(Provisional version, pending adoption by the General Meeting)
Chapter 1 — General Provisions
Article 1 (Name). The name of the association is the UK Chongqing Students and Scholars Association ("UKCQSSA", "the Association").
Article 2 (Nature). The Association is a non-profit, non-political and non-religious voluntary association of Chongqing students, scholars, alumni and friends who study, work or live in the United Kingdom.
Article 3 (Objects). To connect Chongqing students and scholars in the UK; to support members' academic, professional and personal development; to foster mutual assistance among members; and to promote exchange and cooperation between Chongqing and the UK in education, science, culture and business.
Article 4 (Conduct). The Association operates in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom and this Constitution, and shall not distribute profits or pursue activities unrelated to its objects.
Chapter 2 — Activities
Article 5. The Association may: organise welcome, social and festival events; hold academic and career development talks; partner with organisations and merchants to provide member benefits; publish information through its official website and media channels; and carry out charitable and other activities consistent with its objects.
Chapter 3 — Membership
Article 6 (Eligibility). Any person who supports this Constitution and meets the conditions of a membership type may apply. Membership takes effect only upon approval. Creating an account on the Association's website does not itself constitute membership.
Article 7 (Membership types). Membership types (e.g. student, full, honorary) and their conditions, documentation requirements and fees are determined by the Council and published on the official website.
Article 8 (Admission). Applicants submit the online registration form and any required documents; the Council (or its authorised reviewers) examines the application; membership takes effect upon approval and, for paid types, upon payment of the fee, whereupon a membership number and digital membership card are issued.
Article 9 (Rights). Members may take part in the Association's activities and enjoy member benefits; be informed of, advise on and supervise the Association's work; vote and stand for election (honorary members excepted); and resign freely.
Article 10 (Obligations). Members shall observe this Constitution and resolutions of the Association, protect its reputation and lawful interests, pay fees as required, and participate actively in its activities.
Article 11 (Resignation and removal). A member may resign via the member centre or in writing. Membership may be revoked by resolution of the Council for serious breach of this Constitution or conduct damaging the Association's reputation. Fees are non-refundable unless otherwise provided.
Chapter 4 — Governance
Article 12 (General Meeting). The General Meeting is the supreme authority of the Association. It adopts and amends the Constitution, elects and removes Council members, reviews the Council's work and financial reports, and decides other major matters. It normally convenes annually; an extraordinary meeting may be convened by the Council or on the proposal of one third of the members. Ordinary resolutions require a simple majority of members present; amendment of the Constitution and dissolution require a two-thirds majority. Online attendance and voting carry equal effect.
Article 13 (Council). The Council is the executive body, accountable to the General Meeting. It comprises one President, several Vice-Presidents, one Secretary-General and Council members, each serving a renewable two-year term. It implements resolutions of the General Meeting, convenes the General Meeting, adopts internal rules, decides on admission and removal of members, sets membership types and fees, and manages the Association's finances and assets.
Article 14 (President). The President represents the Association externally and leads the work of the Council, assisted by the Vice-Presidents and the Secretary-General.
Article 15 (Advisory Committee). The Association maintains an Advisory Committee of distinguished individuals and senior alumni invited by the Council to advise and support the Association's development. The Advisory Committee takes no part in day-to-day management.
Article 16 (Working bodies). The Council may establish a secretariat and working departments (events, communications, external relations, etc.) and appoint their leads.
Chapter 5 — Finance
Article 17 (Income). Membership fees, voluntary donations, sponsorship, event income and other lawful income.
Article 18 (Use of funds). Funds shall be applied solely to the activities and development of the Association and shall in no circumstances be distributed among members.
Article 19 (Accounts). The Association keeps full and accurate financial records; the Council reports on the finances to the General Meeting annually.
Chapter 6 — Amendment
Article 20. Amendments to this Constitution are considered by the Council and submitted to the General Meeting, taking effect upon approval by two thirds of the members present.
Chapter 7 — Dissolution
Article 21. Dissolution requires a two-thirds majority of the General Meeting. Any assets remaining after settlement of debts shall be donated to a non-profit organisation with similar objects and shall not be distributed among members.
Chapter 8 — Miscellaneous
Article 22. The Council is responsible for interpreting this Constitution.
Article 23. This Constitution takes effect upon adoption by the General Meeting and applies provisionally until then.