Bylaws

St. Jude ASA Student Chapter Charter and Bylaws

St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Data Sciences ASA Student Chapter Charter & Bylaws

Applied Biomedical Data Science Program

St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Article I — Name

The name of this organization shall be the ASA Student Chapter of St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (hereafter referred to as “the Chapter”).

Article II — Purpose

The purpose of the Chapter is to:

  • Promote interest and excellence in statistics, data science, and related disciplines

  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive community for students interested in data-driven research and applications

  • Support academic and professional development through workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities

  • Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration across programs and departments

  • Provide opportunities for leadership, service, and outreach

  • Engage with the American Statistical Association (ASA) and its resources

  • Advance data literacy and ethical data practices across campus and within the broader community

Article III — Affiliation

The Chapter is affiliated with the American Statistical Association (ASA) and operates in alignment with ASA guidelines for student chapters. The Chapter is a student-led organization affiliated with the Applied Biomedical Data Science Program at St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Article IV — Membership

Section 1: Eligibility

Membership is open to all students at St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences with an interest in statistics, data science, or related fields.

Section 2: Member Benefits

Members may:

  • Attend and participate in all Chapter events and activities

  • Vote in Chapter elections and decisions

  • Apply for leadership positions

  • Access Chapter resources and materials

Section 3: Membership Dues

There are no dues required for Chapter membership.

Article V — Officers

Section 1: Officer Roles

The officers of the Chapter shall include:

  • President

  • Vice President

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer

  • Director of Outreach & Engagement

  • Director of Professional Development

  • Director of Communications

Section 2: Duties

President:

  • Provides overall leadership and strategic direction

  • Presides over meetings

  • Serves as primary liaison to ASA and faculty advisor

Vice President:

  • Assists the President

  • Oversees event planning and execution

  • Coordinates internal operations

Secretary:

  • Maintains meeting minutes and official records

  • Manages communications and membership roster

Treasurer:

  • Oversees financial records and budget

  • Tracks expenses and funding

Director of Outreach & Engagement:

  • Develops campus and community partnerships

  • Leads recruitment and engagement efforts

Director of Professional Development:

  • Plans workshops, speaker events, and career development initiatives

Director of Communications:

  • Manages internal and external communications (email, newsletters, announcements)

  • Oversees marketing efforts, including flyers, social media, and event promotion

  • Maintains the Chapter’s brand and messaging consistency across platforms

Section 3: Term Length

Officers shall serve a one-year term.

Section 4: Elections

  • Elections shall be held annually in the spring semester

  • All active members are eligible to vote

  • A simple majority is required for election

Section 5: Vacancies

If an officer position becomes vacant, the executive board may appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term.

Article VI — Meetings

Section 1: General Meetings

The Chapter shall hold general body meetings at least once per month during the academic year.

Section 2: Executive Meetings

The executive board shall meet as needed to plan and coordinate Chapter activities.

Section 3: Quorum

A quorum shall consist of at least 50% of the executive board for official decision-making.

Article VII — Committees

The Chapter may establish committees as needed, including but not limited to:

  • Events Committee

  • Outreach Committee

  • Workshop/Training Committee

Committee chairs may be appointed by the President or elected by members.

Article VIII — Finances

Section 1: Funding

The Chapter may receive funding through:

  • Institutional support

  • ASA resources

  • Grants or sponsorships (as permitted)

Section 2: Financial Management

  • The Treasurer shall maintain accurate financial records

  • Financial reports shall be shared with members at least once per semester

Article IX — Faculty Advisor

The Chapter shall have at least one faculty or staff advisor who:

  • Provides guidance and continuity

  • Supports compliance with institutional policies

  • Serves as a liaison to the institution

Article X — Activities

The Chapter will organize activities including, but not limited to:

  • Technical workshops (e.g., R, Python, data visualization)

  • Professional development events

  • Guest speaker sessions

  • Networking and social events

  • Community engagement and outreach initiatives

Article XI — Amendments

Amendments to this Charter and Bylaws may be proposed by any member and must be approved by a majority vote of active members.

Article XII — Dissolution

In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets shall be distributed in accordance with institutional policies and ASA guidelines.

Ratification

This Charter and Bylaws shall take effect upon approval by a majority of founding members and acknowledgment by the faculty advisor.

Date of Ratification: ____________________
Chapter President Signature: ____________________
Faculty Advisor Signature: ____________________