ESA Constitution 16 17 - Updated

THE ECONOMICS STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
THE ESA CONSTITUTION

Revised and Ratified for 2016-2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I: NAME
ARTICLE II: SUPREMACY
ARTICLE III: DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
ARTICLE IV: INTREPRETATION
ARTICLE V: OBJECTIVES
ARTICLE VI: MEMBERSHIP IN THE ESA
ARTICLE VII: THE EXECUTIVE
ARTICLE VIII: APPOINTMENT OF SPEAKER
ARTICLE IX: RESPONSIBILITIES OF ESA EXECUTIVES
ARTICLE X: ELECTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE
ARTICLE XI: THE EXECUTIVE TERM OF OFFICE AND MATTERS CONCERNING
SUCCESSION OF THE NEW EXECUTIVE
ARTICLE XII: PROCEDURES OF THE EXECUTIVE
ARTICLE XIV: COMMITTEES
ARTICLE XV: CLASS REPRESENTATIVES
ARTICLE XVI: ASSOCIATION WIDE MEETINGS AND AWARDS
ARTICLE XVII: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND MISCONDUCT
ARTICLE XVIII: RESIGNATION AND IMPEACHMENT
ARTICLE XIX: FINANCES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND CONTRACTS
ARTICLE XXI: ACTS OF THE EXECUTIVE
ARTICLE XXII: AMENDMENT PROCEDURES
ARTICLE XXIII: MISCELLANEOUS
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WHEREAS the primary aim of the Economics Students’ Association Executive is to have an
engaged, proud group of economics majors who can collectively raise the appeal of our degree
program through academic, career-related, social and recreational events
AND WHEREAS, the ESA Executives seek to provide an open environment for students to
discuss topics of mutual concern, and to foster, through academic and social exchange, a
deeper awareness of economic developments.
AND WHEREAS, the ESA Executive encourages the continuous interchange of ideas and
mutual participation among faculty, staff and students;
AND WHEREAS, the ESA Executives is committed to a democratic system of student

government representative of those studying Economics that allows students to develop
leadership and management skills
AND WHEREAS, the ESA Executive aims to support the academic success of the students
studying courses managed by the Department of Economics,
AND WHEREAS, the ESA Executive seeks to maximize the career development of Economics
students, keep its members informed and motivated about potential career prospects and
enhance their employability
AND WHEREAS, the ESA Executive encourages continuous interaction with other student
governments at York University, faculty and administration, and the world outside the University
THEREFORE, We the Members of the ESA Executive, as the representatives of the students of
the Department of Economics, do hereby establish this Constitution, as follows
.
ARTICLE I: NAME
1. The name of the student organization shall be the Economics Students’ Association,
otherwise known by the acronym ESA.
ARTICLE II: SUPREMACY
1. Supremacy and Application of Constitution:

a. The Constitution of Economics Students’ Association is the supreme law of
Economics Students’ Association and everything within its jurisdiction. Anything
that is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution is, to the extent of the
inconsistency, of no force or effect.
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b. The authority of the Constitution extends to the Executive and every person or
organization deriving its authority and existence from the Constitution or
Association or who/which is directly or indirectly responsible to the Executive.
2. Section 1 applies only to the extent that it does not conflict with the valid and applicable laws
of Canada.
ARTICLE III: DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
1. In this Constitution, unless a contrary intention appears:

“Act” means an Act of the Executive or bylaw;
“Constitution” means the Constitution of the Economics Students’ Association, as
amended from time to time;
“the Executive” means the Executive of the Economics Students’ Association;
“the Association” means the Economics Students’ Association;
“L.A.&P.S.” means the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
“Y.F.S.” means the York Federation of Students;
“S.C.&.L.D” means Student Community and Leadership Development;
“C.R.O.” means Chief Returning Officer;
“Fall Session” or “Fall Term” means the first day of regular classes of an
academic year at York University and every day thereafter until the first day of
the Winter Session;
“Winter Session” or “Winter Term” means the first day of regular classes of the
Winter Term at York University and every day thereafter until the last day of
exams during the official exam period of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and
Professional Studies for full-year Fall/Winter courses;
“Summer Session” or “Summer Term” means the day following the last day of
exams during the Official Exam Period of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and
Professional Studies for full-year Fall/Winter courses until the first day of the
Fall Session;
“Members” means the Members of the Executive of the ESA
“members” means all those that have membership in the ESA
“Associates of the Executive” means all members of the Association who are also
members of a committee
“Quorum” means a 2/3 majority of all voting members of the committee or Executive
“Regular class” or “regular school day” means a day of the week on which the
Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies at York University holds regular
classes, and does not include any day during the Summer Session;
“Student” means any person admitted to York University by the Senate of York
University, and who is registered and enrolled in at least one course (or “half”
course) at the University in any Session during a particular academic year;
“Subsidiary regulation” includes an Act of the Executive, order, regulation, rule, form,
commission, proclamation, by-law, resolution, or other instrument issued, made
or established in the execution of a power conferred by or under the authority of
the Constitution;
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2. The definitions contained in Section (1) do not necessarily conform to those commonly used
in York University.
3. The Constitution, and all subsidiary regulations, shall be given such fair, large and liberal
construction and interpretation as best ensures the attainment of its objects according to its
true intent, meaning and spirit.
4. Where the Constitution or a subsidiary regulation requires or authorizes more than two
persons to do an Act or thing, a majority of them may do it.
5. Every person appointed by or under the authority of the Constitution, or any subsidiary
regulation or otherwise, is deemed to have been appointed to hold office only during the
pleasure of the Executive, unless it is otherwise expressed in the Constitution, subsidiary
regulation, or instrument of appointment.
6. Where a form is prescribed, deviations from that form not affecting the substance or
calculated to mislead, do not invalidate the form used.
7. Words in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include the singular.
8. Every subsidiary regulation shall be so construed as to reserve to the Executive the power
of repealing or amending it, and of revoking, restricting or modifying power, privilege or
advantage thereby vested in or granted to any person.
9. Every definition and rule of construction of this Article applies, unless a contrary intention
appears, to every subsidiary regulation.
ARTICLE IV: INTREPRETATION
1. The Executive of the ESA shall be the sole authority for the interpretation of the Constitution
and all subsidiary regulations. The Executive shall, however, make all determinations of
constructions and interpretations with due regard to the following, whichever are directly
applicable in given circumstances:
a. Interpretations, if any, set out in the most current edition of Robert's Rules of
Order (Newly Revised);
b. Interpretative precedents set by the Canadian House of Commons, including
Speakers’ rulings;
c. Black's Law Dictionary;
d. Accepted rules of grammatical and lexical construction in Canadian English.
2. The Constitution and all subsidiary regulations shall be interpreted, in the first instance, by
the Speaker, subject to an appeal to the Executive.
3. Where a decision of the Speaker is appealed to the Executive, it is the duty of each Member
of the Executive to restrict his or her vote only to the legal correctness of the decision of the
Speaker.
4. Unless and until a decision of the Speaker is confirmed, reversed or qualified by the
Executive, the decision of the Speaker shall be final and conclusive.
5. The Speaker or the Executive may postpone a decision or ruling for a reasonable period of
time, and may make an interim decision and order, to be effective until a final decision or
ruling is made.
6. If the Speaker decides to postpone a final decision or ruling, the Executive may:
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a. Determine the maximum amount of time the Speaker may have before such
ruling must be made, or;
b. Determine the question itself, immediately.
7. The Executive may not refuse the Speaker a reasonable period of time to determine a
question unless the Executive decides the question immediately.
8. A final decision or ruling of the Speaker shall be appealed immediately or, if the Executive is
not then sitting, at the next meeting of the Executive.
9. Despite Subsection (1), if the Executive is satisfied that there is sufficient cause or reason
for doing so, the Executive may, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting (and
where those on the prevailing side represent at least a majority of the total number of voting
Members then on the Executive), extend the period for considering an appeal from a
decision or ruling of the Speaker.
ARTICLE V: OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the ESA shall be as follows:
1. To have an engaged, proud group of economics majors who can collectively raise the
appeal of our degree program, through a range of events
2. To provide an open environment for students to discuss topics of mutual concern, and to
foster, through academic and social exchange, a deeper awareness of economic
developments.
3. To encourage the continuous interchange of ideas and mutual participation among faculty,
staff and students;
4. To maintain a democratic system of student government representative of those studying
Economics that allows students to develop leadership and management skills
5. To support the academic success of the students of the Department of Economics
6. To maximize the career development of Economics students, keep its members informed
and motivated about potential career prospects and enhance their employability
7. To encourage continuous interaction with other student governments at York University,
faculty and administration, and the world outside the University
ARTICLE VI: MEMBERSHIP IN THE ESA
1. The members of the Economics Students’ Association:

a. Every undergraduate student that is enrolled in a major affiliated with the
Department of Economics regardless of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation,
or physical disability.
b. Faculty and staff of the Department of Economics
c. The Master of Vanier College
d. The President and Director of Communications of Vanier College Council
e. Such other persons as the Executive may from time to time, by two-thirds (2/3) vote,
declare to be honorary members, such membership expiring at the dissolution of the
determining Executive’s term in office.
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ARTICLE VII: THE EXECUTIVE
1. The seven (7) voting Members of the ESA Executive are
a)President
b)Vice-President of External Affairs
c) Vice-President of Internal Affairs
d)Vice-President of Financial Affairs
e)Director of Media Affairs
f) Director of Social Affairs
g)First Year Students’ Representative
2. The one (2) non-voting Members of the Executive:

a) Economics Students’ Association Speaker
3. All Members of the Executive shall also be known as Executives
4. The qualifications of all Members of the Executive, except the Speaker, shall be as follows:
a) A member of the Economics Students’ Association
b) In good academic standing
c) An undergraduate student at York University, registered and enrolled in at least one
course (or “half” course) in each of the Fall and Winter Sessions, or in at least one
course spanning those Sessions.
5. The Speaker shall be a student of York University, may be a member of the Economics
Students’ Association
6. No person may be a First Year Students’ Representative unless it is that person’s first
Session attending York University, or unless the only other Session that person has attended
at York is the Summer Session immediately prior to the Fall election. The First Year
Students’ Representative must also be enrolled in Econ 1000 or 1010 and Econ 1530 or
1540 during the Fall term.
7. The President shall have had at least 1 year (2 academic terms) of experience as an
Executive prior to nomination. In extraordinary circumstances, this qualification may be
waved at the discretion of the outgoing Executive team.
8. The Vice President positions (Internal, External and Financial Affairs) shall have been a
member of the Economics Students’ Association for at least 1 year (2 academic terms) prior
to be being nominated and has participated as an Associate of the Executive. In
extraordinary circumstances, this qualification may be waved at the discretion of the outgoing
Executive team
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9. If, at any time, an Executive no longer possesses any or all of the qualifications set out in this
Section, the position of that Executive shall be vacated immediately.
10. Any Member of the Executive may resign, or give notice of intention to resign, either
personally in a meeting of the Executive or in writing. Any written notification shall be
deemed to be addressed to the Speaker. When determined that the written notification is
genuine, the Executive shall declare such seat vacated (or that it shall become vacant on
some future day, as indicated in the written notification).
11. Despite Section 10, the Executive need not accept a Member's resignation while a Motion of
impeachment, suspension or censure is pending, or while any investigation concerning that
Member's conduct is pending.
12. Despite Section 10, the Executive shall not accept a Member’s resignation if the Executive
has reason to believe that such Member was coerced into resigning and, in such a case, the
Executive shall immediately commence an investigation of the matter.
ARTICLE VIII: APPOINTMENT OF SPEAKER
1. In the absence of the Speaker, the Executive may appoint from its own Members, a
Speaker pro tem to preside for the meeting.
2. When there is, or is to be, a vacancy in the office of Speaker, whether following the Spring
elections, or because the incumbent of the office has indicated an intention to resign the office
of Speaker, or for any other reason, the Executive shall appoint a new Speaker.
3. Prior to the appointment of a new Speaker, the Executive shall post notice for at least one
(1) week, of which at least five (5) days must be regular school days, that the office of Speaker
is vacant, or is to become vacant, and that interested persons may apply for the position.
4. The Executive shall, after fully satisfying Section 3, appoint a Speaker.
5. Despite Section 3, the Executive may, by unanimous consent, appoint a person Speaker
without the posting of notice.
6. The term of office of the Speaker expires at the end of the first meeting of the Executive
following the Spring elections unless the term of office is extended beyond this date, but such
term may not be extended beyond September 30, unless the incumbent is re-appointed
Speaker.
ARTICLE IX: RESPONSIBILITIES OF ESA EXECUTIVES
President
1. The duties of the President are as follows:
(a) To be a signing officer for the Association;

(b) To be available on a daily basis and active over the Summer Session in the planning,
coordinating and overseeing of ESA events;
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(c) To maintain weekly contact, aside from Executive meetings, with all Members and
Associates of the Executive and address any comments or concerns they have
(d) To be the head of the Association and official spokesperson for all business of the
Executive
(e) To organize meetings between the Executive and the Department of Economics on a
regular basis so as to keep the Department up to date on all ESA activities
(f) To maintain, in cooperation with the VP of Internal Affairs, an accurate list of all
members of the ESA and the Executive, including telephone, addresses, and any
other information deemed appropriate by the Executive, and to ensure that the
aforementioned list is available and distributed to all Members and Associates of the
Executive, the Vanier College Office of the Master, Student Community and
Leadership Development (S.C.&.L.D), and the Y.F.S
(g) To be responsible for the renewal of registration for the club each year with the Office
of Student Affairs, SCLD and YFS.
(h) To advertise and promote, in partnership with the VP of External Affairs, to all
incoming First Year students the merits of being involved with the ESA and the
Executive, through the use of an Orientation letter mailed to and used for First Year
students and their Summer advising sessions;
(i) To ensure all Executive members perform their responsibilities and duties as outlined
in the Constitution;
(j) To schedule regular meetings of the Executive and provide an executive report in
written form. In extraordinary circumstances, the report may be in verbal form;
(k) To assume the role of Speaker in the absence thereof, or for the whole year if the
Executive is unable to fill the position of Speaker;
(l) To delegate duties to Members and Associates of the Executive;
(m) To maintain a record, in conjunction with the VP of External Affairs, of phone numbers,
locations and names of relevant executives, faculty and staff of York University offices,
organizations, and student governments as well as contacts outside the University;
(n) To learn and be familiar with the financial procedures of the Executive, and to have
coincidental authority with the VP of Financial Affairs to sign cheques on behalf of the
Executive;
(o) To work in conjunction with VP of Financial Affairs and have coincidental authority for
the requisition of funds for the Executive;
(p) To act as liaison with the York Federation of Students (YFS);
(q) To meet regularly with the Department of Economics to inform them of the ongoing
operations of the Association;
(r) To coordinate, in cooperation with the VP of Internal Affairs, with the faculty of the
Department of Economics to help foster better relationships between the professors
and members of the Association;
(s) To liaise with Vanier College Master’s Office, College Academic Life Coordinator and
Vanier College Council in conjunction with the VP of External Affairs;
(t) To represent the ESA, in partnership with the VP of External Affairs, on any student
government bodies that the ESA is a part of;
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(u) To initiate the planning of election dates and times, and to inform the C.R.O of any
Executive decisions regarding the same;
(v) To be an ex-officio Member of any Committee that comes out of the Executive;
(w) To ensure the selection of Class Representatives in conjunction with the VP of Internal
Affairs;
(x) To promote, and coordinate with, the Economics Peer Mentor Program operated
through Vanier College in conjunction with the VP of External Affairs and VP of
Internal Affairs
(y) To oversee the proper handling and storage of all recorded minutes of the Executive,
and to ensure that all appendices, reports, letters and other applicable or related
documents are physically attached or can be electronically referred to in relation to
their respective minutes;
(z) To retain and make available to all Members and Associates of the Executive, all
correspondence of previous Executive’s minutes and financial statements;
(aa) To ensure that both copies and safely stored backup copies of the Constitution, in
both paper and electronic form, are retained in a discernable and accessible manner,
and to ensure that it is available to all Members and Associates of the Executive, and
all members of the Association
(bb) To be responsible for, with the VPs of Internal, External and Financial Affairs, the
collection of monies of any event and merchandise;
(cc) To ensure all Executives are inputting service hours weekly and approve them;
(dd) To maintain a set number of office hours, as prescribed by the Executive, which shall
not be less than four (4) hours per week;
(ee) To dedicate a minimum of 1 hour of transitioning with the incoming President on
portfolio duties and other relevant information;
(ff) To conduct a minimum of 1 progress report meeting with each member of the
Executive in October and February;
(gg) To ensure all deadlines and goals of the Executive are being met and,
(hh) To carry out the duties assigned to all Members, as prescribed in this Article, and as
required in the Economics Students’ Association Constitution
Vice-President of External Affairs
2. The duties of the VP of External Affairs are as follows:
(a) To be available on a daily basis and active over the Summer Session in the planning,
(b) To coordinate, plan and implement events related to the career development of
members;
(c) To present the Executive a portfolio of events and records with respect to career
development;
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(d) To coordinate with the Director of Media Affairs and the Communication Committee to
prepare all promotional material for said events in a timely manner so as to ensure
maximum participation;
(e) To oversee, investigate, and report to the Executive on all aspects of all events
including, but not limited to, finances, event reconciliations, ticket prices, delegated
Member’s and Associates of the Executive responsibilities;
(f) To fill out all related forms, TUUS or otherwise, needed to implement the events and
then present them to the President for signature;
(g) To coordinate with the VP of Financial Affairs to prepare a budget for all events
related to career development;
(h) To respond to all communication from outside of the membership base of the
Association;
(i) To communicate to all Members, in partnership with the VP of Internal Affairs, all
outside conferences related to the study of and a career in economics;
(j) To ensure that Members are familiar with the various York University Career Centre
resources and coordinate with the Career Centre in planning events for career
development;
(k) To work closely with the President, and be of assistance wherever possible;
(l) To assist the President in ensuring all Executive members perform their
responsibilities and duties as outlined in the Constitution;
(m) To liaise with Vanier College Master’s Office, College Academic Life Coordinator and
Vanier College Council in conjunction with the President;
(n) To represent the ESA, in partnership with the President, on any student government
bodies that the ESA is a part of;
(o) To liaise with other student organizations at York University to implement events, in
conjunction with the two Directors;
(p) To Chair the External Committee;
(q) To advertise and promote to all incoming First Year students the merits of being
involved with the ESA by coordinating orientation material with the Department of
Economics, Master’s Office of Vanier and Vanier College Council;
(r) To promote and coordinate with the Economics Peer Mentor Program operated
through Vanier College in conjunction with the President and VP of Internal Affairs;
(s) To communicate with business, governments, organizations and other firms outside
York University to expand the network of the association and the reputation of the
Economics program at York University
(t) To maintain a record, in conjunction with the President, of phone numbers, locations
and names of relevant executives, faculty and staff of York University offices,
organizations, and student governments as well as all contacts outside the University
as noted in duty (n);
(u) To be responsible for, with the President and VPs of Internal and Financial Affairs, the
collection of monies of any event and merchandise.
(v) To attend all regular meetings of the Executive and provide an executive report in
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(w) To input all service hours weekly into YUconnect pending approval from the
President;
(x) To discharge the duties of the President in the absence thereof, and when the portfolio
of President is vacant, to assume the duties of the President until the Executive can fill
such vacancy;
(y) To maintain a set number of office hours, as prescribed by the Executive, which shall
not be less than four (4) hours per week
(z) To dedicate a minimum of 1 hour of transitioning with the incoming Vice President of
External Affairs on portfolio duties and other relevant information and,
(aa) To carry out the duties assigned to all Members, as prescribed in this Article, and as
Vice-President of Internal Affairs
3. The duties of the VP of Internal Affairs are as follows:
(a) To be available on a daily basis and active over the Summer Session in the planning,
(b) To ensure, in cooperation with the Director of Social Affairs and the Director of Media
Affairs, that all members are informed of the upcoming events as well as all ongoing
operations of the Association in a timely manner;
(c) To coordinate, plan and implement events related to the academic success of
students;
(d) To present the Executive a portfolio of events and records with respect to academic
success;
(e) To coordinate with the Director of Media Affairs and the Communication Committee to
(f) To oversee, investigate, and report to the Executive on all aspects of these events
responsibilities for Member’s and Associates of the Executive;
(g) To fill out all related forms, TUUS or otherwise, needed to implement the events and
then present them to the President for signature
(h) To organize regular study sessions for Economics students, open to non-members as
well as members, coordinating with the Teaching Assistants in the Department of
Economics and the Vanier Peer Mentor Program;
(i) To respond to all communication from the membership base of the Association;
(j) To acquire a list of all Economics courses, including the times and locations therein,
from the Department of Economics;
(k) To coordinate the selection of Class Representatives for all sections of the following
courses: ECON 1000, 1010, 1530, 1540, 2300, 2350, 2400, 2450, 2500, 3210 and
3480;
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(l) To promote and coordinate with the Economics Peer Mentor Program operated
through Vanier College in conjunction with the President and VP of External Affairs;
(m) To Chair the Internal Committee;
(n) To be responsible for, with the President and VPs of External and Financial Affairs, the
collection of monies of any event and merchandise.
(o) To coordinate, in cooperation with the President, with the faculty of the Department of
Economics to help foster better relationships between the professors and members of
the Association;
(p) To ensure that members are familiar with the various academic resources available
throughout York University, and the related contact information, such as names, office
locations, emails, and phone numbers; which is made available in the office physically
and electronically;
(q) To maintain, in cooperation with the President, an accurate list of all members of the
ESA and the Executive, including telephone, addresses, and any other information
deemed appropriate by the Executive, and to ensure that the aforementioned list is
available and distributed to all Members and Associates of the Executive, the Vanier
College Office of the Master, Student Community and Leadership Development
(S.C.&.L.D), and the Y.F.S
(r) To attend all meetings of the Executive take complete and accurate minutes of the
same;
(s) To ensure minutes, and all other notices, are given to Members in a timely manner.
Minutes should be sent to Executives no later than seventy-two (72) hours prior to the
following meeting;
(t) To maintain and be the custodian of all books, papers, records, correspondence,
contracts and other documents belonging to the Executive;
(u) To attend all regular meetings of the Executive and provide an executive report in
(v) To input all service hours weekly into YUconnect pending approval from the President;
(w) To maintain a set number of office hours, as prescribed by the Executive, which shall
(x) To dedicate a minimum of 1 hour of transitioning with the incoming Vice President of
Internal Affairs on portfolio duties and other relevant information and,
(y) To carry out the duties assigned to all Members, as prescribed in this Article, and as
Vice President of Financial Affairs
4. The duties of the VP of Financial Affairs are as follows:
(a) To be a signing officer for the Association;

(b) To be available on a daily basis and active over the Summer Session in the planning,
(c) To be responsible for preparing the Association’s budget for the upcoming year in
conjunction with the other members of the incoming Executive;
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(d) To maintain accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements of the monies of the
Executive, and to maintain all financial records;
(e) To monitor and report any inconsistencies in the Association bank accounts and cash
box;
(f) To oversee the disbursements of Association funds under the direction of the
Executive and therefore shall have coincidental authority with the President to sign
cheques on behalf of the Executive;
(g) To work in conjunction with the President and have coincidental authority for the
requisition of funds for the Executive
(h) To consult with the Executive concerning any accounts payable which do not pertain
to a specific budget;
(i) To be accountable to the Executive for all transactions carried out or authorized by
them in their role as Vice President of Financial Affairs;
(j) To present a monthly financial statement to the Executive or upon request of any
member of the Executive
(k) To submit a complete set of audited statements for the fiscal period(s) of his or her
term, before retirement from office;
(l) To Chair the Fundraising Committee
(m) To be responsible for all forms related to the requisition of funds from S.C.L.D., Y.F.S,
Vanier College Council and any other potential sources of funding;
(n) To creatively find ways to increase the revenue of the Association;
(o) To attend all regular meetings of the Executive and provide an executive report in
(p) To input all service hours weekly into YUconnect pending approval from the President;
(q) To maintain a set number of office hours, as prescribed by the Executive, which shall
(r) To dedicate a minimum of 1 hour of transitioning with the incoming Vice President of
Financial Affairs on portfolio duties and other relevant information and,
(s) To carry out the duties assigned to all Members, as prescribed in this Article, and as
Director of Media Affairs
5. The duties of the Director of Media Affairs are as follows:
(a) To coordinate, develop and present a marketing strategy by the end of the summer
term that will ensure that the greatest amounts of ESA members are aware of ESA
services and events, in cooperation with the other members of the Executive;
(b) To work closely with the VP of External Affairs, the VP of Internal Affairs and the
Director of Social Affairs to develop promotional material for all of the ESA’s events
(c) To Chair the Media Affairs committee;
(d) To ensure, in cooperation with the VP of Internal Affairs and the Director of Social
operations of the Association in a timely manner
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(e) To maintain and update all social media platforms, department website, YU connect
and any other digital multimedia platforms
(f) To work closely with the IT Director of the Department of Economics to ensure the
maintenance and updating of the department website;
(g) To attend all regular meetings of the Executive and provide an executive report in
(h) To input all service hours weekly into YUconnect pending approval from the President;
(i) To maintain a set number of office hours, as prescribed by the Executive, which shall
not be less than three (3) hours per week
(j) To dedicate a minimum of 1 hour of transitioning with the incoming Director of Media
Affairs on portfolio duties and other relevant information and,
(k) To carry out the duties assigned to all Members, as prescribed in this Article, and as
Director of Social Affairs
6. The duties of the Director of Social Affairs are as follows:
(a) To coordinate, plan and implement events related to the social life of members;
(b) To present the Executive a portfolio of events and records with respect to the social
life of members;
(c) To coordinate with the Director of Media Affairs and the Communication Committee to
(d) To oversee, investigate, and report to the Executive on all aspects of these events
responsibilities for Member’s and Associates of the Executive;
(e) To fill out all related forms, TUUS or otherwise, needed to implement the events and
then present them to the President for signature
(f) To coordinate with the VP of Financial Affairs to prepare a budget for all events related
to social life;
(g) To liaise with other student organizations at York University to plan, coordinate and
implement events, in conjunction with the VP of External Affairs and the Director of
Media Affairs;
(h) To ensure, in cooperation with the VP of Internal Affairs and the Director of Media
operations of the Association in a timely manner;
(i) To ensure that members, in cooperation with the VP of External Affairs and the VP of
Internal Affairs are familiar with events planned by the Vanier College Council;
(j) To coordinate, in cooperation with the Vanier Athletics Council, the intramural
participation of members and special sports events;
(k) To chair the Social Affairs committee;
(l) To attend all regular meetings of the Executive and provide an executive report in
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(m) To input all service hours weekly into YUconnect pending approval from the President;
(n) To maintain a set number of office hours, as prescribed by the Executive, which shall
not be less than three (3) hours per week
(o) To dedicate a minimum of 1 hour of transitioning with the incoming Director of Media
Affairs on portfolio duties and other relevant information and,
(p) To carry out the duties assigned to all Members, as prescribed in this Article, and as
required in the Economics Students’ Association Constitution;
First Year Representative
(a) To act as the liaison between First Year students studying economics and the
Association/Executive;
(b) To provide assistance in the promotion of the Association events and initiatives
according to the discretion of the rest of the Executive;
(c) To work closely during the Fall Term with VP of Internal Affairs to assist in the planning
and organizing of the study sessions;
(d) To chair one (1) meeting of the Internal Committee during the Fall term;
(e) To work closely during the Winter Term with the Director of Social Affairs to assist in
the planning of at least one social event;
(f) To chair one (1) meeting of the Social Affairs committee during the Winter term;
(g) To attend all regular meetings of the Executive and provide an executive report in
(h) To input all service hours weekly into YUconnect pending approval from the President;
(i) To maintain a set number of office hours, as prescribed by the Executive, which shall
not be less than one (1) hours per week
(j) To dedicate a minimum of 1 hour of transitioning with the incoming First Year
Representative on portfolio duties and other relevant information and,
(k) To carry out the duties assigned to all Members, as prescribed in this Article, and as
required in the Economics Students’ Association Constitution;
Speaker
a) Uphold and enforce the Economics Students’ Association Constitution and all
subsidiary regulations;
b) To be impartial and to maintain order and decorum during the meetings of the
Executive;
c) To ensure that an agenda for each meeting of the Executive is prepared and
distributed at least 24 hours before the start of the meeting;
d) To ensure that responsibility in relation to motions and policies approved by the
Executive is delegated, and such motions and policies are implemented;
e) To ensure that Quorum is maintained at all meetings of the Executive where voting is
taking place
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f) To monitor Executive absences and to invite Motions of impeachment, as required by
the Constitution;
g) To assume the duties of the C.R.O. in the absence of the C.R.O.;
h) To notify the President of the ESA at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance, if
possible, of an intention to be absent from, or late for, a meeting of the Executive;
i) To assume such other duties as the Executive may, from time to time, assign,
provided that such additional duties do not compromise the impartiality and integrity of
the Office of the Speaker; and,
j) To dedicate a minimum of 1 hour of transitioning with the incoming Speaker on
portfolio duties and other relevant information; and,
Duties of All Members of the Executive
9. The duties of the all Executives are as follows:
(a) To be open and available to all member’s interests and concerns then share those to
the rest of the Executive;
(b) To notify the Speaker at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the meeting of any
agenda items related to their respective portfolio;
(c) To notify the Speaker at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance, if possible, of an
intention to be absent from, or late for, a meeting of the Executive, if such notification
is possible;
(d) To comply with the provisions of the Constitution and every subsidiary regulation;
and, to assume such other duties as the Executive may, from time to time, assign.
ARTICLE X: ELECTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE
1. In this Article:
i) "C.R.O." means Chief Returning Officer;
ii) "Elections" means a general election or by-election;
iii) "Elector" means a person who is entitled to vote at an election of the Executive;
iv) "Voter" means an elector who:
(1) Has appeared at a polling place and has accepted a ballot which has been
placed in the ballot box or has declined their ballot and so declared;
(2) Has verified their identification through a York University sanctioned electronic
authority and has submitted their vote through the same or has abstained their
vote and declared the same.
2. The Executive shall, by Act of the Executive, establish additional rules and regulation
concerning general elections and by-elections, provided such rules and regulations do not
conflict with the requirements of this Article or any other Article of the Constitution.
3. Where an Amendment to this Article (Elections) is proclaimed less than two weeks before
the date of an election, such Amendment shall not apply to the election unless so authorized
by the Executive by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting (and where those on
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the prevailing side represent at least a majority of the total number of voting Members the
Executive).
4. Every person is qualified to vote at an election of a student to the Executive who, on the
days(s) fixed for voting, is:
i) A Member of the Economics Students’ Association; and,
ii) An undergraduate student at York University, and is registered and enrolled in at
least one course (or "half" course).
5. There shall be a general election every Spring for all positions of the Executive, except the
First Year Student’s Representative. It shall be held after the Reading Week (or Co-
Curricular Week) of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, and not later than
two (2) weeks before the last day of regular classes during the Winter Session.
6. There shall be an election every Fall for the position of First Year Student’s Representative
which shall not be held before the completion of at least two (2) weeks of regular school
days, and not later than the end of September; provided that the Executive may, by
unanimous consent, postpone the holding of such election until October.
7. Whenever a vacancy occurs on the Executive during the Summer Session, the position shall
be filled during, the Fall elections.
8. Whenever a vacancy occurs on the Executive during the Fall Session, a by-election shall be
held within Thirty (30) days. If the thirtieth day occurs after the last day of classes in the Fall
Session, the election may be held during the month of January.
9. Whenever a vacancy occurs on the Executive during the Winter Session, a by-election shall
be held within Thirty (30) days; provided that the Executive may, by two-third (2/3) vote,
dispense with the requirement of holding a by-election, and fill the position by appointment.
10. All candidates must fill the qualifications of the position to which they wish to be nominated
as outlined in Article IV
11. No person is eligible as a candidate who, on or after the beginning of the nomination period
of a particular election, has been engaged as an election official.
12. Candidates must run independently; that is, the formation of a coalition (two or more people
running on a "slate") is prohibited.
13. No person shall be nominated and consent to be nominated so as to be a candidate for
election as a Member of the Executive for more than one position at the same time and, if
any person is nominated contrary to this Section and consents thereto, all the nominations
are void.
14. For a general election or by-election, a nominating period of not less than three (3) regular
school days nor more than fourteen (14) consecutive calendar days shall be allowed for
each position.
15. For a general election or by-election, a minimum campaign period of not less than seven (7)
consecutive days, of which at least five (5) days shall be regular school days, shall be
allowed for each position. The campaign period shall not last longer than fourteen (14)
calendar days.
16. When there is, or is to be, a vacancy in the office of C.R.O., whether following the Spring
elections, or because the incumbent of the office has indicated an intention to resign the
office of C.R.O., or for any other reason, the Executive shall appoint a new C.R.O., who
shall hold office at the pleasure of the Executive.
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17. Unless otherwise provided by the Executive, when the office of C.R.O. is vacant, the
Speaker shall be the Acting C.R.O.
18. Prior to the appointment of a new C.R.O., the Executive shall post notice for at least one (1)
week of which at least five (5) days must be regular school days, that the office of C.R.O. is
vacant, or is to become vacant, and that interested persons may apply for the position.
19. Following the posting of notice, and as soon after as the Executive is ready, the Executive
shall appoint a C.R.O.
20. Despite Section 18, the Executive may, by unanimous consent, appoint a person C.R.O.
without the posting of notice.
21. The term of office of the C.R.O. expires at the end of the Winter Session.
22. No person shall be C.R.O. who is:
i) A Member of the Executive;
ii) A candidate in an election to the Executive
23. The C.R.O. shall Act in an impartial manner in every respect concerning an election to the
Executive. The C.R.O. shall in no way support any candidate, except when exercising the
right to vote.
24. The C.R.O. may make any interim decisions, rulings or orders deemed appropriate, fair and
just, provided such decisions, rulings or orders do not conflict with
i) The Constitution or any subsidiary regulation;
ii) Any instructions of the Executive issued prior to the opening of nominations; or,
iii) Any instructions issued by an Elections Tribunal.
25. After the Executive has determined the dates and times of the election, the President shall
instruct the Speaker to call to order an election meeting with the C.R.O. following the
procedure outlined by S.C.L.D
26. The C.R.O. shall ensure that nomination and election information is distributed to the
membership of the Association at least three (3) regular school days prior to the opening of
the nomination period Nomination and election information shall include the date(s) of the
election, the dates of the nomination period, the dates of the campaign period, the
position(s) to be consented, and the location of the Association office.
27. The C.R.O. shall ensure daily that the information is intact and up-to-date, and shall do so
until a respective election is over.
28. During the nomination period, the C.R.O. shall ensure that nomination forms are prepared
and easily available during the business hours of the Executive. The form used for
nominations shall require:
i) the name of the candidate, and their student number, address, telephone number
and signature;
ii) The position for which the candidate is being nominated; and
iii) The names, signatures and student numbers of at least ten (10) members of the
Association who are eligible to vote in the Executive elections.
29. The C.R.O. shall forthwith declare elected any candidate for a position for which there are
fewer nominees than, or the same number of nominees as, there are available positions.
30. The C.R.O. shall be responsible for informing all candidates of their rights and
responsibilities concerning election conduct as provided for in the Constitution and any Acts
of the Executive concerning elections.
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31. The C.R.O. shall ensure that copies of the Constitution and all subsidiary regulations are
available to each candidate.
32. The C.R.O. shall ensure that a complete list of candidates, including those who have been
acclaimed, is posted immediately following the close of the nominating period. Such list shall
be posted outside the office of the Association, all related multimedia platforms and in any
other locations(s) the C.R.O. deems appropriate.
33. Following the counting of the ballots be they physical, electronic, or otherwise, the C.R.O.
shall forthwith declare elected the candidate who has obtained the largest number of votes.
34. If an equal number of votes are found to have been cast for two (2) or more candidates and
an additional vote would entitle one (1) of them to be declared to be elected, the C.R.O.
shall conduct another election within seven (7) days via ballot or electronically, between the
candidates with equal votes to determine the candidate to be elected to the Executive.
35. Following the counting of the ballots, the C.R.O. shall post the results outside the office of
the Association and in any other location(s) the C.R.O. deems appropriate. The results shall
include:
i) The phrase "Election Results";
ii) The names of all candidates, including those who have been acclaimed;
iii) The total number of ballots cast;
iv) The number of ballots cast for each candidate;
v) The name(s) of the elected person(s); and,
vi) The signature of the C.R.O.
36. The C.R.O. shall submit a written report to the Executive or the Speaker within seven days
following an election. The report shall include:
i) The C.R.O.' s recommendation as to who should be deemed to have been fairly and
justly elected; and,
ii) Details of any irregularities in the election procedure (if any) and whether or not such
irregularities affected (in the C.R.O.'s opinion) the election results.
37. The C.R.O. shall retain in their possession all election materials for a period of at least Thirty
(30) days, unless directed to hand over such documents to the Speaker, the Executive, or
an elections tribunal. Election materials shall include each candidate's nomination form, all
ballots cast, and the voters' list.
38. Upon presentation of the C.R.O.'s report, the Executive shall ratify the report and, therefore,
validate the election of the candidates who have been declared elected by the C.R.O. The
Executive shall not validate the election of any candidate whose position is being contested
before an elections tribunal. Where, for any reason, the C.R.O.' s report is not presented,
but there is sufficient reasonable evidence to indicate who was fairly and justly elected, the
Executive shall immediately validate the election of such candidates.
39. The ratification and validation by the Executive of the election of candidates under Section
38) shall not in any way be construed as preventing a person from pursuing, or continuing to
pursue, an election matter before an elections tribunal, nor shall it be construed as
preventing an Elections Tribunal from exercising any of the powers it may lawfully exercise
including, but not limited to, the power to invalidate the election of a candidate and the
power to declare an election invalid.
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40. No candidate may assume office until the Executive has ratified the C.R.O.'s report. Every
candidate, upon such ratification, shall, unless an Elections Tribunal otherwise declares,
with cause, be deemed to have been lawfully and validly elected and may assume their
position immediately, with all accompanying rights and privileges, unless the Constitution or
an Act of the Executive provides that such position shall not be assumed until a later time.
41. The Executive may, by Act of the Executive, establish, from time to time, an Elections
Tribunal (including the Executive itself), which shall Act as a final court of appeal for all
issues concerning an election.
42. Notwithstanding the duties and responsibilities of the C.R.O. as set out in the Constitution or
in any subsidiary regulations, an elections tribunal may overrule any decision of the C.R.O.
and may give to the C.R.O. any instructions which in any way relate to an election, and such
instructions shall be binding on the C.R.O. provided that no instruction may be contrary to
the provisions of the Constitution or any subsidiary regulations.
ARTICLE XI: THE EXECUTIVE TERM OF OFFICE AND MATTERS CONCERNING

SUCCESSION OF THE NEW EXECUTIVE
1. A single year's Executive shall exist for approximately one (1) year, the term of which shall
begin upon the dissolution of an outgoing Executive in one (1) particular year, and shall
continue until its own dissolution the following year.
2. The Executive may be dissolved, at any time following the annual general elections,
provided a Motion to such effect is passed by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and
voting (and where those on the prevailing side represent at least a majority of the total
number of voting Members then on the Executive).
3. Where The Executive has not been dissolved pursuant to Section 2, The Executive shall be
deemed to be immediately dissolved upon the expiration of the last day of the Winter
Session.
4. Following the annual general elections, every person elected to The Executive shall assume
office immediately, subject to any provisions to the contrary which may be set out in Article
XII concerning elections.
5. Every voting Member of the Executive who was not re-elected during the annual general
elections shall continue in office as an Executive Member-at-large, and every such Member
is in duty bound to continue to execute all of their duties until The Executive is dissolved.
6. Every person who has been declared elected during the annual general elections, and
whose election is subsequently declared void, shall be an Executive Member-at-large if such
person was a Member of the Executive immediately prior to the election.
7. For greater certainty, nothing herein shall be construed as changing or affecting the
requirements as to quorum and, therefore, every voting Member of the Executive (including
Executive Members-at-large) may be counted in quorum.
ARTICLE XII: PROCEDURES OF THE EXECUTIVE
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1. The Executive shall, by Act of the Executive, establish additional rules and regulations
concerning the procedures of the Executive, provided such rules and regulations do not
conflict with the requirements of the Article or any other Article of the Constitution.
2. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall
govern the Executive in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not
inconsistent with the Constitution or other subsidiary regulations, including any special rules
of order the Executive may adopt.
3. The Speaker shall preserve order and decorum, and shall decide Questions of Order.
4. No debate shall be permitted on any decision. A decision of the Speaker may be appealed
to the Executive in accordance with the Constitution. [See Article IV]
5. The Speaker shall not take part in any debate before the Executive.
6. A Meeting of the Executive requires Quorum – defined as a 2/3 majority of all voting
members of the Executive
a. It is the Speaker’s responsibility to ensure that the meeting will meet the
requirements of Quorum (ie. 2/3’s of the Executive can attend the meeting in full)
7. Meetings of the Executive:
a. During the Fall and Winter Sessions, meetings of the Executive shall be held every
other week unless otherwise decided by the Executive
b. During the Summer Session, meetings of the Executive shall be held at least once in
every month.
c. Despite Subsections (a) and (b), not more than thirty (30) days shall intervene
between two (2) meetings of the Executive.
8. The Executive shall, by Act of the Executive, Standing or special order, or by Motion,
establish the time and day of the week, or specific dates, for regular meetings of the
Executive.
9. Notice of Regular Meetings:
a. Where the Executive has established when regular meetings are to be held, no
notice need be given to Members after the first meeting.
b. Every Member of the Executive shall promptly be informed by the Speaker in the
absence thereof, of when regular meetings of The Executive are to be held, if such
Member was absent from the meeting at which such decision was made.
10. Additional Meetings:
a. In addition to regular meetings of The Executive, either the President or the Speaker
may call meeting of The Executive at their discretion.
b. The Speaker shall call a meeting upon the direction of any two (2) Members of The
Executive by verbal, written or emailed request.
c. Notice of meetings called pursuant to Subsections (a) or (b) shall be delivered,
telephoned or emailed to each Member not less than Forty-Eight (48) hours before
the meeting is to take place. Such notice shall be communicated by the Speaker or
the President in the absence thereof, and shall indicate the time and the place of the
meeting.
d. No notice of a meeting shall be necessary if all Members are present or if those
Members absent have signified, in writing or email, their consent to the meeting
being held in their absence. Such signification, whether given before or after the
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meeting of which notice is required to be given, shall resolve any default in giving
such notice.
e. No error or omission in giving notice to any Member of a meeting of The Executive
shall invalidate such meeting or make void any proceedings taken thereat, provided
that the error or submission was purely accidental and not so unreasonable that it
substantially affected the Member(s) concerned.
11. Meeting Agenda:
a. The Speaker, or the President in the absence thereof, shall prepare the agenda for
each meeting of The Executive, and shall ensure that it is delivered to each Member
not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the meeting is to take place
b. The agenda of each meeting shall be accompanied by any relevant supporting
materials sufficiently detailed to inform each Member of the matters to be considered
at the meeting.
c. A Member may require the addition of one (1) or more matters to the agenda of the
meeting by written notice to the Speaker, or the President in the absence thereof.
Such notice shall be accompanied by any relevant supporting materials sufficiently
detailed to inform each Member of the material(s) to be added to the agenda of the
meeting. Such notice and materials shall be delivered in sufficient time to enable
Speaker, or the President in the absence thereof, to comply with the obligations set
out in Subsection (a).
d. The Executive shall, at the beginning of a meeting, formally adopt the prepared
agenda and, thereafter, any changes to the agenda shall require a two-thirds (2/3)
vote of the Executive. Where the Executive fails to adopt the agenda, it shall be
deemed to have been adopted when the first Member making a report at that
meeting has begun such report.
e. Items to be discussed under New Business shall be indicated prior to the adoption of
the agenda, and may not be voted upon at that meeting unless consented to by The
Executive, by two-thirds (2/3) vote.
f. The Executive shall take no vote on any item which has not been included on the
agenda.
12. Meeting Minutes:
a. The minutes of each meeting shall be reviewed by the Members and adopted, with
or without amendment, at the next meeting of the Executive, unless the Executive
postpones such adoption. The minutes, being a statement of the facts and events
that occurred at such meeting, may be amended only to better reflect those facts and
events.
b. The minutes of each meeting upon adoption by the Executive shall be signed by the
Vice President of Internal Affairs or other person who took the minutes for that
meeting and the President. The minutes of any meeting of the Executive, upon being
signed shall be prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated.
13. The Executive may, from time to time, hold all or part of a meeting of the Executive in
camera.
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14. Unless otherwise provided for, all Motions shall be passed by a simple majority vote of those
Members present and voting. When the numbers of votes both for and against a Motion are
equal, the decision shall be deemed to be in the negative.
15. Any Member of the Executive may demand a recorded roll call vote (a vote in which the
names of those voting for and against a Motion may be recorded).
16. For greater certainty, no proxy votes of any kind may be exercised or employed by The
Executive or Member of the Executive.
17. The Speaker or The Executive may divide any Motion into more than one Motion or question
for consideration by The Executive.
18. Except when The Executive is meeting in camera, all meetings are open to every member of
York University.
19. Any person who is not a Member of the Executive may be permitted to address The
Executive, or be permitted to participate in debate, at the discretion of the Speaker or if a
Motion to that effect is passed by The Executive.
20. No person shall speak for more than Ten (10) minutes to any one (1) question, including
when delivering a report, unless with the consent of The Executive.
21. The presence of a majority of the voting Members of the Executive then in office shall be
necessary to constitute a meeting of The Executive.
22. If a meeting of The Executive is not convened by reason of the lack of quorum, the Speaker
shall, after being satisfied that quorum will not be obtained within a respectable time,
adjourn the Executive, and the time of adjournment and the names of the Members present
shall be recorded in the minutes.
23. When all Members present or participating in a meeting have consented, any Member may
participate in a meeting of the Executive by means of conference telephone or other
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can
hear each other, and a Member participating in a meeting in such manner shall be deemed
to be present in person at the meeting.
24. No vote or meeting of The Executive shall be declared void or invalid by the Speaker or the
Executive by reason of the participation of any person whose election to the Executive is
subsequently declared void by an Elections Tribunal.
ARTICLE XIV: COMMITTEES, ASSOCIATES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND THE EXECUTIVE

OFFICE
1. The Executive shall, after no more than two (2) weeks of succession of office, review the
Acts that govern the Committees, listed in Section 2, ratified by the previous Executive.
Upon review, the Speaker shall open the floor for tabling of any amendments following the
procedure in Article XIX.
2. The Executive shall form each year the following Committees:
a. External Committee which shall coordinate, plan and implement events related to
the career development of members, liaise with other student organizations at
York University to implement events related to career development, search for
external conferences related to the study of and/or a career in economics, and
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perform other duties as directed by the Chairperson of the Committee, the Vice
President of External Affairs.
b. Internal Committee which shall coordinate, plan and implement events related to
the academic success of members, work closely with the Department of
Economics and the Vanier Peer Mentor Program to organize and run regular
study sessions, liaise with the faculty of the Department of Economics to foster a
closer relationship between the professors and the students, and perform other
duties as directed by the Chairperson of the Committee, the Vice President of
Internal of Affairs.
c. Fundraising Committee which shall coordinate, plan and implement strategies to
increase the revenues of the Association, assist with any charitable work of the
ESA and perform other duties as directed by the Chairperson of the Committee,
the Vice President of Financial Affairs.
d. Media Affairs Committee which shall coordinate, plan and implement the
marketing strategy for all ESA events, create all promotional material for the
Association, work closely with the Executive and other committees, and perform
other duties as directed by the Chairperson of the Committee, the Director of
Media Affairs.
e. Social Affairs Committee which shall coordinate, plan and implement events
related to the social life of members, work closely with Vanier College Council to
coordinate social events between the Association and Vanier College, coordinate
the intramural participation of members of the ESA in close partnership with
Vanier Athletics Council and perform other duties as directed by the Chairperson
of the Committee, the Director of Social Affairs.
3. The Executive shall, by Act of the Executive, establish rules and regulations concerning the
procedures of each Committee, provided such rules and regulations do not conflict with the
requirements of the Article or any other Article of the Constitution.
4. The Executive may, from time to time, create additional Committees to conduct such
business as needed by the Executive.
5. All members who are part of a Committee shall be Associates of the Executive and shall
have the following titles based on the Committee they are a part of:
a. External Associate for Section 2a
b. Internal Associate for Section 2b
c. Fundraising Associate for Section 2c
d. Media Affairs Associate for Section 2d
e. Social Affairs Associate for Section 2e
6. The collective body of the Executive and all the Associates of the Executive shall be known
as the Executive Office of the Economics Students’ Association or the EOA (Executive
Office of the Association).
ARTICLE XV: CLASS REPRESENTATIVES
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1. During the first ten (10) regular school days of the Fall Term, the Executive, managed
predominately by the Vice President of Internal Affairs, shall enlist volunteers to the fill
the role of Class Representative for the following classes: ECON 1000, 1010, 1530,
1540, 2300, 2350, 2400, 2450, 2500, 3210 and 3480.
2. Class Representatives shall be active students in the class, dedicated to attend the
majority of classes on a regular basis, who will spend the first few minutes of each
lecture informing the class of the upcoming events of the Association.
3.Class Representatives are also members of the Internal Committee and will have the
additional title of Internal Associate.
ARTICLE XVI: EOA MEETINGS AND RECONGNITION OF THE WORK OF THE EOA
1. The Executive Office of the ESA, otherwise referred to as the EOA, shall meet weekly,
advertised and open to the entire membership of the ESA. This meeting will be called
the EOA meeting.
2.The EOA meeting will be chaired by a Member of the Executive on a rotating basis,
3. The EOA meeting shall be an opportunity for the Executive to present upcoming events,
initiatives and all ongoing operations as well as allow those members that are not a part
of the Executive Office an opportunity to provide feedback.
4.The Executive may, from time to time, bring in guest speakers to present at the EOA
meetings.
5. During the spring elections, the Executive shall begin the process of selecting awards for
the following:
a. Top Associate on each Committee
b. Top Executive (the President is exempt from this award)
6.The awards for Section 6 shall be of a monetary value no greater than twenty five (25)
dollars.
7.The Executive shall also create certificates of appreciation for all Associates of the
Executive.
8.At the EOA meeting immediately following the presentation of the results of the spring
election, the President of the outgoing Executive shall present the certificates of
appreciation and the awards listed in Section 5 and 7 respectively.
ARTICLE XVII: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND MISCONDUCT
1. A conflict of interest is defined as any situation in which a Member of the Executive is

involved in multiple interests (financial, emotional, or otherwise), one of which could possibly
corrupt the motivation of said Member.
2. Any Member of the Executive agrees to avoid all conflicts of interest upon succession of
office and if failing to do so, may face disciplinary action under the rules of Article XVIII.
3. The Executive may, by Act of the Executive, establish additional rules and regulations to
prohibit Members of the Executive from engaging in activities or having interests which
conflict with the proper discharge of their duties and responsibilities, including restrictions on
Members from voting in the Executive on issues considered to be a conflict of interest.
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4. In the event that a Member has been found to have engaged in activity that conflicted with
the proper discharge of their office due to a conflict of interest, this misconduct shall be
reviewed by the Speaker before being presented to the entire Executive, in camera, for
review.
5. All acts of misconduct will be presented to and reviewed by the Speaker, unless it is an act
of misconduct on the part of the Speaker (see Article XVIII), and then presented to the entire
Executive, in camera, for review. If action needs to be taken, the rules in Article XVIII will be
followed.
ARTICLE XVIII: RESIGNATION AND IMPEACHMENT
1. The Executive may, for any reason(s) it considers appropriate or for those referred to in
Article XVII, impeach, suspend or censure a Member of the Executive. A Motion of
impeachment must be passed by two thirds (2/3) majority vote of whose present and
number of voting Members then on The Executive). A Motion of suspension must be
passed by a two thirds (2/3) majority vote of those present and voting (and where the
prevailing side represent at least a majority of the total number of voting Members then on
the Executive). A Motion of censure must be passed by a simple majority of those present
and voting.
2. In the case of the Speaker, a Motion of impeachment, suspension or censure may be
passed by a simple majority of those present and voting.
3. A Member of the Executive may not be suspended for longer than fourteen (14) days, or two
(2) meetings, whichever is longer.
4. Unless the Executive otherwise declares, where a Member is suspended from the
Executive, that Member is also suspended for the same period of time from all the Executive
duties, including the right to vote and take part in the proceedings of any applicable
Committees, Boards, or otherwise.
5. A Motion of impeachment, suspension, or censure may be applied against any Member of
the Executive. A Motion of impeachment applied against an ex officio Member shall have
effect for that the Executive year only.
6. When, by general consensus, the Executive is of the opinion that a Motion of impeachment,
suspension or censure should be considered, a formal Motion need not be moved by any
particular Member, but shall be deemed to have been moved and seconded.
7. Every Motion of impeachment, suspension or censure shall be considered in camera unless
the Executive, by two-thirds (2/3) vote, determines that consideration should be public.
8. The Speaker shall present a list of offences against the Member to which a Motion of
impeachment, suspension or censure applies or, if the person is absent shall state the
offences to the Executive.
9. The Member of the Executive to which a Motion of impeachment, suspension or censure
applies may make a statement and, thereafter, shall withdraw during the time the matter is
in debate.
10. Amendment of Motion:
26
a. Any Motion of impeachment may, by two-thirds (2/3) vote, be amended to be a
Motion of suspension or censure.
b. Any Motion of suspension may, by two-thirds (2/3) vote, be amended to be a
Motion of impeachment or censure.
c. Any Motion of censure may, by two-thirds (2/3 vote), be amended to be a Motion
of impeachment or censure
11. A vote to impeach, suspend or censure a Member of the Executive shall be conducted by
secret ballot.
12. The Member of the Executive to which a Motion of impeachment, suspension or censure
applies shall not have a vote in relation to such Motion.
13. Meeting Attendance:
a. Whenever any Member of the Executive is absent for three (3) consecutive
regular meetings of the Executive, it shall be the duty of the Members of the
Executive to consider a Motion of impeachment.
b. If any Member of the Executive is absent for a total of three (3) meetings of the
Executive in either the Fall Session or the Winter Session, it shall be the duty of
the Members of the Executive to consider a Motion of impeachment.
c. If any Member of the Executive if habitually late for meetings of the Executive, it
shall be the duty of the Members of the Executive to consider a Motion of
impeachment.
ARTICLE XIX: FINANCES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND CONTRACTS
1.The Executive shall, by Act of the Executive, establish additional rules and regulations
concerning the financial procedures of the Executive, provided such rules and
regulations do not conflict with the requirements of this Article or any other Article of the
Constitution.
2.All monies authorized, allocated and spent by the Executive are the sole gift of the
Executive as representatives of the students and members of the Economics Students’
Association; and it is the right of the Executive to direct, limit, and appoint in all such
decisions, the ends, purposes, considerations, conditions, limitations and qualifications
of such allocations.
3. the Executive continues to retain authority over all monies until they are spent,
notwithstanding that a budget has been approved or that monies have been allocated to
any Member or Committee of the Executive, or other person or organization deriving its
authority and existence from the Constitution or the Executive, and who/which is directly
responsible to the Executive.
4.In accordance with Section 3, the Executive shall:
a. Increase or decrease the amount of;
b. Enact, amend, or repeal conditions or regulations governing the spending of, or;
c. Revoke, suspend or re-allocate all or any monies allocated or budgeted.
5.Notwithstanding that a budget has been approved or that monies have been allocated, no
Member of the Executive may authorize the spending of monies, without the express
consent of the Executive, in excess of two hundred dollars ($200.00), or for a lesser
27
amount which is one of a series of related transactions involving an expenditure by the
Executive in excess of two hundred dollars ($200.00). In the event of any uncertainty,
the Executive shall determine the matter.
6.All cheques, bills of exchange, or other orders for the payment of money, shall be signed
by any two (2) of the following:
a. The President, and;
b. The Vice President of Financial Affairs
7.All contracts, agreements, instruments or other documents requiring the signature of the
Executive shall be signed by the President and at least one (1) other Member of the
Executive.
8.Despite Section 7, contracts in the ordinary course of the Executive’s operation may be
entered into on behalf of the Executive by any person expressly authorized by the
Executive.
9.It is affirmed that the Executive may at any time, by resolution, direct the manner in which
any particular contract agreement, instrument, document or other obligation(s) of the
Executive may or shall be executed.
10. The fiscal year of the Executive shall terminate on the 30th day of April in each year.
ARTICLE XXI: ACTS OF THE EXECUTIVE
1. In this Article, "Bill" means an Act or an Amendment to an Act (including an Amendment the
purpose of which is to recall an Act) before it has been passed by the Executive.
2. Every definition in Article III applies to every Act, unless a contrary intention appears. Every
provision in Article III applies to every Act, unless a contrary intention appears.
3. the Executive may, from time to time, enact, amend or repeal Acts of the Executive by two
thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting (and where those on the prevailing side
represent at least a majority of the total number of voting Members then on the Executive).
4. No Bill may be passed unless it has been tabled, in writing, at a meeting of the Executive at
least seven (7) days before.
5. Amendments to a Bill must be in writing, at least one (1) copy of which must be submitted to
the Speaker before such Amendment may be passed.
6. Every Act shall come into force on the day after it is approved by the Executive, unless the
Executive declares another day as the day on which such Act is to come into force.
7. Where an Amendment to an Act has been passed, the Executive may pass the following
Motion, or a Motion to the effect:
That in preparing the next revision of the Constitution and be Acts of the Executive
the [i.e. the Speaker, etc] as authorized to alter and correct Article and Section
designations, punctuation, grammatical or typographical errors, and cross
references, and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be
necessary to reflect the intent of the Executive in connection with any amendments
made to the Constitution and the Acts of the Executive to date
28
ARTICLE XXII: AMENDMENT PROCEDURES
1. In this Article, "Proposal" or "Proposition" means a proposed Amendment to the

Constitution.
2.Any Member of the Executive may propose an Amendment to the Constitution. To be
effective, such Amendment must first be passed by the Executive at two (2) separate
readings.
3.To pass First Reading, a proposed Amendment to the Constitution must be approved by
the Executive by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting (and where those on
the prevailing side represent at least a majority of the total number of voting Members
then on the Executive).
4.Before passing First Reading, the Executive may amend a proposed Constitutional
Amendment.
5.A proposed Amendment to the Constitution which contains two (2) or more propositions
may be divided so that the Executive may consider each a separate proposition.
6.Upon passing First Reading, every proposed Amendment to the Constitution shall be
made public for at least thirty (30) days, of which at least ten (10) days must be regular
school days, before being passed at Second Reading.
7.If the Executive amends a proposal before the expiration of the thirty (30) days, the
amended proposal shall be treated in all respects as a new proposal; that is, the new
proposal must be made public for at least thirty (30) days, and thereafter the Executive
may proceed to Second Reading.
8.To pass Second Reading, a proposed Amendment to the Constitution must be approved
by the Executive, without Amendment, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and
number of voting Members then on the Executive).
9.If a proposed Constitutional Amendment is amended during Second Reading, the
amended proposal must again be made public for at least thirty (30) days, of which at
least ten (10) days must be regular school days, before being passed at Second
Reading.
10. Despite Sections 8 and 9, a proposed Constitutional Amendment which is amended at
Second Reading need not be made public if the Executive dispenses with such
requirement by unanimous consent, or if the Speaker rules that the Amendment to the
proposal is merely of a technical or minor nature.
11. Every proposed Constitutional Amendment which has passed Second Reading shall
come into force immediately.
12. Despite Section 11, the Executive may set another date as the day on which a
Constitutional Amendment shall come into force, provided such day is not more than
thirty (30) days after the proposal has passed Second Reading, and provided that the
Executive approves a Motion to that effect before the proposed Amendment has passed
Second Reading, or at that same meeting.
29
13. Where a proposed Amendment to the Constitution has been passed, the Executive may
pass the following Motion, or a Motion to that effect:
That in preparing the next revision of the Constitution and the Acts of
the Executive, the [i.e. the Speaker, the Secretary, etc.] is authorized to alter and
correct Article and Section designations, punctuation. grammatical or
typographical errors, and cross-references, and to make such other technical
and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the intent of the
Executive in connection with any amendments made to the Constitution and the
Acts of the Executive to date.
ARTICLE XXIII: MISCELLANEOUS
1.Every Constitution, Act of Council, and by-law, of the Economics Students’ Association
enacted before April, 2016 is hereby repealed.
Elections Tribunal Act
1. This Act is made in accordance with Article X of the Constitution.
2. In this Act,
a. “Illegal” means contrary to the Constitution of an Act of the Executive.
b. “Tribunal” means an Elections Tribunal established for a specific general

elections or by-election.
3. The Executive shall at any time prior to the opening of nomination period of an election
strike an Elections Tribunal and shall appoint the members of that Tribunal. The Executive
may continue to appoint additional members to the Tribunal up to the opening of the
nomination period.
4. When membership falls, if at any time the membership of the Tribunal falls below five and
the Executive may not appoint additional members by reason of Section 3, the members on
the Tribunal at that time shall appoint enough persons until the membership equals five.
5. When the Executive fails to strike an Elections Tribunal, an Elections Tribunal shall be
deemed to have been struck, composed of every voting Member of the Executive who is not
disqualified by Section 8 and who does not decline membership.
30
6. The Speaker shall be a voting member and chairperson of the Tribunal unless disqualified
by Section 8.
7. If the Speaker is disqualified, the chairperson shall be chosen by the Tribunal or the
Executive.
8. Every person is disqualified from membership on the Tribunal who:
a. is a candidate in the applicable election;
b. is supporting or aiding a candidate in the applicable election; or,
c. holds any official position in relation to the applicable election.
9. The presence of at least five members or at least fifty percent of the membership, whichever
is greater, shall be necessary to convene a meeting of the Tribunal.
10. During an election, if the Tribunal deems it necessary, appropriate, fair and just, the Tribunal
may give to the C.R.O. any instructions, provided that such instructions do not conflict with
the Constitution or any Acts of the Executive.
11. The Tribunal shall be a final court of appeal for all issues concerning the applicable election.
12. Where it is found by the Tribunal that any corrupt or illegal practice has been committed by a
candidate in an election, or by that candidate’s agent(s), whether with or without the actual
knowledge and consent of the candidate, the election of the candidate, if that candidate is
elected, is void.
13. Where the election of a candidate is declared void, the candidate who has obtained the next
largest number of votes shall be declared elected in lieu thereof.
14. Despite Section 12, where it is found by the Tribunal that any act or omission of a candidate
at any election or of that candidate’s agent(s), constitutes an illegal practice, but:
a. that the act or omission arose from inadvertence or from accidental

miscalculation or from any other reasonable cause of a like nature, and in any
case did not arise from any want of good faith;
b. that the offence was of a trivial, unimportant and limited character; or,
c. that in all other respects the election was free from any corrupt or illegal practice
on the part of the candidate and of the candidate’s agent(s), and it seems to the
31
Tribunal to be fair and just under the circumstances that punitive measures not
be imposed.
15. The Tribunal has the power and authority to declare an election invalid by reason of any
irregularity (either an act or an omission), but no election shall be declared invalid if it
appears to the Tribunal that the irregularity did not affect the outcome of the election.
16. The Tribunal may investigate and consider any issue concerning the election if requested to
do so by a candidate or member of the Association. A request or petition must be in writing
and must be presented to the chairperson of the Tribunal within ten days after the election.
17. Despite Section 16, if the Executive is satisfied that there is sufficient cause or reason for
doing so, the Executive may, by a two-thirds (⅔) vote, extend the period for presenting a
request or petition.
18. All investigations and decisions of the Tribunal shall be concluded within twenty (20) days
after the election.
19. Despite subsection (1), if the Executive is satisfied that there is sufficient cause or reason for
doing so, the council may, by a two-thirds (⅔) vote, grant to the Tribunal additional time for
the purpose of an investigation and decision.
Elections Act
(To be written by the 2016-17 Executive with the new CRO)
External Committee Act
1. This Act is made in accordance with Article XIX of the Constitution.
2. In this Act:
a. “Committee” means the External Committee.
3. There shall be an External Committee which shall coordinate, plan and implement events
related to the career development of members, liaise with other student organizations at
York University to implement events related to career development, search for external
conferences related to the study of and/or a career in economics, and perform other duties
as directed by the Chairperson of the Committee.
4. The Chairperson of the Committee shall be the Vice President of External Affairs.
32
5. During the first week of regular school days in the fall semester, the Chairperson shall
advertise and promote joining the Committee.
6. Any member of the Association is free to join this committee, granted they are not already
apart of more than one (1) other committee within the Association.
7. All members that join the committee shall be Associates of the Executive and referred to as
External Associates.
8. The Chairperson shall call regular meetings of the Committee, at least once every two (2)
weeks, during the Fall and Winter Terms.
9. During the first meeting of the Committee, the Chairperson shall hold open nominations and
elections for the following positions within the Committee:
a. Vice Chairperson
b. Secretary
10. The Vice Chairperson shall work closely with the Chairperson and chair the meetings if the
Chairperson is absent. If neither can attend, the meeting shall be rescheduled.
11. The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping accurate minutes of the meetings of the
Committee, ensuring those minutes are disseminated to all External Associates within forty-
eight (48) hours of the meeting.
Internal Committee Act
2. In this Act:
a. “Committee” means the Internal Committee.
3. There shall be an Internal Committee which shall coordinate, plan and implement events
related to the academic success of members, work closely with the Department of
Economics and the Vanier Peer Mentor Program to organize and run regular study
sessions, liaise with the faculty of the Department of Economics to foster a closer
relationship between the professors and the students, and perform other duties as directed
by the Chairperson of the Committee.
33
4. The Chairperson of the Committee shall be the Vice President of Internal Affairs.
6. Any member of the Association is free to join this Committee, granted they are not already
7. All Class Representatives will become automatic members of this Committee.
Internal Associates.
a. Vice Chairperson
b. Secretary
Committee, ensuring those minutes are disseminated to all Internal Associates within forty-
Fundraising Committee
2. In this Act:
a. “Committee” means the Fundraising Committee.
3. There shall be a Fundraising Committee which shall coordinate, plan and implement
strategies to increase the revenues of the Association, assist with any charitable work of the
ESA and perform other duties as directed by the Chairperson of the Committee.
34
4. The Chairperson of the Committee shall be the Vice President of Financial Affairs.
5. The Committee shall consist of the Chairperson and three (3) other members of the
Association.
promote applying to join the Committee. Applications will be due no later than the end of the
third (3rd) week of the Fall term.
7. Any member of the Association wishing to join the Committee shall submit an application,
outlined by the Executive, to the VP of Financial Affairs. The VP of Financial Affairs will
review the applications, decide on the best candidates and present those candidates to the
Executive for final approval
Fundraising Associates.
Media Affairs Committee
2. In this Act:
a. “Committee” means the Media Affairs Committee.
3. There shall be a Media Affairs Committee which shall coordinate, plan and implement the
marketing strategy for all ESA events, create all promotional material for the Association,
work closely with the Executive and other committees, and perform other duties as directed
by the Chairperson of the Committee.
4. The Chairperson of the Committee shall be the Director of Media Affairs.
5. The Committee shall consist of the following positions:
a. The Chairperson of the Committee
b. Two (2) promotional material designers
35
c. Two (2) social media promoters
d. One (1) member-at-large
promote applying to join the Committee. Applications will be due no later than the end of the
third (3rd) week of the Fall term.
7. Any member of the Association wishing to join the Committee shall submit an application,
outlined by the Executive, to the Director of Media Affairs. The Director of Media Affairs will
review the applications, decide on the best candidates and present those candidates to the
Executive for final approval.
Media Affairs Associates.
10. The two (2) promotional material designers, along with the Chairperson, shall be responsible
for the design and creation of all event promotional material.
11. The two (2) social media promoters, along with the Chairperson, shall be responsible for the
promotion of all ESA events, activities and pertinent ongoing operations across all social
media platforms related to the ESA.
12. The one (1) member-at-large shall assist the Director of Media Affairs and the rest of the
Committee as needed.
Social Affairs Committee
2. In this Act:
a. “Committee” means the Social Affairs Committee.
3. There shall be a Social Affairs Committee which shall coordinate, plan and implement
events related to the social life of members, work closely with Vanier College Council to
coordinate social events between the Association and Vanier College, coordinate the
36
intramural participation of members of the ESA in close partnership with Vanier Athletics
Council and perform other duties as directed by the Chairperson of the Committee.
4. The Chairperson of the Committee shall be the Director of Social Affairs.
6. Any member of the Association is free to join this committee, granted they are not already
Social Affairs Associates.
a. Vice Chairperson
b. Two (2) Athletic coordinators
c. Secretary
11. The two (2) Athletic coordinators shall, working closely with the Chairperson, manage the
intramural participation of members through the Vanier Athletics Council.
Committee, ensuring those minutes are disseminated to all Internal Associates within forty-
37

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THE ECONOMICS STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION

THE ESA CONSTITUTION

AND WHEREAS, the ESA Executives is committed to a democratic system of student

ARTICLE II: SUPREMACY

1. Supremacy and Application of Constitution:

ARTICLE III: DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

1. In this Constitution, unless a contrary intention appears:

ARTICLE IV: INTREPRETATION

The purpose of the ESA shall be as follows:

ARTICLE VI: MEMBERSHIP IN THE ESA

1. The members of the Economics Students’ Association:

1. The seven (7) voting Members of the ESA Executive are

2. The one (2) non-voting Members of the Executive:

3. All Members of the Executive shall also be known as Executives

ARTICLE VIII: APPOINTMENT OF SPEAKER

ARTICLE IX: RESPONSIBILITIES OF ESA EXECUTIVES

1. The duties of the President are as follows:

(a) To be a signing officer for the Association;

Vice-President of External Affairs

2. The duties of the VP of External Affairs are as follows:

Vice-President of Internal Affairs

3. The duties of the VP of Internal Affairs are as follows:

Vice President of Financial Affairs

4. The duties of the VP of Financial Affairs are as follows:

(a) To be a signing officer for the Association;

Director of Media Affairs

5. The duties of the Director of Media Affairs are as follows:

Director of Social Affairs

6. The duties of the Director of Social Affairs are as follows:

First Year Representative

7. The duties of the Director of Social Affairs are as follows:

8. The duties of the Director of Social Affairs are as follows:

Duties of All Members of the Executive

9. The duties of the all Executives are as follows:

ARTICLE X: ELECTIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE

ARTICLE XI: THE EXECUTIVE TERM OF OFFICE AND MATTERS CONCERNING

ARTICLE XII: PROCEDURES OF THE EXECUTIVE

ARTICLE XIV: COMMITTEES, ASSOCIATES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND THE EXECUTIVE

ARTICLE XV: CLASS REPRESENTATIVES

ARTICLE XVII: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND MISCONDUCT

1. A conflict of interest is defined as any situation in which a Member of the Executive is

ARTICLE XVIII: RESIGNATION AND IMPEACHMENT

ARTICLE XIX: FINANCES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND CONTRACTS

ARTICLE XXI: ACTS OF THE EXECUTIVE

1. In this Article, "Proposal" or "Proposition" means a proposed Amendment to the

ARTICLE XXIII: MISCELLANEOUS

Elections Tribunal Act

1. This Act is made in accordance with Article X of the Constitution.

a. “Illegal” means contrary to the Constitution of an Act of the Executive.

b. “Tribunal” means an Elections Tribunal established for a specific general

8. Every person is disqualified from membership on the Tribunal who:

a. is a candidate in the applicable election;

b. is supporting or aiding a candidate in the applicable election; or,

c. holds any official position in relation to the applicable election.

a. that the act or omission arose from inadvertence or from accidental

(To be written by the 2016-17 Executive with the new CRO)

External Committee Act

1. This Act is made in accordance with Article XIX of the Constitution.

a. “Committee” means the External Committee.

Internal Committee Act

1. This Act is made in accordance with Article XIX of the Constitution.

a. “Committee” means the Internal Committee.

7. All Class Representatives will become automatic members of this Committee.