Casa Zimbabwe Constitution (2002)

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Casa Zimbabwe (CZ), a house of the University Students' Cooperative Association (USCA), is the house located at 2422 Ridge Road, Berkeley CA 94709. CZ shall be organized as follows:

1. CZ is a non-profit housing cooperative. Members are obligated to live cooperatively and respectfully, in keeping with the Rochdale Cooperative Principles.
2. The members of CZ hold the following inalienable rights and responsibilities:
   1. Members have the right to use all house facilities unless it harms the general welfare of the house or threatens the privacy of others. Members have the responsibility to maintain and protect the house facilities.
   2. Members have the right to a clean and functional house. Members have the responsibility to keep the house clean and functional.
   3. Members have the right to anonymously or publicly file grievances. Members have the responsibility to not file frivolous or excessive grievances.
   4. Members have the right to accurate, timely information regarding the affairs of the house, unless the information is sensitive or private. Members, in particular those who hold elected positions, have the responsibility to provide said information.
   5. Members have the right to participate in all house-sponsored functions. Members have the responsibility to treat house-sponsored functions respectfully.
   6. Members have the right to run for any elected position. Members who hold elected positions have the responsibility to fairly serve the membership and to not abuse the power granted to them.
3. The Office of Housing of the USCA has jurisdiction over the admission and dismissal of members.
4. Council is the governing body of CZ. Council must have the following minimum requirements:
   1. There must be at least 24 hours notice of the meeting given to the membership.
   2. There must be at least 20% of the membership present.
5. Council has the authority to dismiss members. Dismissal proceedings must be in compliance with the USCA Administrative Code.
6. The membership can amend the Constitution through a house-wide vote. The membership must be given the text of the amendment at least one week prior to voting. Approval of the Constitutional amendment requires 2/3 of all members to vote in favor. (For example, if there are 127 members, there must be at least 85 approval votes in order for the motion to pass. Abstention votes and non-voting members votes still count towards the total vote count.)
7. The membership can amend the Bylaws through Council. Approval of a Bylaw amendment requires a 2/3 Majority Vote in two consecutive Councils.
8. The Constitution or Bylaws may not change during summer session.
9. Upon approval, amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws take effect immediately. A Bylaw is considered void if it contradicts the Constitution. A House Policy is considered void if it contradicts the Constitution or the Bylaws.
10. The Constitution, Bylaws and House Policies shall not be in conflict with the Articles of Incorporation or USCA Bylaws. The USCA Board of Directors is the final judge of all disputes.