Purpose/ Mission Statement

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The purpose of SYNBUM is to communicate the potential, as well as ethical considerations of synthetic biology for the MIT community and beyond. Specifically, SYNBUM strives Interfaith@MIT is to catalyze relationships between religious groups on campus and to invite the MIT community to take notice and take part in activities that reach across cultural, intellectual and religious bounds. Specifically, Interfaith strives towards the following goals:

• Interfaith CatalystEducation and Outreach
  *: To generate interest and meaningful dialogue in the prospects of synthetic biology, its uses, and both scientific and ethical considerations; to further understanding of and exposure to the laboratory tools and process of synthetic biology; to connect with the MIT community and beyond to generate excitement for synthetic biology;

• Networking
  *: To provide opportunities for the undergraduate community to network with graduate students, professors, and industry leaders with similar interests in synthetic biology;

• bring religious or belief groups on campus together, two at a time, to deepen understanding and cultivate respect at both the religious and personal level;  to involve the MIT community in interfaith activities on campus; to promote interfaith and faith-specific events on campus and encourage attendance from all belief groups. 

• Common Action
  *: To organize interfaith cooperation through projects such as service-learning and social action that will influence both personal attitudes and the bonds of a community through a common goal and a positive collective experience.

• Faith Focus
  *: To celebrate the diverse and remarkable people on campus, showcasing one belief group at a time through a brief cultural or intellectual presentation to foster understanding between peoplesResearch and Academic Opportunities
  *: To provide the MIT undergraduate community unique opportunities in both coursework and research.

Definition of Membership

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1. Any member of the MIT community is eligible to become a member of SYNBUMInterfaith. There is no course preference for students; we especially encourage students without biology backgrounds, and both graduates and undergraduates may join. Members of all beliefs are encouraged to join. One is considered a member of this organization in any given academic term if he/she has attended at least one club activity and one meeting in the preceding or current term and is a member of the SYNBUM mailing Interfaith mailing list.
2. The organization’s membership will at all times consist of at least 5 MIT students and be more than half MIT students.
3. This organization will not discriminate based on any characteristic listed in MIT's Nondiscrimination Statement.
4. If this organization charges any monetary dues, there will be exceptions made for students that cannot afford these dues.

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• The organization will have, at all times, the following officers which must be held by MIT students:
  • President
    **: Represent SYMBUM to the undergraduate and professional communitiesInterfaith to the MIT community; plan and oversee the general activities of the executive board.
  • Treasurer
    **: Serve as the liaison between SYNBUM and Interfaith and the Student Financial Activities Office (part of SAO); maintain and track the SYNBUM budgetInterfaith budget, also handling reimbursement.

• The following positions may be elected based on size of membership:
  • Secretary
    **: Keep record of all meeting minutes and events; compiles and sends out bimonthly newsletters to all active members. Work closely with executive board to ensure all officers stay current.
  • VP of Education and OutreachService
    **: Plan events geared towards education and outreach to the community, including educational events, regular community service opportunitiesprojects, and the IAP classwith the aim of bringing those who participate together. Inform and encourage members and belief groups on campus to participate in educational synthetic biology events.
  • VP of Academic and Corporate Faith Relations
    **: Form and maintain relationships between members of SYNBUM, the MIT faculty, industry leaders, as well as other professional resources; provide SYNBUM members with unique opportunities in the form of networking events and career workshopsreligious groups on campus; plan and organize events on campus between the groups.
  • VP of Membership
    **: Maintain the SYNBUM mailing list, track membership statistics, and encourage social aspects of SYNBUM, including boding eventsInterfaith mailing list and website. Publicize events and increase visibility of SYNBUMInterfaith@MIT.

Removal Process for Officers

• Officers may be removed by petition of more than two thirds (2/3) of active members or unanimous vote of the executive board.

Meetings

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Frequency

• SYNBUM Interfaith general body meetings will occur monthly semesterly for all active and potential members. The executive committee sets the agenda.
• SYNBUM executive Interfaith executive board meetings will occur at least bimonthly. Select executive board meetings may be open to all active members. The president sets the agenda.

Making Decisions

• Disputes with no clear deadline may be motioned to be tabled until the next meeting for up to two times. Decision will then be made via majority vote of the executive board.
• Disputes with impending deadline or or critical importance can be motioned for immediate end of discussion and majority vote.

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The Constitution may be amended based on petition by more than two thirds (2/3) of active members of or a majority of the executive board. Voting is open to all active members. Amendment is accepted contingent upon majority vote of active members.

ASA Governance Clause

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The SYNBUM Interfaith agrees to abide by the rules and regulations of the Association of Student Activities, and its executive board. This constitution, amendments to it, and the by-laws of this organization shall be subject to review by the ASA Executive Board to insure that they are in accordance with the aforementioned rules and regulations.