SHC Policy Wiki

1. 1. This cooperation shall be known as Toad Lane Cooperative. Toad Lane is also the name of the street in Rochdale, England where the first cooperative was located.

1. 2. The purpose of this organization shall be to create a close bond of friendship through working together to provide living facilities at moderate cost.

1. 1. Membership shall consist of residents who have met requirements outlined in the SHC Code of Operations and Membership Contract.

1. 2. Membership shall be open to anyone who desires to live in and promote the cooperative environment and is able to meet the financial requirements.

1. 1. Rights
2. Security in your home, access to house and SHC financial records, vote and voice opinions, a clean house, improve and change the house, be heard and listened to, your own privacy and space, capable officers, critique problems in house, independence.

1. 2. Responsibilities
2. Lock doors and windows, pay member charges, attend meetings, contribute labor, be open to other members ideas, hear and listen to others, respect other's privacy and space, talk to and support officers, work for creative solutions, encourage personal responsibility within the house.

1. 3. All members have equal rights and responsibilities regardless of seniority.

1. 1. The house jobs and officer positions will be divided as evenly as possible among the members at the first house meeting of each MSU semester. Officer positions must be elected by a simple majority of all members present.

1. 2. House officer positions consist of: Board of Directors representative, Treasurer, Education officer, Membership officer, Maintenance officer, Students of Color Committee representative. (Job descriptions can be found in the SHC Code of Operations)

1. 3. A work manager must be elected to fairly rotate additional house duties which include meeting minute taker, cleaning bathrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, outdoor maintenance, and taking out garbage.

1. 1. A house meeting must be held at least every two weeks. The dates will be chosen at the first house meeting which will be held within one week of the move-in date.

1. 2. At the start of each meeting, members may decide amongst themselves who will be the facilitator for that meeting.

1. 3. At least 51% of all current house members must be present at a meeting for it to be considered valid. All votes must have at least 51% of all members in favor to pass.

1. 4. Special house meetings -may be called in cases of extreme emergency or lack of house attendance at a regular house meeting by any Toad Lane member. At these meetings, votes can be passed by 5% of members present at the meeting, (Proxy votes accepted) Special meeting agenda must be posted at least 48 hours prior to meeting.

1. 5. Impeachment -any house officer can be removed from position for non performance or poor performance of duties. A 3/5 vote is necessary and charges must be posted on meeting agenda for at least 48 hours before meeting.

1. 6. Fines and Penalties -will be decided on by the members of the house at the first house meeting. Members may decide to fine each other for late payments of rent, incomplete house jobs or responsibilities, etc.

1. 1. Work Holiday -Every semester the maintenance coordinator will organize a work holiday to be completed by a date set by the house Each member must complete one three to five hour project.

1. 2. Meal Plan -Toad Lane will not offer a meal plan; however, those desiring a meal plan can request to be a part of New Community's

1. 3. Smoking -Smoking rules will be made at the beginning of each contract period at the first house meeting. No incoming member will be guaranteed a smoking or non-smoking atmosphere until after the vote at the first house meeting.

1. 4. Guest Policy -Guests may only stay at Toad Lane with consent of all members. If a guest stays more than fourteen days or nights in a given semester, he/she will be charged an amount to be decided by the house to help pay for costs.

1. 5. Drug Policy -There will be no illegal drugs permitted on property of Toad Lane.

1. 6. Pet Policy -will be decided by the members of the house at the first house meeting. No incoming member will be promised the right to house a pet in Toad Lane, or to live pet free until after the first house meeting.

1. 7. Party Policy -See SHC Code of Operations
2. Harassment Policy -See SHC Code of Operations
3. Expulsion Policy -See SHC Code of Operations

1. This constitution may be amended by a 2/3 vote during a house meeting which has quorum present. (quorum is equal to 50% plus one of current membership).

2. Any amendments which pass shall be changed in the document immediately and brought to the attention of the SHC Vice president of Education.