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Summary of the LSUIC Constitution
The Constitution of the Liberian Student Union in China (LSUIC) serves as the supreme governing document for Liberian students studying in China. Established in July 2006 and last amended in 2020, the constitution outlines the union’s structure, objectives, membership rules, financial policies, and disciplinary procedures. Below is a detailed summary of its key provisions:
Introduction and Preamble
LSUIC was founded to unite Liberian students in China under a common umbrella, promoting academic, social, and cultural welfare. The preamble emphasizes the union’s commitment to fostering unity, supporting members’ well-being, and contributing constructively to Liberia’s development. The motto, “Excellence through Hard Work,” reflects the union’s dedication to diligence and achievement.
Name, Status, and Headquarters
- The union is officially named the “Liberian Student Union in China” (LSUIC) and is apolitical and socio-cultural in nature.
- The headquarters is dynamically located in the resident city of the National President, shifting with each new presidency.
Aims and Objectives
LSUIC aims to:
- Promote the welfare of its members.
- Foster academic growth and cultural exchange.
- Engage with the Liberian Embassy and Ministry of Education to address student concerns.
- Mobilize intellectual resources for Liberia’s socio-economic development.
Membership
- Membership is automatic for all Liberian students in China, but full membership requires completing a registration form.
- Members are categorized as full members (with voting rights), veterans (honorary members without voting rights), and associate members (limited rights).
- Members must pay monthly dues, with amounts varying based on sponsorship status (e.g., bilateral, self-sponsored).
Structure and Organization
LSUIC operates through a hierarchical structure:
- General Conference: The highest decision-making body, convened annually.
- National Executive Committee (NEC): Comprises elected officers (President, Vice President, Secretary General, etc.) responsible for daily operations.
- Council of Coordinators (CoC): Represents provincial coordinators and approves policies.
- Judicial Board: An independent body handling disputes and constitutional interpretations.
- Provincial and City/District Committees: Manage local union activities.
Financial Policies
- Income sources include membership dues, donations, and fundraising.
- Expenditures cover administrative costs, programs, and member welfare.
- Financial transparency is enforced through audits and regular reporting.
Elections and Removal of Officers
- Elections are democratic, with candidates required to be in good standing and meet academic eligibility criteria.
- Officers can be impeached for misconduct, financial malpractice, or constitutional violations, requiring a two-thirds majority vote from the Council of Coordinators.
Discipline and Welfare
- Members must adhere to the constitution; violations may result in warnings, fines, suspension, or impeachment.
- The Welfare Committee provides emotional and financial support to members in need, such as during emergencies or repatriation.
Amendments
The constitution can be amended by a two-thirds majority vote at the General Conference or Assembly. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing three months prior to the meeting.
20 Important Articles or Clauses for You to Know
Article 1 – Sovereignty of the Constitution: “This Constitution shall be the Supreme Law of Members of the Liberian Student Union in China, and provides binding regulations on all officials and members of LSUIC.”
Article 3 – Name and Nature: “The Liberian Student Union in China – LSUIC shall be of an apolitical and socio-cultural nature.”
Article 5 – Headquarters: “The resident city of LSUIC’s National President shall be deemed as the headquarters of LSUIC during and throughout the legal tenure of his or her office.”
Article 7 – Aims: “The aim of the Liberian Student Union in China shall be to seek the academic, social, and general welfare of its members.”
Article 9 – Membership: “Membership shall be automatic for all Liberian students studying in China. To gain full membership status within the Union, all students should fill out a form provided by the membership committee.”
Article 9a – Membership Dues: “All officials and members of LSUIC shall pay monthly dues, an amount to be reviewed and determined on a periodic or annual basis.”
Article 9c – General Discipline: “All officials and members of LSUIC shall be disciplined to observe, recognize, respect, and uphold this constitution as the highest governing instrument of LSUIC.”
Article 11 – General Conference: “The General Conference shall be the highest decision-making body of the Union, and most powerful gathering of LSUIC.”
Article 13 – National Executive Committee: “The NEC shall be responsible for the organization of all official meetings, activities, and functions for the promotion of the aim and objectives of LSUIC.”
Article 14 – Duties of Officers: “The National President shall be the head, representative, and chief spokesperson of LSUIC at all times.”
Article 16 – Judicial Board: “The Judicial Board shall exercise judicial power and authority in LSUIC and shall be an independent body.”
Article 28 – General Qualification for Elected Positions: “All members seeking leadership positions shall show proof of Liberian citizenship and be in good standing with the Union.”
Article 31 – Removal from Office: “Executive Officers shall be removed from office by a two-thirds majority vote of the Council of Coordinators for misconduct and/or incapacity.”
Article 31a – Tenure of Office: “All officers of the NEC, Provincial Coordinators, and City/District Executives shall hold office for one academic year only.”
Article 32 – Vacancy of Office: “An office shall be considered vacant if any officer suffers impeachment, resigns, dies, or is incapacitated.”
Article 36 – Handing Over Assets: “Any officer of the Union who resigns or completes his term shall properly hand over all Union’s assets within one week.”
Article 40 – Amendments: “The Assembly or the General Conference may amend or cause to be amended, in part or in whole, any provision of this Constitution.”
Article 9d – General Meetings: “LSUIC shall recognize and conduct official business through meetings, programs, and conferences at various levels.”
Article 23 – Committees: “There shall be several Standing and Ad hoc Committees, Teams, and Commissions below the National, Provincial, and City/District Executive Committees.”
Article 25 – Expenditure: “All monies received by any officer on behalf of LSUIC shall be handed over to the Treasurer not later than three (3) days after collection.”
10 Actionable and Worth-Knowing Clauses or Articles
Article 9c (f): “No member of LSUIC shall be punished twice for the same offense committed.”
Article 9c (h): “Impeachment of LSUIC Officials guilty of constitutional violation after due process shall be held at Assembly or the General Conference.”
Article 14 (1)(k): “The National President shall be decisive in dealing with vices that tend to undermine the sanity, peace, and tranquility of LSUIC at all times.”
Article 16 (12): “The Judicial Board shall have original jurisdiction in all matters relating to the interpretation and enforcement of this constitution.”
Article 28 (8): “A person shall not be qualified to contest for any Executive position within the Union if he/she has been convicted of any capital offense or involved in financial misappropriation.”
Article 31 (2): “Financial malpractices, abuse of office, and conduct prejudicial to the Union’s interest shall be grounds for removal from office.”
Article 32a (1): “When the office of the President shall become vacant, the Vice President shall become the next president to complete the unexpired term.”
Article 34 (4): “If a National Executive officer is found guilty by the Judicial Board, he or she shall be forwarded to the Council of Coordinators for impeachment.”
Article 36 (1): “Any officer of the Union who resigns or is removed shall hand over all Union’s assets within one week or face legal retrieval measures.”
Article 40 (4): “Amendments to the constitution shall require a two-thirds majority vote of members present and voting at the General Conference.”