Constitution

The LAA Constitution and Bylaws are also available for you to download in PDF format.

1.1.1 The students of Laurentian University of Sudbury have assembled an organization that shall be known as the Laurentian Accounting Association; herein referred to as LAA.

1.2 Purpose

1.2.1 The purpose of LAA is to:

1. Promote the accounting profession and general interest within the student body;

2. Create networking opportunities between its members and professionals within the accounting field;

3. Provide a supportive environment for personal, academic, and professional development.

Article II: Representation

2.1 Equal Representation

2.1.1 Although LAA will partner with each of the three Canadian accounting designations to serve its purpose, the priority of LAA shall be to represent the student interest, and not the interest of a specific designation.

2.1.2 Upon election to power, the incoming President of LAA shall schedule meetings with a representative from each of the three designations to listen to their concerns and/or ideas for the upcoming school year. The President will then report back to the executive committee.

2.1.3 Meetings with a representative from each of the three accounting designations shall occur at least annually, subsequent to the announcement of the incoming executive committee at year end and prior to the scheduling of events for the upcoming school year.

Article III: Membership

3.1 Membership Requirements

3.1.1 Any individual interested in LAA may become a general member, subject to the following conditions:

1. That s/he be registered as a student of Laurentian University;

2. That s/he pay the prescribed fee known as the “Laurentian Accounting Association Fee”, the amount of which shall be determined at a LAA general assembly, no later than February 28th of each calendar year;

3. That s/he is currently enrolled in an accounting course, and/or:

4. That s/he be pursuing accounting or finance as a career choice.

3.1.2 Honorary members shall be those members who are accepted by LAA for their outstanding commitment to the accounting field or to the Laurentian Accounting Association.

3.1.3 Neither membership in, nor services or activities provided by LAA will be denied to anyone on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual preference, ancestry, or medical condition.

Article IV: Executive Officers

4.1 Executive Positions of LAA

4.1.1 The following represent the executive officer positions of LAA:

1. President;

2. Vice-President;

3. Treasurer;

4. Secretary;

5. Public Relations Officer.

4.1.2 Each executive officer shall be elected by the general membership, subject to the process detailed in Article V.

4.2 Executive Committee

4.2.1 The executive committee of LAA shall be comprised of the elected executive officers, as defined by Article 4.1.1.

4.2.2 Collectively, the executive committee shall be responsible for:

1. Creating, interpreting, and executing the bylaws of LAA;

2. Coordinating all activities run by LAA.

4.3 Individual Responsibilities of each Executive Officer

4.3.1 The President shall:

1. Preside over all assemblies of the executive committee as well as the general assemblies;

2. Schedule, and set the agenda for each assembly. S/he must provide the agenda to the Secretary for distribution at least one (1) week prior to
the assembly;

3. Appoint ad hoc committees as necessary, or by majority vote;

4. Have signing authority over LAA funds with the Treasurer;

5. Be the spokesperson and represent all members of LAA in dealing with other student bodies or other organizations within the University.

4.3.2 The Vice-President shall:

1. Act on behalf of the President in matters concerning LAA, should the President be unavailable;

2. Assume the position of President on a temporary basis should that position become vacant;

3. Serve on committees and promote the general welfare of the association.

4.3.3 The Treasurer shall:

1. Collect and disburse all funds due to and from LAA;

2. Deposit such funds in the name of LAA in the bank account designated by the executive;

3. Reasonably ensure that the affairs of LAA are conducted in a fiscally responsible manner;

4. Report LAA’s financial position to the executive committee at each executive assembly or upon request.

4.3.4 The Secretary shall:

1. Be responsible for recording the minutes of all executive and general assemblies; these minutes should be typed, properly dated, and distributed to the relevant members one (1) week prior to the next scheduled assembly, along with the agenda as set by the President;

2. Preserve the records of the association, including the constitution and bylaws, the membership list, and all past minutes and other documents arising from the affairs of the association.

4.3.5 The Public Relations Officer shall:

1. Act as the student representative, reporting issues to the executive committee;

2. Act as a liaison between LAA and the business community in conjunction with the President as outlined in 4.3.1.5.

Article V: Election Procedures

5.1 Executive Election Procedures

5.1.1 Anyone who is a member of LAA and has attained or will have attained 30 credits by the beginning of the school year in which they will serve on the executive committee may run for an executive position during the election period, provided their membership is in good standing at the time of the election.

5.1.2 Elections must be advertised at least two (2) weeks prior to the election nomination deadline.

5.1.3 All candidates shall hand in a nomination form to the incumbent President at least one (1) week prior to the election period.

5.1.4 All general members of LAA may vote during the election period by secret ballot, provided their membership is in good standing and they have been a member for at least 30 days prior to the commencement of the election period. Each general member shall be entitled to one (1) vote.

5.1.5 The votes will be counted by two separate individuals and the results will be announced within two (2) calendar days of the vote count.

5.2 Relinquishment of Power, Duties, and Responsibilities by Incumbent Officers

5.1.2 The election procedure must be completed by March 5th of each calendar year. The incumbent officers shall relinquish all power, duties and responsibilities to the newly elected executives no later than two (2) weeks prior to the end of school year. This transfer of power, duties, and responsibilities shall occur at an official executive assembly.

5.3 Special Procedures—Removal or Resignation of an Elected Officer

5.3.1 The LAA executive shall possess the power to declare any elected position vacant on account of the continued absence, inability of an elected officer to properly administer the duties of his or her position, or by an action that is in violation of this constitution or Laurentian University policy, subject to the following conditions:

1. The incumbent officer has been contacted in writing and has been the given a chance of redemption, unless the officer has clearly violated Laurentian University policy;

2. The decision to declare a vacancy is by majority vote;

3. The justification is well documented, presented to a faculty advisor in writing, and approved by a faculty advisor of LAA.

5.3.2 If an elected officer chooses to resign his or her office, he or she must provide the executive committee with two (2) weeks’ notice.

Article VI: Assemblies

6.1 Frequency of Assemblies

6.1.1 There must be at least two (2) executive committee assemblies per school semester.

6.1.2 There must be at least one (1) general membership assembly per school semester.

6.2 Assembly Procedures

6.2.1 Both general and executive members shall receive seven (7) days notice of general and executive assemblies, respectively.

6.2.2 The President shall schedule, set the agenda of, and preside over all assemblies as outlined in the position’s responsibilities.

6.2.3 Assemblies shall be conducted in such a manner that all members are treated fairly and are given equal opportunity to speak should they so choose.

6.3 Special Assemblies

6.3.1 Special assemblies may be called at any time by the executive committee for due cause or emergency action as determined by a majority vote of the elected officers.