MASARYK INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL STUDENTS ASSOCIATION MINUTES On 7th of May 2012, the General Meeting of MIMSA of the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University, assemble in an ordinary meeting from 5pm of the same day, and after having discussed and appreciated the constitution of Masaryk International Medical Students Association, presented by the General Board, who approved the constitution of Masaryk International Medical Students Association. For appropriate action, this constitution was signed and minutes made of the meeting, which will be published together with the constitution of MIMSA. In Brno on the seventh day of May, two thousand and twelve – The speaker of Executive Committee of MIMSA, Barbara Raimundo. CONSTITUTION TITLE I GENERAL PRINCIPLES CHAPTER I DENOMINATION, HEADQUARTERS AND PURPOSES Article 1 (Academic association) Masaryk International Medical Students Association is the representative organization of the international medical students of Masaryk University in Brno hereafter “students”, having its headquarters in the Masaryk university facilities, at Komenského náměstí 220/2, 60200 Brno-střed, and is ruled by the present constitution and law of Masaryk University. Anyone is capable of entering on the farther mentioned conditions, and anyone is free to leave the association henceforth renouncing the rights stated in Article 13. Article 2 (Acronym) Masaryk International Medical Students Association is symbolized by the acronym MIMSA. Article 3 (Duration) MIMSA consists for undetermined time. However its activities and obligations may be suspended by the president if necessary. Working days are those defined as Monday to Friday outside of the examination period set by the Medical Faculty of Masaryk University in its calendar. Article 4 (Attributions) The purposes of MIMSA are to: 1. safeguard students interests 2. represent the students in all manifestations and scholar activities 3. promote integration of students in university and academic life 4. cooperate in the faculty’s education life, in the fields of human, cultural and physical formation 5. intervene in the management of leisure spaces, social and sports activities 6. develop activities leading towards a greater connection between the students and with socioeconomical, cultural and scientific reality 7. Cooperate with all students’ organizations, nationals and internationals, whose purpose does not antagonize those that are defined in the present constitution. CHAPTER II FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES Article 5 (Fundamental principles) MIMSA is ruled by the constant principles of this chapter. Article 6 (Independence) MIMSA is independent of the state, political parties, religious organizations or any others alien to the students’ interests. Article 7 (Democratic Participation) Every international medical student of Masaryk University has the right to participate in activities of the association, particularly in voting for Presidential candidates and to submit applications for board positions. Article 8 (Autonomy) MIMSA has autonomy in relation to the other Faculty and University organs in the elaboration of its internal norms, in the administration of its own patrimony, in the management of its own space and in the definition of its activity plans. Article 9 (Equality) Every person in MIMSA has the same rights and nobody can be privileged or prejudiced against for reason of ascendency, gender, race, language, place of origin, religion, political convictions or ideologies, economical situation, social condition, health disabilities or sexual orientation. CHAPTER III SYMBOLS Article 10 (Logo) MIMSA is symbolized by the following logos, having the right to change colours and the right to include/exclude the meaning of the acronym: TITLE II INDIVIDUALS IN MIMSA Article 11 (categories) MIMSA is composed of members, ordinary cardholders, extraordinary cardholders and honorary cardholders. CHAPTER I MEMBERS Article 12 (Notion) Members of MIMSA are students enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University in the English language program. Article 13 (Rights) The rights of members are to: 1. Vote for Presidential candidates and submit applications for board positions, within the terms of the Constitution 2. have the privilege and benefits proportioned by MIMSA 3. The unconditional right to be represented to Masaryk University in matters pertaining to their education within reason. 4. Attend and take part in General Meetings. 5. Exert the right of vote within General meetings 6. Make proposals, motions and suggestions to the Board 7. Request for an extraordinary General Meeting in the terms of this constitution 8. Consult documents of MIMSA 9. Receive a copy of this Constitution and MIMSA card as per article 18. Article 14 (Duties) The duties of members are to: 1. Abide by the Constitution and its rules, as well as its deliberations, within the scope of MIMSA 2. Ensure the prestige and good name of MIMSA 3. Accept the position for which one has been elected and exercise the duties freely 4. Keep up with and collaborate with the activities of MIMSA 5. Treat individuals in MIMSA and all MIMSA staff with deserved respect and dignity Failure of a person to comply with these duties may result in action being taken as outlined in Article 15 subparagraph 2. Article 15 (Losing the quality of membership) An ordinary cardholder loses their status when: 1. he or she is no longer a student of the Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University 2. Found practicing severely harmful acts against the interests of MIMSA or its members. In the event of this circumstance, a General Meeting will be summoned expressly for this effect. The decision as to the loss of member status will be approved by a two-thirds majority vote. The involvement of said member in future MIMSA activities may be limited at the discretion of the board and they will lose the rights of members written in Article 13 subparagraphs 1); 2) and 5). Article 16 (Readmission) Can be readmitted in the following circumstances: 1. Return as a faculty student 2. Being covered by the sub-paragraph 2) of the article 15, being exonerated of the accusation by the General Meeting for absolute majority of the presents, or after the Board had appreciated the process revision at interested request. CHAPTER II ORDINARY CARDHOLDERS Article 17 (Notion) Ordinary Cardholders of MIMSA are students of the Masaryk University in English medical program that fulfil the duties outlined in article 18 and as such are afforded the advantages of the MIMSA card. Article 18 (Rights and duties) 1. Ordinary Cardholders have the same rights as ordinary members and in addition are afforded the benefits of the MIMSA card. 2. The Ordinary Cardholder’s duties are as follows; Pay a fee based on the following information: The fee is 500kc in the first year and is decreased by 100kc for each study year they have completed therefore the fees are as follows: 1st year – 500kc 2nd year – 400kc 3rd year – 300kc 4th year – 200kc 5th year – 100kc 6th year – free To provide a passport sized photo Sign, therefore confirming their agreement to the terms and conditions of the MIMSA cardholder status CHAPTER III EXTRAORDINARY CARDHOLDERS Article 19 (Notion) Extraordinary cardholders of MIMSA are previous students of the Masaryk University in English medical program, professors, teachers, functionaries, and students from other faculties within the Masaryk University, by appointment of the board. Article 20 (Rights) Extraordinary cardholders have the rights foreseen in the sub-paragraph 2), 4) 6) and 9) of the article 13. Article 21 (Duties) Extraordinary cardholders have the same duties of ordinary cardholders except the ones foreseen in the subparagraphs 3) and 4) of the article 14. For these extraordinary cardholders there will be an annual fee of 150kc. CHAPTER IV HONORARY CARDHOLDERS Article 22 (Notion) Honorary Cardholders of MIMSA are people awarded their status by their merits and services provided to the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University or to MIMSA, being as such declared in a General Meeting for majority of two thirds of the students present. The candidate is nominated by either the MIMSA board or by a proposal backed by fifty members. Article 23 (Rights and Duties) The Honorary cardholders have the same rights and are subjected to the same duties that extraordinary cardholders with the exception of the membership fee. TITLE III STAFF Article 24 (Staff) MIMSA’s staff is composed of: 1. The general board 2. Departmental Staff 3. Students Representative CHAPTER I GENERAL BOARD Section I Organization and function Article 25 (Notion) 1. General Board is the executive organization of MIMSA, and is composed by a maximum of 10 persons, and a minimum of 6. 2. The General Board should be comprised of a President, Vice-President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Information technology manager, 2 co-heads of Education Department, 2 co-heads of Social Department and Public Relations manager. 3. The President and Vice-president are responsible for electing the remaining general board positions. 4. If an appropriate board member cannot be found to fill a board position, the president and the vicepresident reserve the right to nominate an existing board member to the position. 5. The Departmental staff is chosen by the respective departments. 6. All MIMSA board members must be members of MIMSA at the time of appointment, if for any reason they cannot fulfil their duties for the term they applied for, a replacement must be found by the elected administration i.e. the president and vice president Article 26 (Power of attorney) The president has the power of attorney. In his absence of incapacity the vice president may assume the role. In the situation both of the aforementioned are incapacitated or the vice president declines the role, a board member must be selected by majority vote of the general board. Article 27 (Board Meeting) The General Board will assemble at the will of the President or Vice-president. Article 28 (Extraordinary Meeting) General Board will assemble in extraordinary session: 1. By President’s initiative 2. When required by majority of its members Article 29 (Quorum) General Board only can be assembled when more than half of its members are present, and its deliberations are taken by simple majority. President has a vote of quality meaning that accounts for two. At each meeting, minutes shall be taken and signed by the President or Vice-president when present. Article 30 (Responsibility) Each General Board member is to represent the wills and motives in the best interest of MIMSA and its members. The board member will behave in an appropriate manner and not bring MIMSA into disrepute by his or her actions. The board members must attend MIMSA general board meetings when called by the President and if they should not be able to attend must first excuse themselves through the president and read the minutes for said meeting so as to be aware of the actions taken in said meeting, the absence is recorded in the minutes. Section II Duties and Responsibilities Article 31 (Duties and Responsibilities) Duties and Responsibilities of the General Board: 1. Oversee the fulfilment of the constitution. 2. Proceed the scopes of MIMSA announced on the article 3 3. Fulfil MIMSA’s deliberations taken within its goal. 4. Improve academic life and govern MIMSA 5. Consider students suggestions as well as try to solve their problems or direct them to competent authorities, whenever they are not in contradiction with MIMSA constitution. 6. Administrate MIMSA patrimony and venue. 7. Elaborate annually the budget and activities plan. 8. Choose their collaborators. 9. Attribute the quality of extraordinary member and propose to the General Meeting the admission of honorary members. 10. Propose the sanction foreseen in paragraph 2) of Article 15. 11. Deliver to the next General Board all the documents of MIMSA as well as its inventory. 12. Deliver to the next General Board all the documents of MIMSA as well as its inventory in the act of swear. 13. Must be represented in each General Meeting by the President. Whenever President and Vice-President are not able to attend, there should be chosen from the board, a member to represent the General Board. Article 32 (Duties and Responsibilities of the President) Duties and Responsibilities of the President: 1. The nominated leader of the association representing MIMSA inside and outside of the faculty. 2. Executive powers of delegation of board members and general staff as per association regulations and demands. 3. Executive powers of endorsing or rebuttal of board decisions to safeguard MIMSA’s best interests. 4. Shall preside over all board meetings and MIMSA convened seminars, be responsible for securing and signing MIMSA’s legal obligations as per arising requirements 5. Shall be present in all General Meetings representing all members of General Board. Article 33 (Duties and Responsibilities of the Vice-President) Duties and Responsibilities of the Vice-President: 1. Nominated deputy of the president. 2. By virtue of position is the Speaker of Executive committee. 3. Reports to the president and when necessary, the Deans collegiums of Masaryk Medical Faculty. 4. Assumes presidential powers and responsibilities in the incumbent’s absence or in the case of a vote of no confidence on the president by the board and/or at delegation by the incumbent. 5. Maintains the role of chief of staff and is involved in the assessment of all departmental tasks and the management of all departments, MIMSA personnel and members. Article 34 (Duties and Responsibilities of the General-Secretary) Duties and Responsibilities of the General-Secretary: 1. The nominated secretary of the General Board 2. By virtue of position is Secretary-General of Executive Committee. 3. Control and oversee information flow in the association. 4. Assure archive management, record keeping, and information dissemination. 5. Responsible for making an agenda for each approaching Board Meeting regarding the points of interest that will be spoken. 6. Shall make minutes of each General Board meeting regarding important issues that were discussed. 7. Proceed to the inventory of MIMSA’s patrimony keeping it updated. Article 35 (Duties and Responsibilities of the Treasurer) Duties and Responsibilities of the Treasurer: 1. The nominated treasurer of the association. 2. By virtue of position is Co-Speaker of the Executive Committee. 3. Responsible for the management of all financial transactions undertaken by the association. 4. Authorize and record keeping of the financial transactions. 5. Update the General Board of the economical situation of MIMSA whenever requested. 6. Financial advisory role to the association on budgetary issues, fund raising, and every other issues regarding MIMSA financial support. 7. Collaborate with the General-Secretary in the inventory of MIMSA’s patrimony. 8. Executive powers to appoint, delegate, endorse, discipline departmental staff in consultation with the general board. Article 36 (Duties and Responsibilities of the Information technology manager) Duties and Responsibilities of the Information Technology manager: 1. Provide extensive technological-computerized solutions according to the organization needs. 2. Being responsible for the full maintenance of the MIMSA office computer (performing periodic backups, routine maintenance, upgrading, configuring and installing both hardware and licensed software) 3. To serve as the Webmaster of the MIMSA internet website. He will hold the responsibility for the logistics. 4. Provide assistance to the other departments and board members regarding posters, graphic designs, presentations, and databases. 5. All roles will be filled based only on knowledge and experience. 6. All roles will be filled with respect to the MU Information security policy, and network permissions. 7. Executive powers to appoint, delegate, endorse, discipline departmental staff in consultation with the general board. Article 37 (Duties and Responsibilities of the Education Department) Duties and Responsibilities of the Education Department: 1. Comprised of two heads of the department, and furthermore a departmental staff. 2. Academic affairs, where this section has the role to harmonize the students of the association with the laws of the University, keeping its members updated about their responsibilities and their rights. 3. Daily management and running of the designated department. 4. Executive powers to appoint, delegate, endorse, discipline departmental staff in consultation with the general board. Article 38 (Duties and Responsibilities of the Social Department) Duties and Responsibilities of the Social Department: 1. Comprised of two heads of the department and furthermore a departmental staff. 2. Leisure, important aspect to provide to the students. It is the role of this department to organize events, having the scope of introduce students into more an academic and familiar environment within the purposes of MIMSA. Organize parties, dinners, trips, seminars, sports activities and everything in need to improve student social life at Masaryk University and in Brno. 3. To be responsible for ensuring the welfare services for students including the organization of a Freshers’ Week incorporating orientation and social events. 4. Daily management and running of the designated department. 5. Executive powers to appoint, delegate, endorse, discipline departmental staff in consultation with the general board. Article 39 (Duties and Responsibilities of Public Relations manager) Duties and Responsibilities of Public Relations manager: 1. Comprised of the head of the department and furthermore a departmental staff. 2. To represent the MIMSA board in all matters affecting their interests. 3. To afford a recognized means of communication between the students representative and the MIMSA board. 4. To be in close contact with all Students Representatives of all years. 5. Ensure that all students are updated every time there is an activity, General Meeting, seminar, party or other activity organized by MIMSA towards students’ interest. 6. Refresh all students’ information about any update relating academic life. 7. Daily management and running of the designated department. 8. Executive powers to appoint, delegate, endorse, discipline departmental staff in consultation with the general board. Article 40 (Exoneration request) Exoneration request of any member of the General Board is directed to the President that it will submit to the appreciation of the General Board. The exoneration of the majority of General Board members requires an intercalary election that will complete the posterior mandate. Article 41 (President Resignation) In case of the President’s resignation, the General Board shall secure his/her functions until the swearing in of the new General Board. The President Resignation should be communicated in Extraordinary General Meeting. CHAPTER II GENERAL MEETING Article 42 (Notion) The General Meeting, referred as the GM, is the deliberative maximum organ of MIMSA and is composed of all International Medical Students of Masaryk University. Article 43 (Ordinary Meeting) General Meeting assembles ordinarily twice per year, once per semester. In the first semester it will be held between the 30th and 45th day after the enrolment, and in the second semester between the 45th and 30th day before the end of lessons. From the agenda there will be mandatorily present the following points: 1. Presentation, discussion and a ballot of the present year Budget and the Activities’ Plan. 2. Appreciation of the other acts of General Board. 3. Schedule for Presidential elections, knowing that between the first General Meeting and the date of elections will not be more than 45days. Article 44 (Extraordinary meeting) General Meeting assembles extraordinarily with a previous fixed agenda when required by: 1. The General Board 2. An assembly of at least fifty International Medical Students of Masaryk University, of which half should mandatorily be present under penalty of cancelation. Article 45 (Summon) 1. General Meeting, ordinary or extraordinarily, is summoned by the Speaker of the Executive Committee by means of notifications posted in visible places of the Faculty, with at least eight days notice being given, acknowledging the day, hour, location, and agenda of the meeting. 2. If the Speaker does not summon the General Meeting whenever is necessary, it is possible for a group of fifty International Medical Students of Masaryk University to make a Summon. 3. The summoning of Extraordinary Meetings, between the reception of the request and the date of the meeting shall not be more that two weeks. Article 46 (Urgency process) In the case of recognized urgency, the Speaker of the Executive Committee will summon the General Meeting within forty eight hours, immediately fixating notifications in visible places of the faculty where shall be indicated the day, hour, place, and the agenda of the meeting. Article 47 (Quorum) General Meeting will assemble with the presence of half of International Medical Students of Masaryk University. Whenever there is not the sufficient number present, General Meeting will assemble half an hour later with a minimum group of thirty students. General Meeting can only deliberate with a minimum number of twenty students in the moment of the ballot. Article 48 (Change of Constitution) General Meeting for the Change of Constitution should be summoned expressly with that scope, and its deliberations should be taken for the majority of three quarters of the present students. Article 49 (Objectives) Objectives of the General Meeting: 1. Deliberate about all the subjects that within the scope and goals of MIMSA, would be presented, in particular the sub-paragraphs of the article 15, sub-paragraph 2) of the article 16, and articles 22, 26, 47, 39, 56, 75. 2. Find the solution of positive or negative conflicts of MIMSA. 3. Integrate all the cases of harmony with the law. Article 50 (Principle “one student, one vote”) Each student has the right to one vote and no student can be represented by another student in the General Meetings. Article 51 (Deliberations) General Meetings’ deliberations are taken for simple majority of the present students’ votes, without prejudice of the special dispositions foreseen in this constitution. Article 52 (Statute) The function of the General Meeting will obey to a statute approved by itself. Article 53 (General Meeting Steering Body) The Steering Body of General Meeting is composed by the Executive Committee: a Speaker, a Co-Speaker and a General-Secretary. Article 54 (Duties and Responsibilities of the Speaker) Duties and Responsibilities of the Speaker: 1. Summon ordinary and extraordinary General Meetings with harmony of this constitution. 2. Declare the session open, head the agenda, orientate the debates according the agenda and the regimental positions, and declare the subject discussed whenever it deems sufficiently clarified. 3. Order to read by the Executive Committee General-Secretary the minute of the previous General Meeting. 4. Give the floor to the President. 5. Sign all documents on behalf of the General Meeting, and the minutes of the meetings. 6. Redirect to the agenda whenever a speaker change a subject, having the ability to withdraw his/her speech when he/she is in contradiction with the constitution’s dispositions and invite him to abandon the room when the excess justifies such procedure. 7. Order to proceed to the necessaries ballots and proclaim its results. 8. Declare the meeting over. Article 55 (Duties and Responsibilities of the Co-Speaker) Duties and Responsibilities of the Co-Speaker: 1. To help the Speaker in his/her functions. 2. Replace the Speaker when he/she is missing, and impediments or by his/her delegation or still when he/she is replacing the President of the General Board in the General Meeting. 3. Sign the minutes of the General Meetings Article 56 (Duties and Responsibilities of the General-Secretary) Duties and Responsibilities of the General-Secretary: 1. Make and sign the minutes. 2. Save the books having information of the General Meetings, letters and other papers which relate the General Meeting. Article 57 (Absence of Executive Committee’s members) In the simultaneous absence of two or more members of the Executive Committee, shall be elected a new Executive Committee within the General Board or Departmental Staff, which shall work till the end of the General Meeting. CHAPTER III DEPARTMENTAL STAFF Article 58 (Duties and Responsibilities of Departmental Staff) Duties and Responsibilities of the Departmental Staff 1. Social department, Information Technology, Education Department, Public Relations and Treasurer have the right to have a departmental staff composed of International Medical Students of Masaryk University. 2. To help the function of MIMSA by cooperation and collaboration with MIMSA through its respective department. 3. Work together with other departmental staff within the scope deliberated for its department, such as organizing events, help in orientation week, and other activities. 4. Respect the image of MIMSA and respect all the students of the faculty. 5. Are their rights to attend the meeting of General Board every time it is proposed by the General Board. 6. When attending General Board meetings, they do not have the right to vote. CHAPTER IV STUDENTS REPRESENTATIVE Article 59 (Duties and Responsibilities of Students representative) Duties and Responsibilities of the Students Representative 1. To represent the students in all matters affecting their interests. 2. To afford a recognized means of communication between the students and the Public Relations board member 3. Ensure that all student issues are heard by the Public Relations board member 4. They are elected by all students of the specified year within two months of the date of the enrolment, unless otherwise decided by a general meeting. 5. Respect the image of MIMSA and respect all the students of the faculty. 6. Have the right to attend the meeting of General Board every time it is proposed by the General Board. 7. When attending General Board meetings, they do not have the right to vote. TITLE IV ELECTIONS CHAPTER I VOTER REGISTRATION Article 60 (Organization) The voting registration is organized by the Election Committee in electoral register of which will be present the name of all international medical students of Masaryk University. Article 61 (Publicity) The census roll shall be in a fixed, safe and pre-defined place during the seven days preceding the election for the students interested in its examinations. Article 62 (Complaint) Each student may submit a complaint to the Election Committee, until three days before of the elections, about the enrolment or omission of any name in the census rolls. CHAPTER II APPLICATIONS Article 63 (General rule) The applications for the General Board of MIMSA are presented to the Election Committee by the candidates themselves organized in lists until eight days before the elections, having in each list the name of its candidates as well as the corresponding position. Article 64 (Election Committee) Election Committee is composed of, a students representative not involved in elections and an overseer from the board. Election Committee dissolves with the swearing in of the new President and Vice-President. Article 65 (Duties and Responsibilities of the Election Committee) Duties and Responsibilities of the Election Committee: 1. Judge the eligibility or ineligibility of the candidates. 2. Equally affect to each one of the lists the same venues designated to the campaign. 3. Verify the electoral process eligibility and its conformity within the constitution. 4. Design the members of voting tables. Article 66 (Appeal of the ineligibility decision) The deliberation of the Electoral Committee that considers ineligible any candidate admits appeal to the General Meeting which will be summoned in a process of urgency. The deadline to appeal is twenty four hours after the decision by the Electoral Committee that a candidate or candidates are ineligible Article 67 (Candidates Requirements) Candidates must not be in risk of being expelled by the faculty during the elected term. Article 68 (Requirements of the candidates’ teams) Each candidate team should be composed of President and Vice-President. Article 69 (Incompatibilities) No member may be in more than one list pertaining to the positions of presidents or vice president. Candidates can apply for other board positions. No candidate can hold different positions within the General Board simultaneously, except in the circumstance stated in article 23. CHAPTER III ELECTORAL PROCESS Article 70 (Suffrage) The positions of the President and Vice-President of MIMSA are elected annually by universal suffrage. Article 71 (Voting Period and Campaign) Polls will be continuously open from 10a.m until 7p.m. right after the end of the election campaign, Election campaign will last three weeks. Article 72 (Voting) The ballot will be delivered to the voter by one of the members of Election Committee. The Votes are collected in accordance to the procedure decided by the members of Election Committee at the start of the election period. Only members on the census roll may vote. Article 73 (Tabulation of votes) Upon completion of the election, members of Election Committee will proceed publicly with the counting of votes, verifying if they match to the number of discharges of the census rolls. The counting of votes will be done according to the rule that one voter can either vote for one candidate team, or abstain by not voting. The winners will be declared according to the first-past-the-post voting system, meaning that the election is won by the candidates with the most votes from those who voted. Once the results are calculated, the Election Committee will proclaim winners from the list that were more voted and each present member of the Election Committee will sign the minutes of the Tabulation of Votes Meeting. Article 74 (Appeal) The candidates’ team may submit complaint, within reason, to the Election Committee, of the electoral act validity. Election Committee judging reasonable such complain, will summon urgently a General Meeting destined to appreciate and decide the Impugnation request. Article 75 (Swearing in) The Election Committee will induct the elected members, in the deadline of fifteen to thirty working days, as defined in article 3, after the elections in GM, recording the Swearing and signed by the elected members. The ceased General Board only can exert acts of management till the swearing of the newly elected General Board, and will deliver every documents of MIMSA as well as its respective inventory to the elected General Board. Of this act it will be made minutes having the signature of the elected General Board’s President and the ceased General Board’s President. TITLE V FINAL DISPOSITIONS Article 76 (Dissolution) The dissolution of MIMSA only will be valid if voted by three quarters of the students assembled in General Meeting expressly summon to this purpose. Article 77 (Belongings destiny) In case of MIMSA dissolution, its belongings shall be attributed to the Faculty of Medicine of Masaryk University. Approved in General Meeting of MIMSA on 7th of May 2012 Brno, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University 7th of May 2012 Conforms to the original