A refuge and a resource.
Article I. Organization Name
Gender and Sexuality Center
Article II. Purpose and Powers
Section 1. Purpose
The purpose of the Gender and Sexuality Center is to
A. Encourage students to become more involved in organizations and events related to gender and sexuality by establishing a venue for those organizations to hold events and educational resources under the framework of functioning Gender and Sexuality Center.
B. Educating the St. Olaf community about queer and ally issues and helping members of the community understand the relevance of these issues in their own lives, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
C. Providing a multi-gender space that is open to the community in order to encourage recognition and acceptance of gender expression and trans individuals on this campus.
D. Providing a venue for increasing dialogue between students, student organizations, administration, alumni, faculty and staff regarding equality and diversity within all communities as related to gender and sexuality.
E. Connecting issues of gender, sexuality, and multiculturalism (gay rights, women’s studies, gender studies, racial, religious and cultural diversity, internationalism, etc.) by working to build connections across social divisions through coalition work with organizations such as DCC, Harambee, MACO, etc.
F. Providing an unconditionally safe space where students know they will be supported and accepted regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or opinion, and in which these issues can be openly discussed.
Section 2. Powers
Powers within the Gender and Sexuality Center are regulated by the coordinators/officers and, when appropriate, a democratic consensus will be reached by all members present at an official meeting.
Article III. Qualification for Membership
Section 1. Related Organizations
Organizations, departments and other entities that will work directly under the Gender and Sexuality center, have access to space, library and resources and hold events in the center include, but are not necessarily limited to:
A. Gay, Lesbian, or Whatever! (GLOW!)
B. Student for Reproductive Health and Choice (SRH)
C. Feminists for Change (FFC)
D. Sexual Assault Resource Network (SARN)
E. St. Olaf Lesbian and Gay Employee Network (SOLGEN)
F. AfterGLOW!
G. Women’s Studies Department
H. Other related organizations, departments or entities
Section 2. Student Membership
The Gender and Sexuality Center shall not discriminate in its membership on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, legal documentation or residency status, appearance, mental or physical disability, or on any ground prohibited in the guidelines for full recognition by the Student Government Association.
Any student who wants to be involved with the Gender and Sexuality Center may join the organization. Students who are members of related organizations (see Article III. Section 1) shall be invited to join the Gender and Sexuality Center at the beginning of each term.
Article IV. Finances, Funding, and Budget
The Gender and Sexuality Center will use Student Organization Committee funding for educational resources and supplies, printing and publicity costs, organizational materials such as envelopes, stamps, etc., and event production expenditures.
Article V. Executive Decisions and Powers
Section 1. Executive Positions
The following positions, if adequate interest is expressed, are recommended:
A. President (1) or Co-Presidents (2)
Shall be the contact person(s) for SGA, the College Administration, and community and faculty members. All concerns shall be directed to the President(s). All expenditures must be approved by the President(s).
B. Treasurer
Shall oversee all expenditures and maintain a financial record. This record shall be available for inspection by SGA. The treasurer shall make or approve no expenditures without the approval of the President or Co-Presidents.
C. Secretary
Shall be responsible for notes and minutes from meetings, organization of records, mail, contacts and newsletter (if in existence).
D. Carleton Liaison
Shall meet monthly with Director and/or Student Directors of Carleton Gender and Sexuality Center to coordinate coalition work, sponsorship of events, dialogue between colleges and sharing of resources.
E. Space Manager
Shall run space of Gender and Sexuality Center, organize and manage library and be responsible for keeping the space in order.
Section 2. Elections, Appointments, and Filling of Vacancies.
The Gender and Sexuality Center shall not discriminate in the appointment of its position holders on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, legal documentation or residency status, appearance, mental or physical disability, or on any ground prohibited in the guidelines for full recognition of the Student Government Association.
Positions will be filled by nomination (and election if necessary) in May of term prior to academic school year. Changes to positions may be negotiated at this time.
Article VI. Meetings
Gender and Sexuality Center will have a weekly open house to which all members of the Gender and Sexuality Center and community members are welcome. Center officers/position holders will meet on a weekly basis.
Article VII. Grievances
Grievances can be aired during an open house or in writing and will be addressed by the organization until a consensus is achieved.
Article VIII. Amendments
The constitution of the Gender and Sexuality Center carries with it no amendments at this time. Amendments may be made at any time should a consensus be reached by position holders. Amendments will be presented to the Student Government Association as necessary.
Article IX. Evaluation of the Constitution
The Constitution of the Gender and Sexuality Center will be evaluated by position holders every May of spring term. Anyone seeking to review the constitution may do so at any time. Suggestions and/or concerns may be presented to position holders at any official meeting or in writing.