*This document is considered draft until the new student leadership ratifies this document and gets the charter approved.*

In accordance with Columbia Southern University (CSU) policy for registration of student led organizations operating in within the University, this charter establishes the Columbia Southern University Chapter of the Student Veterans of America (CSUSVA).

The purpose of the CSUSVA is to provide student veterans a mechanism to succeed with academic and personal goals. The CSU vision is that all veterans will succeed in higher education, achieve their academic goals, and gain meaningful employment. The mission is to provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and beyond graduation.

The operation of the CSUSVA Chapter will be in accordance with approved Chapter Bylaws. Establishment of Chapter Bylaws and any revision of approved Bylaws must receive majority approval from Chapter membership participation during an open voting timeframe and receive final endorsement from the Chapter Advisor.

The CSUSVA will consist of CSU students that identify as veterans and who voluntarily join the CSUSVA Chapter. The leadership of the CSUSVA will be derived from the current membership and consist of four leadership positions:

  • President – This position provides general leadership and direction to the CSUSVA Chapter Membership. Duties and Responsibilities are identified in the CSUSVA Chapter Bylaws.

  • Vice President – This position provides assistance to the President and will perform the duties of President in the President’s absence. Duties and Responsibilities are identified in the CSUSVA Chapter Bylaws.

  • Secretary – This position provides administrative support to the President and the Chapter. Duties and Responsibilities are identified in the CSUSVA Chapter Bylaws.

  • Treasurer – This position provides financial guidance to the President and the Chapter. This position is required if the Chapter elects to participate in fundraising or any other activities which will generate funds to support Chapter activities and operations. The duties of this position can be combined with the Secretary position. Duties and Responsibilities are identified in the CSUSVA Chapter Bylaws.

Election of CSUSVA Leadership will be in accordance with CSUSVA Bylaws.

In addition to the leadership of the chapter, there are two advisory positons. Duties and Responsibilities are identified in the CSUSVA Chapter Bylaws.

  • Chapter Advisor – This position is restricted to a current staff employee of Columbia Southern University. Ideally, that employee will be employed as a member of the Department of Veteran Initiatives, however this is not a mandate.

  • Past President – This position is identified as the first immediately past servicing president of the CSUSVA. If that individual elects not to continue in an advisory capacity with the CSUSVA, the position may remain vacant.

The CSUSVA will conduct meetings set forth by the Chapter President and defined by the CSUSVA Chapter Bylaws. The CSUSVA will present the opportunity for all members to meet and provide input and comment to CSUSVA business. Minimum meeting frequency is biannually.

Columbia Southern University holds exclusive right to terminate student lead organizations of the University for any reason without consent of the student lead organization’s leadership or members.