African American Caucus

Caucus Aspects

Constitution

It shall be the purpose of The African American Caucus

to identify and seek to effect changes in the traditional educational practices that have served as barriers to people of African descent;
to increase the number of employees of African descent;
to advocate for enhanced roles of employees of African descent in the overall governance of the institution; and,
to serve as a resource and provide the institution with an ongoing forum related to African and African American cultures and issues.

Becoming a Member

Section 1. Membership shall be open to all employees at Montclair State University of African descent and their allies.

Section 2. Membership status of “good standing” in The Caucus will always be determined by the financial roster prepared by the treasurer.

Dues are a great way to support the activities and programming of MSU’s African American Caucus. Your financial support allows the organization to fund guest speaker honorariums, special programming, co-sponsored events as well as cater some member meetings and events.

In the past, dues have allowed us to co-sponsor trips to the African American History Museum in Washington, DC. We’ve been able to attend NAACP events and support student groups on campus.

Committees

Committee Types Within the Caucus

Membership

Welcome new members and provide them with necessary information about the organization.
Ensure that new members feel integrated and valued.
Develop strategies for attracting and engaging current members.

Website, Communication & Marketing

Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote membership benefits and attract new members.
Foster a sense of community and engagement among members through regular communication of events and activities that encourage participation.
Create and distribute regular newsletters and updates to keep members informed about organizational news, upcoming events, and opportunities.
Manage the organization’s social media presence to engage with current members and attract new ones.

Fundraising

Develop comprehensive fundraising strategies, including identifying target donors, methods of fundraising, and timelines.
Plan and execute fundraising events, such as galas, auctions, walkathons, or online crowdfunding campaigns.

Nominating

Identify, evaluate, and nominate candidates for leadership positions within an organization.
Assess the current and future needs of the organization in terms of leadership, skills, and experience.

Cultural – Programming – Community Engagement

Identify and develop programs, events, and activities that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
Handle all logistical aspects of events, including venue selection, scheduling, catering, transportation, and accommodation.

Professional Development

Identify, plan, and facilitate opportunities for the growth and advancement of the organization’s members.
Design and develop a range of professional development programs, workshops, seminars, webinars, and courses that address the identified needs.

Constitution and By-Laws

Regularly review and propose amendments to the constitution and by-laws to reflect changes in the organization’s needs, goals, or legal requirements.
Ensure that the constitution and by-laws comply with relevant laws, regulations, and standards.

Ad Hoc

A. Student Retention

Develop and maintain relationships with high schools, community colleges, and other educational institutions to create pathways for prospective students.
Engage with community organizations, businesses, and alumni to promote the institution and support recruitment efforts.
Provide guidance and support to prospective students throughout the application process, including help with forms, deadlines, and requirements.

B. Student Recruitment

Identify academic, social, financial, and personal factors that may affect student retention.
Create and implement programs and initiatives aimed at improving student retention, such as mentoring programs, tutoring services, and academic support workshops.