assumed that each Dance Marathon member will attend the Dance Marathon All-Committee meetings and that each Executive Board member will also attend the Executive Board meetings and all-committee meetings ARTICLE VIII Advisors There shall be no more than two advisors for this organization. These include a General Advisor and Children s Miracle Network Advisor. The advisors shall serve as mentors to the organization providing guidance to the committee members. The advisors do not have voting rights. The advisor position has no term limit other than he/she must be a current UNI faculty/staff member, or employee for the Children s Miracle Network. ARTICLE IX Finances All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed through an account established for this organization. All funds must be deposited within 24 hours after collection.
Section 1: Spending Organization s Money A. For the protection of the organization and its officers it is required that all purchases of $200 and under must be approved by the Finance Director B. Any purchases made over $200 must be approved by the Finance Director and Executive Co-Directors. All receipts must be turned into the Finance Director for reimbursement Section 2: Executive Board Transition It shall be the responsibility of all account signers to change contact information as well as assist in the update of new account signatures after each selection with the organization s financial institution. In addition, the Finance Director will be responsible to pass along all information from the previous year s budget and current budget. Section 3: Dissolution of Organization In the event that the organization ceases to exist, any funds remaining in the organization s account shall be donated to the Children s Miracle Network after all expenses previously incurred have been paid. ARTICLE X Publications Section 1: Compliance All advertisements of the organization must comply with existing UNI policies. Section 2: Approval The Executive Co-Directors and the Executive Board must approve all publications, shirts, flyers, etc. prior to duplication and distribution from members not part of the Executive Board. ARTICLE XI Amendments The Constitution shall be revised as needed by the UNI Dance Marathon Executive Board upon agreement by a two-thirds affirmative vote to change the document. This Constitution takes effect upon the ratification of it by a majority vote of members present and voting.