WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY

STUDENT COUNCIL
CONSTITUTION

Amended in 2016


TABLE OFCONTENTS


Preamble 2

Article I - General Provisions 2

Article II - Declaration of Principles and Objectives 2

Article III - Students 3

Article IV - Organs of the WMUSC 3

Article V - Principal Officers 4

Article VI - Standing Committees 6

Article VII - Court of Honour 8

Article VIII - General assembly 8

Article IX - Elections 8

Article X - Miscellaneous Provisions 9

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PREAMBLE

We, the students of the World Maritime University (WMU), recognizing the need to
establish a Student Council that will represent the aims and desires of the whole
studentry, promote and protect students rights and welfare, and foster a close
relationship among the students, the University and the international maritime
community through education, research and capacity building, do hereby ordain and
promulgate this constitution.
ARTICLE 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 1 This Constitution shall be known as the Constitution of the World Maritime
University Student Council.

Sec. 2 This Constitution shall govern the University Student Council of the World
Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden.

Sec. 3 For purposes of this Constitution, unless the context indicates otherwise.
a. University signifies the World Maritime University
b. World Maritime University Student Council or WMUSC refers to
the sole and exclusive University Student Council of the World
Maritime University authorized to represent all students currently
enrolled in the University.
c. University authorities signify that duly constituted authorities or
officials of the World Maritime University
d. President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor,
Court of Honour and Course Representatives refer, respectively, to
the officers and members of the WMUSC so designated
e. Permanent vacancy exists when the office of a Council officer or
member has been vacated by reason of death, resignation, impeachment,
expulsion, removal from the University, permanent illness or any other
matter which permanently inhibits the officer from performing his or her
function.
f. Temporary vacancy exists when the office of a Council officer or
member has been vacated by reason of temporary mental or physical
incapacity, detention or any other reason that leaves the possibility of his
resuming his duties before the expiration of his term.

ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES

Sec. 1 The Goals and Objectives of Student Council shall be the following:
a. Defend and uphold the rights and general welfare of the University
studentry;

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 b. Represent the interests of the students of the University before any and
all other persons or bodies, particularly the University administration;
c. Serve as an active forum for student ideas and sentiments;
d. Develop and implement plans, programs and other activities on behalf of
the studentry;
e. Promote university spirit among the ranks of the students;
f. Encourage the ideals of the university towards ensuring a well-rounded
development for every student;
g. Cooperate and collaborate with the various sectors in the pursuit of
common interests, particularly in ensuring safe, secure, and efficient
shipping on clean oceans.

ARTICLE III
STUDENTS

Sec. 1 All students currently enrolled in the University shall automatically be
represented by the WMUSC.

Sec. 2. All students shall have the following rights and privileges:
a. To participate and vote in the meetings of General Assembly;
b. To vote and to be voted upon and hold office in the WMUSC;
c. To participate in all WMUSC activities; and
d. To put forth at any time, consistent with this Constitution, views,
comments, suggestions, petitions or demands concerning the WMUSC.

Sec. 3. It is the obligation of every student to:
a. Observe at all times, the laws of the Sweden and the rules and
regulations of the university;
b. Endeavor to participate in the University and the WMUSC academic and
social activities;
c. Help engender an academic atmosphere conducive to learning and
harmony among the students, the WMUSC and the university;
d. Be responsible in the exercise of the above mentioned rights.

ARTICLE IV
ORGANS OF THE WMUSC

Sec. 1. The official organs of the WMUSC are the following:
a. The Executive Board
b. The Court of Honour
c. Standing Committees

Sec. 2. The WMUSC Executive Board (hereinafter called "the Board") shall consist of
the principal office bearers and course representatives of courses and/or specializations
instituted by the University in a given academic year. The chairpersons of the

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WMUSC Standing Committees shall serve as ancillary members of the Board, with the
right to vote.

Sec. 3. The members of the Council shall be elected every academic year in accordance
with the rules promulgated by the Court of Honour and the provisions of this
constitution.

Sec. 4 The powers and duties of the Board shall be :
a. Adopt its own internal rules and regulations;
b. To organize and coordinate student activities in line with the
Constitutions goals and objectives;
c. Represent the concerns of students with the University;
d. To prepare and present to the Assembly for its consideration the annual
report, annual work program and annual financial report of the
WMUSC;
e. To forward cases involving complaints to the Court of Honour for its
decision;
f. To impose sanctions to erring officers and/or students after due process;
and
g. To do all such lawful things consistent with this Constitution for the
achievement of the goals and objectives of the WMUSC.

Sec. 5. Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution, a majority of all the members of
the Council hereof shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of its business and
every decision of at least a majority of the members present at a meeting which there is
quorum shall be valid as an act the Council.


ARTICLE V
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS

Sec. 1. The President of the WMUSC shall be the chief executive officer of the
WMUSC and shall have the following functions and duties:
a. To ensure that the WMUSC actively pursues its stated goals and
objectives;
b. To preside over all meetings of the Board and the General Assembly;
c. To ensure the efficient and effective administration, management, and
enforcement of the provisions of this Constitution;
d. To ensure the proper execution and enforcement of the provision of this
Constitution;
e. To serve as the chief spokesperson of the WMUSC; and
f. To exercise such other duties as may be delegated to him/her from time
to time by the Board and the General Assembly.

Sec. 2. The Vice President of the WMUSC shall assist the President in the performance

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of the duties outlined above, and perform such other tasks as may be assigned to
him/her by the President, the Board and the General Assembly.

Sec. 3. In the event of a temporary vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice
President shall act as President pending the resumption into office by the President. In
the event of the permanent vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice President
shall act as President until a new elections can be held to fill the vacancy. In the
absence or inability to serve of both the President and Vice President, the Board shall
elect among themselves the acting President until a new Presient/Vice-President is
elected.

Sec. 4. The Secretary of the WMUSC shall have the following duties:
a. To call and record the proceedings of all meetings of the Board and
General Assembly;
b. To record and journal the proceedings in the meetings of the Executive
Board
c. To keep a complete and up-to-date record and accurate files of the
activities of the WMUSC and prepare the annual report;
d. To serve notice on all members of the WMUSC of meetings requiring
their presence;
e. To issue official copies of all WMUSC documents;
f. To receive from the Treasurer and maintain proper records of all active
members of the WMUSC; and
g. To perform such other duties as may be assigned to him/her by the
Board or the General Assembly.

Sec. 5. The Treasurer of the WMUSC shall have the following duties:
a. To have custody of all funds, moneys and assets of the WMUSC;
b. To maintain full and accurate account of all such funds, moneys and
assets as well as the liabilities of the WMUSC;
c. To collect all fees and other funds, to account for such funds, and issue
receipts;
d. To prepare and submit to the Board financial reports at the beginning
and end of the academic year and at such other time as required by the
Board or the General Assembly; and
e. To provide a copy of the list of the active member to the Court of
Honour for election purpose.

Sec. 5. The Auditor of the WMUSC shall have the following duties:
a. To examine and to report on the accuracy and completeness of all
accounting reports, particularly the annual financial report; and
b. To check on the legality and propriety of all disbursements of funds of
the WMUSC.

Sec. 6. In the event of a Temporary vacancy in the office of the Secretary, Treasurer or

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Auditor the Board shall elect among the remaining members an acting officer pending
the return of the officer concerned. In case there is a permanent vacancy a new election
shall be held for electing a new officer to fill the vacancy.

Sec. 7. Each course group or specialization including the PhD programme officially
instituted by the World Maritime University shall have a Course Representative which
shall be elected by the constituents of the course or specialization.

Sec. 8. The duties of the Course Representatives shall be:
a. To represent their respective courses in the WMUSC and the University;
b. To act as the student coordinator for all academic activities of the
University within their respective course or specialization;
c. To keep their respective courses well informed of all activities of the
WMUSC and encourage members to participate in such activities; and
d. To participate actively in the functions of the WMUSC, attend all Board
and General Assembly meetings, and contribute to the achievement of
the goals and objectives of the WMUSC.

Sec. 9. In the event of temporary vacancy in the course representative of a
specialization the Board shall appoint among the members of the course or
specialization and if there is a permanent vacancy the course group or specialization
shall elect a new representative to fill the vacancy.

Sec. 10. Every council member shall hold office for one academic year or until his or
her predecessor has been duly elected, qualified and assumed office, provided that
Councilors who fill vacant seats shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired
term.

ARTICLE VI
STANDING COMMITTEES

Sec. 1. There shall be eight (8) Standing Committees of the WMUSC with the
corresponding duties and responsibilities, namely:

1) The Computer Committee:
a. Coordinate with the University the concerns and suggestions of the
students in relation to Information Technology; and
b. To provide various user support enable students to make the most
effective use of IT resources.

2) The Henrik Smith Residence Committee:
a. Represent the students concerns related to the living conditions in the
Henrik Smith Residence;
b. Manage and implement general safety in the Henrik Smith Residence;
and

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 c. Manage all equipment provided by the university for the general use of
the students.

3) The Sustainability Committee:
a. Develop plans and programs to promote environmentally sound
practices in the University; and
b. Coordinate the implementation of programs to protect and preserve the
environment.

4) The Sports Committee:
a. Responsible for the administration and control of all the sports
equipment provided by the University;
b. Organize, communicate and execute the sport activities; and
c. Coordinate with the University regarding the necessary materials and
equipment for sports activities.

5) The Publications Committee:
a. Responsible for publishing the Student Council Bulletin; and
b. Responsible for printing the Malmo update for the Henrik Smith
Residence.

6) The Library Committee:
a. Represent students with respect to library issues.

7) The Social Committee:
a. Plan and coordinate social activities for the students.

8) The Graduation and International Day Committee:
a. Organize the farewell party for the graduating class and the International
Day

Sec. 2. The chairperson of each committee shall be elected by the General Assembly
pursuant to the Election Rules of the WMUSC.

Sec. 3. The Board may establish other ad hoc committees for the implementation of
specific tasks. Upon completion of the tasks, the ad hoc committees shall be dissolved
immediately.
Article VII
COURT OF HONOUR

Sec. 1. A Court of Honour (hereinafter called the "Court") shall serve as the judicial
wing of the WMUSC and shall hear cases involving the interpretation of this
Constitution, and the imposition of sanctions for violation of the exercise of rights,
duties, and powers under this Constitution. The Court shall be composed of a
Chairperson and two sitting members

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Sec. 2. The Court shall be responsible for the drafting of the proposed revisions or
amendments to this Constitution for approval of the General Assembly in accordance
with the procedures hereto set forth.

Sec 3. The Court of Honour shall be responsible for the conduct of election of new
officers.

Sec. 4. The members of the Court of Honour shall not be members of the Executive
Board. However, nothing herein shall preclude members of the Court from
participating in Board meetings, Assembly meetings or other meetings or activities of
the WMUSC.

Sec. 4. Elections for all members of the Court shall be held concurrent with the general
elections for officers of the WMUSC.

ARTICLE VIII
GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Sec. 1. A General Assembly of all enrolled students shall be convened by the executive
Board at least twice annually or at any time deemed necessary by the the Executive
Board and shall be chaired by the President of the WMUSC.

Sec. 2. One third of all MSC students currently enrolled in the University shall
constitute a quorum necessary for the Assembly to take place. Should the Assembly
fail to reach a quorum, a subsequent meeting of the Assembly shall be called within
reasonable time and the members present at that meeting shall constitute a quorum for
the purpose of considering the matter at hand.

Sec. 3. Except as otherwise provided, all decisions of the Assembly shall be made by a
simple majority of the active members present.

ARTICLE IX
ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Sec. 1. All currently enrolled students of the University shall be eligible to vote and be
voted for in elective positions in the WMUSC,

Sec. 2. Annual elections to be held shall elect the officers of the WMUSC specifically
the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Course Representatives,
the Chairpersons of Committees and the COH for the following academic year.

Sec. 2. The annual election shall be held in October of the current school year or at
anytime thereafter but before graduation of the previous class. The voters shall be
confined only within the enrolled students for the current school year. Election for

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vacancies previously defined shall be confined within only students of the previous
school year.

Sec. 3. A majority of more than fifty per cent of the total student population shall be
required to declare the election valid. The winners shall be declared by a simple
majority. When less than fifty per cent of the student population voted or in the event of
a tie, a second election shall be conducted.

Sec. 3. The COH shall establish election rules to ensure the smooth conduct of election
of Principal Officers, Chairpersons of Committees, Auditor, Course Representatives
and the COH.

ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS


A. RECALL

Sec. 1. Officers of the WMUSC may be removed from office for loss of confidence by
the General Assembly for members of the Board and COH and the members of the
course group or specialization for course representatives by a majority vote through an
election called for the purpose.

Sec. 2. A Recall may be initiated by any enrolled student through a petition for recall
filed with the COH wherein it shall be evaluated for compliance with the substantive
requirements of the petition. All petitions may be declared confidential by the COH
upon request by the petitioner.

Sec. 3. Upon the filing of a valid petition for recall the COH shall set the date of the
election on recall. The official or officials sought to be recalled shall automatically be
considered as duly registered candidate or candidates to the pertinent positions and, like
other candidates, shall be entitled to be voted upon.

Sec. 4. The recall of an officer of the WMUSC shall be effective only upon the
election and proclamation of a successor in the person of the candidate receiving the
highest number of votes cast during the election on recall. Should the officer/s
sought to be recalled receive the highest number of votes, confidence in the said
officer is thereby affirmed, and he shall continue in office.


B. DISSOLUTION OF THE WMUSC

Sec. 5. The General Assembly may dissolve the Executive Board, the COH or the
entire WMUSC upon a two thirds (2/3) majority vote of all students currently enrolled
for the schoolyear.

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Sec. 6. A petition signed by not less than one third (1/3) of all members of WMUSC
shall be presented to the COH setting for the recommendation for dissolution and
reasons for that action. Upon satisfaction of the Court that the petition has the required
signatures, the Court shall order the convening of an emergency session of the
Assembly.

Sec. 7. Upon the dissolution of the WMUSC or part thereof, the COH shall call a by-
election to fill vacancies within thirty days. In the event the COH is also dissolved, the
Court shall have holdover powers until a new COH is constituted.

Sec. 8. Upon the dissolution of the WMUSC, all other offices shall be terminated with
immediate effect and documents, keys, funds and things tangible or intangible
belonging to the WMUSC shall be turned over to the COH immediately.


C. AMENDMENTS AND REPEAL


Sec. 9. This Constitution or any provision hereof, may be amended, altered or repealed
at any meeting of the WMUSC General Assembly. All quorum requirements of the
General Assembly pursuant to this Constitution shall be observed.

Sec. 10. A majority vote of all members present and voting shall be required to amend
this Constitution..

Sec. 11. The Executive Board may propose amendments to this Constitution or its
repeal thereof, in which case the text of the amendments or repeal legislation shall be
presented to the COH for research and final drafting. The Board shall convene the
General Assembly or the COH may order the convening of the General Assembly for
this purpose provided that the full text of any proposed amendment or repeal legislation
shall be circulated to all members reasonably before the General Assembly meeting is
held.



D. ENTRY INTO FORCE

Sec. 12. This Constitution shall take effect immediately upon approval hereof by a
majority vote of all enrolled students present and voting at a meeting of the General
Assembly called for the purpose.

Adopted : October 1998
First Amendment : 10 July 2001
Second Amendment: 7 February 2003

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Third Amendment: 6 May 2015
Fourth Amendment: _ August 2016
To be in force:
For the Court of Honour 2015-2016:



Chairperson:
RODOLFO JOHN PAUL PALATTAO III
Philippines


Member:
MAME DIARRA FAYE
Senegal



Member:
KADEAN NADEISHA BLAKE
St. Kitts and Nevis

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