Article I - Name and Affiliation
Name
The official name of this organization shall be Atlas.
In conducting business with the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON™), the organization shall be referred to as Atlas Benefitting THON™.
Affiliation
Atlas is not affiliated with any national organization; it is local to the Penn State University - University Park campus.
Atlas acts according to the rules governing Registered Student Organizations at Penn State University and Special Interest Organizations supporting Penn State THON™.
Article II - Mission Statement
Mission Statement
Atlas is a Special Interest Organization that supports the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON™). We are driven to support our 6 families, forge lasting friendships, and create a community of passionate changemakers who Raise The World in pursuit of a cure for childhood cancer.
Article III - Membership
Student Status
Any Graduate or Undergraduate student at Penn State University - University Park is eligible to join Atlas.
At all times, all student members shall be officially registered students at the Pennsylvania State University - University Park campus.
Only University Park student members are eligible to hold Leadership Team (officer) positions, solicit funds, or vote in organization elections. Faculty/Staff, Alumni, or Community members are not permitted to make decisions on behalf of the organization, solicit funds, or vote.
Alumni may be permitted to solicit funds, contingent on Penn State THON™’s annual rulebook.
An accurate listing of our members must be maintained on OrgCentral, with a minimum of 10 student members
All individuals with one point or more according to the Executive Board’s yearly point system are considered members of Atlas.
Members need not apply, pay dues, or maintain a certain level of involvement to be considered a member of the organization, unless dues are deemed necessary according to the condition(s) described in Article VII: Section 2, Clause 2.1 of this constitution.
Policy Acknowledgement
As prescribed by Policies and Rules for Student Organizations, Atlas shares the University’s AD98 Anti-Hazing Policy with the entire membership on an annual basis. This document is available upon request by the Office of Student Affairs.
RSOs, following the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy will not discriminate membership based on any protected class outlined at PSU Policy AD91
This organization will never restrict membership based on the characteristics of a student. Atlas follows rules put in place by Penn State University, which prohibits discrimination and/or harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.
New Members and Recruitment
All new members will be given full disclosure during recruitment, including but not limited to:
Access to Atlas’ Website (atlas46.org)
Recognition of Atlas’ social media accounts
See Article IX: Section 1, Clause 1.3 for further information regarding social media account names.
Access to the Atlas Listeserv
New Membership Manual (if applicable)
Schedule of New Member events and activities
A list of responsibilities and expectations
A copy of the University’s Anti-Hazing Policy, prescribed by Policies and Rules for Student Organizations
All members reserve the right to refrain from participating in any activities without consequence, based upon personal/religious beliefs, personal values, or moral reserve as defined by the member.
All interaction/activity between members and/or new members will be limited to guidelines stated by university policy, as well as local, state, and federal laws.
Non-Hazing Compliance Statement
Atlas and The Pennsylvania State University do not tolerate hazing. Hazing is prohibited for any university-recognized or sanctioned organization, student, or other person associated with an organization operating under the sanction of or recognized by the University.
Organizations or individuals found responsible for hazing under this Policy, whether occurring on or off campus, will be subject to disciplinary action by the University, and may also face criminal charges under state law, including The Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law, 18. Pa. C.S. § 2801, et seq.
Annually, Atlas will share the University’s AD98 Anti-Hazing Policy with the entire membership, as prescribed by Policies and Rules for Student Organizations.
Membership Mediation
In the case of violations of constitutional policies and/or a conflict between members, the highest-ranking officer not involved in the incident will facilitate a mediated conversation.
The mediation will occur outside of a normal RSO meeting. Mediation will include opportunities for both parties to speak and allow for the facilitation of a resolution between members.
Membership Removal
Membership may be removed if a member is found to violate any proceedings or fails to meet the membership criteria outlined above.
If a member is at risk of removal, the President will have a meeting with the member to let them know of their at-risk status before removal. In this meeting, the President will outline immediate and sustainable changes that must occur to maintain membership.
If a member fails to make the necessary changes, the Executive Board will vote on removal and the outcome will be shared with the member in question.
If the member is a member of the Leadership Team, practices are outlined in Article IV: Section 5 - Filling Unexpected Vacancies.
Article IV - Leadership
Leadership Team
Only official student members shall be eligible to serve as appointed or elected members of the Leadership Team. Status as a full-time vs. part-time student holds no influence.
Executive Officers must be students registered at Penn State University - University Park for the Fall and Spring semesters during which they serve.
Other members of the Leadership Team must be registered University Park students, but are not required to be present on campus for both semesters.
The Executive Board may establish and apply additional eligibility criteria for appointed or elected leaders.
The Leadership Team is comprised of:
13 Executive Board Members
Up to 14 Captains
House Leaders (number determined by Special Events team annually)
Executive Board members will be elected to fill the following offices:
PRESIDENT (Primary Chair)
The President is the spokesperson for the organization and will represent Atlas and all members in the best way possible.
Serve as the liaison between the organization, THON™ directors, and the Penn State University community at large.
Preside at all general and executive meetings, oversee the management of Atlas’ Canvas page, and ensure all operations run smoothly.
Oversee 12 Executive Board members to ensure the success of the organization.
Ensure that Executive Board members properly manage and oversee their respective Captains and other Leadership Team members.
The President must have previously served on the Atlas Executive Board.
TREASURER (Finance Executive Chair)
Keep financial records updated and accurate.
Balance Atlas’ financial transactions and all accounts with Penn State Associated Student Activities (ASA account).
Record all incoming donations.
Coordinate the purchasing and distribution of Atlas' merchandise items.
Oversee the Finance Captain.
EVENT PLANNER (Special Events Executive Chair)
Plan, create, and manage events on behalf of the organization.
Work with the Executive Board and the university in the planning of events.
Serve as a resource within the organization regarding event planning and marketing.
Responsible for organizing all social events excluding fundraisers.
Oversee the House System, the Special Events Administrative Captain, and the Special Events House System & Big/Little Captain.
Work as needed with the Community Executive Chair to manage Special Events Captains and the Community Captain.
TWO (2) ALTERNATIVE FUNDRAISING EXECUTIVE CHAIRS
Oversee all alternative fundraising efforts.
Responsible for all logistics surrounding alternative fundraising events approved by THON™, as well as other approved alternative fundraisers that happen outside of the State College area.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to organizing fundraisers, collecting and counting funds, submitting fundraiser money to the THON™ Office, and ensuring the safety of all members at fundraising events.
Oversee planning and execution of restaurant fundraisers in the State College area.
Oversee the two Alternative Fundraising Administrative Captains
THE COMMUNITY EXECUTIVE CHAIR
Oversee the promotion of events offered by other organizations and entities including, but not limited to, State College, Penn State University and Penn State THON™.
Responsible for Atlas’ involvement in recruitment, IM Sports, Homecoming events, and all THON™ Weekend operations, including Atlas’ THON™ Weekend Captains.
Oversee the Community Captain.
Work as needed with the Special Events Executive Chair to manage the Community Captain and Special Events Captains.
THE DIGITAL FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT (DFD) EXECUTIVE CHAIR
Responsible for managing the organization’s DonorDrive page and website (atlas46.org)
Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, promoting DonorDrive registrations, creating digital fundraising campaigns, and urging donations from alumni, members, families, relatives, etc.
Oversee the DFD Analytics Captain and the DFD Admin Captain.
THE DONOR AND ALUMNI RELATIONS (DAR) EXECUTIVE CHAIR
Maintain relationships with a wide range of corporate contacts.
Serve as a liaison between these contacts, alumni, THON™ directors, and the organization at large.
Coordinate all alumni relations efforts, including reunions, tailgates, and Alumni of the Week spotlights.
Send monthly Atlas Newsletter.
Oversee the DAR Administrative Captain.
Work with the Solicitations Executive Chair to coordinate all corporate-based fundraising opportunities.
Work as needed with the Solicitations Executive Chair to manage the Solicitations Captain and DAR Admin Captain.
TWO (2) FAMILY RELATIONS (FR) EXECUTIVE CHAIRS
Responsible for maintaining strong relationships with our paired THON™ families and all other Four Diamonds families.
Reapply for the Adopt-A-Family program every fall and attend AAF Workshops as prescribed by THON™.
At least one chair must be fully accessible for a full academic year at the end of their term to serve as FR Liaison. Liaison responsibilities are outlined in Article IV: Section 2, Clause 2.9 - The Family Relations Liaison.
Oversee the FR Administrative Captain and the FR Inspiration Captain.
THE FAMILY RELATIONS LIAISON
As mentioned above, one of the previous chairs must be accessible for one full academic year following the conclusion of their term as an FR Executive Chair.
Assist in transitioning the families to the next Executive Board; foster lasting relationships between the families and the new FR Executive Chairs.
Use experience and knowledge as a previous FR Executive Chair to assist in planning efforts for visiting families and other FR initiatives, such as monthly AAF reports.
THE PUBLIC RELATIONS EXECUTIVE CHAIR
Manage all social media accounts that represent Atlas.
Maintain Atlas’ positive reputation, image, and brand with the general public.
Via social media: connect with new members, spotlight members of the week, Leadership Team members, and families, and ensure coverage of all Atlas-affiliated events.
Work with the Finance chair during the process of designing, presenting, ordering, and distributing merchandise for the organization.
Utilize Graphic Design Captain for this responsibility.
Oversee the PR Production Captain and Graphic Design Captain.
THE SOLICITATIONS EXECUTIVE CHAIR
Manage all of the organization’s THONvelope, Gift Card Initiative, and Donation Box efforts, as well as other THON™ initiatives that may fall under the Solicitations umbrella.
Plan and manage weekly Call Parties.
Oversee the Solicitations Captain.
Work with the DAR Chair to coordinate corporate and alumni-based fundraising opportunities.
Work as needed with the DAR Executive Chair to manage the DAR Admin Captain and Solicitations Captain.
Captains will be selected for each of the following positions:
THE FINANCE CAPTAIN
Responsible for shadowing the Finance Chair to help organize donations to the organization.
Help facilitate Atlas’ office hours.
Assist the management of the slush folder.
Keep track of members' Finance points throughout the year.
THE SPECIAL EVENTS ADMINISTRATIVE CAPTAIN
Assist the Special Events Executive Chair with organizing events and projects as needed, such as the game of Assassins in the Fall semester.
Keep track of members’ SE points throughout the year.
THE HOUSE SYSTEM & BIG/LITTLE CAPTAIN (SE)
Responsible for assisting in the organization and maintenance of the House System; Assist Special Events Executive Chair in managing House Leaders.
Keep track of House Points throughout the year.
Assist the Special Events Chair and SE Admin Captain with events and responsibilities as necessary.
TWO ALTERNATIVE FUNDRAISING ADMINISTRATIVE CAPTAINS
Responsible for helping to organize bake sales and other fundraisers such as ticket team.
Assist in running large events alongside the two Executive Chairs and their Co-Captain.
Keep track of members’ Alt Fund points throughout the year.
THE COMMUNITY CAPTAIN
Responsible for assisting in the organization of THON Weekend, IM Sports, and recruitment and retention efforts.
Keep track of members' Community points throughout the year.
THE DIGITAL FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATIVE CAPTAIN
Assist the DFD Executive Chair in all fundraising efforts on digital platforms.
Keep track of members’ DFD points throughout the year.
THE DIGITAL FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT ANALYTICS CAPTAIN
Maintain DonorDrive reports and use information from reports to increase fundraising and improve the organization’s fundraising strategy.
Permitted access to the DonorDrive Admin website at the discretion of the DFD Executive Chair and Primary Chair.
THE DONOR AND ALUMNI RELATIONS (DAR) ADMINISTRATIVE CAPTAIN
Assist in all corporate-related and alumni-related donor outreach efforts, including but not limited to, corporate contact calls, alumni and Legacy THONvelopes, DARAD updates, and DAR Weekday Meeting planning.
Develop and send monthly Atlas Newsletter.
Keep track of members’ DAR points throughout the year.
THE FAMILY RELATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE CAPTAIN
Assist in the planning of family events as the Executive Chairs see fit.
Work with FR Inspiration Captain to present the inspiration section of General Meetings.
Keep track of members’ FR points throughout the year.
THE FAMILY RELATIONS INSPIRATION CAPTAIN
Responsible for locating and presenting inspirational material to members, as well as supporting the FR Executive Chairs.
Work with the FR Admin Captain to plan small family events as executive chairs prescribe.
THE PUBLIC RELATIONS PRODUCTION CAPTAIN
Responsible for collecting photos and videos at Atlas events and using this media to create videos and presentations.
Work alongside the PR Executive Chair to maintain the organization’s social media presence as the PR Executive Chair sees fit.
Keep track of members’ PR points throughout the year.
THE GRAPHIC DESIGN CAPTAIN (PR)
Responsible for creating designs and graphics to be used on merchandise, social media, atlas46.org, and other mediums at the discretion of the Executive Board.
THE SOLICITATIONS CAPTAIN
Lead weekly Call Parties.
Organize, update, and maintain the list of potential donor contacts.
Work with the Solicitations Executive Chair throughout the THONvelope and Donation Box process.
Assist the Solicitations Executive Chair in totaling donations after Donation Boxes are returned.
Keep track of members’ Solicitations points throughout the year.
House Leaders will be determined by Special Events team members
There shall be 2-3 House Leaders per House.
Responsible for planning and organizing all House events.
Expected to keep House members updated on upcoming fundraisers, meetings, and events.
Will maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all House members.
Ensure the safety and security of all House members during House events.
Filling Unexpected Vacancies
If a position on the Leadership Team becomes vacant during the school year, the Executive Board will meet promptly to determine whether the vacancy must be filled, or if other Leadership Team members are able to cover the vacancy.
If the vacancy must be filled, nominations will be taken at the meeting following the vacancy’s occurrence.
Any member of the organization may nominate another member of the organization by raising their own hand and announcing the name of the individual they wish to nominate when indicated.
An election will occur at the meeting following the nominations.
The member receiving the highest percentage of votes will fill the position.
Election of Executive Board
Term of Office
Each Executive Chair position shall be elected once per academic year in the Spring semester.
All Executive Chairs serve for a term of one year, beginning after elections and ending after a transition meeting with the next Executive Chair has occurred.
Election Procedure
No current Executive Board member may be an official candidate, unless they are running for Primary Chair or Family Relations Liaison.
The following information will be made available before elections:
Atlas’ leadership structure
Description of each Executive Board and Captain position, including their role in the organization
Captain selection procedure
Executive Board election procedure
The Atlas leadership session will be a meeting held directly after the first General Meeting following THON™ Weekend. At this meeting, the role of all Executive Board members and Captains will be carefully explained, the election procedure shall be discussed in full, and any outstanding questions shall be answered.
Members will be given the week following the Atlas leadership session to schedule Position Review meetings with the current chair of the position(s) they are interested in applying for.
A Position Review meeting serves as a way for the member to learn more about their desired position by having a personal meeting with an informed Executive member.
Applications shall be released the Saturday following the Atlas leadership session. Applicants will have until the following Sunday at 11:59 p.m. to write and submit applications.
Any applicant who has formerly held a position on the Atlas Executive Board is only eligible to run for the Primary Chair position. Applicants who formerly held a position on the FR team may run for Primary Chair or the FR Liaison position.
In the case that there are no applicants running for an Executive Board position, any previous Atlas Executive Board member may run for the position to fill the spot.
The Primary Chair will schedule and oversee position-specific interviews on the Monday through Thursday following the application deadline. The Executive Board member whose position the applicant would like to hold will also be present at each interview.
The Atlas Executive Board (with the exception of all Primary Chair candidates) will convene on the Friday following position-specific interviews to determine the ballot for the general election. The goal of this meeting is to eliminate candidates who are not deemed fully qualified for their desired position.
Candidates will be notified of their eligibility directly following the ballot selection meeting by a member of the Executive Board via email, unless otherwise requested.
Candidates will be sent the template for their slide to be used for the election process. The slide will include their name, their vision for their position, and key ideas for their position. This will be due the Sunday of elections by noon.
The election meeting will be held one week after candidates have been notified of their selection. This week, candidates are encouraged to practice and prepare their speeches.
Executive Board Election Codes
At the election meeting, the order of election will be as follows: Primary Chair, Finance Chair, Digital Fundraising and Development Chair, Alternative Fundraising Chairs, Public Relations Chair, Special Events Chair, Community Chair, Donor and Alumni Relations Chair, Solicitations Chair, Family Relations Chairs and Returning FR Chair.
This is not in order of importance and can be changed at the discretion of the current Executive Board.
All candidates (with the exception of the Primary Chair candidates) shall be given two minutes to make a speech to the attending Atlas members. Primary Chair candidates are given five minutes. Following each speech, the candidate will answer a question from the current chair whose position they would like to hold. Then, the candidate will field a question from the members. Their pre-prepared slide will be shown during their speech.
After all candidates for a specific position make speeches and answer questions, the members shall cast secret ballots for the candidate(s) of their choice. During the voting process, slides from the candidates will be shown. In the case of the FR co-chairs, the members will each cast a single ballot for two separate candidates. In the event of a tie in any race, the ballot will be recast.
Ballots will be counted immediately by the outgoing Primary Chair during the election process. All candidates will be brought to a separate room to hear the results of the election first. Then, the results of the election will be announced to the members in attendance at the conclusion of the election.
Remaining Leadership Selection Codes
Captain selections will occur during the Spring semester after the new Executive Board has been elected. Selections will be made by the new Executive Board after reviewing the submitted applications.
House Leader selections will occur during the Spring semester after Captains have been selected and a House Leader information session has occurred. Selections will be made by members of the Special Events team.
Officer Removal
If an officer is at risk of removal for violating organizational policies, misrepresenting organizational culture, or failing to fulfill their duties, the Primary Chair will have a meeting with the Officer to let them know of their at-risk status prior to removal and outline immediate and sustainable changes that must occur to maintain an officer position.
If the Primary Chair is the officer at risk of removal, the next highest-ranking officer (typically the Family Relations Liaison) and advisor will meet with the Primary Chair.
If the changes are not met or sustained and the officer must be removed, the Executive Board must have a discussion and vote.
The highest-ranking officer and, if necessary, the organization’s advisor will notify the officer immediately.
Officer Replacement
See: Article IV: Section 5 - Filling Unexpected Vacancies
Article V - Operating Procedure
Meetings
During the THON™ year, Atlas will hold General Meetings at least one time per month. Typically, Atlas meetings occur every Sunday in the Forum building.
Adequate advanced notice of meetings must be given to all members. Members shall be notified of all General Meetings through the organization’s primary communication channel.
The Primary Chair, with the consent of the Executive Board, may call special meetings.
The Executive Board, at the discretion of the Primary Chair, shall meet weekly during the Fall and Spring semesters until the conclusion of the THON™ year.
Decision-Making Process
Any decisions being made concerning the general membership of Atlas will be put to vote. The Executive Board will meet to discuss whether the matter should be put to a vote by general membership, the Executive Board, or the entire Leadership Team.
If the matter concerns a general member’s proposed amendment to this constitution, see Article V: Section 3, Clause 3.4 for the outlined decision-making process.
A simple majority (50% +1) shall be necessary for all voting. If voting occurs at a meeting, this majority shall be derived from the number of members present. If voting occurs via a survey on any other applicable web-based system, this majority shall be derived from all members who choose to participate.
Only student members may vote.
Amending the Constitution and Bylaws
Amendments to this document may be made at any point at which the Executive Board or membership sees fit to make changes.
The constitution will be reviewed annually by the Executive Board.
Amendments to this constitution may be introduced at the conclusion of any Executive Board meeting. Voting to approve/deny the amendment shall occur at the Executive Board meeting following its introduction.
If the Executive Board votes to pass the amendment, the Primary Chair will make appropriate edits to the constitution immediately.
The amendment will take effect following the submission of the revised constitution to the Office of Student Affairs.
Any member may introduce a constitutional amendment at the conclusion of any General Meeting. At the following meeting, all members present shall vote on the amendment, as outlined in Article V: Section 2, Clauses 2.2 and 2.3
If the general membership votes to pass the amendment, the Primary Chair will make appropriate edits to the constitution immediately.
The amendment will take effect following the submission of the revised constitution to the Office of Student Affairs.
All amendments are subject to the approval of the Office of Student Affairs.
Amendments must pass an affirmative vote following the Decision-Making process above and be presented to the entire membership
All amendments must be submitted and approved by the Student Leadership & Involvement Office as an updated constitution to ensure compliance with university regulations
Constitution Renewals are due to the Student Leadership & Involvement Office every 2 years but may be submitted sooner. Student Leadership & Involvement will contact RSO leadership at the time of renewal
Article VI - Advisors
Requirements of the Faculty/Staff Advisor
This organization must retain an advisor at all times.
The advisor must be a full-time faculty/staff member on the University Park Campus.
This organization’s advisor will be selected, as needed, through a majority vote by the Executive Board.
If the organization has a Co-Advisor, that advisor may be a University Park Campus faculty/staff member, a current Graduate Assistant (GA) or Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA), or a non-PSU community member affiliated with the organization.
Co-Advisors are not required.
Duties of the Faculty/Staff Advisor
Advisors/Co-Advisors do not have voting rights.
Advisors/Co-Advisors may not conduct business on behalf of the organization.
Article VII - Financial Statement
Finances
All organizational funds will be deposited and handled exclusively through the Associated Student Activities (ASA) office in HUB 240.
The organization will not have an off-campus bank account.
Funding
This organization may collect dues in times when the organization’s monies are considerably low.
These dues will never be above $20 and may be included in the price of the yearly Atlas T-Shirt.
Article VIII - Enabling Clause
This constitution was reviewed and ratified by the Executive Board on December 9th, 2024, at a regular body meeting.
The organization’s entire membership and Executive Board have been made aware of changes, and have reviewed and agreed to the statements in this document.
Article IX - Additional Procedures
Social Media
This organization may maintain official social media accounts, including but not limited to, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, etc.
A list of officially recognized social media accounts will be made available via atlas46.org
The organization’s social media will be created under the usernames atlas_psu, Atlas Benefitting THON™, or other handles agreed upon by the Executive Board.
The organization will not condone or recognize the creation of any social media accounts that do not use these usernames and are not created and maintained by the Public Relations Chair, Digital Fundraising and Development Chair, or other Executive Board members.
Dancer Selection
The top 50 point earners in Atlas for the given year are eligible to apply to represent Atlas as a dancer during THON Weekend.
Dancer Applications will be made available the week before winter break begins and will be due during the week before Spring semester classes begin (exact date to be determined annually).
Members will be given a reminder by the Primary Chair to submit their application at least halfway through winter break. This reminder must be sent at least 48 hours in advance of the application deadline.
The Executive Board will have a meeting the first week of classes to determine the dancers for THON Weekend.
At least two members (one dancer pair) must come from the general membership. All non-Executive Board members are included in the general membership.
This section must be reviewed annually prior to dancer selection.
Parliamentary Authority
Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used in all cases not covered by this constitution.
Accessibility of this Constitution
A copy of this constitution shall be made available on atlas46.org and is available to be shared individually upon request.