This is an unofficial copy of the constitution for the Society of Software Developers. The official, binding version of the constitution is available on GatorConnect.
Last modified on August 17, 2021.
The name of the organization is the Society of Software Developers. The organization may use the acronym SSD in official correspondence.
The purpose of the Society of Software Developers is to create an environment where students can learn and apply the elements of software design to real-world applications. Members of the organization will learn topics such as design by contract, error handling, software design patterns, and how to apply them to their own projects. The concepts taught and used will help students determine how to approach complicated problems and better prepare them for team projects, internships, and careers in software development.
Upon approval by the Department of Student Activities and Involvement, the Society of Software Developers shall be a registered student organization at the University of Florida. The Society of Software Developers 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.
The Society of Software Developers agrees that it will not discriminate based on 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.
The Society of Software Developers 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.
The Society of Software Developers 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.
If this organization becomes aware of any such conduct described in this article, the Society of Software Developers will report it immediately to Student Activities and Involvement, the Director of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, or the University’s Title IX Coordinator.
Membership in this organization is open to all enrolled students at the University of Florida. Non-enrolled students, spouses, faculty, and staff may be associate members; however, they may not vote or hold office. All members and associate members are free to leave and disassociate without fear of retribution, retaliation, or harassment.
- The President shall preside at all meetings of the organization and shall coordinate the work of the officers and committees.
- The Vice-President shall serve as an aide to the President and shall perform the duties of the President in her/his absence or inability to serve.
- The Logistics Officer (Treasurer) is responsible for handling backend planning, administration, and finance. As the Treasurer, they shall keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures and pay out local funds in accordance with the approved budget as authorized by the organization.
- The Program Officer is responsible for the content and execution of organization activities such as meetings, workshops, and events.
- The Involvement Officer is responsible for maintaining organization projects, overseeing member-sponsored projects and broader internal communications. They ensure members are staying active and engaged by gauging feedback during and after meetings.
- The Outreach Officer is responsible for managing communication, presence, outreach, social media, and interactions with external organizations.
- A Committee Chair is appointed for each committee of the organization and is responsible for managing their committee and coordinating with the supervising officer. This position is appointed by the officer responsible for supervising the committee.
- A Project Leader is appointed for each project sponsored by the organization and is responsible for managing the project and ensuring it meets organization requirements. This position is appointed by the Development Officer to the project proposer.
Officers shall server for a term of one year. An interim officer for the summer semester may be selected from an incoming/outgoing officer or by general election.
To remove an officer from their position, a written request from three members of the organization must submitted to an elected officer. The officer in question shall be notified of the request in writing and asked to be present at the next meeting to respond to the request. A two-thirds vote of at least 10 members is required to remove them from their position. If the vacated position is elected, an election must be held within the next month and an interim officer may be appointed.
Elections for will occur during the second to last meeting of the Spring semester (April/May). Officer positions for the summer semester will be selected from the outgoing spring and incoming fall officers, holding an election where necessary.
A candidate must be a member of the organization prior to the election and shall submit a written statement of interest for the positions they’re interested in subject to approval.
Elections are held using a Single Transferable Vote among all registered members. The results of each election should be determined before moving onto the next to allow candidates to run for subsequent positions. Candidates are offered 1-3-minute speech depending on available time. In the event of a tie, a runoff election is held for a tiebreaker vote among the Board of Directors.
The student organization advisor shall serve as a resource person and provide advisory support for the officers and members of the organization. The student organization advisor should attend executive meetings; however, the student organization advisor may not vote in any organization matters. The student organization advisor shall be nominated by the officers and confirmed by a majority vote of the members. The student organization advisor will serve a term of one academic year. If the student organization advisor is unable to continue in their position, officers may nominate a replacement at any time, to be confirmed by a majority vote of the members.
Dues are not collected from members; however community sponsorships, Student Government funding, and fundraisers such as workshops and events may be used to provide for expenses such as shirts, travel, events, and other operational expenses.
In the event this organization dissolves, any remaining assets after outstanding debts and claims have been paid shall be donated to the Department of Student Activities and Involvement at the University of Florida.
The Board of Directors consists of all officers, elected or appointed. They should meet once every month to discuss organization business and reflect on previous events. Meetings are open to all members, however only members of the Board may vote.
In addition to this constitution, a second titled Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) should define day-to-day operations including but not limited to meeting dates, time, agendas, and locations. This document is not binding and serves as guidance for officers and as written documentation of schedules for reference. The Standard Operating Procedures may be updated by a majority vote of the Board of Directors and should be reconfirmed at the first meeting of new officers after an election.
Amendments to this constitution may be proposed at any Board of Directors meeting. If the proposal is passed by the Board of Director, a two weeks’ notice must be given prior to a public vote. The amendment must receive a two-thirds vote of the members in attendance and is subject to final approval by the Department of Student Activities and Involvement.