To become a leading creative community that empowers designers, artists, and innovators to create meaningful impact through design, collaboration, and visual storytelling across the university, industry, and wider community.
The Graphic Design Club empowers students to develop their creative, technical, and leadership abilities through hands-on experiences, industry engagement, collaborative projects, and community initiatives. By bridging academia, industry, and society, the club creates opportunities for members to learn, create, lead, and make meaningful contributions beyond the university environment.
Promote high standards of design, innovation, and visual communication.
Equip members with the skills, experience, and confidence needed for successful creative careers.
Build meaningful relationships between students and creative professionals, agencies, and organizations.
Use design as a tool to support social causes, nonprofits, educational initiatives, and community development.
Develop future creative leaders through teamwork, mentorship, and interdisciplinary projects.
Cultivate an inclusive environment that celebrates creativity, diversity, artistic expression, and lifelong learning.
This pillar focuses on fostering creativity, artistic growth, and innovation in visual communication. Members are encouraged to explore new ideas, strengthen their design skills, and develop impactful creative work.
This pillar prepares members for opportunities beyond university by developing industry-relevant skills, professional confidence, and career readiness.
This pillar connects the club with external organizations, creative professionals, nonprofits, schools, and industry partners to create meaningful collaborations and real-world impact.
This pillar focuses on content creation, storytelling, and documenting the club's activities while showcasing the work and achievements of members.
This pillar is dedicated to organizing engaging experiences that strengthen the creative culture of the university and provide opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.
This pillar focuses on empowering members to take initiative, develop leadership skills, mentor others, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the club.
The Graphic Design Club operates through a division-based structure designed to promote creativity, collaboration, leadership, and operational efficiency. Each division is responsible for advancing specific aspects of the club's mission and objectives while working collectively toward the club's vision.
The club currently operates through four primary divisions:
The Executive Division shall consist of the President and all Division Directors. The Executive Division serves as the club's primary leadership body and is responsible for strategic planning, governance matters, and organizational oversight.
The Creative Division is responsible for artistic development, creative production, and design-related initiatives. The division oversees creative projects, publications, branding efforts, and activities that foster design excellence and innovation.
The Media Division is responsible for the creation, management, and distribution of the club's visual and digital content. Responsibilities include social media management, photography, videography, event coverage, content production, and the promotion of the club's activities and achievements through various media channels.
The Engagement Division is responsible for fostering member involvement, strengthening community relationships, and coordinating external engagement efforts. Responsibilities include event planning, partnerships, outreach initiatives, public relations, networking opportunities, member development, and collaborations with organizations both within and beyond the university. The division serves as the primary bridge between the club and the broader creative, professional, and local communities.
Additional committees, initiatives, or divisions may be established as needed to support the club's mission and objectives.
In addition to the four primary divisions, the club shall maintain the office of Treasurer, which serves as an administrative leadership position responsible for the financial management of the organization and operates independently of the club's divisional structure.
The Treasurer shall report directly to the President and collaborate with all divisions in matters relating to budgeting, procurement, reimbursements, sponsorship funds, expenditures, and other financial activities of the club.
The President serves as the chief executive officer of the Graphic Design Club and is responsible for providing strategic direction, overseeing club operations, and ensuring that all activities align with the club's vision, mission, and objectives.
The President shall:
Each Division Director is responsible for leading and managing their respective division. Directors shall oversee division initiatives, coordinate members, and contribute to the overall development of the club.
Division Directors shall:
The Treasurer is responsible for the financial administration, procurement activities, and stewardship of the club's resources. The Treasurer ensures that all financial transactions are properly documented, expenditures are managed responsibly, and reimbursement procedures are completed in accordance with university policies.
The Treasurer shall:
Club Associates constitute the membership body of the Graphic Design Club. All members of the organization, including the President, Division Directors, the Treasurer, and other appointed leaders, shall remain Club Associates play an active role in advancing the club's mission, objectives, and initiatives.
Club Associates may:
The Faculty Advisor serves as the club's primary institutional advisor and provides guidance, mentorship, and oversight.
The Faculty Advisor shall:
The Editorial Advisor provides guidance regarding publications, written communications, and editorial standards.
The Editorial Advisor shall:
Membership in the Graphic Design Club is open to all currently enrolled students of Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, regardless of academic year, major, or department affiliation.
Prospective members must complete the club's membership application process. Applications shall be reviewed by club leadership, after which additional evaluation steps may be conducted as deemed appropriate.
As a condition of membership, all prospective members must acknowledge and agree to abide by the provisions, policies, and expectations outlined in this Charter. No individual shall be granted membership without such acceptance.
Upon acceptance, members shall be designated as Club Associates and may participate in the work, initiatives, and operations of the club.
The Graphic Design Club shall conduct an annual Club Governance Vote during the seventh week of the Spring semester.
The Club Governance Vote serves as the primary mechanism through which Club Associates determine the leadership direction of the organization for the upcoming academic year.
The Governance Vote shall be conducted among all Club Associates. No member of the administration, including the President, may be excluded from participation, nor may any eligible Club Associate be denied the right to vote.
The Governance Vote shall be centered on a single fundamental question:
The Governance Vote shall be conducted through a fair, transparent, and accessible voting process. Results shall be documented, archived, and made available to Club Associates following the conclusion of voting.
The option receiving a simple majority of valid votes cast shall constitute the official decision of the membership. The outcomes of the Governance Vote shall be binding upon the administration and shall serve as the official determination of the club's leadership direction for the following academic year.
No member of the administration, including the President, may suspend, cancel, alter, delay, manipulate, override, or disregard the results of a duly conducted Governance Vote.
If the Club Governance Vote indicates that leadership elections shall be conducted, a presidential election shall be held.
Only current Division Directors shall be eligible to stand for election as President. All Club Associates shall be eligible to vote in presidential elections. The candidate receiving the highest number of valid votes shall be elected President for the upcoming academic year.
If no eligible Division Director chooses to stand for election, the Executive Division in office at that time may identify and approve qualified Club Associates to participate in the election.
Following the conclusion of a presidential election, or following a decision by the membership to retain the current administration through the Club Governance Vote, the President shall possess sole authority to appoint Division Directors and the Treasurer.
Such appointments shall be made at the President's discretion from among the club's Club Associates. No election, vote, approval, or ratification shall be required for these appointments.
The President may reorganize, create, merge, dissolve, or fill leadership positions as necessary to support the club's mission, objectives, and operational needs. Any such changes shall be formally documented and communicated to the club's leadership and membership.
Any leadership member may resign from their position by submitting written notice to the President.
In the event that a Division Director, Treasurer, or any other appointed position becomes vacant through resignation, removal, or inability to fulfill its responsibilities, the President shall appoint a replacement from among the club's Club Associates. Such appointments shall take effect immediately unless otherwise specified by the President.
In the event that the office of President becomes vacant, the sitting Division Directors shall, by majority vote, appoint one of the current Division Directors to assume the office of President.
If the sitting Division Directors are unable to reach a majority decision, the Faculty Advisor shall facilitate further deliberation. If a majority decision remains unattainable, the Faculty Advisor shall appoint one of the sitting Division Directors to assume the office of President.
If no sitting Division Directors are available or willing to assume the office of President, the Faculty Advisor shall appoint an interim President from among the club's Club Associates. The interim President shall possess the authority necessary to administer the club and appoint a new Executive Division in accordance with this Charter.
Any President appointed through the procedures outlined in this section shall possess the same authority, responsibilities, and powers as a President elected or retained through the Club Governance Vote.
The President, Division Directors, and Treasurer shall serve for one academic year, including the summer period immediately following their appointment.
If the membership votes to retain the current administration through the annual Club Governance Vote, the existing administration may continue serving for the following academic year.
If the membership votes to conduct leadership elections, the terms of the existing administration shall conclude upon the formal assumption of office by the newly appointed administration, which shall ordinarily occur at the conclusion of the Spring semester.
All Club Associates, including executives, are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and responsible manner while representing the Graphic Design Club.
Members shall:
Membership in the Graphic Design Club is contingent upon continued participation, responsible conduct, and adherence to the provisions of this Charter.
Club Associates who become unresponsive to official club communications and fail to participate in assigned responsibilities for a period exceeding fourteen (14) consecutive days without prior notice may be subject to a Membership Review.
Club Associates may request a temporary leave of absence from their Division Director or the President. Approved leaves of absence shall not exceed thirty (30) consecutive days unless otherwise authorized by the President.
Official club communication, collaboration, and recordkeeping platforms may include, but are not limited to, messaging groups, project management systems, cloud storage platforms, financial tracking systems, and other digital resources designated by club leadership.
Access to official club communication channels, records, resources, and platforms shall be restricted to Club Associates only.
Club Associates are required to remain in the club's official communication channels and regularly check them for updates, announcements, and responsibilities. Presence in these channels is a condition of membership.
Club-related matters, including ideas, proposals, project discussions, planning activities, operational decisions, and division-related initiatives, must be communicated through the appropriate official club channels whenever reasonably possible.
Members shall not rely upon private communications as the primary means of conducting club business, proposing initiatives, making decisions, assigning responsibilities, or discussing matters affecting the club's operations. Discussions relating to club activities should occur within the appropriate divisional or organizational channels to promote transparency, collaboration, accountability, and organizational continuity.
This requirement shall apply equally to Club Associates, including Division Directors, the Treasurer, and the President.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit private communications relating to personal matters, complaints, conflict resolution, sensitive issues, disciplinary matters, wellbeing concerns, or other situations where confidentiality may be appropriate.
Club Associates are expected to respond to communications relating to their responsibilities within a reasonable timeframe and to remain informed of matters affecting their division, projects, or assigned duties.
Persistent failure to acknowledge, respond to, or act upon communications in a timely manner, particularly where such delays negatively affect club operations, projects, events, or decision-making processes, may be considered a failure to fulfill assigned responsibilities and may be addressed through the accountability procedures outlined in this Charter.
The President shall serve as the sole authority responsible for the issuance of Reminders, Concern Notices, Membership Reviews, and membership removals under this Charter.
Division Directors may identify concerns, document issues, and submit recommendations to the President regarding the conduct, participation, or performance of Club Associates within their respective divisions. However, Division Directors shall not possess the authority to issue Reminders, Concern Notices, Membership Reviews, or membership removals independently.
The President may consult with Division Directors, the Treasurer, the Faculty Advisor, or other relevant individuals when evaluating a matter. However, all accountability actions shall remain the responsibility of the President unless otherwise specified by this Charter.
The President shall communicate all Reminders, Concern Notices, Membership Reviews, and membership removals directly to the affected individual. Concern Notices, Membership Reviews, and membership removals shall be formally documented and maintained within the club's accountability records.
A Reminder is an informal notice issued by the President when a minor concern is identified.
Examples may include:
The purpose of a Reminder is to encourage improvement, provide guidance, and clarify expectations rather than impose disciplinary action. Reminders shall not be considered disciplinary records.
A member may receive up to three (3) Reminders for similar or repeated concerns. Upon the issuance of a third Reminder, the matter shall escalate to the Concern Notice stage.
Concern Notices are formal notices issued by the President after a member has accumulated three (3) Reminders or when a concern persists beyond the Reminder stage.
A Concern Notice shall:
Concern Notices shall be documented and communicated directly to the affected individual. Once a member enters the Concern Notice stage, subsequent issues shall be addressed through additional Concern Notices rather than Reminders. Concern Notices shall remain active for one academic semester from the date of issuance. Members shall have the right to request information regarding any active Concern Notices issued against them.
A Membership Review may be initiated when:
During a Membership Review, the member shall be informed of the concerns and provided an opportunity to respond.
Following review, the President may determine whether the member's membership should be terminated. The basis for such determination shall be documented within the club's accountability records.
Certain actions may warrant immediate Membership Review without the issuance of Reminders or Concern Notices.
Examples include:
Such matters may result in immediate removal from leadership positions, termination of membership, or other corrective actions deemed appropriate by the President.
Division Directors, the Treasurer, and any other appointed leadership positions shall be subject to the same accountability procedures as all other Club Associates.
Following a Membership Review, the President may remove a Division Director, the Treasurer, or any other appointed leader from office if continued service is determined to be contrary to the interests, operations, or objectives of the club. Any such removal shall be documented and communicated to the affected individual.
Removal from a leadership position shall not automatically terminate the individual's club membership unless separately determined through the Membership Review process.
A Presidential Review may be initiated if the President:
A Presidential Review may be requested through a written submission to the Faculty Advisor supported by a simple majority of sitting Division Directors.
Upon receipt of such a request, the Faculty Advisor shall review the matter, consult relevant parties as necessary, and determine whether sufficient grounds exist to proceed with a Presidential Review.
The President shall not participate in any review, deliberation, or vote concerning their own Presidential Review. If a Presidential Review is initiated, the President shall be informed of the concerns and provided an opportunity to respond before any decision is made.
Following review, the Faculty Advisor shall determine whether the concerns warrant a vote on presidential removal. Removal of the President shall require:
Upon removal of the President, the succession procedures outlined elsewhere in this Charter shall immediately take effect. The disciplinary authority granted to the President shall not exempt the President from review under the Presidential Accountability procedures outlined in this Charter.
The club may maintain internal accountability records documenting Concern Notices, Membership Reviews, leadership reviews, and disciplinary outcomes.
Such records shall be treated as confidential and shall only be accessible to authorized club leadership. Members shall have the right to request information regarding any active accountability records pertaining to themselves.
This Charter may be amended when changes are deemed necessary to support the continued growth, effectiveness, governance, or operations of the Graphic Design Club.
Any Club Associate may propose an amendment to this Charter by submitting the proposed amendment to the Executive Division for consideration. The Executive Division shall review and discuss all proposed amendments.
Approval of an amendment shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the sitting members of the Executive Division. Approved amendments shall be documented within the official Charter and communicated to the club's membership.
The Faculty Advisor may provide guidance regarding proposed amendments but shall not possess amendment authority except where required by university policy. Unless otherwise specified, approved amendments shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
Document Title: Graphic Design Club Charter
Original Adoption Date: 23/6/2026
Current Version: v1.0
Prepared By: 2026-2027 GDC President - Khaled Miari