Last Revised: October 3, 2026

Section H. Peer Learning Coordinator added. 

Constitution of the MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus

ARTICLE I. NAME OF ORGANIZATION

The name of this organization shall be the MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus, hereinafter referred to as “the Club.”

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATION

The MDC Small Talk Conversation Club is a student-led service organization established to provide free English conversation practice, peer tutoring, mentoring, cultural exchange, educational activities, community engagement, and leadership opportunities for Miami Dade College students.

The objectives of the Club are to:

1. Support English Language Learning and Educational Development

Provide free English conversation practice, peer tutoring, mentoring, and related educational activities for MDC English learners, including ESOL, EAP, Intensive English, and other students who need additional opportunities to improve their communication skills outside the classroom.

Through these activities, the Club supports educational needs related to Adult Education/Literacy and Education by helping students strengthen their English proficiency, academic confidence, communication skills, and ability to participate more actively in college and community life.

2. Promote Cultural Exchange and Understanding

Encourage communication, mutual understanding, and respect among students from diverse national, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds through cultural exchange activities, short-term cultural programs, workshops, and visits to cultural, educational, or community institutions.

3. Encourage Community and Campus Engagement

Organize Club-led educational, cultural, and service-oriented activities and encourage members to participate in programs, events, civic engagement opportunities, and community service activities organized by MDC departments, student organizations, educational institutions, and community organizations.

4. Develop Service, Leadership, and Peer Support

Provide opportunities for members to develop volunteerism, teamwork, communication, peer support, mentoring, and leadership skills while contributing positively to the MDC community and supporting fellow students in their educational and personal development.

ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

Section A.

Membership in the MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus is open to all enrolled students at Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus. All members are free to leave and disassociate without fear of retribution, retaliation, or harassment.

Section B.

The MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus shall be in full compliance with all Federal and State nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws, orders and regulations.

The MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus shall not discriminate against a Student Officer, member or prospective member on any basis identified in MDC Procedure 1665 (Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Process), except if specifically exempted by law.

The MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus shall be open to all currently enrolled MDC Students, except if specifically exempted by law.

ARTICLE IV. COLLEGE REGULATIONS

Section A.

The MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus will abide by all Federal, State and Local Laws and MDC Procedures and Policies, including but not limited to the MDC Student Code of Conduct Procedure 4025, Student Rights and Responsibilities, Academic Dishonesty Procedure 4035, Alcohol and Drug Policy, and all requirements as outlined in the Registered Student Organization Manual.

Section B.

The MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus agrees to abide by the Florida AntiHazing Law in the Student Code of Conduct and Procedure 4028 (Hazing).

ARTICLE V. OFFICERS

Section A. Elected Officers

The elected officers of the MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus shall be:

1. President

2. Vice President

3. Secretary

4. Treasurer

Collectively, these elected officers shall constitute the Executive Board of the Club.

Only qualified college-credit student members who meet all applicable Miami Dade College and Student Life eligibility requirements may hold elected office.

Non-credit student members may not hold elected officer positions but may participate in the Club and hold eligible non-elected operational or coordinator positions as provided elsewhere in this Constitution.

Section B. President

The President shall:

1. Preside over general Club meetings.

2. Coordinate Club activities, programs, and organizational operations.

3. Represent the Club in official matters.

4. Work with the Student Organization Advisor and Student Life.

5. Ensure that Club activities follow this Constitution and applicable MDC policies and procedures.

6. Coordinate the work of the elected officers.

7. Provide general oversight of Club committees and operational activities.

8. Serve as Chair of the Operations Committee.

9. Preside over Operations Committee meetings.

10. Facilitate communication among the Executive Board, Operations Committee, members, Student Organization Advisor, and Student Life.

Section C. Vice President

The Vice President shall:

1. Assist the President.

2. Perform the duties of the President when the President is absent or unable to serve.

3. Assist with Club programs, activities, membership, and operations.

4. Assist in coordinating the Operations Committee.

5. Preside over Operations Committee meetings when the President is absent.

6. Perform other reasonable duties assigned by the President or Executive Board.

Section D. Secretary

The Secretary shall:

1. Maintain Club records.

2. Record meeting minutes.

3. Maintain Club membership and attendance records when necessary.

4. Assist with Club communications.

5. Maintain records of official motions, votes, and organizational decisions.

6. Coordinate with Operations Committee members when records or supporting documentation are required.

Section E. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

1. Maintain accurate financial records when Club funds are involved.

2. Maintain records of receipts, expenditures, purchases, reimbursements, and other approved financial activity.

3. Report financial activity to the membership when appropriate.

4. Follow all applicable MDC and Student Life financial procedures.

5. Coordinate with the President, Student Organization Advisor, and Student Life regarding financial matters when necessary.

Section F. Term of Office

Elected officers shall serve for one academic year and/or until their successors are elected and assume their duties.

Officers must continue to satisfy all applicable MDC Student Life eligibility requirements throughout their term.

Section G. Vacancies

If the office of President becomes vacant, the Vice President shall assume the duties of President, provided that the Vice President continues to meet all applicable MDC Student Life eligibility requirements.

A vacancy in another elected office may be temporarily filled by an eligible college-credit student member appointed by the President in consultation with the remaining Executive Board and Student Organization Advisor.

An interim appointment may remain in effect until an election is conducted or until another procedure required by Student Life is completed.

Any member filling an elected officer vacancy must satisfy all applicable MDC Student Life eligibility requirements.

Section H. Resignation or Loss of Eligibility

An officer may resign by submitting written notice to the President and Student Organization Advisor.

If the President resigns, written notice shall be submitted to the Vice President and Student Organization Advisor.

An officer who no longer meets applicable MDC Student Life eligibility requirements may be required to leave the elected officer position.

Any resulting vacancy shall be handled according to Section G of this Article.

Section I. Removal of an Officer

An elected officer may be removed from office through the following procedure:

1. A written request for removal signed by at least three Active Voting Members shall be submitted to the President, Vice President, or Student Organization Advisor.

2. The officer in question shall receive reasonable written notice of the request and shall be given an opportunity to respond before a vote is taken.

3. Removal shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the eligible Active Voting Members present at the meeting.

4. The Student Organization Advisor shall be informed of the process.

5. Any vacancy created by removal shall be handled according to Section G of this Article.

ARTICLE VI. ELECTIONS

Section A. Annual Elections

Elections for elected officers shall be held annually during the Spring academic term at a time established by the Club in consultation with the Student Organization Advisor and consistent with applicable Student Life requirements.

Section B. Eligibility for Candidacy

Only college-credit student members who meet all applicable MDC Student Life requirements for elected student organization officers may become candidates for elected office.

A candidate must remain eligible through the beginning of the term of office.

Section C. Nominations

Eligible members may nominate qualified candidates for elected office.

A qualified member may nominate another eligible member or may nominate themselves.

Nominations shall remain open for a reasonable period announced to the membership before voting begins.

Section D. Voting

Only Active Voting Members, as defined in Article X of this Constitution, may vote in Club elections.

Each Active Voting Member shall have one vote for each elected office under consideration.

Voting shall normally be conducted by secret ballot unless a different voting method is approved by the membership and permitted under applicable MDC procedures.

Section E. Election Results

A candidate must receive a simple majority of the votes cast to be elected.

If more than two candidates are running for the same office and no candidate receives a majority, a runoff shall be held between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes.

If an election results in a tie, an additional vote shall be conducted.

ARTICLE VII. STUDENT ORGANIZATION ADVISOR

Section A.

All Registered Student Organizations must have least one advisor who is a full-time faculty or staff member at MDC.

Section B.

The Student Organization Advisor shall serve as a resource person and provide advisory support for the officers and members of the Club.

The Student Organization Advisor should attend executive, general, and other organizational meetings when appropriate; however, the Student Organization Advisor may not vote in Club matters.

Section C.

The Student Organization Advisor may be nominated by the elected officers and confirmed by a majority vote of the Active Voting Members present.

Section D.

The Student Organization Advisor shall serve for a term of one academic year and may continue for additional terms when eligible and willing to serve.

Section E.

The Student Organization Advisor shall:

1. Provide guidance and support to the Club and its officers.

2. Assist the Club in following Miami Dade College policies and Student Life procedures.

3. Advise officers regarding Club operations, events, programs, financial procedures, and College requirements.

4. Support communication between the Club and Miami Dade College when appropriate.

5. Provide guidance regarding compliance with applicable MDC policies and procedures.

The Student Organization Advisor serves in an advisory capacity and does not replace the responsibilities of the elected student officers or voting membership.

Section F.

If the Student Organization Advisor is unable or unwilling to continue serving, the elected officers may nominate a replacement at any time.

The replacement shall be confirmed by a majority vote of the Active Voting Members present and must satisfy all applicable MDC requirements for student organization advisors.

ARTICLE VIII. FINANCE

Section A. Membership Dues

The MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus shall not require membership dues or an initiation fee for regular Club membership or participation.

Payment of a voluntary contribution, participation in fundraising, or any other financial contribution shall not determine a member’s membership status or voting rights.

Section B. Club Funding

The Club may receive funds through College-approved fundraising activities, allocations, voluntary contributions, or other sources permitted by Miami Dade College.

All fundraising activities shall be conducted in accordance with applicable MDC and Student Life policies and procedures.

Section C. Financial Administration

All Club activities involving money, fundraising, purchases, reimbursements, donations, deposits, or other financial transactions shall comply with applicable Miami Dade College and Student Life financial policies and procedures.

The Treasurer shall maintain appropriate financial records in cooperation with the President, Student Organization Advisor, and Student Life.

ARTICLE IX. DISSOLUTION/SUSPENSION OF ORGANIZATION

Section A. Dissolution

The MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus may be dissolved in accordance with applicable Miami Dade College and Student Life requirements.

In the event the Club dissolves, all outstanding financial obligations shall first be satisfied in accordance with College procedures.

After all outstanding debts, obligations, and claims have been resolved, any remaining funds or assets of the organization shall be transferred or donated to Miami Dade College Foundation, Inc., subject to applicable Miami Dade College financial procedures.

The Miami Dade College Foundation is a direct-support organization of Miami Dade College. Miami Dade College

Section B. Suspension

Per MDC Procedure 4073 (Suspension of Student Organization), a recognized organization may lose its official recognition and be suspended if, as a result of the actions of its officers or members, or as a result of an activity of the organization as a whole, the organization violates College policy and procedures or applicable laws.

ARTICLE X. MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATION, ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP, AND VOTING RIGHTS

Section A. Membership Classification

For administrative and organizational purposes, Club members may be identified as:

1. Credit Student Members

2. Non-Credit Student Members

Both classifications are regular members of the Club.

Except for eligibility requirements applicable to elected officer positions, this classification shall not create different levels of general membership participation.

Section B. Credit Student Members

Credit Student Members are currently enrolled MDC students participating in college-credit courses or academic programs, including degree, certificate, EAP, and other credit-bearing programs.

Credit Student Members may:

1. Participate in Club meetings, programs, educational activities, cultural activities, events, community service, and Civic Action activities.

2. Become Active Voting Members upon meeting the requirements established in this Article.

3. Serve on committees, volunteer teams, event teams, operational teams, and Club projects.

4. Serve as Operations Committee Coordinators.

5. Seek elected office if they satisfy all applicable MDC Student Life eligibility requirements.

Section C. Non-Credit Student Members

Non-Credit Student Members are currently enrolled MDC students participating in non-college-credit programs, including Adult Education, ESOL, Continuing Education, Intensive English where applicable, and other eligible non-credit programs.

Non-Credit Student Members shall be recognized as full members of the Club.

They may:

1. Participate fully in Club meetings, English-learning activities, educational programs, cultural programs, campus activities, community service, Civic Action activities, and other approved Club programs.

2. Become Active Voting Members upon meeting the requirements established in this Article.

3. Serve on committees, volunteer teams, event teams, and operational teams.

4. Serve as Operations Committee Coordinators and in other non-elected leadership or coordinator roles.

5. Participate in peer support, mentoring, cultural exchange, educational activities, community service, and other Club-sponsored programs.

Non-Credit Student Members may not hold elected officer positions because elected officer positions are subject to applicable college-credit enrollment and other eligibility requirements established by MDC Student Life.

This limitation applies only to elected officer positions and shall not affect their status as full members or their ability to participate, vote, serve on committees, coordinate activities, volunteer, or otherwise contribute to the Club.

Section D. Equal Participation

Except for eligibility requirements applicable to elected officer positions, Credit Student Members and Non-Credit Student Members shall have the same rights to participate in Club meetings, programs, activities, elections, voting, committees, community service, Civic Action, volunteer activities, and operational roles.

Section E. Active Membership

An Active Member is a currently enrolled MDC student who participates in Club meetings, programs, events, service activities, or other approved Club activities during the current academic term and remains in good standing with the organization.

The Club may establish reasonable attendance or participation standards for Active Membership when necessary.

Any such standards shall:

1. Be communicated to the membership.

2. Be applied consistently and fairly.

3. Apply equally to Credit and Non-Credit Student Members.

4. Comply with applicable MDC policies and procedures.

Section F. Voting Rights

Active Members in good standing shall be considered Active Voting Members.

Active Voting Members shall be eligible to vote in:

1. Club elections.

2. Constitutional amendments.

3. Confirmation of a Student Organization Advisor.

4. Removal of elected officers.

5. Other organizational matters formally submitted to the membership for a vote.

Voting rights shall not be dependent upon payment of dues, donations, fundraising contributions, or other financial contributions.

ARTICLE XI. OPERATIONS COMMITTEE

Section A. Purpose

The Club shall maintain an Operations Committee to assist with the day-to-day operation of the organization, including meetings, educational programs, cultural programs, events, community service, Civic Action activities, member support, and documentation.

Operations Committee positions are separate from the elected officer positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Operations Committee Coordinators shall not be considered members of the Executive Board solely because they hold a coordinator position.

Section B. Chair of the Operations Committee

The President of the MDC Small Talk Conversation Club, Wolfson Campus shall also serve as Chair of the Operations Committee.

As Chair of the Operations Committee, the President shall:

1. Preside over Operations Committee meetings.

2. Call Operations Committee meetings when necessary.

3. Coordinate the work of Operations Committee Coordinators.

4. Provide general direction for Club operations, programs, events, and service activities.

5. Facilitate communication between the Executive Board and Operations Committee.

6. Review operational plans, responsibilities, and assignments with the appropriate coordinators.

7. Ensure that Operations Committee activities are consistent with this Constitution and applicable MDC policies.

In the absence of the President, the Vice President may preside over an Operations Committee meeting.

Section C. Appointment and Eligibility

Operations Committee positions may be held by eligible Credit or Non-Credit Student Members.

Operations Committee Coordinators may be appointed by the President in consultation with the Executive Board and Student Organization Advisor.

An elected officer may simultaneously serve as an Operations Committee Coordinator when necessary.

The Club may create, modify, combine, or discontinue Operations Committee positions when necessary to meet the operational needs of the organization.

Such operational changes shall not require a constitutional amendment unless they change the powers or composition of the elected Executive Board.

Section D. Standing Operations Committee Positions

The Club shall maintain the following standing Operations Committee positions:

1. Community Service and Civic Action Coordinator

2. Events Coordinator

3. Photography and Records Coordinator

4. Peer Learning Coordinator

Section E. Community Service and Civic Action Coordinator

The Community Service and Civic Action Coordinator shall:

1. Promote MDC community service, volunteer, Civic Action, and civic engagement opportunities to Club members.

2. Collect and organize information related to community service and Civic Action programs and provide such information to members.

3. Encourage members to participate in eligible community service, volunteer, and civic engagement activities.

4. Assist members in understanding applicable procedures for documenting and reporting community service participation and service hours.

5. Maintain internal Club records related to community service, Civic Action participation, and volunteer activities when appropriate.

6. Track and organize the Club’s overall community service participation, service hours, Civic Action activities, and related records for internal Club tracking and documentation purposes.

7. Assist in maintaining supporting documentation related to service activities and participation.

8. Coordinate with Club officers, Student Life, iCED, and other appropriate MDC departments when information, verification, or documentation is needed.

The Community Service and Civic Action Coordinator shall assist with tracking and documentation but shall not independently certify, award, or officially approve service hours unless specifically authorized to do so under applicable MDC procedures.

Section F. Events Coordinator

The Events Coordinator shall:

1. Plan, prepare, and assist in carrying out Club-sponsored meetings, programs, and events.

2. Coordinate the Club’s participation in on-campus and off-campus educational, cultural, and community events.

3. Assist with activities involving outside organizations or institutions when approved by the Club.

4. Prepare meeting and event spaces before scheduled activities.

5. Organize attendance and participant check-in when necessary.

6. Prepare and manage materials, equipment, signs, supplies, and other items needed for meetings and events.

7. Coordinate volunteers and operational team members during Club activities.

8. Assist with event setup, operation, and cleanup.

9. Work with other coordinators and elected officers to ensure that Club activities are properly organized and conducted.

Section G. Photography and Records Coordinator

The Photography and Records Coordinator shall:

1. Photograph and document important Club meetings, programs, activities, and events.

2. Organize and maintain photographs and other visual records of Club activities.

3. Record relevant information related to major activities, including the date, location, type of activity, and number of participants when appropriate.

4. Document member and volunteer participation through photographs when appropriate.

5. Take photographs that may serve as supporting documentation for community service activities, Civic Action participation, volunteer work, and related service-hour records.

6. Document participating members, volunteers, coordinators, and other relevant participants while they are performing approved activities when such documentation is appropriate.

7. Coordinate with the Secretary and Community Service and Civic Action Coordinator to maintain accurate supporting records.

8. Organize photographs and activity records for possible use in Club reports, renewal documents, activity reports, service documentation, and historical records.

9. Follow applicable MDC policies and privacy requirements when taking, storing, sharing, or using photographs and Club records.

Section H. Peer Learning Coordinator

The Peer Learning Coordinator shall:

1. Coordinate peer learning, tutoring, and academic support activities for Club members.

2. Help organize English conversation practice, study sessions, peer tutoring, and other educational support activities.

3. Connect members who need academic or English-language support with appropriate peer volunteers or tutors when available.

4. Encourage members to participate in peer learning activities and support one another in developing English communication and academic skills.

5. Assist in preparing learning materials, discussion topics, practice activities, and other educational resources for Club programs.

6. Coordinate with Club officers, other Operations Committee Coordinators, and the Student Organization Advisor when educational support or tutoring activities require additional planning or resources.

7. Maintain appropriate records of peer learning and tutoring activities when necessary for Club documentation.

8. Promote a supportive, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for students of different English proficiency levels.

Section G. Additional Operations Committee Positions

Additional Operations Committee positions may be established when necessary for the effective operation and development of the Club.

Such positions may include, but are not limited to:

• Membership Coordinator

• Cultural Activities Coordinator

• Educational Activities Coordinator

• Peer Learning Coordinator

• Volunteer Coordinator

• Communications Coordinator

• Social Media Coordinator

• Internal Events Coordinator

• External Events Coordinator

These positions are operational or committee positions and shall not be considered elected officer or Executive Board positions solely because of their titles or responsibilities.

An individual may hold more than one Operations Committee position when necessary.

Operations Committee members and coordinators shall work under the general supervision of the President as Chair of the Operations Committee and in accordance with this Constitution and applicable MDC policies.

ARTICLE XII. MEETINGS AND PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Section A. Regular Meetings

The Club shall hold regular meetings during the academic term.

Meeting dates, times, and locations may be determined according to member needs, room availability, program schedules, and Miami Dade College requirements.

Additional meetings may be held for different English levels, programs, cultural activities, educational activities, service projects, Operations Committee business, or special events as needed and subject to availability.

Section B. Special Meetings and Events

Special meetings, workshops, educational activities, cultural programs, community service activities, Civic Action activities, and other Club-sponsored events may be scheduled when necessary.

The Club may participate in approved programs or events organized by MDC departments, student organizations, educational institutions, cultural institutions, community organizations, and other appropriate organizations.

Section C. Parliamentary Procedure

The Club shall use a simplified form of Robert’s Rules of Order when conducting official organizational business when appropriate.

Any Active Voting Member may make a motion.

Another Active Voting Member may second the motion before formal discussion begins.

The President shall provide members with a reasonable opportunity to discuss matters presented for a vote.

Voting may be conducted by voice vote, show of hands, written ballot, secret ballot, or another reasonable voting method permitted by MDC policy.

Unless otherwise specified in this Constitution, a simple majority of the eligible Active Voting Members present and voting shall determine the outcome of an ordinary organizational vote.

The Secretary shall record official motions, votes, and decisions in the meeting minutes.

ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION

Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by Active Voting Members.

Proposed amendments shall be presented to the membership with reasonable advance notice before an official vote.

Members shall be given a reasonable opportunity to review and discuss the proposed amendment.

An amendment shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Active Voting Members in attendance at the meeting.

All amendments shall comply with applicable Miami Dade College and Student Life policies and procedures.

All amended constitutions must immediately be submitted directly to the Office of Student Life for review and approval.

An amendment shall become effective only after all applicable Miami Dade College and Student Life review and approval requirements have been satisfied.