Public Relations Student Society of America

California State University, Fullerton

Executive Board Code of Conduct

 

As executive board members, it is our responsibility to create an open environment that allows the creation of quality work and professional relationships. Board members must provide a strong commitment to serve their PRSSA chapter and a will to provide students with opportunities. These opportunities will help not only ourselves, but also the careers of our members who plan to enter the world of communications. To maintain such standards, it is required of all executive board members to adhere to the following guidelines:

 

Guidelines

 

  1. Acknowledge that board positions an unpaid and do not offer internship or course credit.

 

  1. Understand that some positions require more time than others, but board positions are equivalent to a full-time job in the workforce.

 

  1. Board members are expected to fulfill the work given by the President and other board members by the deadlines assigned.
    1. This applies to work you consent to finishing from and with other executive board members unless an agreement is made.

 

  1. Board members should work to help brainstorm ideas of incentives for members to stay involved.

 

  1. Information relayed on behalf of the organization must be accurate.
    1. This includes emails, social media posts, and verbal conversations.

 

  1. Separation of personal and professional matters.
    1. Please acknowledge that this is a full-time position. You are to work with the other board members for the course of two semesters unless stated otherwise. It is expected that you act respectfully towards other executive board members, professionals, and members.
    2. While working with other board members on PRSSA projects or during meeting times, do not bring in personal issues (i.e. relationships, friendships, parties, etc.)
    3. If an issue is brought to your attention, do not contact other board members to find out who reported the issue.

 

  1. The California State University, Fullerton’s PRSSA Chapter does not condone or accept any form of bullying or harassment.
    1. Do not spread rumors or gossip about board members or members.
    2. Treat everyone in the organization with kindness and respect.
    3. Executive Board Members
    4. Forms of bullying or harassment include:
      1. Unwarranted or unwelcoming remarks
      2. Remarks that bring others down
      3. Commentary and behaviors that reduce the growth of the organization and its members, board members and non-members
      4. Private group chats

 

  1. During Board Meetings, you must be fully present. No distracting behavior including, but not limited to:
    1. Excessive texting, Snapchatting, or using any other forms of social media during meetings.
    2. Emailing or working on homework that is not related to PRSSA during meetings.
    3. Talking during someone else’s time to speak (i.e. during position reports).

 

  1. When in a PRSSA setting, please conduct yourself with a manner of professionalism.
    1. In that moment, you are representing the organization, Chapter, CSUF, your faculty advisor and the president.
    2. At general meetings and events, you are there to help all members and to be available to them.
      1. You must fulfill your duties and be on time for events as outlined by PRSSA By-Laws and below.
      2. You may not only talk to your friends or favor your friends at events.
    3. Please remain engaged in the event (stay off your phones except for PRSSA related issues).
    4. Be aware that members and the guest speakers are acknowledging your presence and are looking to you as an example.
    5. Please make sure to host, welcome, introduce yourself, and thank all guest speakers at bi-weekly meetings.
    6. Leaving events early without proper approval by the President or the board member in charge may result in disciplinary action.

 

  1. When addressing the whole board or organization, keep your language and comments professional.
    1. Refrain from cursing or inappropriate language in professional environments.
    2. Do not make negative comments, whether direct or passive-aggressive, about  board members

 

  1. If as an executive board member you find out someone in the organization is being harassed, notify the Faculty advisor and President immediately.
    1. As an executive board member, you are responsible for looking out for the safety of all members.
    2. Even if the victim has not come forward, you are required to say something.
    3. Please see the Sexual Harassment Policy for more information.

 

  1. Issues with Executive Board members must be worked out between the affected board members.
    1. If the issue cannot be worked out, then the Vice President must be informed to take further action. The Vice President will contact board members affected to try and resolve the issue, as well as notify the President and Faculty Advisor.
    2. After addressing the issue with the Vice President, if a solution is not created, there will be a sit-down meeting with the President and Vice President.
    3. If the issue persists, a strike will be issued to the affected parties (see more below).

 

Strike System for Code of Conduct

 

The Public Relations Student Society of America Chapter will implement a three-strike system for disciplinary action.

 

  1. Strike One will result in a warning from the Vice President.
  2. Strike Two will result in a meeting with the President and the Vice President.
  3. Strike Three will result in an election for removal from the Executive Board.

 

Failure to comply with any of the items listed above will result in a strike. This Code of Conduct is subject to change the vote of the Executive Board.

 

Strike System For Attendance  

 

Section 1. Executive Board members shall comply to a three strike system.

 

  1. The President and Vice President will allow for a board member to be fifteen minutes late with a  notification of at least one hour prior. If the President or Vice President are not notified, the following consequences will be implemented.
    1. The first offense will be to be the executive board representative at a volunteer event.  If reasonable circumstances (work or school schedule) prevent you from being unable to volunteer for an event, paying for food for an additional event will be the alternative.  This will be decided upon by the President.
    2. The second offense will result in a one on one sit down with the President and Vice President to discuss the board member’s behavior.
    3. The third offense will result in a one-on-one with Faculty Adviser and possible reevaluation of the board position.  Faculty Adviser will provide recommendations to the board who will then decide proper course of action.
  1. In case of an absence, board members must notify the President or Vice President at least 24 hours in advance. Only one unexcused absence is permitted per semester. If the President or Vice President are not notified, the following consequences will be implemented.
    1. The first offense will be to be the executive board representative at a volunteer event.  If reasonable circumstances (work or school schedule) prevent you from being unable to volunteer for an event, paying for food for an additional event will be the alternative.  This will be decided upon by the President.
    2. The second offense will result in a one on one sit down with the President and Vice President to discuss the board member’s behavior.
    3. The third offense will be a sit down with Faculty Advisor and possible reevaluation of the board position.
  2. Arriving late to bi-weekly events will not be tolerated.  Board members are required to arrive at least 45 minutes early. Failure to comply will result in:  
    1. The first offense will be to be the executive board representative at a volunteer event.  If reasonable circumstances (work or school schedule) prevent you from being unable to volunteer for an event, paying for food for an additional event will be the alternative.  This will be decided upon by the President.
    2. The second offense will be a one on one with the President and Vice President to discuss the board member’s behavior.
    3. The third offense will be a sit down with Faculty Advisor and possible reevaluation of the board position.
  3. In case of an emergency at bi-weekly events, one unexcused absence is allowed per semester. But the President and Vice President must be notified. If the President and Vice President are not notified, the following consequences will be implemented:
    1. The first offense will be to be the executive board representative at a volunteer event. If reasonable circumstances (work or school schedule) prevent you from being unable to volunteer for an event, paying for food for an additional event will be the alternative.  This will be decided upon by the President.
    2. The second offense will be a one on one with the President and Vice President to discuss the board member’s behavior.
    3. The third offense will result in a sit down with Faculty Advisor and possible reevaluation of the board position.

 

Acknowledgement

 

As a part of the executive board, I understand that I must comply with all aspects of the Code of Conduct. Failure to comply to any of the above requirements could result in a strike. If at any given time during my position I receive three strikes, I understand the process of removal must be taken and could lead to my removal of the Executive Board.