Medical Language Learners (MLL)

Bylaws

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this organization shall be Medical Language Learners (MLL).

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be to facilitate language learning and practice in order to prepare its members for relevant academic and professional experiences. Such experiences include the service of language-speaking communities and professional collaboration with other language speakers. This organization is designed to enable its members to take part in cultural preparation for their professional aspirations that is harmonious with their existing academic and professional responsibilities as students.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Eligibility for Membership
Membership in this student interest group is open to all students attending the WVU School of Medicine, to all students of any health profession program at the WVU Health Sciences Center, and to all undergraduate students attending West Virginia University. All members are required to be in good standing (both academically and professionally) with the university or their respective program. Exceptions will be considered by the MLL leadership.

Section 2. Rights and Responsibilities of Members
MLL members have the right to participate in any and all MLL sponsored events if they have met all new member training requirements. It is the responsibility of each member to demonstrate reliability and accountability regarding the extent to which they communicate their intended involvement with MLL. This includes completion of voluntary tasks (developing language-learning resources, following-through with scheduled peer language practice sessions, etc.). Should members be unable to fulfill their responsibilities, it is then their responsibility to be communicative about such changes to the best of their ability.

Section 3. Resignation and Termination of Membership
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the Vice President. Additionally, membership can be terminated by a majority vote of MLL leadership. Grounds for termination include, but are not limited to, the following:

-Reckless or dangerous behavior during organization-sanctioned events, including in-person meetings and digital correspondences
-A serious or intentional violation of any law, rule, regulation, bylaw, or provision of MLL or West Virginia University
-A serious or intentional violation of any state law committed while participating in an MLL sponsored event or meeting

Section 4. Letters of Recommendation
MLL members who have completed at least one full year of active membership may request a letter of recommendation from the MLL leadership. All requests for letters of recommendation must be submitted no later than three weeks prior to the deadline for which the letter is needed. It is the responsibility of the member to provide MLL leadership with all instructions and guidelines for writing the requested letter. All members should be aware that MLL leadership will maintain a record of member activity. This information will be reflected in all letters of recommendation written by MLL leadership.

Section 5. Equal Opportunity Statement
MLL does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to the recruiting process, selection of members, and provision of services. MLL is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all its members and clients.

ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS

Section 1. The offices of this organization shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers will be elected for 1-2 year terms in the Spring/Summer preceding the term year.

Section 2. The duties of the President shall be to preside at all meetings of the organization, enforce the constitution, decide questions of order, appoint committee heads, and oversee the fulfilment of the organizations’ planned mission objectives.
The duties of the Vice President shall be to preside at all meetings in the absence of the President and be ex-officio member of all committees.
The duties of the Secretary shall be to keep records of the meetings, maintain the membership roster, take role, handle correspondence, and maintain archives.
The duties of the Treasurer shall be to collect dues, keep books, make expenditures and render regular reports upon request.

Section 3. To hold an elected, or appointed office in this organization, a member must be in good academic standing at the time of election or appointment and must be a full-time student. Furthermore, the member may not be on academic or disciplinary probation. Eligible members may submit an application for leadership. The applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified via email. The President may appoint the member to the new leadership position as they see fit. If needed, the President may hold a private meeting for voting by the executive board to appoint the new leadership applicant.

ARTICLE V. SPECIAL WVU REQUIREMENTS

This organization will adhere to the West Virginia University Conduct Code.

ARTICLE VI. FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS

Section 1. The Medical Language Learners is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run student organization at the West Virginia University School of Medicine.
Section 2. The Treasurer is designated as the account manager.
Section 3. All expenditures require two signatures: the account manager and the President. In the case of expenditures distributed to the account manager or President, the Secretary and whichever party is not being reimbursed will sign.
Section 4. The student organization’s advisor may request and review all financial documents at their discretion.

ARTICLE VII. MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular meetings of the organization shall be held once a month. Additional in-person or online meetings may be scheduled as needed.
Section 2. Special meetings may be called by the President.
Section 3. Quorum shall be constituted by at least two executive board officers and any attending members.