Constitution
Hispanic American Medical Student Association
College of Medicine
University of Florida

Article I Name
The name of this organization shall be Hispanic American Medical Student Association (HAMSA)

Article II Purpose
To educate and sensitize the entire medical community to the specific needs and differences of Hispanics regarding health and well being.
To promote awareness about social, political, and economic issues as they relate to Hispanic health issues.
To promote medical students’ interests that will lead to the improvement of healthcare for under-served communities.
To recruit Hispanic minorities into higher education.
To setup a support network for Hispanic medical students.

Article III Membership
A. Membership is limited to UF medical students, faculty and staff. Spouses of eligible students may become members but they may not vote or hold office
B. Graduate students (non-medical) who shares an interest in the objective and goals of HAMSA may become associate members.
C. Active member shall consist of those members who show an interest in being active by attending meetings and working on projects.
D. All members are free to leave and disassociate without fear of harassment or retribution.

Article IV Officers
A. Chapter Officers:
1. All executive powers shall be held jointly by the members of the Executive Council unless otherwise noted in this constitution. The Executive Council shall be composed of a two co-Presidents, and a Secretary-Treasurer. Any full time medical student from the chapter institution may serve as an officer. Any officer will serve a one year term.
2. The executive council will be overseen by the appointed Faculty Advisor. He/she shall serve until he/she relinquishes the position or may be removed by a majority vote of chapter members.
B. Powers and Duties
The co-Presidents shall be the elected leaders and chief executives of HAMSA presiding over all meetings and acting as the primary spokespersons for HAMSA.
The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep complete and accurate accounts of all HAMSA meetings and funds.
The Faulty Advisor will advise the executive council, oversee monthly meetings, and serve as a support system for HAMSA members.
C. Election of Chapter Officers:
Election of officers shall take place at an annual business meeting every March. The meeting will be called by one of the co-Presidents. Nominations will be accepted from the floor. Election shall be a majority of chapter members present.The Faulty Advisor will be appointed on a yearly basis every August. Nominations for a new Faculty Advisor will be accepted from the floor. Appointment shall be made by a majority vote of chapter members. Any vacancy in the executive council will be filled by a consensus of the executive council and subject to the ratification by a majority of the membership present at the next meeting. Impeachment of any officer may be accomplished by two-thirds vote of the entire active membership. The non-involved officers shall conduct and preside over the hearing and determine by vote removal or non-removal.

Article V Meetings
Meetings will be held monthly or as called by the Chapter President. Chapter Officers will develop
agendas and handle arrangements for all meetings.

Article VI Amendments
1. The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the total active membership.

Article VII Finance
There will be no membership fees.

Article VIII Non-Discrimination Clause
This organization will not discriminate within or outside the greater University community on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disablement, or economic status. Specifically, this organization does not determine or limit membership, voting privileges or leadership positions based on any of the factors listed above. Further, this organization will not practice or promote prejudice or intimidation, and this chapter will not harass or haze any member of the University community or society in general. This organization is willing to abide by and adhere to all the rules and regulations governing the University of Florida and its students.

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