Dickinson State University

Student Organization Constitution

Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be the Badlands Film Appreciation Society, hereafter referred to as the BFAS or the Society.

The Badlands Film Appreciation Society is a recognized student organization of Dickinson State University.

Article II: Purpose

The purpose of the Badlands Film Appreciation Society is to foster an appreciation, understanding, and thoughtful discussion of cinema as an artistic, cultural, historical, and social medium.

The Society shall provide Dickinson State University students with opportunities to:

  1. Watch and discuss films from a wide range of genres, eras, cultures, countries, and filmmaking traditions.
  1. Develop greater knowledge of film history, film language, cinematic technique, and film criticism.
  1. Explore the ways films reflect, influence, and respond to society and culture.
  1. Encourage respectful discussion and exchange of differing perspectives about films and their meanings.
  1. Provide opportunities for students to share their interests, recommendations, reviews, and knowledge of cinema.
  1. Invite filmmakers, scholars, critics, artists, and other guests to speak about cinema and related subjects.
  1. Organize film screenings, discussions, educational programs, festivals, and other activities consistent with the Society’s mission.
  1. Build connections among Dickinson State University students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the surrounding community who share an interest in cinema.

The Society shall strive to make film appreciation accessible to individuals with varying levels of knowledge and experience. Members are not expected to have prior academic or professional experience with film.

Article III: Membership

Membership shall be open to all currently enrolled Dickinson State University students who support the purposes of the Society, subject to applicable University policies.

The Society may also welcome Dickinson State University faculty, staff, alumni, and community members as guests or participants in Society activities when permitted by university policy. Student membership and voting privileges shall be reserved for currently enrolled Dickinson State University students.

No student shall be denied membership or participation based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law or University policy.

There shall be no membership requirement based on academic major, class standing, previous film knowledge, or level of interest in cinema.

Article IV: Officers

The officers of the Society shall consist of:

  1. President
  1. Vice President
  1. Secretary
  1. Treasurer
  1. Additional officers or appointed positions as determined by the membership

The Society may establish additional positions when necessary to support its activities, provided that such positions do not conflict with university requirements.

Section 1: President

The President shall:

  • serve as the principal student representative of the Society.
  • preside over Society meetings.
  • coordinate with the faculty or staff advisor.
  • help establish the Society’s annual goals and programming.
  • coordinate with university offices concerning Society activities when appropriate.
  • delegate responsibilities to other officers and members.
  • represent the Society to Student Senate and other University organizations when appropriate.
Section 2: Vice President

The Vice President shall:

  • assist the President in carrying out the Society’s activities.
  • assume the duties of the President when the President is absent or unable to serve.
  • assist with planning screenings, discussions, and other Society events.
  • coordinate committees or special projects as assigned.
Section 3: Secretary

The Secretary shall:

  • maintain accurate minutes of official Society meetings.
  • maintain organizational records.
  • assist with member communication and announcements.
  • maintain an updated copy of the Society’s constitution and other governing documents.
  • assist with annual registration and other organizational paperwork.
Section 4: Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

  • maintain accurate records of Society finances.
  • prepare financial reports when requested.
  • work with the advisor and appropriate University offices regarding Society funds.
  • assist with fundraising and financial planning.
  • ensure that expenditures are consistent with university policies and approved Society activities.

Article V: Elections and Terms of Office

Officers shall be elected by the voting membership of the Society.

Elections shall normally take place during the spring semester for the following academic year, although the Society may hold elections at another time when circumstances require.

Officers shall serve for one academic year or until their successors are elected and assume their duties.

A student may serve more than one term in the same office if elected by the membership.

To be eligible to serve as an officer, a student must be a currently enrolled Dickinson State University student and remain in good standing with the University, subject to applicable University requirements.

Section 1: Election Procedure

Candidates for office may be nominated by any voting member or may nominate themselves.

Each candidate shall have an opportunity to address the membership before voting.

Elections shall be decided by a simple majority of votes cast unless otherwise specified in this Constitution.

Voting shall be conducted in a manner determined by the membership that allows eligible members a fair opportunity to participate.

Section 2: Vacancies

If the office of President becomes vacant, the Vice President shall assume the office for the remainder of the term.

Other vacant offices may be filled by a majority vote of the membership.

Article VI: Meetings

The Society shall hold meetings and activities at times and locations determined by the officers in consultation with the advisor and membership.

The Society should make reasonable efforts to provide members with advance notice of regular meetings, screenings, and other activities.

Meetings may include, but are not limited to:

  • film screenings
  • film discussions
  • guest presentations
  • film criticism or analysis workshops
  • film history or appreciation sessions
  • member presentations
  • social gatherings
  • film festivals
  • collaborations with other student organizations or community groups

The Society may establish committees or temporary working groups to organize specific events or projects.

Article VII: Film Selection and Programming

Films selected for Society activities should reflect the Society’s mission of encouraging exploration and appreciation of cinema.

Programming may include films from different:

  • historical periods
  • countries and cultures
  • genres and styles
  • filmmaking traditions
  • levels of critical and popular recognition

The Society may organize recurring or themed screening programs, including but not limited to family films, classic cinema, international cinema, genre cinema, contemporary films, animated films, and films that have received limited critical recognition.

When appropriate, screenings may be accompanied by introductions, discussions, presentations, guest speakers, or other educational activities.

Film selection shall be conducted in accordance with Dickinson State University policies and applicable law, including policies governing the use of copyrighted material and University facilities.

Article VIII: Advisor

The Society shall have a faculty or staff advisor in accordance with Dickinson State University requirements.

The advisor shall provide guidance to the Society and assist the organization in understanding and following university policies and procedures.

The advisor shall not replace student leadership or decision-making. The Society shall remain a student-led organization.

The advisor shall be provided with the information and responsibilities required by Dickinson State University.

Article IX: Finances

All Society funds shall be handled in accordance with Dickinson State University policies and procedures.

The Treasurer shall maintain accurate records of organizational income and expenditures.

No Society funds shall be used for personal benefit or for activities inconsistent with the purposes of the organization or the policies of Dickinson State University.

Fundraising activities may be conducted with appropriate University approval.

Any dues, fees, or assessments shall be approved by the membership and administered in accordance with university policy.

Article X: Conduct

All members and officers shall conduct themselves in accordance with Dickinson State University policies, applicable law, and the purposes of the Society.

The Society encourages open and respectful discussion. Members may hold differing opinions about films, filmmakers, artistic movements, cultural issues, and other subjects discussed by the organization.

Disagreement shall not, by itself, constitute misconduct. Members are expected to engage in discussion in a manner that respects the dignity and participation of others.

The Society may establish reasonable guidelines for discussion, screenings, and events when necessary to maintain an inclusive and productive environment.

Article XI: Amendments

Proposed amendments to this Constitution may be submitted by any voting member.

An amendment shall be presented to the membership at least one meeting before the vote.

An amendment shall require approval by a two-thirds majority of voting members present and voting, unless Dickinson State University requires a different procedure.

No amendment shall take effect until it has received any required University approval.

Article XII: Dissolution

The Badlands Film Appreciation Society may be dissolved by a two-thirds vote of the voting membership, subject to Dickinson State University requirements.

Upon dissolution, any remaining organizational funds or property shall be distributed in accordance with Dickinson State University policies and applicable law.

Article XIII: University Compliance

The Badlands Film Appreciation Society shall comply with all applicable Dickinson State University policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements governing recognized student organizations.

Where a provision of this Constitution conflicts with a requirement of Dickinson State University, the university requirement shall govern.

The Society shall maintain the recognition and registration requirements established by Dickinson State University, including the submission of required organizational documents and information.

ADOPTED: October 14, 2026, DSU Student Senate