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OKLAHOMA EPSILON (Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu)
ARTICLE 1: NAME AND OBJECTIVE
ARTICLE 2: MEMBERSHIP The membership of Oklahoma Epsilon shall consist of persons who have been formally inducted as members in accordance with the society’s constitution and byelaws, subject to provisions of the parent organization of Pi Gamma Mu. All students who have completed more than forty hours of university coursework, maintain grade point average above 3.25, and have completed a minimum of twenty hours in the social sciences with no less than B average in all social sciences courses, are eligible for membership. Membership is obtained primarily by invitation and nomination by current members, with the approval of the faculty sponsor. Former students of USAO whose scholastic records and achievements are outstanding may be nominated for full membership. Section II: Induction An annual induction ceremony shall be held each spring semester in March for new members who have been certified as having met all conditions of membership in accordance with the provisions of this constitution and byelaws. Section III: Responsibilities Membership is contingent on fulfillment of all academic qualifications, a payment a lifetime membership fee (plus induction, local chapter, and honor cord fees), and a continued support of and commitment to the goals and activities of Oklahoma Epsilon. Section IV: Benefits Members get lifetime membership in both the USAO
chapter and the national organization of Pi Gamma MU. Members also get a
one-year subscription to the International Social Science Review and the
International Newsletter, a membership card, key pin, and a certificate of
membership. Other benefits include support for academic activities, federal
employment benefits, and the prestige of belonging to a national society of
scholars. ARTICLE 3: OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES Section 1: The chapter shall elect 3-5 members to the Student Executive Council (SEC) according to procedures outlined in this constitution and byelaws to occupy the following positions: President/Treasurer, Secretary, Events Coordinator/Public Relations Officers. The president, in consultation with the secretary, may appoint one other officer from the general membership to serve on the executive council as liaison officer. Section 2: The Student Executive Council (SEC) shall supervise and manage the business of the Oklahoma Epsilon chapter, organize meetings and activities including the annual initiation ceremonies, general house meetings, and special committee activities. It shall authorize disbursement of revenues in accordance with the provisions of this constitution and byelaws, and make other important decisions on behalf of the society. The council, with the advice of the Events Coordinator/Public Relations Officers, shall prepare an Annual Program of Events and activities to be presented to the general house for approval in the last annual general meeting in March (after the induction) of every year. All decisions in the council must meet the approval of two-third of the entire council, and decisions made by the general house must pass by a simple majority. Section 3: The President The president shall serve as the official head of the USAO chapter. The President shall act as the chairperson of the SEC, convene all regular and special meetings of the council and make report about the condition of the society at the annual induction ceremony and other general meetings. The president shall also appoint interim council officers in the event of a vacancy before the next election cycle, and serve as chairperson on some special committees. In the absence of the president, the secretary shall serve in all these capacities, as well as perform all duties assigned by the president. If acting as treasurer, the president/treasurer shall collect and deposit all monies of the organization and make financial reports to the organization and SEC. Section 4: The Secretary The Secretary, working closely with the executive committee treasurer and president, shall keep and preserve all records of the society; take accurate notes of rules, orders, resolutions, and proceedings of the SEC and the general house. The secretary shall handle all correspondence on behalf of the society and keep accurate records of enrollment of members of the society and issue certificates of membership. The financial records of the secretary and treasurer shall be audited by the incoming president and secretary before the last annual general meeting in March or April. Section 4: The Events Coordinator/Public Relations Officer(s) These offices may be held by one person. This officer (s) shall primarily be responsible for
formulating ideas for the annual program, coordinating and overseeing all
events and activities for successful outcomes. The events coordinator shall
be fully responsible for nominating speakers and other participations, as
well as developing a workable program to run all events. In addition, the
public relations officer shall maintain all advertisements of the society
and maintain the website in coordination with the advisor. The advisory committee shall consist of a group of members (up to six members) drawn from the faculty, staff, and other alumni members of the USAO chapter. The committee shall be chaired by the sponsor who will invite qualified members into this committee. The most important function of the committee is to maintain continuity in the society. The faculty sponsor shall work closely with the SEC to coordinate activities of the society to maintain a status of good-standing and continued recognition by the parent body. The faculty sponsor may attend SEC meetings as a non-voting member. All activities and expenditures approved by the SEC must be approved by the sponsor who may inform members of the advisory committee. All records of the society will be kept in the office of the faculty sponsor. Section 5: Special Committees The president, acting on the advice of the SEC, may appoint special committees to undertake specific activities to meet specific goals. Special committees report directly to the SEC.
ARTICLE 4: NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS Section 1: Elections Nomination to
all offices will be conducted in the general
meetings after the induction ceremony in March. All elected official shall
immediately assume their role as SEC members and develop the annual calendar
of events. All officers shall be elected by a simple majority, using a
secret-ballot system. Section1: Meetings and Events The society shall conduct elections and other ceremonies during the March general meeting after the induction ceremony. The annual program shall be prepared during this meeting. A minimum of two general meetings and three SEC meetings must be held during an academic year. A minimum of one event must be conducted in an academic year. The advisory committee may meet as necessary.
ARTICLE 6: FINANCES Section 1: Sources of Income The revenues of the society shall be gained from such sources as shall be determined from time to time by the SEC, the general house, or the sponsor. This may include annual membership fees or fundraising activities. Section 2: Expenditure The SEC shall determine appropriate ways of spending funds. Community activities, sponsorship of nonprofit organizations, and academic projects shall be among the most important ways of spending. The SEC shall report its financial activities to the general meeting during the March meeting.
ARTICLE 7: AMENDMENTS This constitution and byelaws shall be subject to amendment only during general meetings. Motions for amendment must be filed with the SEC, meet the approval of the advisory committee, and voted on during the March general meeting. A two-third majority of attending members shall be required to amend any portion of the constitution or byelaws. |