Standing Rules of Ralph C. Darrow Chapter
Article I: Attendance and Participation
Section 1: Unexcused Absence (Officer): An officer who has one (1) unexcused absence from any required meeting will automatically lose one (1) point of participation.
NOTE: The only acceptable excuses for these events are documented illness, any COVID-19 issues (ex. exposure, symptoms, positive test result, etc.), direct class conflict, or unavoidable family or professional commitments (i.e. death in the family, wedding, interviews, etc.). An officer must let the Chapter President know 24 hours prior to the meeting if they will not be in attendance.
Section 2: Participation/Point System: Points will be rewarded for participation and involvement. At every meeting/event, the Chapter Account Executive will take attendance and document the points in the point document for the member to receive credit. The point system runs from the first day after the National Conference to one week prior to the following National Conference. The points will be tallied consistently throughout the semester to update members on their totals.
Point Values
NOTE: Officer Points are determined by overall commitment to PRSSA. Officers can only receive extra points through participation done outside of a committee. No points are awarded for meeting attendance or participation within own committee.
NOTE: Bateman participants will receive seven points each to cover point opportunities missed due to Bateman scheduling conflicts.
NOTE: The person with the most participation points in one year will receive a free PRSSA membership or a free graduation stole if a graduating senior. Board members are not eligible to receive this award.
Section 3: Unexcused Absence: Any person who signs up for an activity and does not show loses one (1) point. A person MUST contact the officer or chair of the activity/event at least 12 hours in advance to be excused.
Section 4: Extended Officer Absence: Any officer who needs to be excused from the weekly chapter meeting regularly or for an extended period of time must contact the Chapter President. Upon approval, the President will delegate the duties of the officer until they can assume full responsibility again.
Section 5: Membership in PRSSA at Kent State University shall be open to any and all students, faculty, and staff at Kent State University. Active membership shall be determined by paying their dues. Once a student graduates or ceases to be a student at the University, their active membership in PRSSA shall cease.
Article II: Election Procedures
Section 1: Officer Grade Requirement: All officers must be registered at the university with at least 8 credit hours and have a minimum 2.75 GPA as required by university regulations in order to hold office.
Section 2: Nominations: A candidate may be nominated for multiple positions. If the candidate does not win the position, they may run for another position. All candidates must be dues-paying members of PRSSA. Members may nominate an eligible member from the floor with their permission by writing in the name of the nominee.
Section 3: Elections: Election of chapter officers and advisors shall be held before April 15, with those elected assuming office the following June 1 for one calendar year. An officer may run again for the position previously held. Elections for committee chairs must be held before November 15 for spring chair positions and before April 15 for fall chair positions.
Section 4: Running for Office: Members interested in running for an officer position will complete an application indicating those offices in which they would like to be considered.
Section 5: Leadership Transition: Leadership transition will occur before the end of the spring semester for officers. Outgoing officers will meet with incoming officers to confer individually. Outgoing officers must present incoming officers with pertinent role information and post relevant documents to the officer’s Google Drive folder. It is the responsibility of the President to see that this procedure is followed and that all officers are present. It will be the incoming President’s responsibility to schedule and finish any officer transition that has not yet been completed by a new officer’s predecessor.
Section 6: Voting: All positions will be determined by the majority vote. The President has authority to vote only when a vote is tied. All votes will be confidential.
Article III: Financial Rules
Section 1: Dues: Member dues are $65, of which $55 must be received at PRSSA Headquarters no later than November 1 for members joining in the fall and March 1 for members joining midyear. The remaining $10 will be deposited to the Chapter account to be used toward programming. Dues are for one (1) calendar year following each deadline payment. Prorating of dues is not permitted. The Chapter President is responsible for ensuring the VP of Membership receives updated membership rosters throughout the academic year.
Section 2: NSF Check Charges: A member whose check fails to clear must pay the bank’s late charges within two (2) weeks.
Section 3: Funding for Regional and National Conferences: To receive reimbursement funding for Regional Conference, a member must have five (5) participation points. To receive reimbursement for National Conference, a member must have fifteen (15) participation points.
NOTE: Dependent upon the available Chapter funds, in order to be eligible to attend National Conference, an application process may be required in addition to having fifteen (15) participation points.
Section 4: Budget: A proposed budget must be presented to the Darrow Committee by the second Darrow Committee meeting of each semester by the Chapter Account Executive.
Article IV: Offices Serving the PRSSA Kent State Chapter
Section 1: Titles: The chapter shall elect annually a President, Vice President of Professional Relations, Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Fundraising and Community Outreach, Chapter Account Executive, Special Event Coordinator, Web and Social Co-Chairs, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator.
Section 2: Duties and Responsibilities: The duties of the positions listed above shall be such as usually pertain to the offices they hold. Specific duties and responsibilities of these and other officers elected by this Chapter shall be cited accordingly within these bylaws, based on local needs and suggestions provided in the PRSSA Chapter Handbook.
A) President. The duties of the President shall include, but not be limited to: All duties as cited in the PRSSA Chapter Handbook; keep current on university regulations governing organizations; collect weekly updates from officers and committee chairs; organize status report; meet with adviser Professor Michele Ewing once a week to discuss upcoming events, projects, concerns; consult with PRSSA Professional Advisor each semester; establish organization’s objectives and goals (set deadline and delegate responsibilities; evaluate and refine plan monthly); preside over Darrow Committee meetings; monitor the timely distribution of meeting minutes compiled by Chapter Account Executive; preside over general chapter meetings (work with VP of Professional Relations to draft and approve semester agenda; welcome attendees, announcements); see that meetings are routinely held and obtain reports from committee chair each month; meetings can be held as scheduled by each committee chair); schedule any necessary meeting rooms represented by the PRSSA Chapter (i.e. Public Relations Campaigns Capstone Presentation Room); assist Chapter Account Executive with requests for funding; initiate communications with PRSA chapters in Akron and Cleveland; coordinate Chapter participation in local and regional leadership conferences, submit paperwork and registration, and organize logistics; preside over officer transition to assure procedure is followed strictly; delegate responsibilities if an officer resigns or forfeits position; collaborate with other elected officers to collect materials for the University CSI award entries, due in early March; national PRSSA Teahan award entry, due at the beginning of June; attend PRSSA National Leadership Rally in April, if possible (flight covered by PRSSA Kent, registration by PRSSA National); obtain guidance from faculty adviser and professional adviser; encourage communication and teamwork.
NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the President must have been an officer before running for this position and at least a junior standing during the acting term.
B) Vice President of Professional Relations. The duties of the Vice President of Professional Relations shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; perform all duties of the Chapter President if the president is absent or unable to perform their duties; assist the President in coordinating and directing committee activities and chapter operations and perform such duties as may be delegated by the president; recommend to the Chapter President goals, objective, plans and programs for the benefit of the chapter. Schedule speakers for general meetings; coordinate meeting programs according to the desire of officers and members (example: speakers, workshops); Schedule general meeting rooms that fit 20-60 people bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m (depending on chapter size); brainstorm meeting topics; review past meeting topics and compare; develop full programming schedule for each semester; coordinate the promotion of upcoming meetings; obtain speaker bio information and photo to share with Social Media Co-Chair to share on social media at least two weeks before speaking engagement; have gifts and thank you cards for all speakers; evaluate meetings, make adjustments as needed; network and make contacts with possible speakers; keep a file of contacts made throughout the year and place in a designated Google Drive folder. Maintain relationships between PRSA Cleveland and PRSA Akron; update officers and members on current PRSA events and encourage them to attend them; keep PRSSA informed of any PRSA activity; attend any PRSA meetings and functions; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year.
NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the Vice President of Professional Relations must be a junior or a senior and must have previously taken or be currently enrolled in Public Relations Publications.
C) Vice President of Communications. The duties of the Vice President of Communications shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; write, edit and distribute monthly chapter e-newsletters while school is in session; press releases on accomplishments, meetings and activities to local and national media and PRSSA National Chapter News; manage PRSSA Kent listserv and add/delete recipients; utilize the PRSSA Kent and PRSSA National style guides, as well as AP style, in all Chapter communications; proofread all content for the chapter’s various publications, including the chapter website, blog, e-newsletter, and promotional materials; communicating finalized revisions of the e-newsletter to the Chapter Faculty Advisor; proofread all items submitted to PRSSA National, including award submissions, bid to present Chapter Development Sessions, and Chapter News submissions; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog.
NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the Vice President of Communications must have completed Public Relations Publications accompanied by Media Relations and Publicity or has taken a writing intensive course that is approved by the Chapter Faculty Advisor.
D)Vice President of Membership. The duties of the Vice President of Membership shall include, but not be limited to: attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; perform all duties of the Chapter President if the president and Vice President of Professional Relations are absent or unable to perform the president’s duties; coordinate and carry out effort to recruit, enlist and retain membership (focus on face-to-face efforts while considering remote substitutions when needed, including CCI/MDJ events, class visits, informational tables, etc.; support organization of committees at the beginning of the semester (motivate members to join committees by conveying the opportunity to refine PR skills, earn points toward conference and enhance time management skills; plan recruitment efforts before each semester begins to allow sufficient time for new members to pay dues; coordinate a mentor/mentee program and plan activities throughout both semesters); classroom visits (include other majors such as marketing, advertising, communication studies, fashion merchandising, etc.); find PR sequence and journalism class schedule on FlashLine and ask officers to sign up for classes when they’re available to talk about PRSSA to other students and promote activities; create the communications strategies and tactics within the annual plan—to inform members of upcoming events and work with VP of Communications and the Web and Social Media Manager to promote all membership activities; coordinate social activities for general membership; serves as head chair to plans End-of-Year Celebration to recognize graduating seniors and outgoing/incoming officers; act as an information center for general membership; coordinate and disseminate information about PRSA Associate Membership to graduating PRSSA members; ensure prospective members understand the online dues process; maintain a record of chapter members, including the email and phone of each; attend Admitted Student Days in Franklin Hall to recruit incoming freshmen; participate in OSMA presentations for incoming journalism students at Kent State’s main campus; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog.
NOTE: This position requires at least a sophomore standing for duration of acting term and having previously completed/enrolled in Public Relations Publications
E) Vice President of Fundraising and Community Outreach. The duties of the Vice President of Fundraising shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; work with each officer and committee to establish financial needs; create a budget and set goals for the year of how much money to raise with the help of the Chapter Account Executive; create and implement fundraising projects—preferably ones which do not require start-up money; contact by letters and email and send thank-you letters to those who contribute; research and present a comprehensive list of service opportunities for the chapter to participate in; organize community service and volunteer opportunities for chapter members; oversee the collection of items for any National or Regional PRSSA Community Service Initiatives; organize event to celebrate Betsy Plank Day; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog.
NOTE: This position requires at least a sophomore standing during acting term.
F) Chapter Account Executive. The duties of the Chapter Account Executive shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; record minutes of all Darrow Committee meetings and handle the appropriate distribution of minutes; make sure all permanent documents are recorded and kept in order for files including updates of the local and national handbook; create and maintain an updated and accurate record of chapter minutes, photographs, anniversaries, news clippings and other information to record chapter’s history and accomplishments; notify PRSSA headquarters and sponsoring PRSA chapters of changes in chapter officers and advisors; obtain up-to-date directories from sponsoring PRSA chapters, district and national directories; handle all chapter in-house correspondence; take attendance at each general and Darrow meetings; keep track of the attendance/participation point system and post updates; create name tags for all PRSSA Kent members and host welcome table at all general meetings; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog. Work with Chapter President to coordinate PRSSA Kent’s trip to National Conference, which includes funding (USG allocations presentation, Dennis Eckart applications, divide receipts for reimbursement), hotel registration and flights; provide safekeeping for all chapter funds and keep accurate financial records of all campus and external accounts held by this Chapter (including petty cash for general meeting food and beverages, speaker gifts, etc.); attend with the Vice President of Fundraising any required meetings by university regulations for obtaining funds from undergraduate senate or any relating university disbursement of funds committees; serve as an active member of all fundraising committees (Homecoming, etc.); collect fees for any chapter special events and fundraisers; disperse chapter funds with approval of the Faculty Adviser and/or Darrow Committee or Chapter Account Executive’s authorization determined by the Darrow Committee; work with the Chapter President and Vice President of Fundraising in preparing the annual budget; assist any committee, as necessary
NOTE: This position requires a sophomore standing and having completed Writing Across Platforms.
G.) Web and Social Media Co-Chairs. The duties of the Web and Social Media Co-Chairs shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; serve as official chapter photographer—acquire pictures at all events; coordinate developing and posting on website and blog; coordinate and draft updates to the chapter website while classes are in session (create an editorial calendar for the website/blog each semester with post topics - meeting promotion, recaps, speaker bios, etc.; expand Web content, as appropriate, to improve member communications; conduct annual Website evaluations with officers and members); write or receive any blog posts from members and send to President/other officer for editing; keep events, general officer information, etc. updated on the blog and website each year; write stories for the website, send along for editing and post stories to www.prssakent.com; assist Chapter Account Executive with maintaining an updated list of chapter history; assist VP of Communications with promoting the Website among members; coordinate developing and posting on the Chapter’s Google Drive, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn; coordinate and draft updates to the chapter social media accounts while classes are in session (create an editorial calendar for social media each semester with post); update the @prssakent Twitter account as needed to post links to articles, promote meetings and events, recognize hard working PRSSA members, highlight meeting information, etc.; assist Chapter Account Executive and VP of Membership with maintaining an updated list of chapter history; assist VP of Communications with promoting the chapter’s social media among members; oversee social media and web content committees; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year.
NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the Web and Social Media Manager must have completed or be currently registered for Digital Public Relations and Public Relations Publications.
H) Special Event Coordinator. The duties of the Special Event Coordinator shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; network with student organizations; reach out to other majors (advertising, marketing, communications studies, fashion merchandising, etc.); research other student organizations and majors (Ad, Marketing, Fashion) for event collaboration, meeting promotion, etc.; support PRSSA Initiatives (PRSSA National Conference); plan Communications Connection (collaborate with Franklin Advertising to plan the event during the entire process; recruit members to become involved with the planning committee; create and hold weekly committee meetings); assist MDJ with student recruitment efforts and coordinating assistance of other officers; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog.
I) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator The duties of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the Chapter; host a DEI&B event/workshop every semester; build relationships with relevant student organizations and departments on campus; write about diversity-related topics for the blog; create social media highlight reels and posts containing the diversity statement and other content; spotlight diverse professionals and how they navigate the workplace on our social media; point of contact for any grievances or ideas from members or public relations students; make sure the entire board is incorporating DEI&B in decisions; create a safe space for students to have an open discussion about DEI&B; provide guidance on how to celebrate diversity. Monitor and promote DEI&B initiatives and resources:
Section 2: Duties and Responsibilities: The duties of the positions listed above shall be such as usually pertain to the chair positions they hold. Specific duties and responsibilities of these and other chairpersons elected by this chapter shall be cited accordingly within these bylaws, based on local needs and suggestions provided in the PRSSA Chapter Handbook.
Section 1: Unexcused Absence (Officer): An officer who has one (1) unexcused absence from any required meeting will automatically lose one (1) point of participation.
NOTE: The only acceptable excuses for these events are documented illness, any COVID-19 issues (ex. exposure, symptoms, positive test result, etc.), direct class conflict, or unavoidable family or professional commitments (i.e. death in the family, wedding, interviews, etc.). An officer must let the Chapter President know 24 hours prior to the meeting if they will not be in attendance.
Section 2: Participation/Point System: Points will be rewarded for participation and involvement. At every meeting/event, the Chapter Account Executive will take attendance and document the points in the point document for the member to receive credit. The point system runs from the first day after the National Conference to one week prior to the following National Conference. The points will be tallied consistently throughout the semester to update members on their totals.
Point Values
- Dues Paying Member: 1 point for each semester.
- Meeting Attendance: 2 points for each meeting.
- Darrow Attendance: 0 points for each meeting, but subtract 1 point from board members with an unexcused absence.
- Social Attendance: 1 point for each social.
- Miscellaneous Board Involvement: 1 point per service initiative.
- PRSA Meeting/Event Attendance: 1 point for each event.
- National/Regional Conference Attendance: 2 points for each conference (points will then be attributed to the following National/Regional Conference).
- Writing for the blog/newsletter: 2 points for each piece.
- Participation in the Bateman Case Study Competition: 7 points.
- Officers: 10 points (see above for deduction of officer points).
- Miscellaneous Participation: Officers can determine additional opportunities for members to earn points.
NOTE: Officer Points are determined by overall commitment to PRSSA. Officers can only receive extra points through participation done outside of a committee. No points are awarded for meeting attendance or participation within own committee.
NOTE: Bateman participants will receive seven points each to cover point opportunities missed due to Bateman scheduling conflicts.
NOTE: The person with the most participation points in one year will receive a free PRSSA membership or a free graduation stole if a graduating senior. Board members are not eligible to receive this award.
Section 3: Unexcused Absence: Any person who signs up for an activity and does not show loses one (1) point. A person MUST contact the officer or chair of the activity/event at least 12 hours in advance to be excused.
Section 4: Extended Officer Absence: Any officer who needs to be excused from the weekly chapter meeting regularly or for an extended period of time must contact the Chapter President. Upon approval, the President will delegate the duties of the officer until they can assume full responsibility again.
Section 5: Membership in PRSSA at Kent State University shall be open to any and all students, faculty, and staff at Kent State University. Active membership shall be determined by paying their dues. Once a student graduates or ceases to be a student at the University, their active membership in PRSSA shall cease.
Article II: Election Procedures
Section 1: Officer Grade Requirement: All officers must be registered at the university with at least 8 credit hours and have a minimum 2.75 GPA as required by university regulations in order to hold office.
Section 2: Nominations: A candidate may be nominated for multiple positions. If the candidate does not win the position, they may run for another position. All candidates must be dues-paying members of PRSSA. Members may nominate an eligible member from the floor with their permission by writing in the name of the nominee.
Section 3: Elections: Election of chapter officers and advisors shall be held before April 15, with those elected assuming office the following June 1 for one calendar year. An officer may run again for the position previously held. Elections for committee chairs must be held before November 15 for spring chair positions and before April 15 for fall chair positions.
Section 4: Running for Office: Members interested in running for an officer position will complete an application indicating those offices in which they would like to be considered.
Section 5: Leadership Transition: Leadership transition will occur before the end of the spring semester for officers. Outgoing officers will meet with incoming officers to confer individually. Outgoing officers must present incoming officers with pertinent role information and post relevant documents to the officer’s Google Drive folder. It is the responsibility of the President to see that this procedure is followed and that all officers are present. It will be the incoming President’s responsibility to schedule and finish any officer transition that has not yet been completed by a new officer’s predecessor.
Section 6: Voting: All positions will be determined by the majority vote. The President has authority to vote only when a vote is tied. All votes will be confidential.
Article III: Financial Rules
Section 1: Dues: Member dues are $65, of which $55 must be received at PRSSA Headquarters no later than November 1 for members joining in the fall and March 1 for members joining midyear. The remaining $10 will be deposited to the Chapter account to be used toward programming. Dues are for one (1) calendar year following each deadline payment. Prorating of dues is not permitted. The Chapter President is responsible for ensuring the VP of Membership receives updated membership rosters throughout the academic year.
Section 2: NSF Check Charges: A member whose check fails to clear must pay the bank’s late charges within two (2) weeks.
Section 3: Funding for Regional and National Conferences: To receive reimbursement funding for Regional Conference, a member must have five (5) participation points. To receive reimbursement for National Conference, a member must have fifteen (15) participation points.
NOTE: Dependent upon the available Chapter funds, in order to be eligible to attend National Conference, an application process may be required in addition to having fifteen (15) participation points.
Section 4: Budget: A proposed budget must be presented to the Darrow Committee by the second Darrow Committee meeting of each semester by the Chapter Account Executive.
Article IV: Offices Serving the PRSSA Kent State Chapter
Section 1: Titles: The chapter shall elect annually a President, Vice President of Professional Relations, Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Fundraising and Community Outreach, Chapter Account Executive, Special Event Coordinator, Web and Social Co-Chairs, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator.
Section 2: Duties and Responsibilities: The duties of the positions listed above shall be such as usually pertain to the offices they hold. Specific duties and responsibilities of these and other officers elected by this Chapter shall be cited accordingly within these bylaws, based on local needs and suggestions provided in the PRSSA Chapter Handbook.
A) President. The duties of the President shall include, but not be limited to: All duties as cited in the PRSSA Chapter Handbook; keep current on university regulations governing organizations; collect weekly updates from officers and committee chairs; organize status report; meet with adviser Professor Michele Ewing once a week to discuss upcoming events, projects, concerns; consult with PRSSA Professional Advisor each semester; establish organization’s objectives and goals (set deadline and delegate responsibilities; evaluate and refine plan monthly); preside over Darrow Committee meetings; monitor the timely distribution of meeting minutes compiled by Chapter Account Executive; preside over general chapter meetings (work with VP of Professional Relations to draft and approve semester agenda; welcome attendees, announcements); see that meetings are routinely held and obtain reports from committee chair each month; meetings can be held as scheduled by each committee chair); schedule any necessary meeting rooms represented by the PRSSA Chapter (i.e. Public Relations Campaigns Capstone Presentation Room); assist Chapter Account Executive with requests for funding; initiate communications with PRSA chapters in Akron and Cleveland; coordinate Chapter participation in local and regional leadership conferences, submit paperwork and registration, and organize logistics; preside over officer transition to assure procedure is followed strictly; delegate responsibilities if an officer resigns or forfeits position; collaborate with other elected officers to collect materials for the University CSI award entries, due in early March; national PRSSA Teahan award entry, due at the beginning of June; attend PRSSA National Leadership Rally in April, if possible (flight covered by PRSSA Kent, registration by PRSSA National); obtain guidance from faculty adviser and professional adviser; encourage communication and teamwork.
NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the President must have been an officer before running for this position and at least a junior standing during the acting term.
B) Vice President of Professional Relations. The duties of the Vice President of Professional Relations shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; perform all duties of the Chapter President if the president is absent or unable to perform their duties; assist the President in coordinating and directing committee activities and chapter operations and perform such duties as may be delegated by the president; recommend to the Chapter President goals, objective, plans and programs for the benefit of the chapter. Schedule speakers for general meetings; coordinate meeting programs according to the desire of officers and members (example: speakers, workshops); Schedule general meeting rooms that fit 20-60 people bi-weekly on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m (depending on chapter size); brainstorm meeting topics; review past meeting topics and compare; develop full programming schedule for each semester; coordinate the promotion of upcoming meetings; obtain speaker bio information and photo to share with Social Media Co-Chair to share on social media at least two weeks before speaking engagement; have gifts and thank you cards for all speakers; evaluate meetings, make adjustments as needed; network and make contacts with possible speakers; keep a file of contacts made throughout the year and place in a designated Google Drive folder. Maintain relationships between PRSA Cleveland and PRSA Akron; update officers and members on current PRSA events and encourage them to attend them; keep PRSSA informed of any PRSA activity; attend any PRSA meetings and functions; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year.
NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the Vice President of Professional Relations must be a junior or a senior and must have previously taken or be currently enrolled in Public Relations Publications.
C) Vice President of Communications. The duties of the Vice President of Communications shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; write, edit and distribute monthly chapter e-newsletters while school is in session; press releases on accomplishments, meetings and activities to local and national media and PRSSA National Chapter News; manage PRSSA Kent listserv and add/delete recipients; utilize the PRSSA Kent and PRSSA National style guides, as well as AP style, in all Chapter communications; proofread all content for the chapter’s various publications, including the chapter website, blog, e-newsletter, and promotional materials; communicating finalized revisions of the e-newsletter to the Chapter Faculty Advisor; proofread all items submitted to PRSSA National, including award submissions, bid to present Chapter Development Sessions, and Chapter News submissions; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog.
NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the Vice President of Communications must have completed Public Relations Publications accompanied by Media Relations and Publicity or has taken a writing intensive course that is approved by the Chapter Faculty Advisor.
D)Vice President of Membership. The duties of the Vice President of Membership shall include, but not be limited to: attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; perform all duties of the Chapter President if the president and Vice President of Professional Relations are absent or unable to perform the president’s duties; coordinate and carry out effort to recruit, enlist and retain membership (focus on face-to-face efforts while considering remote substitutions when needed, including CCI/MDJ events, class visits, informational tables, etc.; support organization of committees at the beginning of the semester (motivate members to join committees by conveying the opportunity to refine PR skills, earn points toward conference and enhance time management skills; plan recruitment efforts before each semester begins to allow sufficient time for new members to pay dues; coordinate a mentor/mentee program and plan activities throughout both semesters); classroom visits (include other majors such as marketing, advertising, communication studies, fashion merchandising, etc.); find PR sequence and journalism class schedule on FlashLine and ask officers to sign up for classes when they’re available to talk about PRSSA to other students and promote activities; create the communications strategies and tactics within the annual plan—to inform members of upcoming events and work with VP of Communications and the Web and Social Media Manager to promote all membership activities; coordinate social activities for general membership; serves as head chair to plans End-of-Year Celebration to recognize graduating seniors and outgoing/incoming officers; act as an information center for general membership; coordinate and disseminate information about PRSA Associate Membership to graduating PRSSA members; ensure prospective members understand the online dues process; maintain a record of chapter members, including the email and phone of each; attend Admitted Student Days in Franklin Hall to recruit incoming freshmen; participate in OSMA presentations for incoming journalism students at Kent State’s main campus; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog.
NOTE: This position requires at least a sophomore standing for duration of acting term and having previously completed/enrolled in Public Relations Publications
E) Vice President of Fundraising and Community Outreach. The duties of the Vice President of Fundraising shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; work with each officer and committee to establish financial needs; create a budget and set goals for the year of how much money to raise with the help of the Chapter Account Executive; create and implement fundraising projects—preferably ones which do not require start-up money; contact by letters and email and send thank-you letters to those who contribute; research and present a comprehensive list of service opportunities for the chapter to participate in; organize community service and volunteer opportunities for chapter members; oversee the collection of items for any National or Regional PRSSA Community Service Initiatives; organize event to celebrate Betsy Plank Day; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog.
NOTE: This position requires at least a sophomore standing during acting term.
F) Chapter Account Executive. The duties of the Chapter Account Executive shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; record minutes of all Darrow Committee meetings and handle the appropriate distribution of minutes; make sure all permanent documents are recorded and kept in order for files including updates of the local and national handbook; create and maintain an updated and accurate record of chapter minutes, photographs, anniversaries, news clippings and other information to record chapter’s history and accomplishments; notify PRSSA headquarters and sponsoring PRSA chapters of changes in chapter officers and advisors; obtain up-to-date directories from sponsoring PRSA chapters, district and national directories; handle all chapter in-house correspondence; take attendance at each general and Darrow meetings; keep track of the attendance/participation point system and post updates; create name tags for all PRSSA Kent members and host welcome table at all general meetings; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog. Work with Chapter President to coordinate PRSSA Kent’s trip to National Conference, which includes funding (USG allocations presentation, Dennis Eckart applications, divide receipts for reimbursement), hotel registration and flights; provide safekeeping for all chapter funds and keep accurate financial records of all campus and external accounts held by this Chapter (including petty cash for general meeting food and beverages, speaker gifts, etc.); attend with the Vice President of Fundraising any required meetings by university regulations for obtaining funds from undergraduate senate or any relating university disbursement of funds committees; serve as an active member of all fundraising committees (Homecoming, etc.); collect fees for any chapter special events and fundraisers; disperse chapter funds with approval of the Faculty Adviser and/or Darrow Committee or Chapter Account Executive’s authorization determined by the Darrow Committee; work with the Chapter President and Vice President of Fundraising in preparing the annual budget; assist any committee, as necessary
NOTE: This position requires a sophomore standing and having completed Writing Across Platforms.
G.) Web and Social Media Co-Chairs. The duties of the Web and Social Media Co-Chairs shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; serve as official chapter photographer—acquire pictures at all events; coordinate developing and posting on website and blog; coordinate and draft updates to the chapter website while classes are in session (create an editorial calendar for the website/blog each semester with post topics - meeting promotion, recaps, speaker bios, etc.; expand Web content, as appropriate, to improve member communications; conduct annual Website evaluations with officers and members); write or receive any blog posts from members and send to President/other officer for editing; keep events, general officer information, etc. updated on the blog and website each year; write stories for the website, send along for editing and post stories to www.prssakent.com; assist Chapter Account Executive with maintaining an updated list of chapter history; assist VP of Communications with promoting the Website among members; coordinate developing and posting on the Chapter’s Google Drive, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn; coordinate and draft updates to the chapter social media accounts while classes are in session (create an editorial calendar for social media each semester with post); update the @prssakent Twitter account as needed to post links to articles, promote meetings and events, recognize hard working PRSSA members, highlight meeting information, etc.; assist Chapter Account Executive and VP of Membership with maintaining an updated list of chapter history; assist VP of Communications with promoting the chapter’s social media among members; oversee social media and web content committees; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year.
NOTE: Any member interested in serving as the Web and Social Media Manager must have completed or be currently registered for Digital Public Relations and Public Relations Publications.
H) Special Event Coordinator. The duties of the Special Event Coordinator shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the chapter; network with student organizations; reach out to other majors (advertising, marketing, communications studies, fashion merchandising, etc.); research other student organizations and majors (Ad, Marketing, Fashion) for event collaboration, meeting promotion, etc.; support PRSSA Initiatives (PRSSA National Conference); plan Communications Connection (collaborate with Franklin Advertising to plan the event during the entire process; recruit members to become involved with the planning committee; create and hold weekly committee meetings); assist MDJ with student recruitment efforts and coordinating assistance of other officers; attend at least one PRSA Akron/Cleveland professional meeting each year; write at least one post for the chapter blog.
I) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator The duties of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator shall include, but not be limited to: Attend any leadership seminars or caucus that may reflect on the betterment of the Chapter; host a DEI&B event/workshop every semester; build relationships with relevant student organizations and departments on campus; write about diversity-related topics for the blog; create social media highlight reels and posts containing the diversity statement and other content; spotlight diverse professionals and how they navigate the workplace on our social media; point of contact for any grievances or ideas from members or public relations students; make sure the entire board is incorporating DEI&B in decisions; create a safe space for students to have an open discussion about DEI&B; provide guidance on how to celebrate diversity. Monitor and promote DEI&B initiatives and resources:
- Kent State Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (https://www.kent.edu/diversity)
- Kent State College of Communication and Information (https://www.kent.edu/cci/diversity)
- Kent State School of Media and Journalism (https://www.kent.edu/mdj/annual-events)
- National PRSA (https://voices4everyone.prsa.org/)
Section 2: Duties and Responsibilities: The duties of the positions listed above shall be such as usually pertain to the chair positions they hold. Specific duties and responsibilities of these and other chairpersons elected by this chapter shall be cited accordingly within these bylaws, based on local needs and suggestions provided in the PRSSA Chapter Handbook.
