Brandeis Orthodox Organization

Brandeis Orthodox Organization Constitution

Revised by the Constitutional Review Committee (Ronit Broekman '11, Zahvi Glasenberg '11, Dafna Gutfreund '12, Jules Levenson '10, and Zack Sax '12) in the 2009-2010 academic year. Ratified by BOO at a General Meeting on May 2, 2010.

Article I: General Provisions

Section 1: Purpose
The Brandeis Orthodox Organization (BOO) is a student-run organization, founded in 1991, that exists to fulfill and further the religious, social, cultural, and educational needs of the Orthodox Jewish population at Brandeis University. We dedicate ourselves to the principles of Orthodox, Torah-Halachic Judaism. We eagerly anticipate and encourage participation in our programs from all segments of the University community. BOO is open to all members of the Brandeis Community and does not discriminate against members on the basis of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, graduating class, age, nationality, or physical ability.

Section 2: Association
BOO is associated, as a member group, with the Brandeis Hillel Foundation, and is a chartered organization of the Brandeis University Undergraduate Student Union. BOO members must always be the primary concern of BOO. BOO was founded for, and is solely controlled by, the students of Brandeis University.

Section 3: Membership
Voting membership in BOO is attained through completion of an appropriate membership form at a General Meeting, or a qualifying BOO event, while enrolled as an undergraduate at Brandeis. This form includes spaces designated for name, email, and mailing address. Disclosure of mailing address is not required for voting membership. Membership sign-up is available at all General Meetings. Furthermore, there are to be at least two BOO events per semester at which membership sign-up is available. Voting membership is available to all undergraduate students, and lasts for their undergraduate Brandeis career. In the event that the above requirements are not met, a special request for voting membership may be submitted to the President for approval. Voting membership in BOO allows individuals to vote in all BOO voting forums.

Article II: Executive Board

Section 1: Positions
BOO shall be overseen by an Executive Board of ten voting members who shall hold their positions from the beginning of the spring semester until the end of the following fall semester. Each BOO Board member shall have one vote. The voting members of the Executive Board shall be:

President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Publicity Coordinator
Education Coordinator
Social Events Coordinator
Chesed Coordinator
Beit Midrash Coordinator
Gabbai

Section 2: Duties
All BOO Board members shall have the following duties:    
Attend five Hillel Shabbat Dinners each semester, and show general support for Hillel programming.
Regularly attend the Orthodox Minyan on Shabbat, and promote the general needs of the Orthodox Minyan.
Attend a majority of BOO events each semester.
Attend all BOO Board Meetings and give weekly project updates at those meetings.
Attend all BOO General Meetings.
Have a working knowledge of the BOO Constitution.

Section 3: President
The President shall have general charge and supervision of the affairs, business, and property of the organization, unless otherwise specified by this constitution. Responsibilities include the general upkeep of the organization, ensuring the healthy existence of Orthodox life on campus, and presiding at General Meetings and Executive Board Meetings. In addition, the President is responsible for keeping the board informed of the activities relating to BOO and is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the board members fulfill their duties. The President will also act as a representative to Hillel, the Brandeis University Undergraduate Student Union, the Brandeis administration, and BOO alumni and parents. The President shall be in charge of alumni outreach. All activities run under the BOO name must have clearance from the President, with the exception of decisions voted on by the entire board.

Section 4: Vice President
The Vice President shall assist the President in fulfilling all of his/her duties. In the event that the President is temporarily unavailable to perform his/her duties, those responsibilities shall fall to the Vice President. The Vice President is responsible for special projects, oversight of BOO activities, and becomes the chairperson of all formed committees i.e. Constitutional Review, Search, etc. The Vice President will be responsible for oversight of outreach to prospective students, including, but not limited to, ensuring that they are educated about Orthodox life at Brandeis and arranging hospitality for them.

The Vice President shall also be responsible for ensuring the continuity of the following positions:

1. Kiddush Setup Coordinator
2. Seudah Shlishit Coordinator
3. Seudah Shlishit Singers

Section 5: Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the financial state of BOO. This includes maintaining updated detailed financial records, as well as overseeing BOO accounts, investments, and fundraising. The Treasurer is also responsible for overseeing communal fund-raising events. The Treasurer must present a budget to the BOO Board detailing the financial state of BOO at least once a semester.

Section 6: Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for recording and distributing the events of meetings, writing necessary letters, keeping a database of members and contacts, coordinating elections, and maintaining the BOO website and a calendar of events.

Section 7: Publicity Coordinator
The Publicity Coordinator is responsible for publicizing events that enhance the culture of BOO and/or further the mission of BOO, through online social media, posters, and distribution of electronic announcements at least once a week. The Publicity Coordinator is also expected to work in conjunction with other BOO Board members to publicize all BOO programming. The Publicity Coordinator shall also manage the BOO listserv.

Section 8: Education Coordinator
The Education Coordinator is responsible for bringing speakers, organizing classes, creating an education catalogue, arranging for outreach educational events for the community, and coordinating all other educational programming. The Education Coordinator shall maintain constant communication with the Orthodox Advisor regarding educational programming.

The Education Coordinator shall also be responsible for ensuring the continuity of the following positions:

1. Dvar Torah Coordinator
2. Editor of Torat Emet
3. Mishmar Coordinator

Section 9: Social Events Coordinator
The Social Events Coordinator is responsible for organizing social events for BOO, including at least one event per semester, Friday night/Shabbat programming at least twice a month, and other events with a social purpose.

Section 10: Chesed Coordinator
The Chesed Coordinator is responsible for implementing BOO chesed projects and events, allocating tzedakah funds with the approval of the BOO community, and working with other campus and off-campus social justice groups when appropriate.

Section 11: Beit Midrash Coordinator
The Beit Midrash Coordinator is responsible for the general upkeep and organization of, purchasing books for, arranging for the dedication of donated items to, and preserving the character of, the Beit Midrash. The Beit Midrash Coordinator must also advance the goals of the Beit Midrash to the BOO community and greater Brandeis campus.

Section 12: Gabbai
The Gabbai is responsible for the needs of the daily, Shabbat, and Yom Tov minyanim. The Gabbai is also responsible for implementing and investigating all matters of nusach and minhag that arise in connection to the minyan, with the guidance of the Orthodox Advisor.

The Gabbai is assisted by a Gabbai Sheni, who is appointed by the outgoing Gabbai. All Gabbai appointments must be approved by a vote of the BOO Board. The Gabbai typically serves for one term, but may serve for an additional year by a vote of the BOO Board.

The Gabbai shall be responsible for overseeing and ensuring the continuity of the following positions:

1. Gabbai Sheni (The Gabbai Sheni will assume the position of Gabbai at the end of the latter's term.)
2. Gabbai Shlishi 


3. Eruv Checker
4. Mashgiach

Section 13: Position Limit
No individual may hold more than one permanent board position and/or committee position at one time, unless otherwise specified by this constitution.

Section 14: Additional Positions
The BOO Board may, by majority vote, appoint additional board members, such as two First-Year Representatives, to serve in a non-voting capacity.

Section 15: First-Year Representative
The First-Year Representative is responsible for ensuring the successful integration of first-year and mid-year BOO members into the BOO community. The First-Year Representative shall organize at least one first-year event each semester, and manage a first-year listserv. The First-Year Representative is appointed to serve two semesters. In the case that a First-Year Representative position becomes vacant, it is suggested that the position be filled by a new representative.

Section 16: Decision-Making Procedure
Unless otherwise noted, and barring any external limitations, all votes of the BOO Board shall be carried by a majority of the entire board. All major procedural and financial issues shall be voted on by the board.

Section 17: Impeachment
Impeachment charges may be brought against a BOO Board member or position holder who fails to fulfill his/her duties as stated by this constitution, or who has done damage to the organization. Detailed charges must be brought in writing to the President. In the event that the charges are brought against the President, they are presented to the Secretary. A board meeting will then be held within two weeks, at which time the charged board member may be relieved of his/her duties by a 3/4 majority of the remaining board. The remainder of the Executive Board, the person who brings the charges, and the charged individual (unless he/she waives the right to attend) must be present for such a meeting to occur. The parties may invite relevant witnesses to speak at the meeting.

Article III: Executive Board Elections

Section 1: General Provisions
Elections will be open to all voting members of BOO and shall determine all voting BOO Board positions, with the exception of Gabbai. Elections shall be held near the end of the fall semester, when as many BOO members as possible are able to attend, as determined by the Board.

Section 2: Eligibility for Candidacy
To run for any position on BOO Board, one must be a voting member. All students who wish to run in an upcoming election must provide the Chief of Elections with a platform within the appropriate time as designated by the Chief of Elections. No individual may be a candidate for more than one position in a single election.

Section 3: Chief of Elections
The Secretary shall act as Chief of Elections. In the event that the Secretary is a candidate for a position, he/she shall appoint another BOO Board member, who is not a candidate to serve as Chief of Elections. The Chief of Elections will arrange for the submission and posting of platforms, the Candidates Forum, and for the counting of votes.

Section 4: Campaigning
Candidates may only campaign for themselves by personally contacting individuals to solicit votes. All platforms must be posted on booweb.org and sent to the BOO listserv at least five days prior to the elections.

Section 5: Candidates Forum
There will be a Candidates Forum that will include presentations by all candidates, as well as an opportunity for members of the BOO community to pose questions to the candidates. A student who is abroad may designate a proxy to represent him/her at the Candidates Forum or his/her platform will be read by the Chief of Elections. The specific format of the Candidates Forum shall be determined by the Chief of Elections.

Section 6: Determining a Winning Candidate
The option which receives the most votes cast for a given position is the winner.
In the case of a tie, a runoff will be held at the earliest possible date.

Section 7: Installations
Terms shall begin at the start of the spring semester and shall be held until the end of the following fall semester. The responsibilities of the outgoing BOO Board shall not be complete until all transfer of authority to the new board is finished.

Section 8: Vacant Positions
If any elected position is left unfilled post-election, or if the elected individual will be absent from campus for a majority of the remainder of the semester, then the position may be declared vacant. Vacancy is declared by a 2/3 vote of the remaining BOO Board members. In the case of vacancy, a special election for that position shall be held at the earliest possible date, as determined by the Chief of Elections. The Vice President shall assume the role of any vacant position in the interim.

Article IV: Beit Midrash
BOO shall maintain the Beit Midrash. All members of the Brandeis community are welcome to use and enjoy the Beit Midrash. BOO retains sole jurisdiction over maintenance, upkeep, content, and all other decisions regarding the use of the Beit Midrash.

Article V: Orthodox Advisor

Section 1: Role 


There shall be an Orthodox Advisor who provides halachic and spiritual guidance for the BOO community. There shall be ongoing communication between BOO leadership and the Orthodox Advisor. In addition, there shall be a meeting between the BOO President and the Hillel supervisor of the Orthodox Advisor at the end of each semester.
This meeting will be a forum to provide feedback concerning the Orthodox Advisor.

Section 2: Search Committee
BOO shall play a central role in the selection of the Orthodox Advisor, by creating an advisory group to provide student input as part of the hiring process. The Search Committee shall consist of the outgoing President, the incoming Vice President, the Gabbai, and two other elected members. This election shall be governed by the rules of elections as outlined in Article III. The committee shall work with Hillel staff to ensure that the needs and concerns of the Orthodox student body are addressed in the selection process. No individual running for election to the incoming BOO Board may run for a position on the Search Committee.

Article VI: Rules and Regulations

Section 1: Halachic Matters
All communal halachic matters must be addressed to the Orthodox Advisor. Should the BOO Board, by 3/4 vote, choose to no longer abide by the halachic decision of the Orthodox Advisor, it must immediately choose, by 3/4 vote, a temporary advisor within the Boston area.

Section 2: General Meetings
There must be at least one General Meeting per semester. Any Candidates Forum does not qualify for the General Meeting requirement. Only the Secretary and President have the authority to call such meetings. All General Meetings must be adequately publicized, with the agenda distributed to the BOO community at least two days prior to the meeting.

Section 3: Executive Board Meetings
Formal meetings of the Executive Board must be held weekly. Board meeting attendance will be limited to the members of the board, unless otherwise specified by the Secretary or President. At all board meetings, there will be a designated period for an open forum, at which time any member of BOO may raise issues before the board. Any BOO member may request to place an item on the meeting’s agenda.


Section 4: Finances
The President and Treasurer shall have exclusive authority to control the finances of BOO. BOO is not responsible for purchases made without explicit or implicit clearance from the President or the Treasurer; the President and Treasurer reserve the right to withhold reimbursement of any non pre-approved purchases deemed unnecessary to BOO.

Section 5: Privacy
The BOO membership list and other lists of contacts may not be given to any non-board member without the consent of the President or Vice President, who will review the purpose of the request.

Section 6: Listserv
All emails sent over the BOO listserv (boo@lists.brandeis.edu) must be approved by either the President or Publicity Coordinator prior to being sent. Only the President, Publicity Coordinator, and Orthodox Advisor shall have administrator access to the BOO listserv.  Those with access to the BOO listserv shall make every effort to coordinate and consolidate their emails.

Article VII: Constitution

Section 1: Ratification
This constitution shall be ratified by a 2/3 vote of all BOO members present and voting at the General Meeting at which it is presented.

Section 2: Amendment
Any amendment to this constitution must be presented to the Secretary at least five days prior to the General Meeting at which it may be ratified. Any proposed amendment must receive support from at least 1/2 of the BOO Board prior to submission to the community for ratification. The proposed amendment text must be distributed to the BOO community by email at least three days prior to the General Meeting at which it will be voted on. An amendment shall become a part of this constitution upon ratification by a 2/3 vote of the BOO membership present and voting at the General Meeting at which it is presented.

Section 3: Constitutional Review Committee
The Constitutional Review Committee will meet once every four years beginning with the Spring Semester 2010. The committee will be chaired by the Vice President, and consist of four additional members, elected by the BOO membership.  This election shall be governed by the rules of elections as outlined in Article III. One of the four seats shall be reserved for a former voting BOO Board member. The committee shall provide for ongoing community feedback, and hold an open forum for community members at least one week prior to the General Meeting at which the vote of ratification of the constitution will take place. A preliminary presentation to the BOO Board shall take place prior to the ratification meeting.