Algonquin College - Campus Ministry

Constitution

Algonquin College Campus Ministry Constitution
(Adopted 3 June 2003)

(Amended 29 March 2007, 31 March 2011)

1. Mission Statement

Campus ministry at Algonquin College seeks to bring a Christian dimension to college life. This ministry is designed to address such issues such as faith, spirituality, peace, justice, security, technology and science, ethics, and interpersonal and social relationships. The Algonquin College Campus Ministry (ACCM) team will do so by strengthening and supporting the Christian community on campus while respecting and appropriately engaging people of other faiths and worldviews. We seek to welcome all students and staff and aim to enrich their Algonquin experience with appropriate counsel, educational programs, and community events.

2. Membership

A Board of Directors constituted as follows shall govern the ACCM:

2.1	seven (7) representatives from Christian denominational bodies with representatives from five bodies that have demonstrated support for the ACCM;
2.2	eight (8) staff representatives (faculty or support staff);
2.3	one (1) administrative representative;
2.4	two (2)student representatives;
2.5	the Campus Ministers appointed by the Directors;
2.6	one (1) representative from the Christian Council of the Capital Area;
2.7	five (5) other members at large appointed by the Council.
The ACCM shall welcome the participation of others.

3. Terms of Membership

3.1	The denominational representatives shall be nominated by letter by their respective denominational or church bodies.
3.2	Faculty, students, and other members shall be nominated by two current members of the Board.
3.3	All members except for the students shall serve for a term of three years and shall be eligible for re-election; student representatives shall serve for one year and shall be eligible for re-election.
3.4	A Nominating Commitee will be appointed to nominate candidates at the Annual General Meeting; nominations may also be made from the floor.
3.5	Board members may resign by placing their request in writing. Any member who misses two consecutive meetings and whose absence is not satisfactory to the chairperson will be deemed to have resigned from the Board.

4. Officers

4.1	At the Annual General Meeting, four officers will be elected: Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary.
4.2	Each officer will be elected for a one-year term and is eligible for re-election.
4.3	The signing officers shall be the Treasurer, the Chairperson, and the Secretary, with two of the signatures required on any cheques.

5. Meetings

5.1	The Board shall meet at least four times a year.
5.2	A quorum shall be five members.
5.3	The Annual General Meeting at which the election of the Directors and the Officers will take place will be held in March. The newly-elected Board and Officers will take office upon adjournment of the Annual General Meeting.
5.4	Meeting will be called by the Chairperson of the Vice Chairperson or by appointment of the Board itself. Notice of such meetings shall be sent out at least one week in advance.

6. Committees

The Board will appoint the Nominating Committee and any ad hoc committees as it may deem necessary; the committees will be responsible to the Board.

7. Appointment of Campus Ministers

7.1	The Campus Minister(s) shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.
7.2	The Campus Minister(s) shall be responsible to the Board of Directors.
7.3	When the appointment of a Campus Minister terminates for any reason, it will be the responsibility of the Board of Directores to initiate steps towards making a new appointment.

8. Financial Support

8.1	The financing of the campus ministry shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors. Funds shall be raised by
	8.1.1	grants from the supporting denominational bodies;
	8.1.2	provision of space and service from the College for certain operating perposes;
	8.1.3	a direct appeal to the Algonquin community for financial support;
	8.1.4	the acceptance of gifts, legacies, and bequests to the ACCM.
8.2	The ACCM shall provide for the Campus Ministers' salaries, pensions, and other benefits and for other expenses of operating the ACCM programs in accordance with the budget approved by the Board of Directors.
8.3	All funds raised by the ACCM shall be used to promote its stated objectives.

9. Amendments

9.1	Notice of any proposed amendment to the constitution of the ACCM must be given in writing over the signatures of two members of the Board and be circulated to all members of the Board at least one month in advance of the Annual General Meeting.
9.2	Amendments to the constitution shall take effect only after their adoption by a two-thirds majority of all members of the Board present at the Annual General Meeting.

10. Statement of Ministry Activities

10.1	Counselling, Crisis Response and Pastoral Care:
	The Campus Minister will co-ordinate the recruitment, training, and participation of a team of clergy and community volunteers, including students. The team will be accessible through the Campus Ministry office where a schedule of office hours along with contact information for those on call will be available. The Campus Minister will provide assistance with respect to requests for traditional religious services and will make referrals as necessary.
10.2	Prayer, Worship, Study and Christian Development:
	The ACCM will initiate and co-ordinate opportunities for worship, prayer, and learning.
10.3	Leadership Development for Church and Society:
	Students participate fully in the ministry activities and administration of the ACCM, acquiring experience that prepares them for leadership in church and society.
10.4	Ecumenical and Inter-faith Relations:
	The ACCM seeks to be a vibrant Christian community on campus and helps students, staff, and faculty connect with local congregations of their particular tradition. The ministry team is ecumenical in make-up and spirit. The ACCM is also open to people from any background, offering appropriate support and referral. Some of the ACCM program is dedicated to increasing communication and understanding between people of different religious backgrounds and to maintaining a positive atmosphere at Algonquin with respect for cultural diversity.
10.5	Social Issues and Ethical Reflection:
	The ACCM will aim to help the students, staff, and faculty to make connections between their faith and personal decisions and to the curriculum and public policy issues. This is done through group discussion, occasional guest speakers, and special events.

Mike Rushton, Chairperson

Jack Wilson, Vice-Chair

Judy Cox, Secretary

Campus Ministry is located in B139A next to the Rotunda.
Contact us by email campusministry@algonquincollege.com or by phone 613 727-4723 ext.5341