GHvZ Constitution

Constitution of “Gator Humans versus Zombies,” University of Florida

(Revised July 23, 2024)

ARTICLE I.   NAME OF ORGANIZATION

The name of this organization shall be Gator Humans versus Zombies. This organization will utilize the acronym GHvZ in all publicity materials and correspondence, but may refer to the organization as HvZ in any non-official medium.

ARTICLE II.   ORGANIZATION AFFILIATION

As outlined in the RSO Classification Policy, Gator Humans versus Zombies is considered a General Registered Student Organization. As a GRSO, our organization is a separate 3rd party entity, not considered a part of the University of Florida. Through registering with the University, our student group agrees to follow its policies and operate on campus with access and/or eligibility for specific campus benefits.

ARTICLE III. PURPOSE STATEMENT

The purpose of GHvZ is to host events of Humans versus Zombies on the University of Florida main campus for the enjoyment of the individuals attending. All are welcome participants.

ARTICLE IV. COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

Upon approval by the Department of Student Engagement, Gator Humans versus Zombies shall be a registered student organization at the University of Florida.  Gator Humans versus Zombies shall comply with all local, state and federal laws, as well as all University of Florida regulations, policies, and procedures.  Such compliance includes but is not limited to the University’s regulations related to Non-Discrimination, Sexual Harassment (including sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking), Hazing, Commercial Activity, and Student Leader Eligibility.    

Section A. Non-Discrimination

Gator Humans versus Zombies agrees that it will not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status as protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. Discrimination on the basis of the protected classes described in University of Florida Regulation 1.006 (Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Invasion of Privacy Policies) is prohibited.  

Section B. Sexual Harassment

Gator Humans versus Zombies agrees that it will not engage in any activity that is unwelcome conduct of sexual nature that creates a hostile environment.  Behaviors that could create a hostile environment include sexual harassment (which could include inappropriate sexual comments), sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking and repeated instances of cyber abuse. Sexual harassment as described in University of Florida Regulation 1.006 (Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Invasion of Privacy Policy) is prohibited.

Section C. Hazing

Gator Humans versus Zombies agrees that it will not initiate, support, or encourage any events or situations that recklessly, by design, or intentionally endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student for any purpose including but not limited to initiation or admission into or affiliation with any student group or organization. Hazing as defined in the University of Florida Regulation 1.0081 (Prohibition of Hazing; Procedures and Penalties) and 4.040 (Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code) is prohibited. If found responsible for hazing, sanctions may be imposed against the organization, its leaders and/or members.

Section D. Responsibility to Report

The University of Florida identifies Responsible Employees and Campus Security Authorities to support the health, safety, and wellbeing of campus. If Gator Humans versus Zombies becomes aware of any such conduct described in this article, they are encouraged to report it immediately to staff in Student Engagement, the Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, the University’s Title IX Coordinator, or to their Student Organization Advisor, who are identified as mandated reporters.

Section E. Officer Eligibility 

Gator Humans versus Zombies understands, acknowledges, and agrees to uphold and abide by the specific minimal requirements regarding officer eligibility as defined in the Registered Student Organization Classification and Officer Eligibility Policy.

ARTICLE V.  MEMBERSHIP

Membership in this organization is open to all enrolled students at the University of Florida.  Non-enrolled students, spouses, faculty, and staff are prohibited from holding membership, office or voting powers. All members are free to leave and disassociate without fear of retribution, retaliation, or harassment.

ARTICLE VI. BYLAWS FOR GATOR HUMANS VERSUS ZOMBIES

Gator Humans versus Zombies may elect to maintain separate bylaws document to outline the day-to-day operations of the organization and to clarify policies and procedures otherwise not included in the previous articles. Bylaws and/or other guiding documents may not take precedence over the requirements sent forth by local, state, and federal laws, the university of Florida’s regulations, policies, and procedures, and the Student Engagement constitution requirements. Amendments and changes may be made to the bylaws and shall be consistent with the Student Engagement approved constitution on file and student engagement’s constitution requirements. Should the organization transition leadership, all bylaws and guiding documents will be transitioned to new student organization leaders and/or advisor(s). Gator Humans versus Zombies agrees to provide all unaltered by laws and guiding documents and/or clarify its procedures in writing to any University of Florida student, faculty, or staff upon request.

ARTICLE VII. STUDENT ORGANIZATION ADVISOR

Each registered student organization must have an eligible student organization advisor.  The student organization advisor must be a full-time, salaried faculty or staff member not on extended leave for 4 consecutive weeks or longer during their advisor term. The student organization advisor shall serve as a resource person providing advisory support to officers and members and may not vote or hold office in the organization.

The student organization advisor shall be chosen by the officers of Gator Humans versus Zombies from a list of willing faculty members. In the event that the student organization advisor is unable to continue in their position, a new student organization advisor shall be nominated by the officers from a list of willing faculty members. The person receiving the highest number of votes from Active Members during a General Body Meeting shall receive the position. The student organization advisor will hold the position indefinitely.

ARTICLE VIII. OFFICERS

Registered student organizations are required to have a minimum of a President, Treasurer, and Vice President as elected officers. These officers must abide by the Registered Student Organization Classification and Officer Eligibility Policy. 

The elected officers of Gator Humans versus Zombies shall be President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. At no time should one person hold more than one of these positions.

Section A.    EXECUTIVE BOARD

1. The elected officers of GHvZ shall make up the Executive Board of GHvZ, hereafter referred to as the ‘e-board.’

Section B.    ELECTED OFFICERS

1. The elected officers of GHvZ shall be: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Special Projects Manager.
2. No person shall be eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms in the same elected office.
3. No person shall hold more than one elected office at the same time.

Section C.    ELECTED OFFICER DUTIES

1. The President shall preside at the meetings and coordinate the planning and operation of the organization. The President will act as a Main Game Moderator for their elected term (see Bylaws Article IV.).
2. The Vice President shall assist the President in all duties including planning and operation of the organization. The Vice President shall also be aid to the President and serve in their stead should the President be absent or unable to serve. The Vice President will act as a Main Game Moderator for their elected term (see Bylaws Article IV.).
3. The Treasurer will receive and handle all money of GHvZ as well as keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures. The Treasurer will provide a detailed financial statement upon request. The Treasurer may apply to become an appointed position (see Bylaws Article IV.) if they so choose.
4. The Special Projects Manager, hereafter referred to as the SPM, will be responsible for organizing community building events and other non-main-game related events to boost involvement in the organization. The SPM will confer with the rest of the executive board to vote on proposed events. The proposed events will be approved by a super majority vote (three-fourths) of the e-board. The SPM may apply to become an appointed position (see Bylaws Article IV.) if they so choose.

Section D.    TERMS OF OFFICE AND VACANCIES

1. The term of elected officers shall start on the first day of Reading Days of each spring semester and end on the first day of Reading Days of the subsequent spring semester.
2. Should a vacancy in an elected office occur, there will be another nomination procedure and election for that vacant office, which will occur at the next General Body Meeting. In the meantime, responsibilities and duties will be equally distributed amongst the remaining elected officers.

Section E.    REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

1. Officers may be removed from office through the following process:
   1. A group of ten (10) or more members and/or associate members submit a written complaint to an officer of the e-board of the organization, who will then notify the rest of the e-board, and then notify the officer under examination.
   2. Given the conditions in Article VIII, Section E.1.a, a General Body Meeting will be called to vote on the motion of impeaching the officer. A two-thirds (2/3) majority shall be required of the members present to impeach the officer in question.
2. Should a removal from office occur that causes a vacancy in office, procedures will be followed as described in Article VIII, Section D.2.
3. The President reserves the right to remove an individual from an appointed position if it is deemed that person is unfit to hold that office. This shall require secondary approval from the super majority of the e-board.
4. All officers have the right to step down from their office, in the cases including but not limited to changing schools and family issues. In the event that an officer willingly steps down from their position, procedures will be followed as described in Article VIII, Section D.2.

ARTICLE IX. ELECTIONS

In the absence of clear direction on election, amendment, and /or voting procedures, Gator Humans versus Zombies agrees to follow the guidance and instruction of Robert’s Rules of Order for the election or amendment process.

Section A.    VOTING

1. An eligible voter is defined as an Active Member in good standing with the organization. An Active Member is a member who has participated in at least one GHvZ event in the previous two semesters.
2. Absentee voting will be permitted. An absentee ballot may be acquired by contacting a member of the e-board, and can be requested starting on the day of the Post Game Meeting announcement and ending when voting concludes.

Section B.    NOMINATIONS

1. Nominations for all elected offices (see Article VI., Section B.) will be taken from the conclusion of the Main Game of the same Spring semester until the closing of nominations at the Spring Post Game Meeting.
2. Any member may nominate any other member, including themself, as long as the nominee meets the criteria for holding office set forth by the University of Florida.

Section C.      ELECTION PROCEDURE

1. The election for office(s) shall be held by the use of a Google Form ballot.
2. Elections for office(s) shall be held annually. They are to be held no later than the third week of April of the Spring semester at the Spring Post-Game Meeting.
3. The newly elected officers shall begin their terms as described in Article VIII., Section D.
4. Voting will be active from the closing of nominations and will conclude forty-eight (48) hours after voting begins.
5. A simple majority of votes (fifty percent plus one vote) cast is required for election to any office. If no candidate receives a simple majority, then a runoff election between the two candidates receiving the most votes for the office in question shall be held at a physical meeting within the following two weeks.
   1. Runoff election –  The two candidates will both give a maximum three minute speech to the attending members and attending officers on how they plan to improve our organization. The present members will then vote using a secret ballot. The candidate who receives the majority of the votes will receive the office in question.
      1. If a runoff election is required and there is only a single candidate, the runoff election candidate will run against a vote of no confidence.
6. In the case that there is an uncontested election, a vote of no confidence clause will be implemented, where if a majority of the votes do not vote in confidence of the applicant, another candidate will be found with the last resort clause (see Article IX. Section D.) or taken by pool of qualified applicants.
7. Completed ballots will be counted and verified by two appointed positions, who are not potentially leaving or entering an elected office. The results will be posted after the election ends and once ballots have been counted and verified, with the voters’ identities non-disclosed, for club transparency.

Section D.    NOMINEE REQUIREMENTS

1. All nominees are required be Active Members (see Article V.).
2. Presidential nominees must meet the following requirements:
   1. Been an Active Member of the club for at least one semester.
   2. Last Resort Clause – In the case that there are no persons who fit this criteria, the elected officers may add any additional persons to the eligible applicant pool by a majority vote.

• Vice Presidential nominees must meet the following requirements:

3. Been an Active Member of the club for at least one semester.
4. Last Resort Clause – In the case that there are no persons who fit this criteria, the elected officers may add any additional persons to the eligible applicant pool by a majority vote.

• Treasurer nominees must meet the following requirements:

4. Been an Active Member of the club for at least one semester.
5. Last Resort Clause – In the case that there are no persons who fit this criteria, the elected officers may add any additional persons to the eligible applicant pool by a majority vote.

• Special Projects Manager must meet the following requirements:

5. Been an Active Member of the club for at least two semesters.
6. Last Resort Clause – In the case that there are no persons who fit this criteria, the elected officers may add any additional persons to the eligible applicant pool by a majority vote.

Section F.    SLATING DOWN PROCESS

1. Presidential nominees may slate down to Vice Presidential nominees.
2. Vice Presidential nominees may slate down to Treasurer and/or Special Project Manager nominees.
3. Treasurer nominees may slate down to Special Project Manager nominees.
4. Should a nominee win simple majority in more than one office, the nominee will have the option to pick an office and relinquish the other office in question. A runoff election will be held within the following two weeks at a physical meeting and will abide procedures as per Article IX, Section C.5.a.

ARTICLE X.  FINANCE

As a General Registered Student Organization, Gator Humans versus Zombies does not receive any funding or resources from other UF Departments or Colleges, rather, this organization is funded by:

GHvZ will not require membership dues; all expenditures at present shall be made using funds from donations and funding received through UF Student Government. GHvZ elected members and officers reserve the right to hold fundraisers and apply for additional Student Government funding in accordance with UF policy. Examples of potential fundraisers include, but are not limited to, carwashes, partnership with local businesses, etc. Funds raised from these fundraisers will be used for the following non-exclusive list: t-shirts, travel costs, event supplies, etc. Active members and volunteers may participate in fundraising efforts.

ARTICLE XI. DISSOLUTION OF ORGANIZATION

Upon dissolution, student organizations are prohibited from leaving their organizational assets to any individual or any other student organization. Rather, student organizations may designate a specific charity that will receive such organizational assets. At the time of dissolution, after all outstanding debts are paid, Gator Humans versus Zombies will leave any assets and outstanding funds to Children’s Miracle Network.

ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION

Student Engagement has established a process through which constitutions may be amended, reviewed, and approved. Student organizations wishing to amend their constitutions must utilize their constitution on file listed on GatorConnect to make amendments and submit those changes to Student Engagement.

A constitutional amendment may be proposed by any member at any time. Amendment proposals should be sent to a member of the e-board, who will confirm it is in agreement with the Policies of the University of Florida. If it meets the requirements, the proposed amendment must be made available to all members at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to voting. Voting will be done through a Google Form ballot provided to the members which will be active for forty-eight (48) hours.

Any proposed amendment requires a three-fourths (3/4), rounded up if necessary, approval of members who submit a ballot during the voting. Any such amendment is subject to final approval by the Department for Student Activities and Involvement.All amended constitutions must be submitted directly to Student Engagement for review and approval.