International Students/Missionary Kids Association
ISA/MK serves as a main support system for international students and missionary kids, providing for them a home away from home. The organization consists of international students and faculty, missionary kids and American students interested in other nations and cultures.
In ISA/MK we strive to learn about the many cultures represented in our group, while also sharing those cultures with the Messiah community. While we come from many nations, we believe that God has brought us to Messiah College for one purpose: to spread His Kingdom.
ISA/MK holds several campus-wide events throughout the year, including Bible studies, open houses, international banquets and game nights. We welcome all Messiah students to join us as we offer lasting friendships, love and encouragement.
ISA/MuKappa Constitution
Revised April 2006
Article I Name
Section One
The name of this organization shall be ISA (International Students Association)/ MuKappa (MK- Missionary Kids).
Article II Purpose
Section One
The purpose of this organization shall be:
- To provide an on-going network of social and spiritual encouragement, support, fellowship and intellectual understanding among its members.
- To aid international students and MKs in making cultural adjustments to the United States and the Messiah Community.
- To encourage interaction between the international students, missionary kids and the Messiah community to help bring awareness of various cultures of the world represented at Messiah through events.
- To celebrate cultural diversity with Messiah and the outside community.
Article III Membership
Section One
- This organization is open to all International students, MKs, and students with international experience and/or interest.
- Voting eligibility is open to all members.
Article IV Nominations and Election of Officers
Section One Nomination Process
- Nominations shall be made no later than mid-March.
- Nominees for President and Vice President positions should be held by International students, MKs or students who have lived overseas for no less than one year.
- Candidates need to be nominated by at least one ISA/MuKappa member, and submitted to an officer before the appointed date.
- For nominees to be eligible, they should be able to serve for one year with the exception of the presidency position (refer to article IV, section 2, #6). They should have been in Messiah for a minimum of one semester.
Section Two Election Process
- The members will be informed in advance of the date for the elections through campus mail and/or e-mail.
- The nominees will give a speech prior to the election date.
- A candidate will win by majority of votes received.
- In the event of a tie, the nominees will have the opportunity to restate their case prior to a re-election.
- In the event that the president leaves office due to unexpected circumstances, there will be a vote for which the vice president will take over. A new ISA/MuKappa member will then be voted to take over the former VP’s position as stated in the normal election guideline.
- If the nominee running for presidency can only fulfill the position for one semester, the nominee for the first semester must pair up with another nominee and make their case as a team where the subsequent nominee is willing to takeover the second semester. In this case, both must attend all officer meetings for a smooth transition into the second semester.
Article V Officers
Section One
There will be a total of seven officers, each overseeing a different aspect of the organization. All officers will attend weekly meetings, help in the decision making process, support each other when in need, and participate in activities.
Section Two Responsibilities of Officers
President
- To preside over all meetings.
- To represent the organization before the student body.
- To ensure that the provisions of the constitution and the bylaws are properly executed.
- To ensure that the organization accomplishes its objectives.
- To follow up with fellow officers on all delegated responsibilities and ensure completion.
- To ensure that communication takes place between the officers and the members.
- To attend Multicultural Council meetings as scheduled.
- To attend International Advisory Committee meetings as scheduled
- To fill out monthly SGA reports.
Vice President of ISA
- To oversee all matters pertaining to international students.
- To attend Multicultural Council meetings as scheduled and also act as a liaison between ISA/MuKappa and Multicultural programs.
- To perform the duties of the president upon his/her temporary absence.
Vice President of MuKappa
- To oversee all matters pertaining to missionary kids.
- To attend student forum and student forum sub-committees.
- To facilitate activities pertaining mainly to MKs.
Treasurer
- To attend briefing with president at the beginning of the year.
- To initiate the formulation of the budget each semester.
- To operate the financial account of ISA/MuKappa.
- To approve all expenditures prior to activities.
- To receive and disperse funds.
- To submit journal entries to the SGA finance chair once a month.
- To establish and maintain book keeping.
- To ensure that all expenditures are accounted for with proof of purchase.
- To organize fund-raisers.
Secretary
- To record and distribute minutes for all meetings.
- To be responsible for all correspondence and clerical work.
- To be responsible for phone mail announcements as needed.
Public Relations Officer
- To coordinate the promotion of ISA/MuKappa on this campus.
- To regulate and update the ISA/MuKappa website and portal.
- To design and distribute publication, posters and e-mails.
- To assist the president in communicating to the members.
Chaplain
- To organize and facilitate Bible study, including speaker scheduling and organizing worship.
- To network with other related student organizations and ministries and to coordinate relevant activities in the areas of service, missions and spiritual growth.
Article VI Faculty Advisor
Section One
The Director of International Student programs shall be the advisor.
Section Two
The advisor’s responsibilities are:
- To advise and provide direction.
- To attend any two officer meetings per month.
Article VII Termination of Office
Section One
- If an officer wishes to resign before the end of their term due to unforeseen circumstances, a written resignation must be submitted with a minimum of two weeks notice to the officers of ISA/MuKappa and the advisor.
- In the event an officer fails to perform his/her duties adequately, he/she shall be counseled by the officers of ISA/MuKappa.
- If they fail to comply with the officers’ recommendations, the organization advisor with the approval of the members will request their resignation.
- If they refuse this request, the advisor will take any further action.
- If an officer does resign, the members will be notified and a special election will be held within two weeks to fill vacancy.
Article VIII Amendments to the Constitution
Section One
This constitution may be amended by a 2/3rd majority vote of officers.