Constitution of Chi Lambda Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha

Southern Utah University

 

ARTICLE I – Name

The name of this organization shall be Chi Lambda Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha of Southern Utah University.

 

ARTICLE II - Purpose

The purpose of the Chi Lambda Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha is to recognize and promote productive scholarship and intelligent discourse in the fields of public affairs, political science and government for the community of Southern Utah University.

 

ARTICLE III - Affiliation

Section 1 This organization shall operate according to the regulations and policies of Southern Utah University, the Constitution of the Student Association of Southern Utah University and all local, state and national laws.

 

Section 2 This organization shall adhere to the regulations and constitution of the national organization of Pi Sigma Alpha that do not conflict with the regulations and policies of Southern Utah University and the Constitution of the Student Association of Southern Utah University.

 

ARTICLE IV - Nondiscrimination

This organization shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, religion, ancestry, political belief or affiliation with, disability or age.

 

ARTICLE V - Membership

Section 1 All officers and voting members of this organization shall be full-fee paying undergraduate or graduate students of Southern Utah University and shall be current in the payment of dues. Membership in this organization shall be voluntary, though based on the following prescribed scholarship criteria:

A) Meet all eligibility requirements set forth in Section 2, parts A, B and C in the Constitution of the national chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha.

B) To retain an active membership within Pi Sigma Alpha, attendance must be no less than 50% of all meetings.

 

Section 2 Part-fee students of Southern Utah University, faculty, staff and community members may be associate members and may not vote or hold office.

 

Section 3 An annual fee may be assessed to each member by the Chi Lambda Chapter as set forth from the local chapter.

 

Section 4 An annual fee shall be assessed to each member by the national chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha.

ARTICLE VI - Meetings

Section 1 Quorum: To conduct business, a simple majority of the total voting membership must be present at the meeting. Two-thirds of the total voting membership must be present for all elections. Voting membership is defined as those members who are currently active in the organization.

 

Section 2 Activities: activities are included as “Meetings” when considering active membership as pursuant to Article V section 1-B, attendance at activities shall be counted.

 

Section 3 Voting percentages: Motions dealing with amendments and the removal of officers and members will require a two-thirds majority vote of the total voting membership to pass: All other motions will require a simple majority vote of the quorum to pass.

 

Section 4 Parliamentary authority: The National Constitution and Constitution of the Chi Lambda chapter of this organization shall be the supreme authority in parliamentary procedure at all meetings. Robert's Rules of Order shall be the parliamentary handbook used to conduct meetings except where it conflicts with the Constitution or Bylaws.

 

Section 5 Frequency of Meetings: This organization shall meet at least one (1) time each academic semester. The President or a simple majority of the total voting membership may call emergency meetings. Written and/or verbal notice of organizational meetings shall be given to all members at least five (5) days prior to such meetings.

 

Section 6 A membership ceremony recognizing new and current members shall be held each spring semester.

 

ARTICLE VII - Officers

Section 1 Elected Officers: The officers of this organization shall be the following: President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer.

 

Section 2 Qualifications: All officers must be full-fee paying students of Southern Utah University, and must adhere to the requirements of membership aforementioned.

 

Section 3 Term of Office: An officer shall serve for one calendar year from his or her swearing in, or until his or her successor is appointed or elected.

 

Section 4 Duties: The duties of the officers shall be as follows:

A. The President

1. Shall be the chief executive officer of the organization and shall preside over all meetings.

2. Shall act as representative of the Xi Chi Chapter at all public functions in which the Chapter is involved.

3. Shall act as liaison between Xi Chi Chapter and the National Organization of Pi Sigma Alpha in the reporting of Chapter activities, financial status and membership status.

B. The Vice-President

1. Shall assume the duties of the President during his or her absence and shall succeed to that position in the event that it becomes vacant by means other than removal or regular termination of office.

2. Shall submit the names of all officer of the organization to the Student Activities Officer not more than four weeks after the beginning of the fall semester and within ten days of any election.

3. Shall submit additional information as it is required to the Student Activities Office.

4. Presenting both the national and chapter Constitutions for approval by the total voting membership at the induction ceremony/end of year banquet meeting.

5. Shall be responsible for chairing social activity committees of the Chi Lambda Chapter.

C. The Secretary/Treasurer

1. Shall keep written records of all meetings.

2. Shall be the financial officer of this organization.

3. Shall report an accounting of revenues and expenses upon request at any organizational meeting.

4. Shall prepare, at the end of each academic year, all financial records for audit.

 

 

ARTICLE VIII – Elections

Section 1 Types of Elections: General elections will be held to replace officers whose terms are due to expire. Special elections shall be held when an office is vacated at midterm.

 

Section 2 Nomination of Candidates: A voting member must nominate a candidate for office during the April meeting, or during the meeting immediately prior to special elections. Graduating seniors cannot be nominated, but may vote and offer nominations.

 

Section 3 Time of elections: General elections shall be held during the April meeting, and special elections shall be held as necessary.

 

Section 4 Form of vote: After nominations have been taken, and a motion to close nominations has passed the membership, a vote for officers will be taken by either secret ballot or show of hands. The Faculty Advisor will count the votes and report the results of the election to the membership.

 

ARTICLE IX – Removal of Officers

Section 1 Grounds for removal: Any officer not fulfilling his or her duties as outlined in this Constitution, or in the Bylaws of this organization, to the satisfaction of the voting membership, may be removed from office by a two-thirds majority vote of the voting membership.

 

Section 2 Notice of charges: The motion to remove an officer from his or her position must be present in writing to the total voting membership at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which the removal will be voted upon.

 

Section 3 Right to a fair hearing: The officer subject to removal shall have the right to present his or her case to the membership at the meeting in which the voting for removal is to take place.

 

Section 4 Right to appeal: Appeals relating to the removal of officers shall be done through the SUUSA Judiciary. Appeals must be made within two weeks after the vote for removal has taken place.

 

Section 5 Form of Vote: All voting under this Article shall be done by secret ballot. The Faculty Advisor will count the ballots and report the results of the removal vote to the voting membership.

 

 

ARTICLE X – Removal of Members

Section 1 Grounds for removal: Any member not fulfilling his or her membership requirements as outlined in this Constitution, or in the Bylaws of this organization, to the satisfaction of the voting membership, may be removed from membership. A two-thirds majority vote of the total voting membership shall be required for removal of any member.

 

Section 2 Notice of charges: The motion to remove a member from his or her position must be presented in writing to the total voting membership at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which the removal will be voted upon.

 

Section 3 Right of a fair hearing: The member subject to removal shall have the right to present his or her case to the membership at the meeting in which the vote for removal is to take place.

 

Section 4 Right to appeal: Appeals relating to the removal of members shall be done through the SUUSA Judiciary. Appeals must be made within two weeks after the vote for removal has taken place.

 

Section 5 Form of vote: All voting under this Article shall be done by secret ballot. The Faculty Advisor will count the ballots and report the results of the removal vote to the voting membership.

 

ARTICLE XI - Advisor

Section 1 Selection: The organization shall annually designate an Advisor(s). Said Advisor(s) shall have no voting privileges.

Section 2 Duties:

A. the Advisor shall consult with the offices about the organizations activities in compliance with University policies.

B. the Advisor shall assist the Treasurer and President in preparation of requests for funding from the Associated Students of Boise State University and shall sign said request.

 

ARTICLE XII – Financial Support

Section 1 The finances of this organization will come from fund-raising projects, individual contributions, dues, the Associated Students of Boise State University, and/or from Boise State University when appropriate.

 

ARTICLE XIII - Amendments

Section 1 Any proposal to amend this Constitution, or the Bylaws, must be presented to the voting membership in the form of a written notice at least seven (7) days before it is to be voted upon.

 

Section 2 A proposed amendment to this Constitution must be adopted in accordance with Article VI, Section 2, and amendments to this Constitution must be approved by the Associated Students of Boise State University Judiciary in order to become effective.

 

ENACTMENT DATE

Approved by the General Membership on  ____________.

By a vote of __________.