BHTM SAS Constitution & Mission

BHTM SAS Constitution

The mission of the BHTM Students & Alumni Society (SAS) is to provide the opportunity of mentorship, tutoring, networking and overall support to its members. The SAS will encourage, assist and inspire its members to reach their full potential in the hospitality industry. The BHTM SAS will liaise between the different levels of students within the BHTM program and BHTM alumni, to assert the needs of all the members involved. The Society will make decisions based on the needs of the members involved, with the integrity of the Society and BHTM program itself always in mind. The goals are to maximize benefits and support for all students and alumni involved. It is the Society’s responsibility to promote respect, understanding and professionalism among all students involved within the Society, the program, the student body, the professors and the administration.

General Guidelines

  1. The BHTM SAS is for, and is open to everyone involved in the program at no additional cost. It is not an administrative body of the BHTM program. It is a student and alumni driven organization to improve the student experience at Algonquin College, and to promote success throughout the degree and upon graduation.
  2. Students must obtain membership to the BHTM SAS, at no extra cost. However, members must agree to be respectful and hold integrity at all times.
  3. The BHTM SAS will use the college directives as a guide.
  4. Involvement in the Society is on a volunteer basis. Dedication and commitment is crucial for the success of this Society. This group will not be used to provide exam or assignment answers between students.
  5. The Society will facilitate communication between students for the purpose of learning and development.
  6. Any fundraising done in the name of the program cohorts must be done in an open accountable format. Finances will also be maintained by two members of the SAS, chosen by the Director.
  7. Transparency is an absolute requirement. Lying and stealing will not be tolerated. Minutes and budgets will be publicly posted.

Decision-Making Process

  1. The Decision-making process will be based on consensus.
  2. Meetings will be held on a monthly basis. All leadership is expected to be in attendance for meetings. The Society holds discretion in increasing, or decreasing, the meeting frequency as needed.

Conflict Resolution

  1. Members are to find a solution between/among themselves first to any conflict or disagreement that may arise. If no solutions can be found, inform the Director for mediation.
  2. The SAS will follow an Interest-Based Relational approach to conflict resolution:
    1. Good relationships are the first priority: treat others courteously, calmly, and build mutual respect. Each individual should emphasize their perception of the problem and actively listen to other members. Individuals should speak using an adult, assertive approach rather than a submissive, condescending, and/or aggressive approach.
    2. Keep people and problems separate: utilize empathy, transparency, ‘I’ statements, flexibility, and clarify feelings. Individuals should pay attention to the interests that are being presented and listen first; talk second.
    3. Set out the ‘Facts’: Find the common problem after everyone has shared their perceptions.
    4. Explore options together: brainstorm possible solutions and then negotiate a solution.

Amending the Constitution

  1. The constitution can be amended, based on consensus, during the year to make changes to rules, roles, and responsibilities that are not working properly in order to make the Society more efficient. The Director holds the right to alter any parts of the constitution at their discretion.

Removal of Members

  1. Members can be removed if they consistently violate any of the policies within the constitution.
  2. To fill a vacant role, the Director will appoint a new member after holding an interview process.