Bylaws
ARTICLE I: ORGANIZATION IDENTITY
The name of this organization shall be Geotechnical Student Organization at the University of Maine, hereinafter referred to as GSO or the Organization.
GSO is a non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Maine and the Geo-Institute of ASCE and operates under the guidelines applicable to recognized student organizations.
Principal Address:
The Geotechnical Student Organization
Civil and Environmental Engineering Department
5711 Boardman Hall
Room 229
Orono, ME 04469
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the Geotechnical Student Organization is to promote academic, professional, and social engagement among students interested in geotechnical engineering and related fields. The Organization seeks to strengthen connections between students and the broader geotechnical engineering community, including academics, industry professionals, companies, institutes, and professional societies, particularly within the New England region.
The objectives of the Organization include facilitating knowledge exchange, encouraging collaboration, and providing opportunities for professional development through educational programming, networking, outreach, and experiential learning. Through these efforts, the Organization aims to promote geotechnical engineering as a discipline that plays a critical role in addressing infrastructure, environmental, and sustainability challenges.
ARTICLE III: MISSION
The mission of the Geotechnical Student Organization is to provide a supportive and inclusive platform for geotechnical engineering students to connect, learn, and advance professionally.
The Organization fulfills this mission by organizing technical events, workshops, seminars, webinars, field trips, and networking opportunities that expose members to real-world challenges and practical solutions in geotechnical engineering.
In addition to technical and professional activities, the Organization seeks to foster a strong sense of community through collaborative and social events that encourage engagement and peer support. By cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence, the GSO aims to equip its members with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and to succeed as future geotechnical engineering professionals.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Eligibility
Membership is open to all students of the University of Maine and non-students who support the mission and objectives of the Organization and the University of Maine.
Section 2: Categories of Membership
General Members: Graduate and Undergraduate students actively enrolled at the University of Maine.
Associate Members: Alumni, faculty, staff, and other individuals including honorary members or invited professionals. Associate Members do not possess voting rights and may not hold elected office.
For the purposes of these bylaws, Individual Members refers collectively to all members including Executive Board members, General Members, and Associate Members. Officers refers to elected members of the Executive Board.
Section 3: Rights & Responsibilities
General Members shall have the right to vote on Organization matters and to hold elected office.
Individual Members are expected to comply with these bylaws, uphold the mission of the Organization, and conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner.
Section 4: Attendance & Participation
Individual Members are encouraged to actively participate in meetings and activities. Failure to participate regularly shall not result in loss of membership unless otherwise determined by the Executive Board.
Section 5: Membership Dues
The Organization may establish membership dues if required by the University of Maine or deemed necessary by the Executive Board. Any dues shall be determined by a two-thirds majority vote of the General Members and shall be used solely to support Organization activities.
Section 6: Termination of Membership
Membership may be suspended or terminated for conduct inconsistent with the mission, bylaws, or code of conduct. Termination requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Executive Board, with two prior notices and one opportunity to be heard.
ARTICLE V: CODE OF CONDUCT & ETHICS
Section 1: Professional Conduct
Members shall conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and ethical manner and represent the Organization and the University of Maine with integrity.
Section 2: Nondiscrimination & Inclusion
The Organization shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Section 3: Ethical Responsibility
Members shall act in the best interests of the Organization and avoid conflicts of interest. Ethical breaches shall be reviewed by the Executive Board.
Section 4: Use of Organization Funds & Assets
Organization funds and assets shall be used solely for official purposes. Misuse may result in disciplinary action.
Section 5: Conflict Resolution
Members are encouraged to resolve disputes informally. If necessary, the Executive Board or Faculty Advisor shall mediate.
ARTICLE XIII: DISSOLUTION
The Organization may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority vote of the General Members present at a duly called meeting.
Upon dissolution, all remaining funds and assets shall be transferred to the University of Maine or a University-recognized organization consistent with the mission. No Individual Member shall receive any portion of the Organization’s assets.