Montana Associated Students

(Revised and Accepted: January 14, 2004)

1. Composition

The Montana Associated Students (MAS) shall be composed of the Student Body Presidents of each campus within the Montana University System (MUS).  However, the voting power shall only be held by those institutions where the associated students have paid their dues to MAS.  In addition to the Student Body Presidents there will be one, non-voting, ex-officio member of the MUS Board of Regents as is discussed in See the MUS Board of Regents Policy and Procedure Manual.

2. Function

MAS shall function under the authority of the MUS Board of Regents as advisor to the MUS Board of Regents in matters directly and indirectly affecting the students of the MUS.  The MAS shall also function to coordinate programs and activities of a common interest to the student associations of each of the individual campuses of the MUS.

3. Organization

1. Officers

• The President of MAS shall be selected annually in the month of May by plurality vote of the members present and shall begin his/her one year term immediately following the May Board of Regents meeting.  The President shall serve as the spokesman of MAS to convey reports and opinions on behalf of the students of the MUS and shall chair all meetings of MAS.  The President shall further be responsible for notifying all members of meeting times and locations at least one (1) week prior to said meeting.  The President shall be responsible for contacting the Student Regent prior to each meeting of the MUS Board of Regents to discuss any pertinent issues to be brought before the MUS Board of Regents.
• The Vice President of MAS shall be selected annually in the month of May by plurality vote of the members present and shall begin his/her one year term immediately following the May Board of Regents meeting.  The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in his/her absence and is responsible for the circulation of minutes of all meetings and any task assigned by the MAS President.  The Commissioner of Higher Education, Regents and all Associated Students Presidents shall receive copies of the minutes.
• The Executive Treasurer of MAS shall be selected annually in the month of May by plurality vote of the members present and shall begin his/her one year term immediately following the May Board of Regents meeting.  The executive treasurer is responsible for the collection and distribution of all MAS funds, as will as the MAS budget.
• Upon the vacancy of a MAS officer position, there will be a formal plurality vote to approve the new member of MAS to fill the vacated position.

2. Meetings

• MAS shall hold regular meeting at the discretion of the Persident at such times and places as to make MAS members available to the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education’s regularly scheduled meeting.
• Special meetings of MAS may be held at the discretion of the President.
• Representation from MAS schools is required unless previously excused by the MAS President.

3. Committees

• The President may appoint committees composed of members of MAS when and as he/she determines such appointments appropriate

4. Rules and Definitions

1. A quorum of MAS shall be a simple majority of due paying members.  Meetings at which the President of any given student association cannot be present, a representative with delegated authority to represent that organization may attend.  Such representatives, while representing their respective President, shall be considered as a member of MAS with full authority to enter upon deliberations.
2. It is the intent of MAS to represent the best interest of the students in the Montana University System.  Therefore, of the voting members present, if two or more votes are cast in opposition to an action of MAS, the action shall be considered failed with the exemption of MAS executive officer elections and the Student Regent recommendations which will be determined by majority rule.  None of the above shall be construed to prohibit any unit form from addressing the Board on their behalf, but it must be stated that it is in their behalf.
3. A written record of all proceedings of MAS shall be maintained by the Vice President and a copy of the minutes, upon approval, will be furnished to each member of MAS and made available to each of the Board of Regents within two weeks following each meeting.
4. It shall be the duty of each of the members to keep the student legislative body of their campus informed of action of MAS and the Board of Regents.