DPPTA Constitution

The constitution of:

Duke Pre-Physical Therapy Association

A student-run organization at Duke University.

Article 1: Name

The name of this organization is Duke Pre-Physical Therapy Association, and may be abbreviated DPPTA.

Article 2: Mission

The Duke Pre-Physical Therapy Association aims to provide a supportive network for students interested in physical therapy careers. Through the association, students will have the opportunity to meet practicing physical therapists, connect with volunteer experience, participate in physical therapy events, learn about physical therapy requirements, and meet other students and faculty involved in physical therapy.

Article 3: Membership

  1. Members
    1. All Duke undergraduates are eligible for membership. Interested Duke community members are encouraged to attend meetings.
    2. Membership status is guaranteed to Duke students who attend two or more meetings per semester and notify the club president to be listed on the official roster. Members are eligible to participate and help plan all events, as well as vote for elected officers.
    3. At least 50% + 1 of the members shall be undergraduate students

Article 4: Officers

Any members of DPPTA can become an officer upon listed on the official roster. Officers will be elected annually each Spring. Officers will have the following duties

  1. President
    1. The president will work together with the other officers to lead meetings, organize seminars and discussions, and find opportunities for club members.
  2. Treasurer
    1. The treasurer will be responsible for handling funds and the association’s account
    2. Maintains organization in good standing with Duke University via communications with Student Affairs and/or other interested University entities
  3. Vice President
    1. The vice president will assist the president in the planning and execution of activities, oversee committees, and fill in for the president as necessary.
  4. Secretary
    1. The secretary will be responsible for documenting meeting minutes and maintaining records of attendance and membership status
  5. Historian
    1. The historian will be responsible for regular maintenance of the website.
    2. The historian will update the website to include information about upcoming events and opportunities available to members.

Article 5: Advisor

A full-time staff or faculty member shall serve as the advisor. The advisor oversees the association’s policies, directs members to resources where necessary, and act as a guide in determining activities, speakers, and opportunities. The advisor shall be an ex-officio member.

Article 6: Removal of Officers

Officers may be removed with two (2) weeks notice, and upon majority vote of the executive board.

Article 7: Executive Board

The executive board shall be compromised of the president, officers, advisor, and any other appointed member deemed appropriate by the president. The executive board will be involved in planning and coordinating events, and is expected to work together with the members of the association for approval, organization, and attendance of events. The executive board shall be appointed in the founding of the organization, and thereafter, leadership positions shall be filled by application and subsequent majority vote of the executive board.

Article 8: Meetings

Meetings will be held when necessary, and shall be led by members of the executive board or guest lecturers. Members are expected to attend meetings, and executive board members may be asked to forfeit duties if attendance is poor, classified by absence of more than one-third (1/3) of the meetings. Regular meetings are at the discretion of the President and executive board.

Article 9: Non-Discrimination

DPPTA adheres to the policy of non-discrimination and harassment as set forth in Duke’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct. Discrimination and/or harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, genetic information, age, disability, or veteran status is prohibited.

Article 10: By-Laws

By-laws may be created to dictate the structure and procedure of the association. By-laws may be proposed by any member of the organization and must be approved by the majority of the executive board.

Article 11: Committees

Committees may be created by the executive board to help distribute organization needs when necessary.

Article 12: Amendment

Amendments may be made to the constitution by proposal from any member and majority vote of the executive board.

Download pdf: Duke_PrePhysical_Therapy_Association_Constitution_20232024