PoliSci & Law Club

President – Mikinah Browne
Vice President – Brooke Glaser
Secretary – Caleb Wiggins
Treasurer – Mandy Galindo
Club Advisor – Dustin Ellis

Article I: Name of Club

Section 1: The name of this club shall be PoliSci & Law Club.

Article II: Purpose of the Club

Section 1: The PoliSci & Law Club seeks to foster civic engagement, academic excellence, and professional development among students interested in politics, government, and law. The club provides opportunities for career exploration, professional networking, scholarships, and internships while developing students’ leadership, analytical, and advocacy skills. Through experiential learning activities, including Mock Trial, Model European Union, guest speakers, and community engagement, the club prepares students for graduate and law school, public service, and careers in political and legal fields.

Article III: Membership

Section 1: Prospective members may apply for membership at any time by submitting a request to the club advisor or any club officer. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be acted upon promptly upon receipt. No formal application or additional requirements are necessary.

Section 2: Membership in the PoliSci & Law Club shall be classified as either active or inactive. Active members are those who regularly participate in club meetings and events and retain full voting privileges. Inactive members are those who have missed three or more club meetings or events and shall not be eligible to vote until active status is restored through renewed participation. No membership dues are required for either classification.

Section 3: Membership in the PoliSci & Law Club may be terminated by a majority vote of the club officers and club advisor. Terminated members may request reinstatement by submitting a request to any club officer or the club advisor. Reinstatement shall be granted upon approval by a majority vote of the club officers and club advisor.

Article IV: Statement of Non-Discrimination

The practices and policies of The PoliSci & Law Club do not:

Section 1: Exclude, expel, or limit membership because of an individual’s race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, socioeconomic status, disability, or status as a veteran.

Section 2: Exclude from being hired, elected, appointed, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to their compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual’s race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, socioeconomic status, disability, or status as a veteran.

Article V: Officers of the Club

Section 1: The elected officers of this club shall be President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary.

Section 2: Term of office shall be One Year.

Section 3: It shall be the duty of the President to preside over club meetings, coordinate activities and events, establish meeting agendas, appoint committees as needed, and represent the PoliSci & Law Club in official matters. The President shall work collaboratively with club officers and the club advisor to advance the club’s mission, promote member engagement, and ensure the effective operation of the organization.

Section 4: It shall be the duty of the Vice President to assist the President in coordinating club meetings, activities, and events and to assume the President’s responsibilities in their absence. The Vice President shall support committee operations, encourage member participation, and collaborate with club officers and the club advisor to advance the mission and effective operation of the PoliSci & Law Club.

Section 5: It shall be the duty of the Secretary to prepare and distribute meeting agendas, record and maintain meeting minutes, manage club records and membership lists, and communicate meeting notices and announcements to members. The Secretary shall work collaboratively with club officers and the club advisor to ensure effective communication, accurate recordkeeping, and the efficient operation of the PoliSci & Law Club.

Section 6: It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to oversee the financial activities of the PoliSci & Law Club, maintain accurate financial records, manage monetary transactions, assist in budget preparation, and provide financial reports as needed. The Treasurer shall coordinate fundraising efforts and work collaboratively with club officers and the club advisor to ensure responsible financial management and the effective allocation of club resources.

Section 8: An officer may be removed by Two-thirds vote of the existing club members or as a result of a review by another officer and two club members regarding performance that negatively affect the club.

Article VI: Elections

Section 1: Officers of the PoliSci & Law Club shall be elected annually by ballot at the final regular meeting of the spring term. Each officer shall be elected by a majority vote of active members present. Newly elected officers shall assume their duties at the beginning of the following academic year.

Section 2: Candidates for club officer positions may be nominated by active members or may self-nominate during the scheduled election meeting. All nominees must be active members of the PoliSci & Law Club. Voting shall be conducted by ballot, and officers shall be elected by a majority vote of active members present.

Section 3: To be eligible for an officer position in the PoliSci & Law Club, candidates must be currently enrolled students at Eastern Oregon University (EOU), maintain good academic and behavioral standing with the university, and hold active membership in the club.

Section 4: All active members of the PoliSci & Law Club who are currently enrolled students at Eastern Oregon University (EOU) shall be eligible to vote in club elections and official decisions. Inactive members shall not have voting privileges. Voting shall be conducted by ballot, with decisions determined by a majority vote of active members present.

Article IX: Meetings

Section 1: The PoliSci & Law Club shall hold regular meetings at least once per month during the academic year, with additional meetings scheduled as needed. Meeting dates, times, and locations shall be established in advance by club officers in consultation with the club advisor. Members shall receive notification of scheduled meetings at least one week in advance through university email or other official club communication channels.

Section 2: Special meetings of the PoliSci & Law Club may be called by the President, any club officer, or the club advisor as needed. Members shall receive at least 48 hours’ advance notice through university email or other official club communication channels. Notifications shall include the meeting’s date, time, location, and purpose.

Article X: Quorum

Section 1: At least 50% of active members must be present at a meeting to establish a quorum and conduct official club business. All final decisions shall be determined by a majority vote of active members present, provided a quorum has been established.

Article XI: Financial Provisions

Section 1: Membership in the PoliSci & Law Club shall be free of charge. No membership fees or dues shall be required for active or inactive members. Club activities and expenses shall be supported through university funding, fundraising, donations, or other approved sources.

Article XII: Amendments

Section 1: Provision for notice – it is suggested that notice be given the membership regarding a proposed amendment to the constitution one meeting prior to the actual vote.

Section 2: The constitution of the PoliSci & Law Club may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of active members present at a meeting where a quorum has been established. Proposed amendments must first receive approval from the Executive Council, consisting of club officers and the club advisor, before being presented to the membership for a vote at the next regular meeting.

Article XIII: Enaction Clause

Section 1: This constitution shall become effective upon approval by the Center for Student Involvement.

Strongly Encouraged Core Courses

American National Government (5) (POLS 101)

An overview of the historical foundations of our democratic system of government, appraisal of key political institutions and actors, with the intent of promoting informed and active citizenry by students.

Constitutional Law (5) (POLS 382)

A survey of the principles of Constitutional Law, focusing on Federalism, Interstate Commerce and Separation of Powers. Evaluation of case management tools (standing, judicial review, political question) employed by the Supreme Court, along with an assessment of the judicial politics underlying constitutional development. Students must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course.

Pick 4–5 More (Need 15 Additional Credits)

Introduction to Business Law (4) (226z)

Provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. business law, including the legal system, contracts, torts, intellectual property, agency, employment, and business organization forms. Emphasizes practical legal knowledge and explores how laws impact business operations, with a focus on risk management, contract disputes, business formation, and compliance with government regulation. Introduces legal challenges in business through real cases and legal terminology. This course is the same as the previous BA 254 Business Law at EOU.

Business Law II (4) (BA 354)

This course examines the legal and regulatory environment of business to provide students with an understanding of the legal liabilities associated with managing and owning a business. Topics will include agency relationships, business organization, antitrust regulation, securities regulation and employment law. This course is the same as the previous ACCT 354: Legal Aspects of Accounting at EOU.

Advanced Legal Aspects of Fire Protection (3) (FSA 419)

Overview of the U.S. Constitution and its relation to state laws; the nature of torts against fire services agencies and individuals; a fire department’s responsibilities based upon state laws; court cases which have impacted department operations and their effects upon such operations; fire department compliance with hazardous materials right-to-know legislation; and identification of five current legal issues which could impact fire department operations (such as sexual discrimination and privacy issues).

Legal/Procedural Aspects of Education (3) (SPED 522)

Legislation, litigation and governance structures relevant to special education are presented. Federal, state, and local guidelines, procedures and practices in special education are examined, including prereferral, referral, assessment and identification, and placement processes. Service delivery models and options are identified and analyzed. Strategies and techniques for disseminating information and training to site level personnel regarding special law and procedures are provided. Prerequisite: Admission to Special Education Endorsement Program.

Moral & Political Philosophy (5) (POLS 310)

What kind of life should we lead? What things have value? Here, we cover several of the most influential approaches to these central questions of ethics. As social animals, we are affected by other people’s choices, just as our choices affect others. Because of this fact, a particularly important subset of ethical questions arises: What is the best way for us to live together? What do we owe to each other? We explore some of the most prominent answers.

Public Policy, Law & Ethics (4) (CH 380)

This course studies a range of legal and ethical issues related to Health Education and Health Promotion. This course will cover popular frameworks used within studying legal and ethical problems within public health. Additionally, students will review real life examples and apply class material to their current situations and future careers. Students will examine legal and ethical issues that may occur in their personal lives, in their community, within the United States, and across the globe.

Native American Law (5) (NAT 370)

This course will survey the development of Native American Law in the United States. It will include a historical look at sovereignty issues along with the relationship of the Federal Government, State Governments and the various tribes in the areas of supremacy and jurisdiction in both civil law and criminal law. In addition recent developments in the area of gaming, self-determination, civil rights as well as religious rights will be examined. This course will give students the ability to evaluate how the culture of the U.S. has interacted with native peoples by looking at historical contexts, social paradigms and the legal system as it has evolved.

Media Law (4) (COM 485)

This course explains legal problems, such as libel, copyright infringement, privacy violation, obscenity, deception, and prejudicial publicity, etc., in public communication. Students learn to apply the First Amendment principle to mass mediated communication and how to navigate through legal questions in the context of professional communication. This course examines real-world case studies that have shaped the foundation of modern media law. This course is the same as the previous COM 385: Communication Law at EOU.

Taxation of Individuals (3) (ACCT 333)

A study of the federal income tax system as it relates to the taxation of the individual, including a survey of the historical development of the tax law, tax research techniques, technical tax provisions and tax planning. This course is the same as the previous BA 333: Ind Income Tax at EOU. Students must have sophomore standing to register. Prerequisite: BA 169Z or equivalent.

Public Personnel Management (5) (Pols 354)

An examination of the organization and operation of personnel systems and the role of leadership in the public and non-profit sectors. Course explores the motivational and personnel programs required by the organization, along with the leadership strategies for effective human resources management. Students must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course.

Major Debates in US Politics (5) (Pols 369)

Examines the enduring controversies that shape American democracy and public policy. Through classic texts and current research, students analyze competing arguments about the Constitution and federalism, representation and political parties, race and inequality, rights and liberties, the role of the state at home and abroad. The course emphasizes how institutions, interests, and political ideas structure disagreement-and how evidence is used (and misused) in public debate.

Budgetary Politics & Process (5) (POLS 352)

This course examines the legal, institutional, and political dimensions of public budgeting at the federal, state, and local levels of government. Students will explore the constitutional and statutory foundations of budgeting, the roles of executive and legislative institutions, and the political forces shaping revenue generation, spending priorities, and fiscal decision-making. Particular attention is given to the budget process, intergovernmental fiscal relationships, competing policy priorities, and the ways budgets reflect political power, public values, and governmental accountability.