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HULSA

HULSA Bylaw

Haramaya University Law Students’ Association

Preamble

Recognizing the role of students’ associations in enhancing quality education and campus life; acknowledging the need to sustain and formalize achievements outside the Consortium of Ethiopian Law Schools; and understanding the importance of legal education to justice and the rule of law in Ethiopia — the members of the Haramaya University Law Students’ Association (HULSA) hereby issue this Bylaw.

1. Name

"Haramaya University Law Students’ Association 2022".

2. Definitions

  • "Association" or "HULSA": Haramaya University Law Students’ Association 2022
  • "University": Haramaya University
  • "Union": Students’ Union of Haramaya University
  • "Student": Full-time students of the College of Law (graduate and postgraduate)

3. Establishment

  • HULSA (2006 E.C.) is established per the Students’ Union constitution and this Bylaw.
  • Non-profit, non-partisan; composed of regular program law students.
  • Headquarters: Haramaya University Main Campus.
  • Duration: Unlimited.
  • Logo: Determined by the Assembly.

4. Gender Reference

Masculine terms include the feminine.

5. Purposes

  • Create articulate future leaders, lawyers and judges with strong writing and speaking skills.
  • Enable student commentaries, research, and translations to advance legal literature.
  • Promote public understanding of and respect for the law for a peaceful society.
  • Serve as an open forum with the College on education, training, research and community services.
  • Represent the common interests of law students.
  • Contribute to improvement of legal education, training, research and services nationwide.
  • Facilitate moot courts, social events, tutorials, clinical programs and awareness initiatives.

6–9. Membership

  • Open to all law students of Haramaya University College of Law.
  • Types: Voting (all students) and Non‑voting (Honorary, Associate).
  • Honorary: Academic staff supporting HULSA's objectives.
  • Associate: Alumni or supporters contributing to HULSA's objectives.

10. Rights of Members

  • Equal voting; attend GA meetings; vote, elect, be elected.
  • Participate in social and academic events; raise ideas and suggestions.
  • Access information per Association rules.

11. Duties of Members

  • Pay membership fees on schedule; observe the Bylaw and decisions.
  • Contribute to the vision, mission and objectives; disclose required information.
  • Attend GA meetings; participate in activities; serve diligently when elected.

12–14. Fees, Sanctions & Termination

Fees are set by the GA; penalties may apply for non‑payment. The GA may suspend or revoke membership for failure to observe the Bylaw or decisions. Termination can occur for cause, insufficient participation, voluntary withdrawal with notice, or other GA‑approved reasons.

15. Fiscal Year

Aligned with the University's academic calendar.

16. Organs & Governance

HULSA's organs are the General Assembly (GA) and the Executive Committee (President, Vice President, Executives, Secretary, Team Representatives, Members).

17–19. Powers, Meetings & Quorum

  • GA powers include: amend bylaws, interpret provisions, hear reports, elect/dismiss officers, set fees, approve rules, programs, budgets, and audits; establish committees; decide on non‑assigned matters.
  • Meetings: at least twice per year; extraordinary sessions may be called as needed.
  • Quorum and decision thresholds vary by call (first/second/third) as defined in the Bylaw.

20–21. Executive Committee & Elections

  • President: chief executive, chairs the Executive Committee, official spokesperson.
  • Vice President: presides in the President's absence; handles finance/budgeting with the President; reporting.
  • Secretary: minutes, correspondence, registry, records.
  • Executives (Academic; Entertainment & Media; Communication & Relation): lead teams and programs as defined.
  • Team Representatives: lead assigned teams, report performance.
  • Elections: President/Vice President via proposals and votes; Executives and Secretary elected by GA; team reps by batches.

22–26. Finance, Advisor, Amendments & Effect

  • Budget: membership fees and other funds (College and donors).
  • College Advisor(s): appointed from College of Law staff.
  • Amendments: initiated by the Executive Committee or 1/4 of members; require defined majorities.
  • Rules issuance: GA may issue rules for implementing the Bylaw; effective upon GA approval.