Table of Contents
Section 1: Membership
Section 2: Functions
Section 3: The Whitehead Medical Society Constitution
Section 4: Officers of the WMS
Section 5: Leadership Structure
Section 6: WMS Officer Meetings and Procedures
Section 7: Interpretation of Constitution
Section 1: Fall Elections
Section 2: Spring Elections
Section 3: Conduction of Elections
Section 4: Rules
Section 1: Selection
Section 2: Honor Court Chair
Section 3: Responsibilities
Section 1: The Student Representatives to the UNC SOM Admissions Committee
Section 2: Whitehead Curriculum Committee (WCC)
Section 3: Ad Hoc Committees / Task Forces
Section 1: Altering the Constitution
Section 2: Removal of Officers
Section 3: Filling Vacant Offices
Section 4: Transfer of Officers
CONSTITUTION APPENDICES
Appendix A: Roles of WMS Officers
Appendix B: Whitehead Committees
Student Membership in the UNC SOM Admissions Committee
Membership of the Whitehead Curriculum Committee (WCC)
Appendix C: Removal of Officers and WMS Committee Members
Appendix D: Student Publications
Appendix E: AAMC-OSR Representative
Appendix F: WMS Traditions
Appendix G: Class Advocates
Appendix H: Definition of terms
: The Whitehead Medical Society
Section 1: Definition
The Whitehead Medical Society (hereafter referred to as WMS) consists of all students in the M.D.
degree program at the UNC School of Medicine (UNC SOM), including students on leave (e.g. for
research, dual-degree programs) as well as all past Whitehead Lecturers.
Section 2: Functions
The WMS is the officially recognized student government of the UNC SOM and serves the social,
educational, and personal interests of the UNC SOM medical students.
Section 3: The Whitehead Medical Society Constitution
This official document, approved by the UNC SOM medical student body, outlines the purpose,
structure, procedures, and traditions of the WMS. The document is organized in two parts to
insure both durability and flexibility:
A. The Main Body (Articles I-VI) outlines all matters pertaining to WMS that require approval of
the student body prior to establishment or amendment. Article VI, Section 1.A delineates how
the Main Body may be amended.
B. The Appendices outline all matters pertaining to WMS that may be established or amended by
the leadership of WMS, and do not require the explicit approval of the student body. Article
VIII, Sect. 1.B delineates how the Appendices may be amended. The Appendices may not
conflict with the Main Body.
Section 4: Officers of the WMS
A. The official leaders of the WMS shall be called the WMS Officers.
B. WMS Officers are primarily responsible for the decision-making capacity within the
organization in addition to each office's individual duties and responsibilities outlined
elsewhere in the constitution.
C. No WMS Officer may hold more than one WMS position (e.g. cannot be Student Attorney
General and Class President).
D. Officers are required to perform their duties in a manner that is consistent with the WMS
Constitution, UNC-SOM policy, University policy, Local, State and Federal Law, and in the
best interest of the entire UNC-SOM student body.
E. Individual officers can be removed if not performing their duties, not attending
meetings, engaged in gross misconduct, violating the Honor Code, or if they are no longer
enrolled in the MD curriculum (vs. no longer a member of the WMS, with the exception of
students on leave for educational endeavors, e.g. research, other degree programs). Procedures
for removal of officers and subsequent replacement are described in Article VI, Section 2.
F. The following are official WMS Offices. Duties of each office are outlined in Appendix A:
(1) WMS Co-Presidents: Two positions filled by students who serve as Co-Presidents and have
completed the MS3 year of medical school. Term is one year, elected by a vote of the
Student Body.
(2) Class Co-Presidents: Eight positions filled by two students from each of the four classes in
the UNC-SOM medical school. Term is one year, elected by a vote of students in the
corresponding class.
(3) Chief Advocates: Three positions filled by one student who has completed the MS1 year of medical school,one student who has completed the MS2 year of medical school, and one student who has completed the MS3 year of medical school. Term is one year, elected by a vote of the Student Body.
(4) Vice Presidents (VP): Typically filled by students in the rising MS2 class, as specified by the
position. Term is one year, elected by a vote of the Student Body. See Appendix A for
current VP positions.
(5) Assistant Vice Presidents (AVP): Typically filled by students in the MS1 class, as specified
by the position. Term is one year, elected by a vote of the MS1 class. See Appendix A for
current AVP positions.
(6) Senior Vice Presidents (SVP): Filled by students who have completed the MS2 or MS3
year, as specified by the office. Term is one or two years as specified by office, elected by a
vote of the Student Body. See Appendix A for current SVP positions.
Section 5: Leadership Structure
The WMS Officers are subdivided in to the following groups:
A. Executive Council: Composed of WMS Co-Presidents and Class Co-Presidents (ten members
in total; eight prior to the election of the MS1 Class Presidents), this Council serves as the
initial voting body for all WMS official business. The Council is chaired by the WMS Co-
Presidents.
B. WMS Non-Executive Officers: Comprised of all officers who are not members of the
Executive Council. In addition to responsibilities of individual offices, may propose items,
such as policies, budgets, or amendments to the appendices, to be voted on by the Executive
Council.
Section 6: WMS Officer Meetings and Procedures
A. The Whitehead Officers should meet at regular intervals throughout the academic year (e.g.
once a month). WMS Co-Presidents are responsible for setting the times and locations of
WMS meetings.
B. All members of the WMS Executive Council and at least one representative from each nonexecutive
office are expected to attend all WMS meetings.
C. All WMS Officer Meetings are open to any member of the WMS society.
D. Unless otherwise specified, voting and meetings will be conducted according to Robert's Rules of
Order (see “The Code of Permanent Laws of the Student Government at the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill,” as prescribed by the UNC-CH Student Congress).
E. Quorum shall be defined by the WMS Co-Presidents at the beginning of each term considering
the total number of filled positions that term. (see “The Code of Permanent Laws of the
Student Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,” as prescribed by the
UNC-CH Student Congress).
F. Motions passed by the WMS Executive Council require a simple majority (50% + 1) vote of
the members of the WMS Executive Council unless otherwise specified.
G. Information regarding motions passed by the WMS Executive Council shall be made available
to all members of the WMS Society (e.g. posting meeting minutes).
H. Motions passed by the WMS Executive Council shall go into effect without further need for
voting or approval. A passed motion may be overturned by one of the following procedures:
(1) Veto by both of the WMS Co-Presidents.
(2) A 2/3 majority vote of the Non-Executive Officers. Any policy decision (e.g. the WMS
budget) that was overridden by the Non-Executive Officers must subsequently be
approved by a simple majority of these officers if it is re-approved (in revised or original
form) by the Executive Council.
(3) For policies regarding the distribution of student funds to student groups (e.g. budget or
budget policy):
(a) The duly appointed leaders of these groups may reject the proposal with 2/3 majority
vote.
(b) Each officially recognized group is allowed one vote and no single individual may
represent more than one group.
(c) Subsequent resubmissions of this proposal will require approval by a simple majority of
this group.
(4) Any policy decision may ultimately be decided by referendum of the entire student body by
the procedure outlined in Article VI, Section 5. This is considered the ultimate word on a
policy decision and can only be overturned by a subsequent referendum. A referendum is
the only measure that may overturn a veto of both WMS Co-Presidents.
Section 7: Interpretation of Constitution
A. Questions of Constitutional interpretation are to be decided by the Honor Court. A majority
vote (50% + 1) of the WMS Executive Council is required to send a question to the Honor
Court.
B. The Honor Court is expected to rule on the question by the next scheduled meeting or in 2
weeks, which ever is longer.
: Whitehead Medical Society Elections
Section 1: Fall Elections
A. Elections for MS1 Positions, including MS1 Class Presidents and Assistant VP positions will
occur in the fall.
B. Timing is at the discretion of WMS Presidents, but ideally will be held 6-8 weeks after the start
of the MS1 academic year.
C. Positions representing the entire UNC SOM student body are to include voting by MS1-MS4
students.
Section 2: Spring Elections
A. Elections for all other WMS Elected Officers, including WMS Presidents, Chief Advocates,
WMS Vice Presidents, MS2-4 Class Presidents, and Senior Vice Presidents will occur in the
spring.
B. Timing is at the discretion of WMS Presidents, but must be completed with sufficient time to
transition new officers (e.g. at least one month before graduation).
C. Positions representing the entire UNC SOM student body are to include MS1-MS3 students.
Section 3: Conduction of Elections
A. WMS Presidents will conduct elections with the assistance of designated VPs.
B. The election is to be certified by the Student Attorney General before election results are
official.
C. For positions filled by a single candidate or a single pair of candidates (e.g. class presidents),
run-offs will be held until a candidate(s) wins majority (50% + 1 votes) of ballots submitted.
D. For positions filled by multiple candidates running separately (e.g. Chief Advocates), the
candidates with the highest number of votes will fill the positions even if the candidates receive
fewer than the majority (50% +1 votes). Ties for the last available position in that office will
be decided by a run-off election.
E. The timeline for the election is to be designated by the WMS Co-Presidents.
F. Each candidate must create a one-page campaign advertisement. The format of this campaign
page (e.g. HTML website on their personal UNC SOM web space) is to be designated by the
WMS Co-Presidents.
G. No additional campaigning is permitted (e.g. no signs, emails, flyers, speeches or forum
postings). Additional campaigning may be considered an honor code violation as determined
by the Honor Court.
H. Campaign pages will be posted so that the entire WMS has access to them prior to the election.
I. Elections will be conducted by secure electronic and/or paper ballot.
J. Automatic disqualification or later forfeiture of the WMS position will result for any candidate
found to have fabricated information in the application statement or campaign page. Such an
act may be considered an Honor Code Violation and may be pursued at the discretion of the
Student Attorney General and the Honor Court.
: UNC-SOM Honor Court
Section 1: Positions
A. Honor Court Chair:
(1) The SOM Honor Court will be chaired by the SOM Student Attorney General.
(2) Appointment is by the WMS Co-Presidents, the outgoing Student Attorney General, and
any past Student Attorney Generals still in WMS.
(3) The SOM Student Attorney General is chosen from rising MS2 SOM Honor Court
applicants who declare their interest in this position.
B. Honor Court Members
New Honor Court Members are selected for a three-year term from rising MS2 applicants by
the outgoing WMS Presidents and two most recent Student Attorneys General.
Section 2: Responsibilities
A. The SOM Honor Court will carry out the mission of the Honor Court as detailed in the UNCChapel
Hill Instrument of Student Judicial Governance.
B. The SOM Honor Court will rule on Constitutional questions sent from the Whitehead
Executive Officers.
: Whitehead Committees
Section 1: Student Members of the UNC SOM Admissions Committee
A. There will be at least two Student Members from each of the four classes on the UNC SOM
Admissions Committee. Additional members may be added at the request of the Associate
Dean for Admissions and will be appointed by the WMS Co-Presidents and the Student Chairs
of the Admissions Committee.
B. During their fourth year of service, two Student Members will serve as the Student Chairs of
the Admissions Committee
C. New members to the committee are selected as MS1s to serve four-year terms. The selection
of the new members is at the discretion of the WMS Co-Presidents and the Student Chairs of
the Admissions Committee. Guidelines for the selection process may be found in the
Appendices.
D. Students who will be members of WMS for greater than four years may continue in this
capacity with the approval of the WMS Co-Presidents and the rising Student Chairs of the
Admissions Committee.
E. The Student Chairs of the Admissions Committee will meet as needed with the WMS Co-
Presidents to keep them informed of relevant issues.
F. Each Student Representative to the UNC SOM Admissions Committee shall serve as a
representative of the entire student body, and not solely represent the views of his or her class.
Section 2: Whitehead Curriculum Committee (WCC)
A. The WCC is responsible for addressing all curriculum concerns for the UNC SOM student
body.
B. The WCC is a forum for students to discuss concerns, opinions, and initiatives relating to any
and all aspects of the UNC SOM curriculum with curriculum leaders among the
administration, faculty, and staff. Each student member of the WCC is to be committed to
bringing about improvements to the curriculum that enhance the educational experience within
the SOM.
C. All students are welcome to participate in the WCC. Any student may become a member of
and participate in the WCC (at-large student members) through active participation in the
committee's meetings and activities. Any student may also bring concerns or opinions about
the curriculum to the WCC through their curriculum representatives (i.e. the VPs, Assistant
VPs, or Senior VPs for Curriculum).
D. The WCC is chaired by the WMS VPs for Curriculum Affairs.
E. Specific WCC structural and procedural matters are listed in the Appendices.
Section 3: New Standing Committees
A. New WMS Standing Committees may be created with the approval of the WMS Executive
Council or through a vote of the student body.
B. Additional WMS Committee descriptions may be found in the Appendices.
Section 4: Ad Hoc Committees & Task Forces
A. The WMS Co-Presidents may create and appoint ad hoc committees or task forces to handle,
manage, or investigate special topics as they arise.
B. The term and selection of the members is at the discretion of the WMS Presidents, but can not
exceed the term of the current WMS Co-Presidents. Existing task ad hoc committees or task
forces must be reappointed by newly elected WMS Co-Presidents in order to continue in their
functions.
C. These committees or task forces will report their activities to the Whitehead Officers at each
WMS Meeting.
: Publications and Webpage
Section 1: The WMS will publish an online WMS Student Directory each academic year.
Section 2: The WMS will maintain a web page with contact information for current officers and
helpful links for students.
Section 3: Responsibility for WMS publications and the relationship between the WMS and UNC
SOM student publications is spelled out in the Appendices.
: Special Rules and Procedures
Section 1: Altering the Constitution
A. The Main Body (Articles I-VI):
(1) Any alterations in the Main Body of the WMS Constitution must be put to referendum of
the entire SOM student body.
(2) At least 25% of all students must vote and a simple majority (50% + 1) of all votes cast
must be in favor of the changes in order for the changes to be passed.
(3) Minor formatting and grammatical changes that do not alter the intents and purposes of
Articles I-VI of the Constitution must be approved by a 2/3 majority of the WMS
Executive Council but do not require a vote of the entire SOM student body.
B. The Appendices:
(1) Alterations in the Appendices must be approved by a 2/3 majority of the WMS Executive
Council.
(2) Alterations to the Appendices may be proposed by any member of the WMS.
Section 2: Removal of Officers, Committee Members, or other WMS appointees
A. Grounds for removal: unable to fulfill duties, not performing job as outlined in the WMS
Constitution and as set forth by the WMS Co-Presidents, not attending meetings, engaging in
gross misconduct, committing an Honor Code violation, or no longer a member of the WMS
(e.g. dismissed from medical school).
B. Procedure for Removal
(1) For anyone except Executive Council Members: 2/3 vote of the Executive Council.
(2) For members of the Executive Council: 2/3 vote of the remaining members of the
Executive Council.
(3) Anyone can be dismissed by an official student referendum.
Section 3: Filling Vacant Offices
A. Any office that goes unfilled following an election made be filled by appointment.
B. Appointments are nominated by the WMS Co-Presidents and approved by a simple majority
(50%+1) vote of the WMS Executive Council.
C. WMS Co-Presidents are expected to make this nomination in consultation with the remaining
officers affiliated with the vacated offices (e.g. consult with the VP for IT to fill a vacant
Assistant VP for IT position).
D. Offices that become vacant due to resignation or removal may be filled by this same
procedure. Alternatively, if an election is eminent, the office may be filled via election. The
method employed to fill the office is at the discretion of the WMS Co-President(s) or interim
WMS Co-Presidents.
E. If one of the WMS Co-President positions is vacant, then the remaining WMS Co-President is
to nominate a replacement.
F. If both the WMS Co-President positions are vacant, then the MS4 Co-Presidents will serve as
interim WMS Co-Presidents until new WMS Co-Presidents are nominated and appointed or
elected. (The interim WMS Co-Presidents may nominate themselves.)
G. Vacant or interim positions are to be filled in a timely manner.
Section 4: Transfer of WMS Officers
A. In order to assure a smooth transition of WMS officers, all outgoing officers are to meet with
their newly elected counterparts following the spring election. At this meeting the outgoing
officer is to explain the duties of the office, update the newly elected officer of all activities
performed by that office during the outgoing officer’s term, and alert the newly elected officer
to any unresolved or pending issues. Written documentation of this information is
encouraged.
B. The outgoing and incoming WMS Presidents will schedule a transition meeting to facilitate the
transfer of information between WMS Officers. Any set of incoming and outgoing officers
unable to attend this meeting are responsible for arranging their own separate meeting and
communicating this to the outgoing and incoming WMS Presidents. For offices with two
members, at least one outgoing member of the office and one newly elected member of that
office must be able to attend the meeting.
C. The outgoing officer is officially relieved of his or her office and the newly elected officer
officially assumes the office at the conclusion of the transition meeting for that office.
D. All transition meetings should be conducted shortly after the certification of the election results
by the Student Attorney General and must be completed before the spring graduation date for
the SOM medical students.
Section 5: Official Referenda of the Student Body
A. Purpose: For various matters, it may be important to elicit an official statement of opinion
from the student body. This is to be accomplished through an official referendum of the
student body, usually via online polling. Referenda of the student body should be limited to
important matters to prevent over-polling.
B. An official referendum of the student body shall occur only after a two-thirds majority vote of
the WMS Executive Council and/or, a two-thirds majority vote of the WMS Non-Executive
Officers, and/or 20% or more of the student body requests a referendum through petitioning
the WMS.
C. Referenda of an individual class may be conducted at the discretion of the Class Co-Presidents
for that class.
D. Referenda of a group of students not representative of either the student body or an entire
class may be conducted with assistance from WMS at the discretion of the WMS Co-
Presidents.
CONSTITUTION APPENDICES
: Roles of WMS Offices and corresponding officers
I. WMS Co-Presidents (2)
A. Selection:
1. Two MS4 representatives
2. Elected by the UNC SOM student body in the spring election
3. Run in pairs
B. Responsibilities:
1. Keep abreast of all activities within and outside of WMS that affect UNC SOM
students and recognized UNC SOM student organizations.
2. Chair the Whitehead Medical Society Officers and Executive Council.
3. Meet with the Dean of the UNC SOM and other administrators on a regular basis.
4. Set general expectations of WMS Officers, including attendance policy for Whitehead
Council meetings, at start of tenure.
5. Serve as ex officio members of the Dean's Advisory Committee, the UNC SOM
Admissions Committee (as alternate), and the UNC SOM Curriculum Management and
Policy Committee as permitted by those committees.
6. Supervise the Whitehead Lecture and Awards Ceremony as well as awards voting.
7. Appoint ad hoc committees to study specific matters and report to the Whitehead
Council.
8. Coordinate leadership turnover at the end of the term of office.
9. Apply for UNC Recognition for WMS.
II. Vice President for Financial Affairs (1)
A. Selection:
1. One MS2 representative
2. Elected by the UNC SOM student body in the spring election
B. Responsibilities:
1. Manage any funds that are deposited in the WMS SAFO account.
a. SAFO funds are to be used by all WMF officers
b. Including all social fund money, money for graduation activities, and most funds NOT earmarked for use by officially recognized UNC SOM student organizations (see VP for Student Affairs).
2. Create and present a projected budget for WMS by the first WMS meeting of the academic year. This must be approved by the WMS Presidents.
3. Create and mange The Financial Aid Review Board (FARB)
a. The FARB will consist of 1-4 student representatives from all 4 classes and will hold monthly or bimonthly meetings.
i. The Purpose/Goals of FARB Include:
1. Improve Communication between students and the Financial Aid Office
2. Represent Student Issues with regard to Financial Affairs
3. Increase Utilization of Available Resources
4. Identify and Develop New Student Resources
5. Improve Perception of Financial Aid at UNC
4. Serve as a link between Students and The Administration
a. Work with Senior VP of Financial Affairs to learn and gain understanding of Financial Aid system and proposed changes
b. Hold monthly or bimonthly meetings with UNCSOM Administration to address issues that were brought up by FARB members
5. Publicize Deadlines and Changes with regard to Financial Affairs to the student body
III. Senior Vice President for Financial Affairs (1)
A. Selection
1. One MS4 Representative who previously served as VP of financial affairs as a 2nd year
2. To be nominated by Executive Committee in case where previous VP is unable to serve
B. Responsibilities
1. Serve as a link between students and the administration
a. Work on special projects with the Administration that address concerns of the UNCSOM student body
i. Ensure continuity with VP of Financial Affairs
1. Delegate tasks as needed to VP of Financial Affairs
2. Attend meetings FARB meetings serve as a special upperclassmen representative
b. Hold meetings with Administration and Communicate with the student body
i. Discuss progress and identify new Financial Aid Projects and Student Issues
ii. Conduct student financial aid satisfaction survey
iii. Assist administration on other financial aid issues that may arise
c. Hold Annual Events with The Financial Aid Office that help address concerns of the UNCSOM Student Body. Events include Money Matter Series and Financial Aid Kick Off and Wrap Up
2. Respond to Student concerns that are received in any form
3. Publicize changes, updates , and special project statuses to the student body with regard to Financial Affairs
IV. Vice President for Student Affairs (2)
A. Selection:
1. Two MS2 representatives
2. Elected by the UNC SOM student body in the spring election
3. Run in pairs
B. Responsibilities:
1. Coordinate calendar and funding for recognized UNC SOM student organizations.
2. Manage funds for recognized UNC SOM student organizations. These monies are
allocated from the UNC SOM Dean's Fund to WMS for use by Student Organizations.
3. Present a projected budget by the first WMS meeting of the academic year. This must
be approved by WMS Presidents AND a simple majority of the WMS Council.
4. Coordinate Student Groups Funding Workshop in April for the rising student
organization leaders in order to discuss funding priorities and to orient them to fund
application process and UNC student group recognition process.
5. Organize Career Opportunities Series (COS) lecture series
V. Vice President for Campus and National Affairs (1)
A. Selection:
1. One MS1 representative
2. Elected by the UNC SOM student body in the spring election
B. Responsibilities:
1. Serve as an official representative of the UNC SOM and WMS both to the UNCChapel
Hill Campus and on a national level.
2. Serve in the following capacities during a one year term as VP for Campus and
National Affairs:
3. Attend national meetings as a representative of the UNC SOM and WMS (mandatory)
VI. Vice Presidents for Prospective Student Recruitment (2)
A. Selection:
1. Two MS2 representatives
2. Elected by the UNC SOM student body in the spring election
3. Run in pairs
B. Responsibilities:
1. Serve as the student liaisons to the Admissions and Recruitment Offices for the
coordination of:
a) Tours on campus for prospective students;
b) Recruitment visits to colleges by UNC SOM students;
c) Visits by groups of prospective students to the UNC SOM;
d) Opportunities for students interested in applying to medical school to talk to
current medical students (i.e. work with the UNC pre-med advising office)
e) Housing for visiting students
2. Other activities as designated by the Faculty Admissions Chairs and/or the Director
for Recruitment at UNC SOM.
3. May assign supervisory duties for the above tasks to other MS2s (e.g. A Tour Guide
Coordinator, PreMed Advising Liaison, Recruitment Trip Coordinator, etc.).
VII. Vice President for Research and Publications (1)
A. Selection:
1. One MS2 representative
2. Elected by the UNC SOM student body in the spring election
B. Responsibilities:
1. Coordinate and help find funding for UNC SOM publications.
2. Serve as a liaison with John B. Graham Student Research Society, assisting with
Student Research Day.
3. Work with VP(s) for Information Technology to produce WMS Student Directory.
VIII. Vice Presidents for Information Technology (2)
A. Selection:
1. Two MS2 representatives
2. Elected by the UNC SOM student body in the spring election
3. Run in pairs
B. Responsibilities:
1. Maintain WMS website and WMS listserv
2. Work with VP for Research and Publications to produce WMS Student Directory
3. Coordinate the technical aspects of on-line elections, voting, and polling
4. Serve as consultants and/or assist with initiatives to make better use of technology by
the WMS.
IX. Vice Presidents for Curriculum Affairs (2)
A. Selection:
1. Two MS2 representatives
2. Elected by the UNC SOM student body in the spring election
3. Run in pairs
B. Responsibilities:
1. Chair Whitehead Curriculum Committee (see Appendix B).
2. Together with the WMS Presidents, make student appointments to the various UNC
SOM Curriculum Committees as needed.
3. Work with Executive Associate Dean for Medical Education to help coordinate
student feedback to the administration and other projects related to the curriculum.
4. Work with other members of the administration, faculty, and staff concerning issues
and projects related to the curriculum.
5. Oversee formation and manage the affairs of the Course Focus Groups:
a) Focus Groups consist of small groups (typically 2-5 people) of student
volunteers to serve as student liaisons for a particular course director. These
students provide feedback to the course directors and help to communicate
messages from the course director to their class.
b) While serving on a focus group, volunteers are considered as non-officer WCC
members. The volunteers are, to the best of their abilities, to represent the
opinions of their class and the interests of the WMS.
c) Focus Groups should be formed for each course in the pre-clinical curriculum.
d) Representatives are charged with collecting and organizing minutes from focus
group meetings and submitting these to the VPs of Curriculum Affairs or their
delegates (e.g. Assistant VPs for Curriculum).
e) Depending on the receptiveness of course directors and motivation of the
student body, may also form clerkship focus groups for third and fourth year
clerkships.
6. Utilize a variety of tactics to ascertain student opinion and satisfaction with the
curriculum. This may include, but is not limited to, surveys, opinion polls, and student
panels or focus groups.
X. Vice President for Educational Development (1)
A. Selection:
1. One MS2 representative
2. Elected by the UNC SOM student body in the spring election
B. Responsibilities:
1. Responsible for creating, implementing, and evaluating an end-of-year survey for all
years (MS1-MS4) based on key issues identified throughout the year.
2. Analyze and report survey findings to the student body, the Executive Associate Dean
for Medical Education, and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
3. Recommend a plan of action for WMS and for the SOM administration based on
findings.
4. Serve as a liaison with Office of Educational Development.
5. Conduct other surveys/opinion polls/focus groups during the year as needed.
6. Coordinate student input to the Liaison Committee for Medical Education for UNC
reaccredidation as needed and during the routine reaccreditation process.
XI. Vice President for Community Service (1)
A. Selection
1. One MS2 representative
2. Elected by the UNC SOM student body in the spring election
B. Responsibilities
1. Organize information and resources for UNC SOM students so that they may more
easily involve themselves in community service. This includes maintaining a
comprehensive and updated listing of community service opportunities available to
medical students, both during the summer and regular school year.
2. Serve as a mentor, when requested, to medical students seeking guidance in engaging in
service opportunities.
3. Help to coordinate campus relief efforts during community, state, and national
disasters.
4. Serve as a student contact as appropriate to campus and community organizations
seeking medical student input or participation in service events. This is inclusive of:
a. Serve as an official liaison between the Whitehead Medical Society and Carolina
Center for Public Service.
b. Serve as an official liaison between the Whitehead Medical Society and
Education for Lifelong Service.
i. Work with ELS to coordinate events facilitating collaboration between
UNC SOM student groups, dissemination of official campus
organizational regulations, and transitions between in-coming and outgoing
student leaders.
ii. Attend at least one ELS meeting per semester.
c. Publicizing relevant service opportunities from main campus and the Chapel
Hill/Carrboro communities to medical students.
5. Assist small student endeavors with long-term stability and continuity by finding MS1s
or student organizations willing to take on outstanding service projects that graduation
and/or rising MS3s may be leaving behind.
6. Coordinate and ensure the success of the fall and spring medical school blood drives in
conjunction in the American Red Cross.
7. Assist the MS1 and MS2 co-presidents in organizing the annual canned food drive
competition.
XII. Assistant Vice Presidents for Curriculum Affairs (2)
A. Selection:
1. Two MS1 representatives
2. Elected by the MS1 class in the fall election
3. Run in pairs
B. Responsibilities:
1. Serve on the MS1 Course Director Committee.
2. May also be appointed by WMS Co-Presidents and/or VPs of Curriculum Affairs to
serve on other curriculum committees.
3. Actively participate in the meetings and activities of the WCC.
XIII. Assistant Vice Presidents for Information Technology (2)
A. Selection:
1. Two MS1 representatives
2. Elected by the MS1 class in the fall election
3. Run individually
4. Top two vote-getters serve together
B. Responsibilities:
1. Assist the VPs for Information Technology with voting and maintaining WMS
webspace.
2. Serve as liaisons to the MS1 class for IT issues
3. Work to ensure that all knowledge of WMS IT affairs is maintained from year to year
within the organization.
XIV. Assistant Vice Presidents for Student Affairs (2)
A. Selection:
1. Two MS1 representatives
2. Elected by the MS1 class in the fall election
3. Run individually
4. Top two vote-getters serve together
B. Responsibilities:
1. Assist the VPs for Student Affairs as needed.
2. Work to ensure that all knowledge of student affairs is maintained from year to year
within the organization.
XV. Assistant Vice Presidents for Educational Development (1)
A. Selection:
1. One MS1 representative
2. Elected by the MS1 class in the fall election
B. Responsibilities:
1. Assist the VP for Educational Development as needed.
2. Serve as a liaison to the MS1 class obtaining student feedback and highlighting issues
important to the class.
3. Work to ensure that all knowledge of the Educational Development affairs position is
maintained from year to year within the organization.
XVI. Assistant Vice President for Community Service (1)
A. Selection:
1. One MS1 representative
2. Elected by the MS1 class in the fall election
B. Responsibilities:
1. Assist the VP for Community Service as needed.
2. Serve as a liaison to the MS1 class on Community Service issues
3. Work to ensure that all knowledge of the VP of Community Service position is
maintained from year to year within the organization.
XVII. Senior Vice Presidents for Curriculum Affairs (1)
A. Selection:
1. One MS4 representative or other enrolled student who has completed the 3rd year
curriculum (e.g. MPH student)
2. Elected by the MS3 class in the spring election
3. WMS Co-Presidents may appoint more than one Senior VP for Curriculum Affairs as
needed
B. Responsibilities:
1. Assist the VPs for Curriculum Affairs as needed.
2. Serve as a liaison to the MS3 and MS4 class on curriculum matters.
3. Attend 3rd and 4th year Course Directors meetings.
XVIII. Senior Vice Presidents for Educational Development (1)
A. Selection:
1. One MS4 representative or other enrolled student who has completed the 3rd year
curriculum (e.g. MPH student)
2. Elected by the MS3 class in the spring election
3. WMS Co-Presidents may appoint more than one Senior VP for Educational
Development as needed
B. Responsibilities:
1. Assist the VP for Educational Development as needed.
2. Serve as a liaison to the MS3 and MS4 classes obtaining student feedback and
highlighting issues important to those classes.
XIX. Chief Advocates
A. Selection:
1. Filled by three students who have completed their MS1, MS2, or MS3 year of medical school
2. Elected by their respective class in the spring election (i.e. the MS2 advocate will be elected by the rising MS2 class)
3. Term is one year
B. Responsibilities:
1. Represent the interests and activities of the advocates and college advisers or advisory system for his/her year (MS2, MS3, or MS4)
2. Attend all Whitehead meetings
3. Serve as a liaison between Whitehead and the advocates and advisory system
4. Organize and run college elections for the advocates in his/her year (this includes collecting applications, designing ballots for each college, collecting and announcing the results)
5. Coordinate and lead the efforts of the advocates from all the colleges
4. Work with the advocates and VP of Research and Publications to publish year-specific guides (including the “Sherpa: Guide to the
Wards,” AHEC and third year scheduling resource, etc).
XX. MS1 Class Presidents: roles include but are not limited to the following
A. Selection
1. Filled by students who are currently MS1s
2. Run as pairs and elected in the MS1 Fall Election by current MS1s
3. Term is one year
B. Responsibilities
1. Attend Whitehead monthly meetings, Dean's Luncheons, and Town Hall meetings to advocate on behalf of students (specifically, at least one MS1 Co-President should be present at all administrative meetings regarding MS1 students)
2. Serve as liaisons between the MS1 class and the faculty, staff and administration
3. Organize the annual UNC Cadaver Memorial Service
4. Act as a source of information about Whitehead and the School of Medicine for MS1 students
5. Work with the VPs of Curriculum Affairs, Student Affairs, and Community Service to ensure the successful development of the MS1 UNC SOM experience
XXI. MS2 Class Presidents: roles include but are not limited to the following:
A. Selection
1. Filled by students who have completed their MS1 year
2. Run in pairs and elected by the rising MS2 class in the Whitehead spring elections
3. Term is one year
B. Responsibilities
1. Help coordinate the MS1 Orientation by serving as a member of the Orientation Planning Committee (including helping to organize an orientation trip);
2. Participate in the MS2 Orientation by providing an overview of the upcoming tasks, social events, and class plans
3. Serve as temporary MS1 Co-Presidents (from the beginning of the academic year until the MS1 Co-Presidents are elected)
4. Serve as ushers for the MS1 White Coat Ceremony
5. Coordinate the MS2 lecture review series for the USMLE Step 1
6. Organize a UNC SOM apparel sale in the winter
7. Organize a school-wide Winter Gala to honor the faculty
8. Organize the MS2 class skit night contribution
9. Attend monthly Town Hall meetings, Deans' Luncheons and Whitehead meetings
XXII. MS3 Class Presidents:
A. Selection
1.Filled by students who have completed the MS2 year
2. Run in pairs and elected by the rising MS3s in the spring elections
3. Term is one year
B. Responsibilities
1. Maintain third year class cohesion during the clinical rotations through regular email communication and planning class events
2. Work with the Senior Vice Presidents of Curriculum Affairs to adequately represent Regional Campus student concerns (specifically, meet with these students twice a year and communicate with them via email at least twice a semester to discuss concerns and provide updates)
3. Maintain the UNC student call room as a clean and comfortable environment, address any concerns that may arise with its use, and work with the Office of Medical Education and the Office of Student Affairs to solve any problems (broken equipment, etc) ad improve the call room space
4. Assist in the planning and implementation of the fourth year graduation activities, specifically serving as Chief Marshals and recruiting additional marshals for graduation day.
5. Assist and be active participants in WMS-led activities such as Skit Night and Winter Gala
6. Attend monthly Whitehead meetings, Deans' Luncheons, and Town Hall Meetings
XXIII. MS4 Class Presidents: roles include but are not limited to the following:
A. Selection
1. Filled by students who have completed their MS3 year
2. Run in pairs and elected by the rising MS4 class in the spring elections
3. Term is one year
B. Responsibilities
1. Coordinate ERAS photos for students in the early fall
2. Collect graduation fees throughout the year to fund graduation events and the class gift
3. Assist in planning the Capstone course and attend Capstone Committee meetings when possible
4. Attend Deans' Luncheons and Town Hall Meetings
5. Survey class regarding the class gift and organize a vote on the class gift
6. Survey the class regarding the graduation speaker and select the graduation speaker
7. Assist in planning Graduation and attend Commencement Committee meetings (biweekly, beginning in January)
8. Plan Pearls Day/Match Day and select Pearls' speakers
9. Coordinate Skit Night logistics, including facility rental, refreshments, and class submissions
10. Organize MS4 book sale in late April
11. Plan Graduation Gala and Senior Picnic during the week of graduation
12. Organize the voting for Class and Faculty Awards
13. Present Class Awards at graduation rehearsal
14. Speak at graduation and present/announce class gift
XXIV. Student Chair(s) of the Admissions Committee
A. The two most senior student members of the UNC SOM Admissions Committee will serve as
the Student Chairs of the Admissions Committee for one year and will attend WMS meetings.
B. They are expected to keep the WMS Presidents and Whitehead Council members abreast of
issues regarding UNC SOM admissions, while maintaining appropriate confidentiality regarding
specific applicant information.
C. See "Admissions Committee" under Article VI, Sect. 1 for more information regarding student
representation to the UNC SOM Admissions Committee.
XXV. Student Attorney General
A. Selected from applicants within the rising MS2 class by the outgoing WMS Presidents and two
most recent Student Attorneys General to serve a one-year term beginning at the time of the WMS
Transition meeting
B. Serve as Chair of the UNC SOM Honor Court.
C. Carry out job as detailed in the UNC-CH Instrument of Student Judicial Governance.
D. Attend WMS meetings as needed to update the WMS Executive Committee on relevant issue.
E. In conjunction with the Honor Court, decide Constitutional matters for WMS.
: Whitehead Committees
I. Student Membership in the UNC SOM Admissions Committee
A. Format for Selection of Student Chairs of the Admissions Committee
1. Applications will be taken from entering MS1 students in the fall. The specifics of the
application are at the discretion of the WMS Co-Presidents and the Student Chairs of the
Admissions Committee, although it is encouraged that the application not be simply a onepage
statement of intent.
2. Applicants shall be interviewed by the WMS Co-Presidents, the Student Chairs of the
Admissions Committee, and the newly elected MS1 Class Presidents. These interviewers
may choose to interview only a portion of the applicants, based on the quality of the
applications. They must, however, interview at least half of the applicants if there are 20 or
fewer applicants, or at least 10 applicants if there are more than 20 applicants.
3. From these applicants, the WMS Co-Presidents, Student Chairs of the Admissions
Committee, and the MS1 Class Presidents will select the two MS1 Admissions Committee
Representatives.
B. Removal of Student Chairs of the Admissions Committee will be undertaken by the policy
outlined in Appendix C.
C. Each Student Representative to the UNC SOM Admissions Committee shall serve as a
representative of the entire student body, and not solely represent the views of his or her class.
II. Membership of the Whitehead Curriculum Committee (WCC) is comprised of the following:
A. VPs for curriculum affairs (committee chairs),
B. Class curriculum representatives,
C. Other appointees to UNC SOM curriculum committees,
D. At-large student members,
E. Invited curriculum leaders among the UNC SOM administration, faculty, and staff.
III. Appointments
A. Unless otherwise specified in this document, the WMS Co-Presidents and the VPs for
Curriculum Affairs will appoint student representatives to various UNC SOM Curriculum
Committees.
B. The number of representatives will be determined in coordination with the Executive
Associate Dean for Medical Education and committee chairpersons.
IV. UNC SOM Standing Committees that have Student Representation include but are not limited to the
following:
A. Curriculum Advisory Board: representatives from WMS may include the WMS Co-Presidents,
the VPs for Curriculum Affairs, or other appointee. These representatives will hold their positions
for one year.
B. 1st- Year Course Directors Committee
C. 2nd-Year Course Directors Committee
D. 3rd/4th-Year Course Directors Committee
: Removal of Officers and WMS Committee Members
I. Any WMS Officer or WMS committee member may be removed.
The rationale for initiating removal include:
A. Any WMS officer or WMS committee member who consistently does not meet expectations
outlined in this document or does not perform duties as outlined in this document;
B. Any WMS officer or WMS committee member who consistently does not attend WMS
meetings, if it is stated in this document that his or her office is required to attend WMS meetings;
C. Any WMS officer or WMS committee member who withdraws from the medical school or is
removed from the medical school.
II. Procedure for removal of WMS officer:
A. A 2/3 majority of voting Whitehead Executive Council members is required to remove any
officer;
B. The officer in question may attend the meeting to discuss his or her removal, but cannot
participate in the voting;
C. Any WMS member may participate in the discussion of removal, but may only participate in
the voting procedure if he or she is a voting member of the Whitehead Executive Council.
III. Procedure for removal of non-officer committee member:
A. The Student Chairs of a WMS Committee or the WMS Co-Presidents may remove non-officer
members of the WMS Committee if they do not perform their duties.
B. This may be over-ridden by a 2/3 vote of a group consisting of the Whitehead Executive
Council, the Student Chairs of the WMS Committee at issue, and the non-affected student
members of the WMS committee at issue.
IV. Replacement of officers (except a WMS Co-President):
A. Replacement of removed officers will be at the discretion of the WMS Co-Presidents;
B. The determination of replacement officers (e.g. by election, appointment, etc.) is at the
discretion of the WMS Co-Presidents;
C. If election is used, the procedure will be identical to any other election as outlined elsewhere in
this document.
V. Replacement of WMS committee members:
A. Specifics about the procedure for replacement on standing WMS committees may be described
in further detail in corresponding appendix for that committee;
B. Replacements are to be taken from members of the original class of the representative who has
quit or been removed;
C. Unless otherwise specified elsewhere in this document, replacement of removed non-officer
WMS committee members will be at the discretion of the WMS Co-Presidents and the committee
chair(s);
D. Unless otherwise specified elsewhere in this document, the determination of replacement (e.g.
by election, appointment, etc.) is at the discretion of the WMS Presidents and the committee
chair(s).
VI. Replacement of WMS Co-Presidents:
A. If only one WMS Co-President is removed, replacement will proceed in a manner identical to
the replacement of any other officer
VII. Replacement of both WMS Co-Presidents:
A. In the event that both WMS Co-Presidents are removed, the MS4 Class Presidents will act as
de facto WMS Co-Presidents until replacements are established;
B. Replacement of both WMS Co-Presidents will proceed at the discretion of the Whitehead
Executive Council.
: Student Publications
I. “SHERPA Guide to the Wards”
II. WMS student directory
III. IRIS
IV. Insight Out
: AAMC-OSR Representative
I. There will be four official OSR Representatives of the UNC SOM.
These representatives will consist of the 2 Senior VP's of Curriculum Affairs and the 2 Assistant VP's of Curriculum Affairs.
II. Division of responsibilities will be determined among the four OSR Representatives and the Executive Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
A. One MS2 and one MS4 representative will attend all national and regional OSR meetings.
B. The Senior and Assistant VP's of Educational Development may serve as alternates and attend both regional and national meetings
III. OSR Representatives may be removed for not fulfilling their responsibilities, in the procedure outlined for all WMS officers in Appendix C. However, if removed as OSR representative the individual may continue to serve as Senior or Assistant VP of Curriculum Affairs.
IV. Vacant offices left by removed Representatives or by Representatives who leave voluntarily will be filled at the discretion of the WMS Co-Presidents and the remaining OSR Representatives.
: WMS Traditions
I. Whitehead Lecture and Awards Ceremony
II. Winter Gala
III. Pearls Day & Skit Night the week of MS4 Match Day
IV. MS1 Orientation
V. MS3 Workshop: Intro to the Wards
VI. Student Research Day
VII. Student Groups Funding Workshop in April
VIII. WMS Student Directory
IX. Berryhill Beat
X. Sherpa: Student Handbook for the UNC Wards
XI. FAX
XII. Class-wide social functions organized by Class Presidents.
: Class Advocates
I. The Class Advocates program has the full support of WMS.
II. The Class Advocates program is completely autonomous from WMS.
III. Many of the functions served by the Class Advocates overlap with functions performed by WMS.
The organizations also share similar goals. As such, open communication and a strong working relationship
should be ensured between the organizations to the fullest extent possible.
: Definition of terms
I. Majority or simple majority = 50% +1 complete vote
II. Super majority = 2/3 majority vote rounded up to the nearest complete vote.
III. UNC School of Medicine (UNC SOM) student body or entire student body refers only to students
who have matriculated into the medical school and who have not graduated, withdrawn, or been
dismissed. It does include students on leave (e.g. to pursue MPH, PhD, or other dual degree, distinguish
clinical scholars, or students pursuing research interests) who still intend to complete the MD degree at
UNC. These students are considered members of the year they most recently successfully completed (for
example – MD/PhD students would typically be considered MS2s).
