IFMSA statut

International Federation of Medical Students´ Associations



International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
Adopted by the IFMSA General Assembly on the 4th of March 2000 in Kuopio, Finland.
Last amended on the 10th of March 2007 in Mandurah, Australia
www.ifmsa.org/about/constitution.php

Content
3.5. Voting Rights
9.3. IFMSA Transnational Projects
The IFMSA Constitution
3.6. Roll Call and Voting Cards
9.4. IFMSA Initiatives
1.
Name / Seat
3.7. Motion and Debate
9.5. Regulations for the project
2. Nature
3.8. Point of Order
proposal
3. Principles
3.9. Point of Information
9.6. Reporting
4. Objectives
3.10. Procedural Motion
9.7. Grant applications and IFMSA
5. Members
3.11. Voting
banking services
6. General
Assembly
3.12. Elections
9.8. Project Promotion
7. Executive
Board
3.13. Minutes
9.9. Sustaining and improving the
8. Supervising
Council
3.14. Reports
quality of IFMSA Projects
9.
Standing Committees, Divisions,
Projects and Working Groups
4.
General Assembly Meetings
10.
Task Forces
10. Officials
4.1. General
10.1. General
11. Finances
4.2. Election of the host organization
10.2. Activities
12. Amendments to the Constitution
4.3. Invitations
10.3. Dissolution
13. Bylaws
4.4. Programme
11.
Supervising Council
14. Dissolution
4.5. Agenda
4.6. Participation fees and finances
11.1. Members
The IFMSA Bylaws
4.7. Contract
11.2. Election of Members
11.3. Duties of the Supervising
1.
General regulation
4.8. Report
Council
1.1. Name of the organization
5.
Officials
11.4. Working methods
1.2. Language
5.1. General
1.3. Status
12.
General Secretariat
5.2. Suspension and removal of Officials
1.4. Mission Statement
5.3. Replacement of vacant Official
12.1. Gener l
a
1.5. Constitution and Bylaws
positions
12.2. Tasks
1.6. Logo
12.3. Personnel
1.7. Publications
6.
Executive Board
12.4. Archives
6.1. Gener l
a
2.
Members
13.
Finances
6.2. Tasks
2.1. General
6.3. Regulations for Executive Board
13.1. General
2.2. Regulations to obtain and
meetings
13.2. Regulations for the IFMSA
maintain membership of IFMSA
6.4. Overruling an Executive Board
General Budget
2.3. Regulations to obtain and
decision by the Supervising Council.
13.3. Financial Management
maintain full membership status
13.4. Supervision and Audit
2.4. Regulations to obtain and
7.
Standing Committees
13.5. The Financial Committee
maintain candidate membership
7.1. General
13.6. Travel Assistance Fund
status
7.2. Creation, changes and dissolution
14.
Amendments to the
2.5. Regulations to obtain and
7.3. Standing Committee Directors
maintain associate membership
7.4. Standing Committee Meetings
Constitution and Bylaws
status
7.5. Standing Committee Assistants
14.1. Amendments to the Constitution
2.6. Obtaining membership for
14.2. Amendments to the Bylaws
8.
Support Divisions
several organizations within the
15.
External relations
same state.
8.1. General
2.7. Honorary Life Membership
8.2. The Projects Support Division
15.1. Official relationships
2.8. Regulations for IFMSA
8.3. The New Technologies Support
15.2. Liaison Officers
Membership Fees
Division
15.3. The IFMSA Board of
2.9. Debts of members
8.4. The Publications Support Division
Recommendation
8.5. The Training Support Division
3.
Procedures at meetings
16.
Regionalization
8.6. The Alumni Relations Support
3.1. General
Division
16.1. General
3.2. Participants and Observers
16.2. Regional partners
9.
Projects
3.3. Chair
17.
Supportive Partnerships
3.4. The Constitution Credential
9.1. IFMSA Projects
17.1. Supportive Partnerships
Committee
9.2. IFMSA Endorsed Projects

IFMSA Constitution and Bylaws, 10th of March 2007, Mandurah, Australia Page 1 of 40
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International Federation of Medical Students´Associations


The other categories of members are admitted to
The IFMSA Constitution

the meeting but have no voting rights. A full

member is allowed to grant power of attorney to
1.
Name / Seat

another full member in order to cast a vote, such for

the sole purpose of resolutions of amendment to
1.1. The official name of the organization shall be

the Constitution or dissolution, provided that a full
International Federation of Medical Students’
member is allowed to cast vote for two other full
Associations.

members at most.

The association is hereinafter also referred to as: 6.2
The General Assembly shall meet at least once
the
federation.
each year. The General Assembly decides on the
1.2.
The official abbreviation shall be IFMSA
places and dates for the next General Assembly
1.3.
The federation is established in the district council of
meetings.
Amsterdam.
6.3
Official invitations for General Assembly meetings
have to be sent out to all members, including the
2. Nature
candidate members, the associate members and
2.1.
The federation is an independent Federation of
the Honorary Life Members, at least two months in
medical students’ associations.
advance by the Executive Board.
6.4
If one third of the members agree upon the
3. Principles
necessity of an extraordinary meeting of the
3.1
The federation pursues its aims without political,
General Assembly, it must be arranged according to
religious, social, racial, national, sexual or any other
article 6, paragraph 3.
discrimination
3.2 The
federation
promotes humanitarian ideals among
7. Executive
Board
medical students and so seeks to contribute to the
7.1
The federation shall be managed by the Executive
creation of responsible future physicians
Board. The Executive Board of the association is
3.3
The federation respects the autonomy of its members.
composed of at least three persons. The General
Assembly appoints one of the Executive Board
4. Objectives
members as President, one of the Executive Board
4.1
The goal of the federation is to serve society and
members as Secretary General and one of the
medical students all over the world through its
Executive Board members as Treasurer.
member organizations by:
7.2
The Executive Board is elected by the General
a. Empowering medical students in using their
Assembly for a one year period.
knowledge and capacities for the benefit of
7.3
The Executive Board is entitled to officially
society.
represent the Federation.
b. Providing a forum for medical students 7.4
The Executive Board can delegate tasks to other
throughout the world to discuss topics related to
persons, but it will remain responsible for these
individual and community health, education and
tasks at all times.
science and to formulate policies from such
7.5
An Executive Board member will cease to hold
discussions.
office:
c. Promoting and facilitating professional and
a.
At the end of his term;
scientific exchanges as well as projects and
b.
By a written resignation;
extracurricular training for medical students,
c. By
his
death;
thereby sensitising them to other cultures and
d. By removal from office by court in cases
societies and their health problems.
provided for in law;
d. Providing a link between members, medical
e. By removal from office by a decision of the
students’ associations and international
General Assembly.
organizations, and to encourage the co-
operation between them for the ultimate benefit
8. Supervising
Council
of society.
8.1
The Supervising Council supervises and advises
the Executive Board and other IFMSA Officials, as
5. Members
referred to in article 10.
5.2.
The federation is composed of members, hereinafter
8.2
The Supervising Council is composed of at least 3
also referred to as: full members, candidate members,
persons. They are elected by the General Assembly
associate members and Honorary Life Members.
for at least one year.
Only the afore mentioned full members are the
8.3
Supervising Council members shall not hold any
members as referred to in the Dutch Law.
other Official position within the federation.
5.3.
The General Assembly decides upon accepting and
8.4
The Supervising Council has the power to overrule
refusing members.
decisions of the Executive Board for important
5.4.
All members, including the candidate members, the
reasons as described in the Bylaws of the
associate members and the Honorary Life Members,
federation, after which the matter has to be
shall act according to the Constitution and Bylaws of
presented to the General Assembly, which will take
the federation and shall particularly fulfil their
a final decision.
contribution obligations.
8.5
The Supervising Council has the power to suspend
any Executive Board member and any IFMSA
6. General
Assembly
Official, as referred to in article 10, from his office
6.1
The General Assembly is composed of all members
for important reasons as described in the Bylaws of
of the federation. It is the highest authority and
the federation.
decision making body of the federation. Every full
member has one vote at the General Assembly
meetings.

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International Federation of Medical Students´Associations

9. Standing
Committees, Divisions,
14. Dissolution
Projects and Working Groups
14.2
The dissolution of IFMSA shall be decided by the
9.1
To execute, co-ordinate and support the activities of
General Assembly by a three quarter majority of all
the federation, Standing Committees, Divisions,
full members. Voting by registered mail is possible.
Projects and Working Groups can be formed by the
14.3
A proposal for dissolution shall be sending out to all
General Assembly.
members at least six months before the beginning
9.2
The work of these bodies is co-coordinated by a
of the General Assembly meeting. The proposal
Director or Coordinator, elected by the General
shall be sent out by registered mail.
Assembly.
14.4 Any funds remaining at dissolution will be spent
according to the objectives of the federation to an
10. Officials
institution of general benefit.

10.1
An IFMSA Official is a person elected by the General
Assembly or appointed by the Executive Board as

described in article 7, paragraph 4.

10.2 All IFMSA Officials have to work according to the

IFMSA Constitution and Bylaws of the federation and

have to promote the principles and objectives of the

federation.

10.3
All IFMSA Officials have to present an activity report

to the General Assembly.

10.4 An IFMSA Official will cease to hold office as

described in article 7, paragraph 5, subsections a up
to and including e.


11. Finances

11.1 The income of the Federation is composed of

contributions of members, subsidies, gifts, legacies

and other contributions.

11.2 The contribution shall be fixed by the General

Assembly yearly.

11.3
The financial year of the Federation runs from 1st

October up to and including 30th September of the

next year
11.4 Annually, within six months after the end of the

financial year – subject to an extension of such

period by the General Assembly – the Executive

Board shall report at the yearly meeting of the

General Assembly about the developments and the

pursued policy in the federation. It submits the

accounts and the statements of assets and liabilities

for approval to the General Assembly. These
documents shall be signed by all members of the

Executive Board; if the signature of one or more of
them is lacking, this shall be disclosed, stating the

reasons thereof.

11.5
Approval by the General Assembly of the documents

as referred to in this paragraph, discharges the

Executive Board for its management, unless the

General Assembly makes a reservation.

11.6
The Executive Board is responsible for all financial

actions of the Federation.
12.
Amendments to the Constitution
12.1
Amendments to the Constitution have to be decided
upon by the General Assembly by a two third majority
at a meeting in which at least one third of the
members are present or represented.
13. Bylaws
13.1
To regulate matters not described in this Constitution
the federation has Bylaws. The Bylaws have to
comply with this Constitution. Amendments and
changes to the Bylaws have to be decided upon by
the General Assembly.


IFMSA Constitution and Bylaws, 10th of March 2007, Mandurah, Australia Page 3 of 40
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International Federation of Medical Students´Associations


The IFMSA Bylaws
1. General
regulation
1.1.
Name of the organization
1.1.1. The official name of the organization is: International
Federation of Medical Students’ Associations
1.1.2. Recognized
translations
of this name are “Fédération
Internationale des Associations d’Étudiants en
Médecine” and “Federación Internacional de
Asociaciones de Estudiantes de Medicina”
1.1.3. The only abbreviation recognized is “IFMSA”.
1.2. Language
1.2.1. The official language of IFMSA is English.
1.3. Status
1.3.1. IFMSA is officially recognized as a Non-
Governmental Organization (NGO) within the United
Nations system.
1.3.2. IFMSA is officially recognized as a charity
organization, established in the Netherlands.
1.4. Mission
Statement
1.4.1. Our mission is to offer future physicians a
comprehensive introduction to global health issues.
Through our programming and opportunities, we
develop culturally sensitive students of medicine,
intent on influencing the transnational inequalities
that shape the health of our planet.
1.5.
Constitution and Bylaws
1.5.1. IFMSA shall be governed by its Constitution and
Bylaws.
1.5.2. The Constitution is the highest law of IFMSA. The
Constitution shall never be suspended. The
Constitution is registered under Dutch law with the
Chamber of Commerce.
1.5.3. The Bylaws regulate the practical internal
management of IFMSA.
1.5.4. Whenever “he” is mentioned in the Constitution or
Bylaws, this implies on both males and females.
1.6. Logo
1.6.1. The official logo of IFMSA is defined as the crest on
the world grid including the letters “IFMSA”.
1.6.2. Only the official logo of IFMSA can be used.
Changes in lay-out or any other additions are not
allowed.
1.6.3. The official logo can only be used by the National
Member Organizations and Officials of IFMSA.
1.7. Publications
1.7.1. All printed material (e.g., leaflets, pamphlets, booklets
and external correspondence) written in the name of
IFMSA (e.g., on IFMSA printed stationary) must be
approved by the Executive Board before being
distributed.
1.7.2. Advertisements can occur in any printed IFMSA
material except on the IFMSA stationary.
1.7.3. Advertisements in any printed material including the
Standing Committee newsletter and Medical Student
International shall be approved of by at least one
Executive Board member.
1.7.4. The official IFMSA stationery can only be used by
Officials of IFMSA.



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International Federation of Medical Students´Associations

2.2.
Regulations to obtain and maintain
2.
Members
membership of IFMSA
2.1. General
2.2.1. Only medical students’ organizations can be
2.1.1. A National Member Organization proposes by which
members of the IFMSA
name it will be addressed within IFMSA. This cannot
be proposed by any other National Member 2.2.2. Full membership can only be obtained during the
Organization. Changing the name of a National
August Meeting. Candidate and associate
Member Organization is considered as a change of
membership can be obtained either in the March or
status to that National Member Organization.
August meeting.
2.1.2. Whenever a National Member Organization fails to
fulfil their status requirements as listed below in the
2.2.3. Medical students’ organizations applying for
regulations to obtain and maintain membership, the
candidate membership should send an official
Executive Board has to submit a report to the
application form signed by the President to the
Constitution Credential Committee regarding this
General Secretariat at the latest on 1st December
before the start of the second plenary session of the
for the March Meeting or at the latest on 1st May
General Assembly Meeting. This report must specify
before the August Meeting. The postmark will be
which requirements the National Member
used as indication of the date. A medical students’
Organization did not fulfil. With this report, the
organization applying for full or associate
Constitution Credential Committee will review the
membership should submit a motion to the Chair by
membership status of the National Member
midnight prior to the plenary session where the
Organization and will submit a recommendation in its
admission of full or associate members is
report to the General Assembly regarding a possible
considered.
change of status for the National Member
Organization.
2.2.4. The 'Official IFMSA Application Form for Obtaining
2.1.3. All members are free to resign from IFMSA six
Membership of IFMSA' shall include:
months after the General Secretariat has received a
a. the number of medical students represented
written notice, signed by the President of the
by the organization.
organization. During these six months all debts and
b.
the number of medical schools participating in
commitments of the member must be fulfilled.
the organization.
2.1.4. Full and associate members must pay an annual
c.
the organization’s estimated yearly budget in
membership fee to the IFMSA with the exception of
EURO.
bylaw 2.1.9 below. The amount shall be determined
d.
information concerning former membership of
by the General Assembly in accordance with the
IFMSA, if such has existed.
guidelines stated in the section “Regulations for
e.
the total number of members represented by
IFMSA Membership Fees.”
the organization, including medical students
2.1.5. Only full, candidate and associate members shall
and non-medical students.
participate in IFMSA activities. Observers are 2.2.5. The following documents, translated into English,
permitted at IFMSA meetings and events.
shall be submitted together with the official
2.1.6. A National Member Organization (NMO) of the
application form:
IFMSA is a medical students’ organization chosen as
a.
A brief description of the organization’s current
full, candidate, or associate member of the IFMSA.
structure, activities and Officers.
2.1.7. A medical students’ organization only represents its
b. A list of addresses of the Officers in the
own members. No medical student shall be
organization.
represented by a National Member Organization
c.
A motivation letter.
against his will.
d.
A copy of the regulations of the organization.
2.1.8. For official external communication the state name
The regulations must specify, at minimum, the
used by IFMSA is the one used by the United
official name, nature, principles, objectives,
Nations. Furthermore, for official internal
membership structure, meeting structure,
communication the state name used by IFMSA when
Executive Board structure and function,
referring to a National Member Organizations is the
working groups, Officials, financial
constitutional name of the respective country in
management procedures, bylaws, and
English.
information concerning dissolution of the
2.1.9. A National Member Organization can request to the
candidate organization.
General Assembly at the August Meeting to not pay
2.2.6. The organization applying must fulfil all conditions
the annual membership fee by suspending their
for the membership status on the date of its request,
membership in IFMSA for the coming financial year,
with no exceptions.
provided that the president of the National Member
2.2.7. The Executive Board reviews the application of
Organization sends a signed and stamped document
organizations seeking membership of IFMSA and
stating so to the General Secretariat at the latest on
advises the General Assembly.
1st May.
2.2.8. Medical students’ organizations seeking
2.1.10. Consequentially, the National Member Organization
membership in IFMSA must be comprised of more
and its members may not take part
in
IFMSA
than 60% medical students. Medical students are
activities for that financial year, except as observers
considered the students in training to become
at IFMSA meetings and events. The National
medical doctors in higher education institutions,
Member Organization will still be subject to bylaw
recognized by the state where they study (i.e. by
2.2.9 and not gain any extra year before it loses its
the Ministry of Education).
membership.
2.2.9. All members of IFMSA must abide the Constitution
and Bylaws of IFMSA at all times. This must be
agreed upon in writing when achieving membership

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International Federation of Medical Students´Associations

status. If a member at any time does not comply with
2.4.4 Candidate
members
have proposing and speaking
this, the General Assembly may vote to remove the
rights but no voting or seconding rights at General
membership status with a two-thirds majority.
Assembly Meetings.
2.2.10. Any debts incurred by NMOs shall be due at the date
2.4.5
Delegates from candidate members are not eligible
requested. If any member has a debt for two
for IFMSA Official positions.
consecutive years it will lose its membership status. If
2.4.6 Candidate members must submit the following
a member organization lost membership while having
documents to the Constitution Credential
debts the acceptance of a new member from that
Committee before the start of the second plenary
state will automatically lead to the new member
session of every General Assembly Meeting:
organization taking over the debts of the previous
a. A completed credential form (if the
member (if these debts have not expired). The debt
candidate member is present at the
shall be paid as two annual installments each of half
General Assembly Meeting),
of the original debt. Failure to pay annual installments
containing all the names and
on the debt will result in the immediate loss of
positions of the delegates.
membership.
b. Have updated the information on
www.ifmsa.net with all the names and
2.3.
Regulations to obtain and maintain full
addresses of the National Member
membership status
Organization’s Officers, including any
contact Information and statistical
2.3.1. To obtain and maintain full membership, all
details of the National Member
organizations must meet the following requirements:
Organization requested by the
a. It must represent a state as defined by the
Executive Board, after 1st February
United Nations, whether as a member state or a
for the March Meeting and after 1st
non-member state (This list can be found at the
July for the August meeting.
United Nations homepage:
c.
A written National Member
"http://www.un.org/members".
Organization Report. These reports
b. It must represent only one state.
shall preferably be submitted at the
c. The state must have a medical school.
latest on 1st February for the March
d. Membership of the organization is open to all
Meeting or at the latest 1st July for
medical students within that state.
the August Meeting. However, the
e. It has been a candidate member for one year or
written National Member Organization
an associate member and in that time has
report may also be submitted to the
proved its activity to the General Assembly.
Constitution Credential Committee at
f. It has to pay in advance the membership fee for
any time before the start of the
the financial year immediately following to the
second plenary session of the
year they apply for full membership at least two
General Assembly Meeting.
hours before the second plenary session of the
Candidate members can only apply for full or associate
August meeting of that year. The information and
membership to IFMSA if they have submitted these
invoice about the payment should be given by
documents at that particular General Assembly Meeting.”
the IFMSA treasurer according to the guidelines
stated in the section “Regulations for IFMSA
2.5. Regulations to obtain and maintain
membership Fees” as soon as the Secretary
associate membership status
General informs him about the application for the
2.5.1. Associate membership is open to all medical
change of status.
students’ organizations. There can be only one
g. In case the application is not accepted or the full
associate member from one state.
membership status is not granted by the General
2.5.2. Associate
members
have proposing and speaking
Assembly the money will be refunded to the
rights but no voting or seconding rights at General
National Member Organization.
Assembly Meetings.
2.3.2
Only one full member shall represent a state in the
2.5.3. Delegates from associate members are eligible for
IFMSA.
Official, Chair, Constitution Credential Committee
2.3.3 Bylaw
2.3.1.a.
applies to all members except:
and Financial Committee positions.
a. Existing members who did not fall under
2.5.4. Associate members must submit the following
bylaw 2.3.1.a at its adoption (i.e. the
documents to the Constitution Credential
Taiwanese NMO.)
Committee before the start of the second plenary
b. Entries which received a standing invitation
session of every General Assembly Meeting:
to participate as a member (i.e. the
Palestinian NMO.)”
a.
A completed credential form (if the associate
member is present at that General Assembly
2.4. Regulations to obtain and maintain
Meeting), containing all names and positions
candidate membership status
of the delegates.
2.4.1 Candidate membership is open to all medical
b. Have updated the information on
students’ organizations.
www.ifmsa.net with all the names and
2.4.2
A candidate member can maintain its status for a
addresses of the National Member
maximum of two-and-a-half years.
Organization Officers, including any contact
2.4.3
If candidate members do not apply or apply and are
information and statistical details of the
not elected for full or associate membership within
National Member Organization requested by
two-and-a-half years, they immediately lose their
the Executive Board, after 1st February for the
membership status.
March Meeting and after 1st July for the
August Meeting.

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International Federation of Medical Students´Associations

c.
A written National Member Organization Report.
ix. Level of cooperation with the
These reports shall preferably be submitted at
Vice President of Internal
the latest on 1st February for the March
Affairs in this investigation
Meeting or at the latest on 1st July for the
d.
The GA shall vote by ballot on the acceptance
August Meeting. However, the written National
of the application for candidate membership
Member Organization report may also be
with a relative majority deciding.
submitted to the Constitution Credential 2.6.3. Applications for full or associate membership:
Committee at any time before the start of the
a. If the Vice-President for Internal Affairs is from a
second plenary session of the General
state that is involved in a dispute regarding two
Assembly Meeting.
members vying for membership from that state,
d. If the associate member fails to submit these
then the Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall not
completed documents for three consecutive
participate in the investigation or reporting of this
General Assembly Meetings, then the associate
decision. In this situation the responsibility for
member shall lose its membership status and
investigating and reporting on the dispute shall fall
will not be able to re-apply for one year.
to the other Executive Board members.
b. The Vice President for Internal Affairs shall as
2.6.
Obtaining membership for several
soon as the application for full or associate
organizations within the same state.
membership reaches the General Secretariat
2.6.1. IFMSA has as a guiding principle that one state
begin creating a follow up report based on the
should be represented by only one member. At the
previous made report specified in bylaw 2.6.2
same time IFMSA acknowledges that local
focusing on changes to the situation.
circumstances may contradict with this guiding
c. This follow up report shall be presented in writing
principle so it may not always apply. When dealing
to national member organizations no later than one
with membership applications IFMSA officials must
week before the beginning of the General
promote the guiding principle as well as acknowledge
Assembly where the application will be considered
local circumstances.
as well as orally at the General Assembly before
2.6.2. Applications
for candidate membership:
the application is voted upon.
a. If an organization not currently a member of
d. The GA shall vote by ballot on the future status of
IFMSA applies for candidate membership
the members of the state in question with a relative
representing a state where IFMSA already has
majority deciding.
a national member organization the Vice
If the current situation is that the state is
President for Internal Affairs shall as soon as
represented by both a candidate and a full member
the application of candidate membership
the ballot shall include the following options:
reaches the General Secretariat begin creating
i. Candidate Member becomes
a report on the situation.
Associate Member, Full Member
b. This report shall be presented in writing to
continues as Full Member.
national member organizations no later than
ii. Candidate Member becomes
one week before the beginning of the General
Full Member, Full Member
Assembly where the application will be
becomes Associate Member.
considered as well as orally at the General
iii. No changes of status of any of
Assembly before the application is voted upon.
the members,
c.
The report shall cover each organization in at
iv. Abstention.
least these fields:
If the current situation is that the state is by both a
i. Compatibility of the mission,
candidate and an associate member the ballot shall
goals, structure, projects, and
include the following options:
activities with the mission,
i. Candidate Member becomes
goals, structure, projects, and
Full Member, Associate Member
activities of IFMSA.
continues as Associate Member.
ii. The number of students,
ii. Candidate Member becomes
number of medical faculties,
Associate Member, Associate
and number of actively
Member becomes Full Member.
involved students.
iii. No changes of status of any of
iii. Overall activity level, in which
the members.
committees active, and which
iv. Abstention.

specific activities.
2.6.4. If the Vice-President for Internal Affairs is from a
iv. Relationship
with
and
state that is involved in a dispute regarding two
involvement in IFMSA so far.
members vying for membership from that state,
v. Relationship between the
then the Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall not
involved organizations in
participate in the investigation or reporting of this
present and past taking into
decision. In this situation the responsibility for
consideration reasons for any
investigating and reporting on the dispute shall fall
conflicts.
to the other Executive Board members.
vi. Attitude towards creating a
joint organization.
vii.
Documents from relevant
institutions clarifying the
current status and level of
activity of each organization.
viii.
Future potential for
contribution to IFMSA.

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2.8.3. Candidate members shall not pay membership fees.
2.7. Honorary
Life
Membership
2.8.4. An associate member shall pay the same fees as
2.7.1. Only persons can become Honorary Life Members.
that of a full member.
2.7.2. The General Assembly can elect Honorary Life
2.8.5. The gross national income per capita in each state
Members during the August Meeting. The status shall
shall be obtained from the World Bank by the
be granted to persons who have greatly contributed
Treasurer and shall be revised annually. An
to the achievements and aims of IFMSA. A motion
associate member organization within a state shall
must be submitted to elect a person for Honorary Life
be ranked according to the conditions of that state.
Membership. Voting will be done by ballot and
2.8.6. All payments for membership fee must be paid
candidate shall be elected with the absolute majority.
before the second plenary session of the August
2.7.3. Candidature for Honorary Life Membership must
Meeting prior to the next financial year.
reach the General Secretariat at the latest on 1st
2.8.7. Cost of IFMSA exchange programmes and taxes
May and shall be sent out to all full member
will be invoiced together with the membership fee.
Organizations at the latest on 1st June. Proposal
should include:
2.9.
Debts of members
a. Proposal

2.9.1. The debts of a National Member Organization
b.
Technical Data Card
towards IFMSA debts will expire 3 years after the
c. Petition signed by at least five full and/or
date they were established.
associate members, signed and stamped by the

National Member Organization Presidents,
announcing their support for the candidate for
Honorary Life Membership.
2.7.4. Medical
students cannot be elected as Honorary Life
Members. Former medical students cannot be
considered for Honorary Life Membership until three
years after graduation from medical school.
2.7.5. Honorary Life Members shall be invited to IFMSA
meetings and events if they send to the General
Secretariat a Technical Data Card for IFMSA
Honorary Life Members at the latest on 1st May of
the corresponding year.
2.7.6. Honorary Life Members shal pay a membership fee
of zero (0) Euro to IFMSA.
2.7.7. The General Assembly can take away the Honorary
Life Membership from a person, when he has
violated the Constitution or Bylaws or when he has
done considerable harm to IFMSA. Such a decision
requires a two-thirds majority.
2.7.8. The names of the Honorary Life Members of IFMSA
shall be attached in a list to the IFMSA Constitutions
and Bylaws as an annex. The Secretary General is
responsible to update this list.
2.8.
Regulations for IFMSA Membership Fees
2.8.1. The member organizations of IFMSA are divided into
six categories according to the gross national income
per capita of their countries:

A
0 - 500 USD

B
501 - 2.000 USD

C
2.001 - 5.000 USD

D
5.001 - 12.500 USD

E
12.501 - 20.000 USD

F
20.001 and over USD
2.8.2. The organizations of the different categories shall
pay a membership fee according to the following:
A
Factor
(F)

B
3 times Factor (F)

C
6 times Factor (F)

D
17 times Factor (F)

E
21 times Factor (F)

F
23 times Factor (F)


The Factor (F) is determined annually by the

General Assembly in the budget, after proposal by

the Executive Board. Countries with a population of

less than one million inhabitants shall pay half of the

fee calculated above and countries with a

population of less than half a million shall pay one

quarter of the fee calculated above.




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International Federation of Medical Students´Associations

3.3. Chair

3.
Procedures at meetings
3.3.1. Until the Chairperson is elected; the Executive
3.1 General
Board has the responsibility to chair the General
Assembly Meeting.
3.1.1. Meetings of the IFMSA are the sessions of the
3.3.2. The Chair is composed of a Chairperson, a Vice-
General Assembly Meetings.
Chairperson, a Secretary, Assistant-Secretaries and
3.1.2. Quorum:
One
third of all full members with voting
Returning Officers.
rights shall form a quorum.
3.3.3. The Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson must
3.1.3. Language: The official working language during
have participated in at least one previous General
General Assembly Meetings is English.
Assembly Meeting.
3.1.4. Smoking
or
consumption of alcoholic beverages is
3.3.4. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson will be
prohibited during formal meetings of IFMSA.
elected during the first plenary by the full members
3.1.5. Smoking shall be prohibited indoors within all public
that are present and had voting rights during the
areas of the facilities hosting the General Assembly
previous General Assembly meeting.
Meetings regardless of the facilities’ smoking policy.
3.3.5. The Chairperson is responsible for the conduct of
There should be a certain area provided where
the meeting and for interpreting and giving his ruling
smoking is allowed.
on all matters of procedure, order, competency and
3.1.6. Breaks: There will be breaks upon request of the
relevancy, as stated in the Constitution and the
Chair or a full member with voting rights. Such a
Bylaws.
request must be followed by the agreement of the
3.3.6. The Chair is responsible to inform the National
majority of participants.
Member Organizations about the motions that will
3.1.7. Adjournment: The Chairperson can decide upon
be presented in the plenary at the General
adjournment of the meeting. If the chair fails to
Assembly meeting at least two hours before the
adjourn the meeting, any delegate can suggest the
plenary at the General Assembly meeting is
adjournment of the meeting through a procedural
scheduled to start.
motion.
3.3.7. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall attend
3.1.8. A delegate is a representative of a National Member
the Presidents’ Sessions.
Organization who has been instructed by that 3.3.8. The Vice-Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson
National Member Organization to exercise his
in his work. The Vice-Chairperson shall take the
parliamentary right at the General Assembly Meeting.
Chair
a.
when requested by the Chairperson,
3.2.
Participants and Observers
b. when the Chairperson is absent at the
3.2.1. Registration. All participants and observers have to
appointed time for the opening of the meeting,
register themselves to the Constitution Credential
c.
when the Chairperson is involved in the topic
Committee by filling out a Credential Form. This has
under discussion,
to be given to the Constitution Credential Committee
d.
during the elections in which the Chairperson
before the start of the second plenary. Delegates
is a candidate,
who fail to register cannot participate in the plenary
e. when the Chairperson is removed through a
sessions.
“vote of no confidence”.
3.2.2. Participants
in
General Assembly meetings are:
3.3.9. In the event that both the Chairperson and the Vice-
a.
Delegates from full member organizations
Chairperson are absent by the appointed time for
b.
Delegates from associate member
the opening of the meeting, one Executive Board
organizations
Member shall take the Chair. This temporary
c.
Delegates from candidate member
Chairperson shall act until the Chairperson, the
organizations
Vice-Chairperson or both arrive at the meeting and
d.
IFMSA Officials
take over the Chair.
e.
Honorary Life Members
3.3.10. To overrule a decision of the Chairperson a
f.
Delegates from Regional Partner organizations
procedural motion to “Overrule the decision of the
g. The Chairpersons of General Assembly
Chairperson” has to be passed. When the motion
Meetings
passes, the Chairperson shall reverse the ruling in
h. The members of the Constitution Credential
question.
Committee
3.3.11. To remove the Chairperson a procedural motion of
i.
The members of the Financial Committee
“No confidence in the Chair” has to be passed.
j.
Organizing Committee members and staff of
When the motion passes the Chairperson shall
General Assembly Meetings
immediately leave the Chair. In this case the Vice-
3.2.3. Observers in General Assembly Meetings are:
Chairperson will become the Chairperson and a
a.
Any medical student
new Vice-Chairperson has to be elected.
b. Invited
guests
3.3.12. Secretary: The Chairperson can appoint a secretary
c.
Delegates of organization in official relationship
and assistant-secretaries for the meeting. The
d. External
advisor
secretaries will take minutes of the meeting.

The participation of persons of 3.2.3 a. must 3.3.13. Returning Officers: Two returning officers will be

be approved
by the Organizing
Committee
of
elected by the full members who had voting rights at

General Assembly Meeting and by the Executive
the previous General Assembly Meeting. The

Board of IFMSA. The participation of persons of
returning officers are preferably observers. They will

3.2.3 b, c and d must be approved by the Executive
assist during voting through handing out and

Board of IFMSA.
collecting ballot papers and by counting votes.
3.2.4. Speaking rights: All participants and observers have

speaking rights during General Assembly Meetings.
3.2.5. Proposing rights: Only participants have proposing
rights during General Assembly Meetings.

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3.4.
The Constitution Credential Committee
a. Provide a completed credential form to the
Constitution Credential Committee two hours
3.4.1. The Constitution Credential Committee is the
before the start of the second plenary session
advisory and reference body of all issues related to
of the General Assembly. The credential form
the interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws of
must contain all the names and positions of
the IFMSA. It shall be the decision-making body
the National Member Organization’s delegates,
when controversies in the interpretation of the IFMSA
and be signed by the head of the delegation
Constitution and Bylaws arise.
and stamped with an official stamp of the
3.4.2. The Constitution Credential Committee has five
National Member Organization. This does not
members. They should be delegates from full
apply to National Member Organizations not
member organizations which had voting rights at the
represented at the meeting.
previous General Assembly Meeting or delegates
b. Have updated the information on
from associate member organizations which had
www.ifmsa.net with all the names and
fulfilled all requirements stated in bylaw 2.5.5. at the
addresses of the National Member
previous General Assembly Meeting and which are
Organization Officers, including any contact
not represented in the Executive Board. Honorary
information and statistical details of the
Life Members or Supervising Council members can
National Member Organization requested by
be elected into the Constitution Credential Committee
the Executive Board, after 1st February for the
but they cannot occupy more than two positions.
March Meeting and after 1st July for the
3.4.3. Election: The Constitution Credential Committee is
August Meeting. The Secretary General must
elected at the first plenary by the full members that
provide the Constitution Credential Committee
are present and had voting rights during the previous
with a list of National Member Organizations
General Assembly Meeting. Members of the
who have not yet updated their information
Constitution Credential Committee must have
two hours before the start of the second
participated in at least one previous General
plenary session. In the case of technical
Assembly Meeting.
difficulties with www.ifmsa.net a manual
3.4.4. Tasks.
The
Constitution Credential Committee
technical data card must be given to the
a. Reviews the membership status of National
Constitution Credential Committee at least two
Member Organizations.
hours before the start of the second plenary
b. Reviews the applications of organizations
session of the meeting.
willing to change their status.
c. Submit a written National Member
c. Grants voting rights during General Assembly
Organization report, preferably at the latest on
Meetings according to the Bylaws.
1st February for the March Meeting and at the
d. Reviews whether motions and proposals
latest on 1st July for the August Meeting. If the
contradict the Constitution and Bylaws. Motions
report is submitted before these deadlines, it
and proposals that contradict the Constitution
may either be submitted to the Secretary
and Bylaws will fail immediately and will not be
General by E-mail or to the General
discussed.
Secretariat by mail.
e.
Makes the final decision when disagreements in

However, the written National Member
the interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws

Organization report may also be submitted to
arise

the Constitution Credential Committee at
3.4.5. Report. The Constitution Credential Committee has

least two hours before the start of the
to present a written report at the beginning of the

second plenary session of the General
second plenary and at the last plenary of each
Assembly
Meeting
General Assembly Meeting.
With this data the Constitution Credential

All decisions of the Constitution Credential
Committee will produce a list of all full members

Committee have to be mentioned. This report has to
who have voting rights during the meeting.

mention the status of all National Member 3.5.4. All full members who did not submit a completed

Organizations at that moment. The report has to be
credential form or who did not update their

adopted by the General Assembly.
information on www.ifmsa.net as specified in 3.5.3
3.4.6. To overrule a decision of the Constitution Credential
can get voting rights by submitting the credential
Committee a procedural motion to “overrule the
form to the Constitution Credential Committee and
decision of the Constitution Credential Committee
updating their information on www.ifmsa.net. They
upon Constitutional controversies” has to be passed.
can only get voting rights for the remaining part of
When the procedural motion passes, the decision of
the meeting. All full members who did not submit
the Constitution Credential Committee will be
the written National Member Organization report as
reversed. If this concerns a proposal that had been
specified in 3.5.3. will lose their voting rights for the
refused by the Constitution Credential Committee,
entire General Assembly Meeting. The Secretary
the proposal can be brought forward. If this concerns
General will be responsible to provide the
a proposal that had been allowed by the Constitution
Constitution Credential Committee with the latest
Credential Committee, the proposal will fail and not
list of countries who update their information before
be discussed further.
every plenary session.
3.5.
Voting Rights
3.5.5. Until the report of the Constitutional Credential
Committee has been adopted, voting will be done
3.5.1. All full members who do not have financial debts
by the full members who had voting rights during
towards IFMSA of greater than 10 Euro can obtain
the last General Assembly Meeting.
voting rights during General Assembly Meetings.

3.5.2. Every full member with voting rights has one vote

during voting.
3.5.3. To obtain voting rights during General Assembly
meetings, National Member Organizations must:

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