Bryn Mawr Hillel Constitution
*Updated as of May 11th, 2019
Article I: Purpose
Bryn Mawr College Hillel is a student run organization whose purpose is to provide opportunities to explore and celebrate Judaism and Jewish culture, and to enrich the lives of the Bryn Mawr College community and its Jewish students. Such outlets may include, but are not limited to, the provision of religious services, the sponsorship of educational events relating to Jewish issues, organization of Tikkun Olam (community service) events, and the support of events whose purpose is to bring together Jewish students on campus in a social environment focused on Jewish culture. Bryn Mawr College Hillel will endeavor to address the needs of Jewish students on campus and to encourage a sense of community between them by being pluralistic, welcoming, and inclusive.
Article II: Membership
All undergraduate students of the Trico and undergraduates of Bryn Mawr College are invited to attend events and become members of Bryn Mawr College Hillel.
The officers of Hillel will serve as leaders in the entire Jewish community. All the officers of Hillel are expected to assist in event planning. In addition, each board member is expected to conceive and execute one non-Friday night Shabbat event (of any variety) per semester, except the Kehilah Chair, who is responsible for 3 events per semester. The board is required to send at least one member to help with kashering the kitchen before passover and cleaning up the kitchen after passover. Additionally, a board member will act as a liaison with the Kosher Kitchen Manager for the entire academic year. The board may create new positions as the need arises. The officers of the Hillel Board and their duties are as follows:
President : The president’s duties include leading board meetings, working with the Rabbinic Adviser on Jewish programming, serving as liaison between the Hillel board and the various offices of the college affecting Jewish life, and overseeing all Hillel events. They will additionally maintain contact with the board and the members of Hillel. The President will do everything in their power to ensure that the mission statement is upheld. Candidacy for president is restricted to those who have served before on the Hillel Executive Board.
Vice President: The Vice President serves to aid the president whenever necessary. Special focus should be put on looking for ways to improve the club. This may be achieved by interacting with students and gathering feedback. In the president’s absence, they shall preside over meetings and take executive responsibility. They shall mediate between members of the Executive Board. They will provide feedback and oversight to make sure that Executive Board members fulfill their responsibilities and make sure that events are running as smoothly as possible. The Vice President has the task of delegating a rotation of responsibilities for board members at each event, ensuring that at least one board member arrives early to set up and schmooze, and at least one member oversees clean-up. Finally, the VP shall maintain the semester calendar and help board members to plan their events. The VP should be someone experienced in how the club operates, such that they can be a resource for newer board members on things like ordering food, planning events, working with Pensby and other clubs, etc.
Treasurer: The treasurer manages the finances of Hillel, creates the budget in the fall and spring before the academic semester during which the treasurer serves, and works with the SGA, AMO, and Hillel of Greater Philadelphia to determine and oversee the overall budget of Bryn Mawr College Hillel. The treasurer will submit and track reimbursements, keep the budget spreadsheet updated and accessible to board members, and coordinate grants with the rabbinic advisor. Finally, the treasurer will search out and train a junior treasurer.
Communications Chair: The communications chair serves a multi-faceted role which may include and managing all publicity for Hillel events. The Communications chair takes responsibility for the website, maintaining a current contact list, maintaining social media and writing weekly emails. The Communications chair may also serve as archivist, and is in charge of all communication between Bryn Mawr and other institutions.
Kehilah Social Chair: The Kehilah Social Chair is in charge of organizing the Hillel community, searching for opportunities for civic engagement, and leading social gatherings and cultural events. The Kehilah Chair is responsible for hosting 3 events per semester. The Kehilah Social Chair will also serve as the point person for the Social Action Committee. They should seek out opportunities to work with Pensby, other religious groups, and other AMO groups.
Junior Treasurer: The Junior Treasurer will train under the Treasurer and assist the Treasurer in their duties. The Junior Treasurer is encouraged to assume the role of Treasurer in the beginning of the following semester if the current Treasurer is not intending to remain in their position. If the current Treasurer is running for re-election the Junior Treasurer can opt to continue their role as Junior Treasurer for the following year until the next special election in the Spring Semester. The Junior Treasurer is allowed to serve as Junior Treasurer for consecutive years. To be eligible for this position, the Junior Treasurer must be able to serve as treasurer the following year (i.e. not a senior, not intending to study away)
First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH) Coordinator: The FYSH coordinator, will be a first year student in taking a prominent role in reaching out to all other first year students interested in participating in Hillel. It will be their duty to plan events and activities geared towards welcoming students and making them feel comfortable in their new environment. The FYSH coordinator will work with the other Executive Board Members to make this possible. They will also work with all other Hillel Executive Board members to develop their leadership skills within the Jewish community.
Rabbinic Advisor: The role of the Rabbinic Advisor is to assist the community religiously and spiritually in order to fulfill the mission statement and to encourage positive participation from the Jewish community. The role also includes advising on board management and overseeing disputes within the board. The executive board emphasizes that the Rabbinic Advisor will maintain constant open communication with the board regarding any and all actions pertaining to Bryn Mawr College Hillel. Bryn Mawr College was founded on the principle of self-governance, and therefore the Rabbinic Advisor mainly acts as a resource to connect Bryn Mawr College Hillel to Hillel of Greater Philadelphia. The role also includes board management and managing disputes within the board.
The following positions are elected at Executive Board Elections: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Communications Chair, Kehila Chair.
The following positions are appointed in other manners: Junior Treasurer, FYSH, Rabbinic Advisor.
One term of office is one school year.
In the case of an officer’s need to resign, a replacement officer will be appointed by the board for the remainder of that term. In the case of a co-position resigning, the board will hold a discussion as to the necessity of a replacement. Anyone planning a leave of absence should notify the board immediately so that a replacement may be found.
Hillel board meetings are to be held at the discretion of the board—with a preference for weekly meetings—and will discuss all topics pertinent to Bryn Mawr College Hillel. Board meetings are to be lead by the president. In their absence, the vice president. In their absence, it is at the discretion of the board. All board meetings are open to anyone unless otherwise specified by the board.
Board meetings are open to members of HIllel who communicate with the Communications Chair that they wish to attend the meeting.
Article VI: Committees
The board may create committees as the need arises.
Article VII: Anti-discrimination policy
This student organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other protected status.
Article VIII: Ratification and Amendments:
The board will meet to revise and amend the constitution by their simple majority vote. Following this meeting, the Hillel community will be given the updated constitution. At elections the community will propose and vote on any additional amendments by simple majority. The constitution will then be ratified by simple majority of Hillel members present at elections.
Constitution review is required to occur once a year and is led by the Rabbinic advisor. Any active member of the BMC community can indicate the need for an additional constitution review. Any amendments longer than a sentence will be submitted to Rabbinic Advisor or Board, then sent to community.
Article I: Purpose
Bryn Mawr College Hillel is a student run organization whose purpose is to provide opportunities to explore and celebrate Judaism and Jewish culture, and to enrich the lives of the Bryn Mawr College community and its Jewish students. Such outlets may include, but are not limited to, the provision of religious services, the sponsorship of educational events relating to Jewish issues, organization of Tikkun Olam (community service) events, and the support of events whose purpose is to bring together Jewish students on campus in a social environment focused on Jewish culture. Bryn Mawr College Hillel will endeavor to address the needs of Jewish students on campus and to encourage a sense of community between them by being pluralistic, welcoming, and inclusive.
Article II: Membership
All undergraduate students of the Trico and undergraduates of Bryn Mawr College are invited to attend events and become members of Bryn Mawr College Hillel.
- Clause 1: Active Membership
- All Bryn Mawr College students are welcome to become members of Bryn Mawr Hillel. An active member is defined as a student who has attended at least one Bryn Mawr Hillel event during that academic year. In cases of extended absence from campus, active membership is determined by the last semester that the student was on campus.
The officers of Hillel will serve as leaders in the entire Jewish community. All the officers of Hillel are expected to assist in event planning. In addition, each board member is expected to conceive and execute one non-Friday night Shabbat event (of any variety) per semester, except the Kehilah Chair, who is responsible for 3 events per semester. The board is required to send at least one member to help with kashering the kitchen before passover and cleaning up the kitchen after passover. Additionally, a board member will act as a liaison with the Kosher Kitchen Manager for the entire academic year. The board may create new positions as the need arises. The officers of the Hillel Board and their duties are as follows:
President : The president’s duties include leading board meetings, working with the Rabbinic Adviser on Jewish programming, serving as liaison between the Hillel board and the various offices of the college affecting Jewish life, and overseeing all Hillel events. They will additionally maintain contact with the board and the members of Hillel. The President will do everything in their power to ensure that the mission statement is upheld. Candidacy for president is restricted to those who have served before on the Hillel Executive Board.
Vice President: The Vice President serves to aid the president whenever necessary. Special focus should be put on looking for ways to improve the club. This may be achieved by interacting with students and gathering feedback. In the president’s absence, they shall preside over meetings and take executive responsibility. They shall mediate between members of the Executive Board. They will provide feedback and oversight to make sure that Executive Board members fulfill their responsibilities and make sure that events are running as smoothly as possible. The Vice President has the task of delegating a rotation of responsibilities for board members at each event, ensuring that at least one board member arrives early to set up and schmooze, and at least one member oversees clean-up. Finally, the VP shall maintain the semester calendar and help board members to plan their events. The VP should be someone experienced in how the club operates, such that they can be a resource for newer board members on things like ordering food, planning events, working with Pensby and other clubs, etc.
Treasurer: The treasurer manages the finances of Hillel, creates the budget in the fall and spring before the academic semester during which the treasurer serves, and works with the SGA, AMO, and Hillel of Greater Philadelphia to determine and oversee the overall budget of Bryn Mawr College Hillel. The treasurer will submit and track reimbursements, keep the budget spreadsheet updated and accessible to board members, and coordinate grants with the rabbinic advisor. Finally, the treasurer will search out and train a junior treasurer.
Communications Chair: The communications chair serves a multi-faceted role which may include and managing all publicity for Hillel events. The Communications chair takes responsibility for the website, maintaining a current contact list, maintaining social media and writing weekly emails. The Communications chair may also serve as archivist, and is in charge of all communication between Bryn Mawr and other institutions.
Kehilah Social Chair: The Kehilah Social Chair is in charge of organizing the Hillel community, searching for opportunities for civic engagement, and leading social gatherings and cultural events. The Kehilah Chair is responsible for hosting 3 events per semester. The Kehilah Social Chair will also serve as the point person for the Social Action Committee. They should seek out opportunities to work with Pensby, other religious groups, and other AMO groups.
Junior Treasurer: The Junior Treasurer will train under the Treasurer and assist the Treasurer in their duties. The Junior Treasurer is encouraged to assume the role of Treasurer in the beginning of the following semester if the current Treasurer is not intending to remain in their position. If the current Treasurer is running for re-election the Junior Treasurer can opt to continue their role as Junior Treasurer for the following year until the next special election in the Spring Semester. The Junior Treasurer is allowed to serve as Junior Treasurer for consecutive years. To be eligible for this position, the Junior Treasurer must be able to serve as treasurer the following year (i.e. not a senior, not intending to study away)
First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH) Coordinator: The FYSH coordinator, will be a first year student in taking a prominent role in reaching out to all other first year students interested in participating in Hillel. It will be their duty to plan events and activities geared towards welcoming students and making them feel comfortable in their new environment. The FYSH coordinator will work with the other Executive Board Members to make this possible. They will also work with all other Hillel Executive Board members to develop their leadership skills within the Jewish community.
Rabbinic Advisor: The role of the Rabbinic Advisor is to assist the community religiously and spiritually in order to fulfill the mission statement and to encourage positive participation from the Jewish community. The role also includes advising on board management and overseeing disputes within the board. The executive board emphasizes that the Rabbinic Advisor will maintain constant open communication with the board regarding any and all actions pertaining to Bryn Mawr College Hillel. Bryn Mawr College was founded on the principle of self-governance, and therefore the Rabbinic Advisor mainly acts as a resource to connect Bryn Mawr College Hillel to Hillel of Greater Philadelphia. The role also includes board management and managing disputes within the board.
- Clause 1: Attendance and Communication
- Executive Board members are expected to attend the majority of all events. In the case of an absence, it is the responsibility of the absent board member to alert the entire board at least 24 hours in advance. In the case of an emergency, personal or otherwise, open communication should be maintained with the Executive Board, but of course absences in this instance are accepted. In the rare case that an Executive Board Member is unable to fulfill their responsibility, communication will be held in conjunction with appropriate action.
- Executive Board members are expected to attend weekly board meetings as well as the majority of all events. If a board member’s attendance becomes a concern, the President and/or Rabbinic Advisor will discuss the attendance issue with the board member in order to raise concern and inquire about the reason for the absences, and it is up to their discretion as to what next steps will be taken. A board member may be asked to step down due to frequent unexcused absences.
- Clause 2: Semesterly Meetings
- The Executive Board will meet at the beginning of the academic year to define responsibilities for each board member as well as to establish the communication styles, conflict resolution methods, and other logistics and guidelines specific to that year’s board members. The board will then revisit these guidelines at the beginning of the spring semester and make changes as needed. The President, Vice President, and Rabbinic Advisor will lead these meetings.
The following positions are elected at Executive Board Elections: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Communications Chair, Kehila Chair.
The following positions are appointed in other manners: Junior Treasurer, FYSH, Rabbinic Advisor.
One term of office is one school year.
In the case of an officer’s need to resign, a replacement officer will be appointed by the board for the remainder of that term. In the case of a co-position resigning, the board will hold a discussion as to the necessity of a replacement. Anyone planning a leave of absence should notify the board immediately so that a replacement may be found.
- Clause 1: Executive Board Elections
- Elections are to be held toward the end of the spring semester, with additional elections as needed. Officers must be elected by a simple majority of the Hillel members physically present at the meeting when the elections are held. Video chatting to the elections counts as being physically present. Votes will be tallied by private election. Any active member may be nominated for office in Hillel.
- Candidates must state their intention to run for an Executive Board Position at least 24 hours before Elections. Candidates must email the positions they intend to run for to the Rabbinic advisor. If candidates fail to do so before 24 hours in advance, they will be unable to run for a position on the executive board unless the position would be otherwise uncontested. If the position is uncontested the Rabbinic advisor must contact to the Hillel Community stating that the position is uncontested and ask for students to run for that role. Students will be given up to one hour before elections to declare their candidacy via written communication (email, messaging service, carrier pigeon, or otherwise similar) to the Rabbinic advisor for an uncontested position.
- Candidates are not allowed to spend money on their campaign
- Elections are drop down. Before each election candidates must give a short declaration of interest of why they would be best for this position. First the President is elected, then the Vice President, then the Treasurer, then the Communications chair, then the Kehilah Social Chair. Candidates are allowed to run for one additional position if they are not elected to the position that they declared. For example, a candidate may declare their candidacy for President, if they lose then they may run in the election for another position.
- Clause 2: Other Appointments
- FYSH is appointed by an application process open to all frosh. The application is designed by the current board within the first month of the fall semester. Frosh will have a week to submit applications. In the case that the high holidays make these deadlines difficult, changes can be made to the deadlines. Applications are reviewed by the board, and the board decides the best candidate. All applicants should be notified of their status.
- Junior Treasurer is appointed by board consensus. To be eligible for this position, the Junior Treasurer must be able to serve as treasurer the following year (i.e. not a senior, not intending to study away). This position can be appointed at any time.
- The Rabbinic Advisor selection process is determined in coordination with Hillel International, and completed whenever necessary.
Hillel board meetings are to be held at the discretion of the board—with a preference for weekly meetings—and will discuss all topics pertinent to Bryn Mawr College Hillel. Board meetings are to be lead by the president. In their absence, the vice president. In their absence, it is at the discretion of the board. All board meetings are open to anyone unless otherwise specified by the board.
Board meetings are open to members of HIllel who communicate with the Communications Chair that they wish to attend the meeting.
Article VI: Committees
The board may create committees as the need arises.
Article VII: Anti-discrimination policy
This student organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other protected status.
Article VIII: Ratification and Amendments:
The board will meet to revise and amend the constitution by their simple majority vote. Following this meeting, the Hillel community will be given the updated constitution. At elections the community will propose and vote on any additional amendments by simple majority. The constitution will then be ratified by simple majority of Hillel members present at elections.
Constitution review is required to occur once a year and is led by the Rabbinic advisor. Any active member of the BMC community can indicate the need for an additional constitution review. Any amendments longer than a sentence will be submitted to Rabbinic Advisor or Board, then sent to community.
