Campus Chapter Constitution

Campus Chapter Constitution

Preamble

It becomes everyman who purposes to give himself to the care of others seriously to consider the following things: First, that he must one day give an account to the Supreme Judge of all the lives entrusted to his care. Secondly, that all his skill, and knowledge, and energy, as they have been given him by God, so they should be exercised for His glory, and the good of mankind, and not for mere gain or ambition. Thirdly, and not more beautifully than truly, let him reflect that he has undertaken the care of no mean creature, for, in order that we may estimate the value, the greatness of the human race, the only begotten Son of God became Himself a man, and thus enabled it with His divine dignity, and far more than this, died to redeem it. And, fourthly, that the doctor being himself a mortal man should be diligent and tender in relieving his suffering patients, inasmuch as he himself must one day be a like sufferer. - Thomas Sydenham (English Physician, 1624-1689)

Article 1.   Doctrinal Statement

The following Doctrinal Statement is intended to preserve and propagate the historical doctrinal perspective of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations. These tenets should guide the leadership of the organization in decision making.

1. We believe the Bible to be the authoritative Word of God.
2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe in the deity and humanity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, in His present rule as Head of the Church and in His personal return in power and glory.
4. We believe that salvation is based on the sacrifice of Christ and regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
6. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the just and unjust, the everlasting blessedness of the saved and the everlasting punishment of the lost.
7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, with equality across racial, gender, and class differences.

Article 2. Mission Statement

Christian Medical and Dental Associations exist to glorify God - by educating, encouraging, and equipping Christian healthcare professionals and students:

• to serve with professional excellence as witnesses of Christ's love and compassion, and
• by advancing biblical principles of healthcare within the Church and to our culture.

Article 3. Meetings / Events / Participation

Weekly and monthly meetings and activities are open to all students, residents, staff and faculty and include Bible studies, prayer meetings, discussion groups, special guest lecturers, breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings, group presentations and off-campus activities as planned by students and graduate sponsors.

Article 4. Campus Student Leaders

Section A - Student Leaders - please review Student Leader Selection Process

• Must abide by CMDA Bylaws in order to function as a CMDA student leader
• Must complete CMDA Student Leadership Form.
• Are encouraged to form a leadership team, dividing the responsibilities among the team members. Many campuses choose officers (president, vice president, secretary/treasurer or equivalent) for efficiency. Some operate simply as a leadership team without official titles.
• Are responsible, along with the advice and approval of campus advisors and CMDA staff, for choosing, challenging, and training leaders for the following year.
• Are encouraged to view Leadership Labs available on the Student Life APP.
• Any leader may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the CMDA student membership on that campus in a member meeting called as outlined in Article 6 of this document.

Section B - Campus Advisors

• Are selected by the CMDA Regional or Area Director
• Must agree with CMDA's purposes and Doctrinal Statement(Article 2 above)
• Should complete a CMDA Leadership Commitment Form
• Should be a member of the national CMDA organization
• Should attend CMDA student functions when possible and be available to offer guidance to the leadership team throughout the school year
• Report to the CMDA Regional or Area Director

Article 5. Organizational / Planning Meetings (General meetings: see Article 4)

• Planning meetings and discussions related to calendar and goals for the student group may be called by the student leaders (See Article 5, Section A) at any time.
• Remember to invite CMDA campus advisors, any local CMDA staff and as many CMDA student members interested in the health and direction of your campus chapter.
• Member meetings called to discuss any particular adverse situation or concern as may affect this campus chapter may be called by:
  • Two student leaders (see Article 5, Section A)
  • Upon the request of three (3) students (must be members of National CMDA)
  • The CMDA Campus Advisor
  • The Local CMDA Council
  • Or by the CMDA Regional, Area or Associate Staff
  • One week's notification (written or electronic) of a member meeting shall be given to the local leaders of the CMDA Campus Chapter. Motions will be passed by a simple majority vote of CMDA student members, and they must be consistent with CMDA bylaws, policies, and practices.

Article 6. To meet Internal Revenue Service non-profit group requirements, each Campus Chapter will:

• Abide by the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code (IRS) Section 501(c)(3);
• Agree to use the same accounting period as CMDA ( which is July 1 through June 30^th) in order to be included under CMDA's group exemption with the IRS (Please see Campus Chapter Financial Guidelines);
• Notify CMDA if financial activity exceeds $50,000, including donations and/or expenses during the current fiscal year so proper IRS filing may occur (reported via the Reconnect, see Article 8)

Article 7. To Maintain a Strong Connection with the National Ministry of CMDA, each Campus Chapter will:

• Adhere to the CMDA Bylaws as approved by the Board of Trustees;
• Connect with National CMDA via short quarterly survey concerning ministry and new leadership.
• Maintain the organization and activities in a manner consistent with those of CMDA;
• Inform Campus Advisors, and any official CMDA Staff (local, regional or national) concerning chapter activities, needs, or any relevant concerns (CMDA is legally responsible for the actions of its constituted chapters).

Article 8. Adoption and Revocation

• This constitution shall be adopted upon the following:
  • Receiving and approving by a simple majority vote by those CMDA student members present;
  • Formal Approval by CMDA Campus & Community Ministries or the CMDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
    • This Campus Chapter's affiliation with CMDA may be revoked by the CEO, subject to review by CMDA's National Board of Trustees.