About Us

The Latin American Student Association (LASA) is a group of graduate students interested in analyzing current economic, political and social issues in the region, promoting its culture and enhancing opportunities for future cooperation.

Constitution

Fundamental Principles

The Latin American Student Association is a student body organized within the rules and regulations of the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs Student Association (SIPASA).

The Association promotes the interaction and coexistance of people from the five continents who share an interest for Latin America.  LASA organizes academic and social events in order to disseminate aspects of Latin American life, culture, tradition and values while enhancing the interaction between the SIPA community members.

Attendance to LASA events is open to all persons and not restricted to members of the SIPA community.

Membership

LASA membership is open to all people interested in Latin American and Latino affairs in the SIPA community. The association does not discriminate the inclusion of members because of academic program, country of origin, race, religion, ethnicity or preferences.

Executive Board

  1. The Executive Board consists of elected and appointed members. Elected positions are President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Academic Chair, Cultural Chair, Social Chair, and Communications Chair. The Executive Board has the prerogative to appoint any other board positions during their administration.
  2. In order to fulfill the goals of the Association, the Board is obliged to perform the following duties:
    1. Develop and execute a program of activities for each semester;
    2. Submit a detailed budget to SIPASA, following student groups’ guidelines;
    3. Encourage the participation of the SIPA community in the execution of events;
    4. Create synergy with other student groups at SIPA and other graduate programs;
    5. Organize elections for the next Executive Board.
  3. The Board is responsible for the obedience of the articles of this Constitution.
  4. The Board serves from the first week of January to the last week of December.
  5. At the end of its period, the Board is responsible for the transmission of all documents, resources and relevant information to the incoming board.

Elections

  1. Only first year students at SIPA may request to run as candidates.
  2. Only LASA members can cast votes during the elections. 
  3. Elections are held on the first week of the month of December, as follows:
    1. The Board must convene an open assembly for the sole purpose of holding elections;
    2. Students interested in being Board members must present their candidacy to the Assembly;
    3. Candidates must present proposed activities according to the post they are running for;
    4. Assembly members will cast their vote for each position through closed ballots which will be counted at the end of the Assembly.
    5. The winners will be those who get the plurality of votes on the day of the election

Amendments

In order to amend the present constitution, any officer may present a proposal, and it must be ratified by the majority of the members of the Executive Board.

Elected Officers and their Duties

President (1 available position):

  1. Represent and speak on behalf of the organization at all official events.
  2. Oversee the operations of the organization.
  3. Provide strategic direction for the organization.
  4. Preside over and call for general meetings as needed, as well as meetings with the officers of the organization.
  5. Offer assistance and support to fellow board members' projects.

Vice-President (1 available position):

  1. Assume duties of the president when the president is unavailable.
  2. Assist the president in program management coordinating the projects and budget.
  3. Assist the president in providing strategic direction for the organization in its operations and financial planning.
  4. Offer assistance and support to fellow board members' projects.

Secretary (1 available position):

  1. Distribution of all event notifications, announcements, and correspondence via the LASA listserv.
  2. Administration of the listserv: adding new members, updating contact information, etc.
  3. Recording of Board meetings and activities, where appropriate.
  4. Offer assistance and support to fellow board members' projects.

Treasurer (1 available position):
1. Set budget allocations each semester in conjunction with the
President and Vice President.
2. Oversee spending and manage all payments/refunds.
3. Update the board with the status of the budget periodically and
upon request.
4. Offer assistance and support to fellow board members' projects.

Marketing Officers (2 available positions):

  1. Design marketing materials for all events.
  2. Strategic distribution of materials at Columbia University and throughout the city of New York, including other universities.
  3. Maintain and update LASA website.
  4. Offer assistance and support to fellow board members' projects.

Academic Co-Chairs (2 available positions):

  1. Organize the Annual Latin American Conference (Fall semester) with a budget of roughly $10,000.
  2. Organize the Distinguished Speakers series (at least one per semester).
  3. Offer assistance and support to fellow board members' projects.

Cultural Co-Chairs (2 available positions):

  1. Organize the weekly Spanish and Portuguese language tables.
  2. Planning other cultural activities of interest such as film festivals, cooking classes, dancing classes, etc.
  3. Raise awareness of Latin American events on- and off-campus.
  4. Offer assistance and support to fellow board members' projects.

Events and Logistics Coordinators (2 available positions):

  1. Organize each semester's LASA Party, the main fundraising activity of the organization. (Average revenue: $10,000)
  2. Organize other social activities, including joint events with other student organizations.
  3. Offer assistance and support to fellow board members' projects.