The purpose of the University of Michigan Students of Objectivism is to explore, discuss, and promote the Objectivist philosophy. (For a quick introduction to Objectivism, please visit The Philosophy of Objectivism site at the Ayn Rand Institute.) The club sponsors speakers, discussion sections, workshops, films, and other activities relevant to the study of Objectivism. In addition, the club endeavors to attract support on campus for Objectivism and the Objectivist viewpoint on current issues. Central to the Objectivist view of philosophy is an emphasis on the integration of knowledge. Consequently, as a philosophic system, Objectivism is a structured, indivisible whole. Its principles have necessary implications and/or presuppositions, and their derivation is as important philosophically as the principles themselves. The club is guided by the recognition of these points, and all its activities are geared toward the study of Objectivist ideas in their full philosophic context.
CONSTITUTION: STUDENTS OF OBJECTIVISM at the University of Michigan
The Students of Objectivism (UMSO) seek to pursue and promote Objectivism, the philosophy of Ayn Rand. The fundamentals of Objectivism are best summarized as:
Metaphysics: objective reality
Epistemology: reason
Ethics: rational egoism
Weekly UMSO meetings provide a thought-stimulating environment for members to study and discuss Objectivism. UMSO also provides members access to resources from our library of literature, videos, DVDs, and audio cassettes. This organization is recognized by the Ayn Rand Institute (ARI) as an information bureau and a center for educational activities pertaining to Objectivism.
Article 1: Membership Club membership is open to all who are genuinely interested in the philosophy of Objectivism, University of Michigan students and non-students alike. One need not be an expert in Objectivism to join, so long as he/she attends meetings for the purpose of learning more about the philosophy. The executive committee of the club reserves the right to expel a member after a hearing.
Article 2: Executive Committee The executive committee shall consist of a president, a vice-president, and a treasurer. A secretary may be appointed if necessary.
Article 3: Duties of Executive Committee
President: To be responsible for the continuous operation of UMSO. To disseminate notices of club events and meetings. To represent the club to other organizations. To contact the ARI when appropriate.
Vice-President: To perform the duties of the president in the president’s absence. To perform specific tasks delegated by the president.
Treasurer: To keep the financial records of the club. To report on the financial position of the club when requested to do so by the president.
Secretary: To work with the president in planning events and activities.
All members of the executive committee will work for the success of UMSO. The executive committee will meet privately at least twice a year to discuss the state of the organization.
Article 4: Selection of Officers The executive committee shall nominate a slate of officers for the following academic year (September-April) near the end of each academic year. All officers must be enrolled students at the University of Michigan. Nominations will be submitted to the membership for approval, the membership being those who have attended at least half of the meetings held during the present year. If the slate is not approved, open nominations and elections for each position will be held during the meeting at which the selection of the officers is to take place. A by-election will be called by the remaining officers if any office should become vacant.
Article 5: Impeachment of Executive Officers A member of the executive committee may be removed from office if a two-thirds majority the membership so decide at a meeting called by the other executive officers for the purpose of making a decision on this matter. No members may be expelled from the club while impeachment proceedings are pending.
Article 6: Finances UMSO maintains a bank account with the Student Organization Accounts Service (SOAS) at the University of Michigan. Club fees (if any) shall be determined by the executive committee and collected each school term. Contributions to the club for general operation or specific activities are welcome.
Article 7: Amendments Amendments to this constitution must be approved by a majority of the executive committee and then by two thirds of the membership. The president shall notify each club member of the proposed amendment at least one week prior to the meeting at which it will be considered. The ARI is to be contacted if doubts regarding the propriety of such amendments arise.