About
Founded in 2017, the ASBMB student chapter at BU is dedicated to promoting undergraduate research, science education, and community outreach. Through event-based speakers, seminars, workshops, and outings, we strive to build a supportive network for our student scientists.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is an international nonprofit scientific and educational organization. With over 11,000 members, made up of students, researchers, educators and industry professionals, the ASBMB is one of the largest molecular life science societies in the world. Founded in 1906, the ASBMB’s mission is to advance the science of biochemistry and molecular biology and to promote the understanding of the molecular nature of life processes. The society serves the scientific community through: Publication of scientific and educational journals Organization of scientific meetings Advocacy for funding of basic research and education Support of career development and science education at all levels Promoting the diversity of individuals entering the scientific workforce ASBMB Student Chapters are a national community of undergraduate students and faculty members promoting the advancement of biochemistry and molecular biology research, education and science outreach. The ASBMB provides networking and career-development opportunities with grants and awards to support member’s academic and career goals.ASBMB
Student Chapter Constitution
A student group’s constitution is the primary document that is referenced in the event of one or more disputes.
- Article I: Title
- Boston University ASBMB (American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) Student Chapter
- Article II: Aim/Purpose
- To promote the pursuit of research in the biochemical sciences and increase access to related opportunities and funds for all interested parties.
- Article III: Membership
- Full-time undergraduates are eligible for membership.
- In accordance with University policies, there will be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, political views, sexual orientation, nationality, handicap, sex, etc.
- Eligible students become members through interview and payment of $10 per year.
- The official roster of the student group will be kept by the secretary.
- Article IV: Meetings
- The group will meet monthly and the executive board will meet biweekly.
- The vice president of the executive board will convene meetings and the secretary of the executive board will reserve the meeting venue in the College of Arts and Sciences.
- The president will convene special meetings.
- Article V: Executive Board Structure
- President: Responsible for the general oversight of the group’s activities as well as administrative duties. Will lead the groups meetings and serve as the first contact between outside groups and the club.
- Vice President: Will assist the president in overseeing the group’s engagements and will act as de facto leader in the president’s absence.
- Secretary: Responsible for overseeing group membership and scheduling .
- Treasurer: Will oversee the payment of dues by members, work with the secretary to oversee member compliance, and see to the disbursement of awarded funds.
- A student studying abroad cannot serve on the E-board and a student cannot hold multiple positions on the E-board.
- Article VI: Executive Board Elections
- The order of succession is president, vice president, secretary, treasurer. Should an officer resign or be dismissed, the next officer in the order of the succession should take his or her place. The three members of the executive board should convene to choose a treasurer from the student membership for the interim prior to the election for the following academic year.
- The current E-board will govern the election process based on a member’s decision to run for office. The member who receives the most votes in each office will be appointed to that position. Election results will be considered valid provided that at least 70% of the general assembly is present.
- Elections will be held annually during the last month of the spring semester.
- To run for the E-board, a member must have been in the organization at least one semester. All candidates for president must have served on the E-board for one semester.
- Members wishing to run for a position on the E-board will make their candidacy known during the meeting held prior to the election
- The winner will be the candidate who receives the most votes from the general assembly.
- The incoming E-board will serve alongside the retiring E-board during any meetings that take place before the end of the year and will officially take over their positions at the start of the next term. The incoming and retiring E-board members will meet at least once before the new term to discuss responsibilities and lingering obligations and, or scheduled events.
- The order of succession is president, vice president, secretary, treasurer. Should an officer resign or be dismissed, the next officer in the order of the succession should take his or her place. The three members of the executive board should convene to choose a treasurer from the student membership for the interim prior to the election for the following academic year.
- Article VII: Student Group Advisor
- The student group advisor is responsible for informing the executive board of educational and professional development opportunities.
- The president will be the liaison to the student group advisor.
- Article VIII: Amendments
- Any member of the student organization can suggest change to the constitution via correspondence with an officer. Constitutional change is effected when 75% of the student organization agrees with the edit.