Society Policy

EFFECTIVE: May 1, 2008 LAST REVISED: July 9, 2008 Dalhousie Student Union Society Policy Table of Contents

DEFINITIONS ……………………………………………………………………………………………….4

SECTION 1: SOCIETY CLASSIFICATIONS……………………………………………………………6

1. ACADEMIC FACULTY 2. ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT / PROGRAMS 3. RESIDENCE HALLS 4. RESIDENCE HOUSES 5. COMMUNITY / CULTURAL BASED 6. RELIGIOUS 7. CHARITY / VOLUNTEER 8. SPORTS 9. POLITICAL 10. GENERAL INTEREST, OTHER, MISCELLANEOUS 11. REFERENDUM MANDATED 12. JOINT 13. UMBRELLA

SECTION 2: RATIFICATION……………………………………………………………………………..8

1. PURPOSE………………………………………………………………………………………...8 2. SOCIETY REVIEW COMMITTEE……………………………………………………………...8 3. DEADLINES………………………………………………………………………………………8 4. NOTIFICATION OF RATIFICATION………………………………………………………...... 8 5. SOCIETY CONSTITUTION……………………………………………………………………..9 6. GENERAL………………………………………………………………………………………..11 7. APPEALS………………………………………………………………………………………... 12 8. PRIVILEGES………………………………………………...... 12

SECTION 3: DISCIPLINARY MEASURES……………………………………………………………14

1. CAUSE FOR……………………………………………………………………………………..14 2. DE-RATIFICATION………………………………………………………………………...... 14 . SECTION 4: SOCIETY FINANCES…………………………………………………………………… 16

1. BUDGETING…………………………………………………………………………………… . 16 2. LEVIED AND UMBRELLA SOCIETY AUDITS……………………………………………... 16 3. OUTSTANDING BALANCE AND DEBT…………………………………………………… 16 4. SURPLUS…………………………………………………………………………………………. 5. DISSOLUTION…………………………………………………………………………………….

SECTION 5: RISK MANAGEMENT……………………………………………………………………18

1. PURPOSE……………………………………………………………………………………….18 2. ALCOHOL RELATED EVENTS……………………………………………………………….18 3. OFF CAMPUS EVENTS………………………………………………………………………. 18 4. PROHIBITED EVENTS………………………………………………………………………...18

2 SECTION 6: JOINT SOCIETIES……………………………………………………………………….19

SECTION 7: REFERENDUM MANDATED SOCIETIES…………………………………………….20

PURPOSE……………………………………………………………………………………….20 DALHOUSIE GAZETTE PUBLISHING SOCIETY…………………………………………..21 DALHOUSIE WOMEN’S CENTRE SOCIETY……………………………………………....23 DALOUT…………………………………………………………………………………………25 WORLD UNIVERSITY SERVICES OF CANADA (WUSC)………………...... 26 CKDU – FM SOCIETY…………………………………………………………………………28 PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP AT DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY (DAL-PIRG)30 DALHOUSIE SEXTANT PUBLISHING SOCIETY…………………………………………..31

APPENDIX 1: JOINT SOCIETIES - EXISTING BILATERAL AGREEMENTS …………………..32

APPENDIX 2: USEFUL LINKS…………………………………………………………………………33

3 DEFINITIONS EFFECTIVE: May 1, 2008 LAST REVISED: April 9, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

Academic Year – means from May 1 st to April 30 th .

Constituent Society – means a society affiliated with an Umbrella society that collects a levy.

Executive Member – means individual member of a society that fills an executive position, is accountable to and for the society and is a Union member.

Executive Position – means an executive office that has a portfolio of duties and responsibilities as indicated in a society’s constitution.

Election Procedures - means the process by which a society selects their executive members.

Financial Records – means general ledger, cheque book, deposit book, transaction records, bank reconciliations, bank statements, signed meeting minutes and approved budget.

General Meeting – means a gathering open to all members of a society where roll call is taken and has a quorum as defined by a society’s constitution.

Grants Committee – means an empowered committee of Council composed of the Vice President (Internal) who is the Chair of the committee, two non-Executive members of the Council, and the Vice President (Finance and Operations).

Members of the Union / Union Members - means all registered students at Dalhousie University who have paid the prescribed fee.

Membership Fees – means a fee paid to the Society for participation in the societies’ activities.1

Joint Society – means any Union society that selects one or more non-Union members to an executive position or offers voting privileges to non-Union members. 2

Umbrella Society – means a society such as an academic faculty or residence hall which collects a student levy and distributes funds to affiliated societies.

Referendum Mandated Society – means a society that have been mandated through a Union referendum to receive a direct levy from all members of the Union. 3

Society – means a club or organization ratified by the Union.

Society Review Committee – means an empowered committee of Council that evaluates societies and the fees they collect, offer assistance to the societies where needed, review all societies prior to ratification, ratify societies and report to each Council meeting newly ratified societies.

Levy – means all Union administered fees.4

1 It is not mandatory for societies to charge a membership fee. 2 This definition is not applicable to referendum mandated societies. Refer to Section 6. 3 Refer to Section 7. 4 For the purpose of this policy, this levy definition applies to levies collected by the Union from the society’s membership for the society.

Union – means Dalhousie Student Union Incorporated.

Voting Member – means a member of a society who pays a specific fee or levy (if applicable) and is entitled to vote.

5 SECTION 1: SOCIETY CLASSIFICATIONS EFFECTIVE: May 1, 2008 LAST REVISED: April 9, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

PREAMBLE

A society may belong to more than one society classification recognized. Classifications must be recognized by the Union and the society upon ratification.

1. ACADEMIC FACULTY

Societies that represent an academic Faculty as listed in the University Academic Calendar.

2. ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT / PROGRAMS / SCHOOLS

Societies that represent an academic department, program, or school as listed in the University Academic Calendar.

3. RESIDENCE HALLS

Societies that represent a Dalhousie University Residence Hall.

4. RESIDENCE HOUSES

Societies that represent a Dalhousie University Residence House that has an umbrella Residence Hall.

5. COMMUNITY / CULTURAL

Interest-based societies that affiliate with a community, lifestyle, ethnicity and/or culture.

6. RELIGIOUS / SPIRITUAL

Interest-based societies that affiliate with a religious / spiritual belief.

7. CHARITY / VOLUNTEER

Interest-based societies that affiliate with a charitable cause and/or volunteer opportunities.

8. SPORTS

Interest-based societies that focus on an athletic sport.

9. POLITICAL

Interest-based societies that affiliate with a political and/or lobby organization.

10. GENERAL INTEREST, OTHER, MISCELLANEOUS

Interest-based societies with a defined focus.

11. REFERENDUM MANDATED

Societies that have been mandated through a Union referendum to receive a direct levy from all members of the Union. Refer to Section 7.

12. LEVIED

Societies which receive a direct levy from its membership that is administered by the Union.

13. JOINT

Societies whose executive or voting membership includes a non-member of the Union. Refer to Section 6.

14. UMBRELLA

Societies that receive a direct levy and redistribute funds to affiliated constituent societies.

7 SECTION 2: RATIFICATION EFFECTIVE: May 1, 2008 LAST REVISED: April 9, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

1. PURPOSE

1.1 The Union requires that all societies adhere to certain requirements prior to ratification. Those that do not meet the following requirements will not be considered for ratification.

1.2 A society’s application for ratification must be approved by the Society Review Committee before it is officially recognized as a Union Society.

2. SOCIETY REVIEW COMMITTEE

2.1 As per Committee Regulation section of the Union Constitution, the Society Review Committee is mandated by Council to evaluate societies and the fees they collect, offer assistance to the societies where needed, review all societies prior to ratification, ratify societies and report to each Council meeting all newly ratified societies.

3. DEADLINES

3.1 Applications for society ratification are accepted starting May 1 st of each year by the Vice- President (Internal).

3.2 The ratification of societies shall expire April 30 th of each year, regardless of when the society was ratified.

3.3 The Society Review Committee, at the beginning of each year, shall choose a date by which all societies must have applied for ratification. It is the responsibility of the DSU Vice President (Internal) to ensure that this date is advertised.

3.4 Prior to the ratification deadline, a minimum of seven calendar days is required for the Society Review Committee to process an application. Following the ratification deadline, the Committee shall meet once per month to review applications for ratification that have been received after the ratification deadline.

3.5 In the event that the Society Review Committee is unable to reach quorum prior to the ratification deadline, the Union Executive shall meet to review society applications for ratification.

4. NOTIFICATION OF RATIFICATION

4.1 Societies are notified by email within one week of their ratification by the Union.

8 5. SOCIETY CONSTITUTION

5.1 The society must be governed by a constitution. Prior to ratification, the society constitution must be submitted to the Society Review Committee.

5.2 The society’s constitution must include the following elements:

5.2.1 Name of the society

The name of the society that will be used in all official capacities.

5.2.2 Purpose of the society

The society must not have a purpose that conflicts with the Union’s mission and vision statements.

The Society must not have the same purpose as any society that has already been ratified by the Union.

5.2.3 Membership

The society must offer membership to any member of the Union and cannot discriminate on the grounds of age; race; colour; religion; creed; sex; gender; sexual orientation; physical or mental disability; an irrational fear of contracting an illness or disease; ethnic, national, or Aboriginal origin; family status; marital status; source of income; political belief, affiliation, or activity; or an individual’s association with another individual(s) having characteristics referred to in previous groups.

Societies with special circumstances as indicated by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act are exempt from the point previous and shall be reviewed on a case- by-case basis by the Society Review Committee.

All members of the society who are Members of the Union and pay a levy shall be given a vote.

5.2.4 Executive Positions 5

The society’s executive must consist of at least three executive members. Multiple executive members may hold the same executive position. 6

The society must have at least one member of the Union as an Executive Member. 7

Only Members of the Union who are also an Executive Member may apply for society ratification and will be responsible for all communication with the Union.

The constitution of the society must clearly outline the titles and duties of each executive position.

5 The Union recognizes that societies sometimes employ staff members who may or may not be Members of the Union. The Union does not recognize staff members in a society's governance or decision making. 6 For example: three executive members may be co-presidents. 7 Note: A society must apply for joint society status (refer to Section 6) if a non-Union member is in an executive position.

Members of the Union must be able to hold executive positions within the society.

Members of the society may only hold one executive position.

5.2.5 Regular Meetings

The Society must hold regular meetings as determined by its constitution.

5.2.6 Election Procedures 8

The executive members of a society must be selected by and from the society’s voting membership.

The procedure by which a society selects their executive members must be outlined.

Societies must provide a vote during their election process and at any general meetings to all its voting members.

5.2.7 Disciplinary Measures and Impeachment of Executive Members

The society must have a process outlined in its constitution that clearly explains how an executive member may be disciplined and/or become impeached if he or she commits an act of impropriety, violates the provisions of the constitution or is delinquent in his or her duties.

5.2.8 Constitutional Amendments

The society must have a process outlined in its constitution that clearly explains how amendments to the constitution are adopted.

Constitutional amendments must be passed with approval from the society’s voting members through a process that is outlined in the society’s constitution.

Amended constitutions must be re-submitted to the Society Review Committee.

In the event that the current constitution of a Society precludes ratification, the Society Review Committee may approve an exception to the procedures for constitutional amendments, as specified in the Society’s constitution. If an exception is approved, the Society executive may amend the parts of the constitution precluding ratification. Any amendments adopted in this way must be presented for approval to the Society approved through the regular constitutional amendment procedures by a date specified by the Society Review Committee. Should the Society not approve an amendment that addresses the constitutional shortcoming in question, the Society shall be automatically deratified.

5.2.9 Finances

8 If a society allows non-Union Members to vote, the society must apply for joint society status. Please refer to section 6.

The society constitution must adhere to Section 4: Society Finances of the Society Policy.

The society must outline at least three (3) executive members who have signing authority for its bank account. 9

Two (2) signing executive members must sign each cheque.10

Executive members may not sign cheques made out to themselves.

A society’s membership has the right to be informed about the financial operations of its society. The budget must be passed in consultation with its membership through a forum as determined by the society’s constitution.

Societies that collect a student levy must notify all voting members of its society notice of all general meetings.

6. GENERAL

6.1 Membership

The society must offer membership to any Member of the Union except under special circumstances as indicated by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. Exceptions will also be made for societies classified as academic or residence based.

6.2 Adherence to External Laws, Regulations and Policies

6.2.1 The society must be governed in accordance with the by-laws, regulations and policies of the Union.

6.2.2 The society’s activities must not infringe federal, provincial, municipal laws or university regulations.

6.2.3 The society’s activities must not interfere with the ordinary course of business at Dalhousie University.

6.2.4 The society’s executive members must read the University’s Alcohol Policy and sign that they have read and understood the material, agree to abide by the policy and to educate the members of the society about the policy.

6.2.5 The society’s executive members must read the Union Society Policy and sign that they have read and understood the policy, agree to abide by the policy and to educate the members of the society about the policy.

6.3 Contact Information

The Society must provide a mailing address for the society, as well as the email addresses and student numbers of each society executive member.

6.4 Society Activities

9 Please refer to section 6 if your society has joint society status. 10 Please refer to section 6 if your society has joint society status.

11 The Society must provide a list of its intended activities for the academic year.

6.5 Ratification

The Society’s application for ratification must be approved by the Society Review Committee.

7. APPEALS

7.1 In the event that a society’s ratification application is not approved by the Society Review Committee, the society may request the committee reconsider its decision within fourteen days of the committee’s original decision.

7.2 The society may provide reasons for reconsideration to the Society Review Committee through a written statement or a presentation.

7.3 In the event that a society is not approved for ratification after reconsideration by the Society Review Committee, the society may request an appeal at a Union Council meeting.

8. PRIVILEGES

8.1 The Union will provide the following privileges to ratified societies:

8.1.1 Communications

The ability to use the “Dalhousie” name.11

A Dalhousie email account, which must be renewed by October 15 th of each year with the Vice President (Internal) with a User Name Application Form

A Dalhousie website account, which must be renewed by October 15 th of each year with the Vice President (Internal) with a User Name Application Form.

A mailbox at the Student Union Building information desk.

Bulletin board space in the Student Union Building.

Option to book a table at the DSU Society Fair.

8.1.2 Funding

The ability to apply for Union grants through the Grants Committee. The funds are intended to help defray the costs societies incur. 12

8.1.3 Meeting Space

11 All references made by a society using the Dalhousie University logo, crest and name must contact Dalhousie Communications prior to doing so. 12 Refer to Union Grants Policy.

The ability to book meeting rooms in the Student Union Building free of charge not exceeding once per week depending on availability.

8.1.4 Union Services

The ability to book the T-Room or Grawood for special events for a fee.

The ability to apply for a Society Night at the Grawood and TRoom.

Societies who receive a direct levy from the Union may open a direct billing account with the following Union services: Campus Copy, bar services and reservations.

8.1.5 Event Space

The ability to apply for use of the McInnes Room depending on availability.

All societies may request in writing to the Director of Reservations that the rental fee for the McInnes Room be waived once per year. The Vice President (Internal), in consultation with the Director of Reservations, will consider each request as it is received.

8.1.6 Student Union Building Main Lobby Space

The ability to book a table in the lobby of the Student Union Building free of charge not more than four times a semester.

8.2 The Union reserves the right to charge ancillary fees to societies holding events. These services include, but are not limited to: security staff, technical staff, technical and audio- visual equipment, cleaning fees, coat check, custodial staff, set-up fees, extra furniture, extended building hours, SOCAN, conference materials and bar services.

8.3 All societies must abide by the Union Facility Operations Policy when holding any society event, meeting or business in Union-run facilities.

8.4 The Union reserves the right to withhold the above privileges from a society as it deems necessary.

8.5 The Union reserves the right to grant additional privileges to a society when deemed appropriate.

8.6 The Vice President (Internal) shall be considered a resource for societies and shall offer information or advice on advertising, event planning, fundraising or any other society- related matter to any interested society.

13 SECTION 3: DISCIPLINARY MEASURES EFFECTIVE: May 1, 2008 LAST REVISED: April 9, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

1. CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

1.1 The Union Council holds the right to discipline societies.

1.2 The Society Review Committee has the right to examine the records, reports, or the minutes of any society and will report any significant results of such an examination to Council.

1.3 The Society Review Committee will investigate complaints lodged against any society and provide Council with a recommendation on the matter.

1.4 The following may be cause for disciplinary measures:

1.4.1 The society violates the Constitution of the Union. 1.4.2 The society violates Society Policy. 1.4.3 The society violates the Constitution of the Society as approved by the Society Review Committee. 1.4.4 The society abuses any services or privileges of the Union. 1.4.5 The society commits an offence that breaks federal, provincial, municipal laws or University Regulations. 1.4.6 The society violates Dalhousie University’s Alcohol Policy. 1.4.7 The society fails to notify the Vice President (Internal) that it will be holding an alcohol related event occurring outside of the Union’s licensed premises or an event involving high-risk activities. 1.4.8 The society is guilty of any other conduct that Council; upon the recommendation of the Society Review Committee, deems as unbecoming of a Union society.

1.5 Depending on the severity of the problem and the number of occurrences, disciplinary measures may call for any of the following:

1.5.1 Verbal warning 1.5.2 Written warning 1.5.3 A probationary period at a length determined by Council 1.5.4 Loss of society privileges as determined by Council 1.5.5 De-ratification of the society which entails a loss of society status and privileges granted.

2. SOCIETY DE-RATIFICATION

2.1 In the event of the de-ratification of a society that receives a levy, its monies will be held in trust for a maximum of three years.

2.2 In the case that the Society Review Committee believes that there is cause for de- ratification, the Committee shall give a notice of motion to de-ratify to the Council and notify the society that notice has been given.

14 2.3 The motion to the Council to de-ratify a society must receive a two-thirds majority of Council in order to be successful.

2.4 A de-ratified society may apply for re-ratification by submitting a written notice of motion to the Council up till the second-last meeting of the Council’s term.

2.5 The Society Review Committee will keep a record of all de-ratified societies.

2.6 In the event a society applies for ratification with a similar constitution, purpose or executive members of a de-ratified society, the Society Review Committee may defer to Council the responsibility to ratify the society.

15 SECTION 4: SOCIETY FINANCES 13 EFFECTIVE: May 1, 2008 LAST REVISED: April 9, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

1. BUDGETING

1.1 All societies should develop a comprehensive budget that includes an estimation of revenues and expenditures of the society for the coming year.

1.2 The Society Review Committee has the right to examine all society records, reports and minutes under the jurisdiction of the Union and report any significant results to Council.

2. LEVIED SOCIETY AUDITS

2.1 All levied societies must submit their financial records to be audited by the Vice President (Finance and Operations) before the last day of October (for fall semester), February (for winter semester) and July (for summer semester). Failure to do so will result in the Union withholding the society fees for that semester, in trust.

2.2 All levied society budgets must be submitted to the Vice President (Finance and Operations) during the fall semester audit.

2.3 Any umbrella society which has affiliated societies must clearly outline the process in their financial records by which it provides funding for the societies that fall under its umbrella.

2.4 In the event that a society’s levy is withheld, remission of levied society fees must be approved after re-ratification by the Society Review Committee and an audit from the Vice President (Finance and Operations).

3. OUTSTANDING BALANCES AND DEBT

3.1 The Society Review Committee must review any society which collects a student levy if it has been inactive for three years.14 In the event that the Society Review Committee determines that there is no interest in the society, it may recommend to Council that Dalhousie University Student Accounts discontinue the levy for the upcoming year.

3.2 Any Society with accounts payable to the Union of greater than 60 days will not be permitted to charge any purchases. Any outstanding accounts payable will be removed from subsequent society levy cheques.

3.3 Any Society with accounts payable to the Union of greater than 60 days will not be entitled to any society privileges as outlined in Section 2, point 8.

13 Refer to the Union Society Treasurer’s Manual for more detailed information. 14 The Society Review Committee may choose to review an inactive society prior to three years.

16 4. SURPLUS

4.1 The Society must carry over any surplus to the incoming society members of the following year.

4.2 It is highly recommended that societies budget for an annual surplus.

5. DISSOLUTION

5.1 In the event that a society dissolves, all debts that the society has incurred must be paid off. Any remaining monies of the society shall be assumed by the Union or the society’s umbrella society (if applicable).

17 SECTION 5: RISK MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVE: May 1, 2008 LAST REVISED: April 9, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

1. PURPOSE

1.1 Societies have the responsibility to take all necessary precautions to keep their members safe while hosting or participating in high risk events or activities.

1.2 The Union reserves the right to discipline any society that does not act in accordance with this policy. This may include the de-ratification of the society. Please refer to the Disciplinary Section of the policy.

2. EVENTS

2.1 Any society that plans to hold an event on or off campus including activities that involve physical activity, transportation, and/or alcohol must submit a request the Union Vice President (Internal) at least 10 days prior to the event.

3. ALCOHOL RELATED EVENTS

3.1 Any society that plans to hold an alcohol related event outside of university licensed areas that are on campus will be required to obtain a single liquor event license for an additional charge facilitated by the Director of Licensed Operations.

3.2 Any society that wishes to obtain a single liquor event license must submit a request to the Union Vice President (Internal) at least 21 days prior to the event.

4. PROHIBITED EVENTS

4.1 Societies are not permitted to organize or partake in pub-crawls or any activity of a similar nature.

SECTION 6: JOINT SOCIETIES EFFECTIVE: May 1, 2008 LAST REVISED: April 9, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

1. Societies with Non-Union Members as part of their executive membership and/ or voting membership must apply for joint society status, provided that one (1) member of the executive is a member of the Union.

2. Joint society status is dependent on a pre-existing bilateral agreement between the Union and the institution that the non-Union executive member is a part of. 15

3. Any society that is ratified by the Union as a joint society is a joint society regardless of its status at the other institution.

4. Submission of an application for society ratification must come from a Union member executive member.

5. All official communication with the Union must come from a Union member executive member. This includes, but is not limited to: application for grants and all Union services.

6. The Union must have the contact information of the Union member executive member.

7. Joint societies must outline in its constitution at least three (3) executive members who have signing authority for its bank account. At least one signing authority must be a Union member.

8. Joint societies must outline in its constitution that two (2) signing executive members must sign each cheque, of which one executive member must be a Union member. In the event that the Union executive member is the person to be reimbursed, an exception can be made.

9. Joint societies may grant voting privileges to all its members who are also members of institutions that have bilateral agreements with the Union.

15 Refer to Appendix 1 for existing joint society bilateral agreements.

SECTION 7: REFERENDUM MANDATED SOCIETIES EFFECTIVE: May 1, 208 LAST REVISED: April 24, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

1. PURPOSE

1.1 Referendum Mandated Societies are societies that have been mandated through a Union referendum and receive a direct levy from all members of the Union.

1.2 Referendum Mandated Societies are accountable to all members of the Union through Council.

1.3 Referendum Mandated Societies must adhere to the Union Society Policy.

1.4 Society Policy exceptions (if applicable) for Referendum Mandated Societies are indicated in Section 7 under the name of the society.

SECTION 7: REFERENDUM MANDATED - DALHOUSIE GAZETTE PUBLICATION SOCIETY EFFECTIVE: May 1, 208 LAST REVISED: April 24, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY 16

To publish a democratically-run newspaper with the purpose of providing information on, and an impartial analysis of, a broad range of subject matter for Dalhousie Students and the surrounding community at large;

To present an alternative to the news coverage of the commercial press;

To provide Dalhousie students with a forum in which they can contribute to public dialogue in a meaningful and inclusive way.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE DSU

The Society shall present to the Union Council an annual presentation regarding the objectives and activities of the Society.

The Society shall submit their financial records, including, but not limited to: receipts, ledger, canceled cheques, and bank statements, to the Vice President (Finance and Operations) before December 3 rd in the first semester and April 9 th in the second semester.

The Society must provide a copy of society minutes to the Vice President (Finance and Operations) which indicates that the society’s budget has been approved before receiving any society fees.

SOCIETY POLICY EXEMPTIONS

The Union recognizes the executive members of the Society as the Dalhousie Gazette Publishing Society’s “editorial board” and “publishing board.”

The Union recognizes that non-Union Members may be elected to the editorial board.17

BINDING REFERENDUM QUESTIONS

March 5, 1978 - Motion 396:78 Gazette fee Referendum

You are currently paying $3.50 from your $51 student fee to financially support the Dalhousie Gazette. Student Council had unanimously approved in principle the autonomy of the Gazette from the Student Union. To financially support an autonomous Gazette, are you in favour of raising this fee to $5.00 (this will increase your total student fee by $1.50) Yes / No Result: Carried

16 Found in Dalhousie Gazette Publishing Society Constitution 2007 17 Non-Union Members may not vote in Gazette’s elections.

October 1995 Referendum

Do you wish to continue to pay $4 per full time student and $2 per part time student to levy the Gazette?

Result: Carried. Yes (1198 votes) / No (391 votes)

2004 – 2005 Referendum

Do you support a student levy increase of $1 for full and part-time students for the Gazette Publishing Society?

Result: Carried. Yes (1670 votes) / No (612 votes) / Spoiled (52 votes)

22 SECTION 7 : REFERENDUM MANDATED - DALHOUSIE WOMEN’S CENTRE SOCIETY EFFECTIVE: May 1, 208 LAST REVISED: April 24, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

RECOGNITION

Dalhousie University supports the concept of the Dalhousie Women’s Centre

Recognition that Dalhousie University supports the Women’s Centre through the leasing of space of an annual lease of $1.00 to the Dalhousie Student Union at 6143 South Street.

Recognition that Dalhousie University supports the Women’s Centre through the contribution of providing for the cost of utilities and normal repairs.

The Dalhousie Student Union has full legal responsibility of the Dalhousie Women’s Centre.

The Dalhousie Women Centre Society is a society pursuant to the Dalhousie Student Union Constitution.

The purpose of the Dalhousie Women’s Centre Society is to govern the centre.

OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY 18

To recognize women’s common and diverse needs.

To work towards a society free of all forms of oppression.

To support women and, by extension, all people dealing with oppression.

To work towards a creation of a society that is vibrant, life giving and safe for people of all genders.

To be a resource centre which provides resources and support for students, faculty, staff and community members on “women’s issues.”

To provide resources, referrals, and a safe space to the University and broader Halifax community.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE DSU

The Society shall present to the Union Council an annual presentation regarding the objectives and activities of the Society.

The Society shall submit their financial records, including, but not limited to: receipts, ledger, cancelled cheques, and bank statements, to the Vice President (Finance and Operations) before December 3 rd in the first semester and April 9 th in the second semester.

18 Found in the Dalhousie Women’s Centre Society Constitution 2007

The Society must provide a copy of society minutes to the Vice President (Finance and Operations) which indicates that the society’s budget has been approved before receiving any society fees.

The Society must allow the levy to be refunded to each student who does not wish to contribute to the Society.

SOCIETY POLICY EXEMPTIONS

The Union recognizes the executive members of the Society as the Dalhousie Women’s Centre Society’s “Board of Directors.”

The Union recognizes the society’s usage of consensus based decision-making in their governance.

The Union recognizes voting by non-Union members.

The Union recognizes non-Union members as executive members of the Society.

BINDING REFERENDUM QUESTIONS

February 14, 1993 - Motion 292:93

BIRT the DSU Council approve the following as a referendum question for the general 1993 General DSU elections:

“Do you support an annual levy of $2.00 per full-time student and $1.00 per part-time student to help maintain the new Dalhousie Women’s Centre, the objective of which include: a.) To maintain a resource centre open to all members of the public. b.) To promote public education and awareness of issues of particular importance to women c.) To provide a safe and supportive atmosphere for all women in the community.

The fee is refundable to students who do not wish to contribute. Result: Carried.

Referendum 1998

Whereas: The Dalhousie Women’s Centre has operated off a levy of $2.00 from full-time students established in 1993.

Do you support the direct levy to the Dalhousie Women’s Centre be increased by $0.35 per student? Yes / No Result: Carried.

24 SECTION 7: REFERENDUM MANDATED - DALOUT EFFECTIVE: May 1, 208 LAST REVISED: April 24, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

OBJECTIVES OF SOCIETY19

The intent of this society is to provide gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, gender variant, two-spirited, intersexed, queer and questioning people, the people who support them, and the members of the community at large, with the following:

Education: DalOUT is dedicated to educating members of the Dalhousie University faculty and student body as well as the Halifax community regarding LGBTQ issues. This is done through workshops, the resource centre, special events, speaking engagements and by the society's active participation in other community events.

Advocacy: DalOUT provides the LGBTQ community at Dalhousie with constitutional recognition and an active voice. It will serve as a representative of the community's issues and views. It is also a political force lobbying for the needs and rights of students, staff, faculty, community members and other users of DalOUT.

Support: DalOUT provides support by offering a peer counselling service. Additionally, LGBTQ/LGBTQ-positive services for additional support or referrals are contained within the publications in our resource center. We also maintain a safe, affirming and accessible space for LGBTQ students and allies to congregate and feel comfortable.

Activities: DalOUT aspires to have a fun and exciting time by organizing a number of social and educational events throughout the year.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE DSU

The Society shall present to the Union Council an annual presentation regarding the objectives and activities of the Society.

The Society must provide a copy of society minutes to the Vice President (Finance and Operations) which indicates that the society’s budget has been approved before receiving any society fees.

BINDING REFERENDUM QUESTION

2007 Referendum

Do you support the implementation of a levy of $1.00 per full time student per year with $0.50 going to DalOUT! and $0.50 going to World University Services Canada (WUSC). Result: Carried.

19 Found in DalOut’s Society Constitution 2007

SECTION 7: REFERENDUM MANDATED - WORLD UNIVERSITY SERVICES OF CANADA (WUSC) EFFECTIVE: May 1, 208 LAST REVISED: April 24, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY 20

To meet people and establish ties of solidarity with groups interested in international development issues.

To develop knowledge about global issues and organize international development education activities in their community.

To support the Student Refugee Program which every year enables refugee students to come to Canada to pursue their post-secondary education.

To establish ties with WUSC alumni and benefit from their international development experience.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE DSU

The Society shall present to the Union Council an annual presentation regarding the objectives and activities of the Society.

The Society must provide a copy of society minutes to the Vice President (Finance and Operations) which indicates that the society’s budget has been approved before receiving any society fees.

SOCIETY POLICY EXEMPTIONS

Executive members of the society may include Dalhousie faculty and/or staff members.

The Union recognizes voting by Dalhousie faculty and/or staff members.

BINDING REFERENDUM QUESTIONS

Missing original referendum question.

20 Found in World University Services of Canada Society Constitution 2007

1998 Referendum

Whereas: The World University Service of Canada (WUSC Dalhousie Local Committee) sponsors two student refugees and recruits students for international exchange programs. Whereas: WUSC has collected a levy of $0.50 per full time student to support this effort. Whereas:' This levy has not increased since 1984.

Do you support that the direct levy to WUSC be increased by $0.50 to $1.00 per full time student? Yes / No

Result: Carried.

2007 Referendum

Do you support the implementation of a levy of $1.00 per full time student per year with $0.50 going to DalOUT! and $0.50 going to World University Services Canada (WUSC).

Result: Carried.

27 SECTION 7: REFERENDUM MANDATED - CKDU – FM SOCIETY EFFECTIVE: May 1, 208 LAST REVISED: April 24, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

OBJECTIVES OF SOCIETY21

To offer to both students and the general communities innovative and alternative programming which will draw on the many resources available at Dalhousie University and the metro community;

To promote balance in the broadcast system by providing access to the media for individuals or groups to present ideas, views and cultural programming not readily available from other media sources;

To represent the views and interests of the members of the Metro community- in particular: underrepresented groups, visible minorities and the disenfranchised- promote socially positive and responsible attitudes in our Society;

To provide an atmosphere in which inclusion and participation are encouraged, and in which discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, political orientation, national or ethnic origin, or physical or mental disabilities is strictly prohibited;

To provide a vehicle by which the Dalhousie University community and the greater community may interact;

To actively seek out, develop, promote and expose the local cultural and performing arts;

To provide a medium for educational programming;

To provide the human and physical resources to facilitate volunteers with training and development in the areas of electronic journalism, audio production, radio broadcasting, research, office, and administrative skills;

To acquire real and personal property, by way of grant, gift, purchase, bequest, devise, or otherwise and to use and apply such property to the realization of the objectives of this Society;

To buy, own, hold, lease, mortgage, sell, and convey such real and personal property as may be necessary or desirable in carrying out the objectives of the Society;

To raise funds to further the objectives of the Society; and

To exercise any additional powers vested in the Society under the Societies Act.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE DSU

The Society shall present to the Union Council an annual presentation regarding the objectives and activities of the Society.

21 Found in the October 19, 1993 Memorandum of Association of the CKDU-FM Society in the matter of The Societies Act, Revised Statues of Nova Scotia 1989 and the Incorporation of the CKDU-FM Society.

28 The Society shall submit their financial records, including, but not limited to: receipts, ledger, canceled cheques, and bank statements, to the Vice President (Finance and Operations) before December 3 rd in the first semester and April 9 th in the second semester.

The Society must provide a copy of society minutes to the Vice President (Finance and Operations) which indicates that the society’s budget has been approved before receiving any society fees.

The Society’s Board of Directors shall include the Union Vice President (Finance and Operations), a Councilor appointed by the Union Council and two Union members elected at the annual meeting of the society.

The Union recognizes that the Society must adhere to CRTC Requirements as a campus-community radio station.

SOCIETY POLICY EXEMPTIONS

The Union recognizes the executive members of the Society as the CKDU’s “Board of Directors.”

The Union recognizes voting by non-Union members.

The Union recognizes non-Union members as executive members of the Society.

BINDING REFERENDUM QUESTIONS

March 7, 1982 Motion 263:82 Do you support a University Radio Station, given that it will require a $1.00 increase per student to refurbish that station to an acceptable level of operation?

Result: Carried.

November 28-29, 1983

Do you approve of the Union providing an FM Campus – Community radio station at Dalhousie in accordance with the Union – CKDU Committee Report of 27 October 1983 resulting in an increase of the Union free by $9 for full – time students and by $2 per course for part-time students? Yes / No

Result: Carried.

SECTION 7: REFERENDUM MANDATED – PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP AT DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY (Dal-PIRG) EFFECTIVE: May 1, 208 LAST REVISED: April 24, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

30 SECTION 7: REFERENDUM MANDATED – DALHOUSIE SEXTANT PUBLISHING SOCIETY EFFECTIVE: May 1, 208 LAST REVISED: April 24, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

OBJECTIVES OF SOCIETY

To create a publication that represents the views and activities of students on Dalhousie’s Sexton Campus.

ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE DSU

The Society shall present to the Union Council an annual presentation regarding the objectives and activities of the Society.

The Society must provide a copy of society minutes to the Vice President (Finance and Operations) which indicates that the society’s budget has been approved before receiving any society fees.

BINDING REFERENDUM QUESTION

1998 Referendum

Whereas: The DalTech Student Union and the Dalhousie Student Union are amalgamating.

Whereas: The Sextant is the official student newspaper of the DalTech currently funded by the DalTech Student Union

Do you support a levy of $0.50 from the Dalhousie (including DalTech) student body to be allocated to the Sextant.

Yes / No

Result: Carried

31 APPENDIX 1: JOINT SOCIETIES - EXISTING BILATERAL AGREEMENTS EFFECTIVE: May 1, 208 LAST REVISED: April 24, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

Agreement between the Dalhousie Student Union and (institution) on Joint Societies

The Dalhousie Student Union and the (institution) referred to hereafter as the “Parties”,

Considering that:

Each party has determined that by convention there are Dalhousie Student Union societies, which have members that are non-Union members due to the inevitabilities of institutional geography, university administration, society history, cultural connections, and/or society mandates.

In the interest of preserving the educational, cultural and social value societies bring to members of the Dalhousie Student Union and the Dalhousie Community, each party wishes to encourage the co-operation and recognition of the participation of non Dalhousie Student Union members in its ratified societies.

For the purposes of this Agreement:

a. “Union” means Dalhousie Student Union Incorporated. b. “Institution” means the party other than the Union. c. “Executive member” means individual member of a society that fills an executive position, is accountable to and for the society. d. “Executive position” means an office that has a portfolio of duties and responsibilities as indicated in the society’s constitution. e. “Society” means a club or organization ratified by the Union. f. “Joint society” means any Union society that selects one or more non-Union member to an executive position or offers voting privileges to non-Union members. g. “Academic Term” means fall semester (September – December), winter semester (January – April), summer semester (May – August).

Have agreed on the following:

1. The Union will recognize all societies that include members of the institution co-signing this agreement as “Joint Societies”.

2. All ratified joint societies and its members (Union and non-Union) must abide by the Union Constitution and Society Policy.

3. All ratified joint societies and its members (Union and non-Union) shall face the same disciplinary measures from the Union regardless if the act was committed by a Union or non-Union member.

4. Submission of an application for joint society ratification by the Union must come from a Union member executive member.

5. All official communication with the Union from a joint society must come from a Union member - executive member. This includes, but is not limited to: application for grants and all DSU services.

6. The Union must have the contact information of all joint society executive members who are also Union members.

7. If available, both parties shall grant the same privileges (outlined in Society Policy Section 2 point 8) to joint societies.

32 8. A representative from the Institution and the Union Vice President (Internal) will agree to meet once per academic term to discuss relevant information regarding each of the joint ratified societies, society grants and other pertinent information.

Termination and Renewal

Either Party may terminate this Agreement subject to a four month prior notice.

This agreement must be renewed annually.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned duly authorize to that effect, have signed this agreement. DONE, in duplicate in _____, this (date) day of (Month) (Year), each version being equally authentic.

For the Dalhousie Student Union For (institution)

______President (position)

______Vice President Internal

______Vice President Finance and Operations

33 APPENDIX 3: USEFUL LINKS EFFECTIVE: May 1, 208 LAST REVISED: April 24, 2008 AMENDED: COMMITTEE: Society Policy (Ad-hoc Committee)

DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY

Alcohol Policy http://studentservices.dal.ca/rights/alcohol.html

Student Code of Conduct http://senate.dal.ca/Files/2005_Revised_Code_of_Student_Conduct.pdf

DALHOUSIE STUDENT UNION

DSU Constitution

Treasurer’s Handbook

Facility Operations Policy

http://www.dsu.ca/aboutus/forms

Society Handbook

Online Ratification (Tiger Societies) http://my.dsu.ca/tiger_society/

Society Events Listing (Tiger Events) http://my.dsu.ca/

Office of Vice President Internal Email: [email protected] Phone: 902-494-1276