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GAMMA ETA CHAPTER BYLAWSArticle I. Membership Qualifications Section 1.Candidates for membership shall:Be currently enrolled in, or have successfully completed, the second introductory course of the candidate’s intended course of studyThe secondary introductory course according to the candidate’s Marshall University Course Catalog e.g. Biology 121, Chemistry 212/218, Physics 203/204Have successfully received credit for at least one college-level chemistry courseCredit must have been received for CHM 211/217 or equivalent courses at a different college Credit may be received from AP exams or high school dual credit equivalent to CHM 211/217Be without condition in any current college workBe required to attend at least three rush events. Section 2.The procedure for election to membership shall be as described in the Bylaws of the Alpha Chi Sigma national organization.Section 3. Collegiate Pledge RequirementsPledges must wear pins on campus, at all times.Pledges must purchase a new pin if lostBefore beginning pledgeship, the membership committee, upon approval of the chapter, shall set consequences for pledges found not wearing their pin Exceptions from wearing pledge pins include:When in the recreation centers or during physical activity e.g. while runningWhen away from campus where the pin could potentially be lostIn the pledge’s place of residence such as their house, apartment, or residence hallIn order for a pledge to be eligible to take the final exam, they must have a quiz average of 85%. If a pledge fails to state the Objects of the Fraternity verbatim, the pledge automatically fails the exam and will not be initiated. It is at the discretion of the Vice Master Alchemist whether or not the pledge can be allowed a second attempt at the exam.Pledges are required to create and execute a Pledge Project prior to Initiation.Pledges are required to make an axe and have them signed by the Chapter Advisor and at least half of the professors that are Brothers of Alpha Chi Sigma. The Chapter Advisor may be included in this half. Axes are judged at the date of Initiation and the winning axe is placed within the display case on the fourth floor of the Science Building.Pledges will conduct interviews of active brothers within the fraternity at the discretion of the Vice Master Alchemist prior to Initiation.Professional Pledge Requirements If a faculty member wishes to become a Brother of Alpha Chi Sigma, the same rules for undergraduate students do not apply. Faculty members are not required to:Attend Rush EventsAttend pledge classes or participate in pledge quizzesParticipate in the pledge projectConduct pledge interviewsFaculty members are required to take the final exam. Current faculty members who are Brothers will serve as Bigs for professional pledges. Section 4. Membership RequirementsTo be considered an active collegiate member, a member must:Attend Initiation, Pledge Ceremony, 50% of all chapter meetings including quorum meetings, 50% of all pledge related events excluding Pledge Ceremony, all quorum meetings;Pay dues in full OR contribute to fundraising event equivalent to all but a set monetary amount of dues as decided by TreasurerExcuses for events will only be considered if it is an University Excused Absence and/or by the discretion of both the Recorder and MAIf a member is unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements, active status may be redeemed at the discretion of the MA and Chapter AdvisorAlumni and professional members may be considered active members of the collegiate chapter if they meet all of the above requirements and will be allowed the same benefits of active status as active collegiate members if these requirements are met.Brothers may be considered alumni or professional members after successfully going through the Professional Induction Ceremony and after completing payment towards Marshall University’s professional fund or another professional chapter’s within the districtBenefits of active collegiate member status include: Discounted price for events Eligibility to voteIf an active member is unable to attend a meeting, they may vote by secret ballot prior to the meeting. This voting must be in the presence of an officer. Eligibility to take a LittleGraduation Medallions As long as member was active 50% of semesters as a brotherAbility to go through the Professional Induction CeremonyAs long as member was active 50% of semesters as a brotherBrothers meeting this requirement and who are either juniors or seniors by credit hours may go through PIC Consequences of inactive member status include:Inability to vote Ineligible to take a LittleMember ProbationMembers may be put on probation by a 2/3 vote of the MA, VMA, and MC as a step prior to disciplinary procedures if they:Fail to fulfill the quantifiable requirements of the Objects of the Fraternity, particularly the financial obligations by the end of the semesterViolate directives set forth by the Chapter Officers and/or Chapter Advisor including but not limited to inappropriate behavior in Fraternity letters and not paying off IOUs by the end of the semester Represent the Fraternity in a manner, both in person and online, that is in violation of the behavior guidelines set by the Fraternity Any other behavior determined to be inappropriate or unbecoming as determined by the Chapter Officers and/or Chapter Advisor Probationary conditions may be appealed to the chapter and Chapter Advisor and may be repealed by a quorum voteProbationary conditions includeIOU privileges revokedRevoked benefits of active membershipThe MA, VMA, and MC will determine when the member may be removed from probation by 2/3 voteSection 5. Disciplinary Procedures Serious complaints against a brother should be made to the Master Alchemist, or in cases of conflict of interest, the Chapter Advisor. The Chapter Advisor shall be notified and shall convene a committee including themselves, the VMA, the MA, and one professional member of the chapter. They shall determine if the complaint warrants immediate action/notification of District/Supreme Council or a chapter-level intervention.For chapter level intervention: The respondent shall be brought in front of the membership committee and informed of the complaint and asked to sign the Marshall University code of conduct. This meeting shall be confidential. If the complaint is brought again, the respondent shall be brought in front of the VMA, MA, and Chapter Advisor. If the Marshall University code of conduct has been broken, any of the following disciplinary actions may occur: Active member status shall be revokedIOU privileges revoked, ineligibility to vote and run for as office, as well as lose the benefits of having active status within chapter (including benefits i.e. medallion eligibility, Professional Induction Ceremony, etc.) for a time period decided by the VMA, MA, and Chapter AdvisorLoss of Chapter Room privileges (i.e. temporary or permanent ban from fraternal activities or access to Chapter Room) for a time period decided by the VMA, MA, and Chapter AdvisorShould the same complaint be brought a third time in the same year-long period, the Chapter Advisor shall inform the District Counselor who shall make a recommendation of how to proceed. Any member can bring another brother up for expulsion proceedings by following the procedure outlined in the national constitution. Section 6. Financial Responsibilities All chapter dues are to be due when set by the TreasurerTo be considered active, base monetary due value must be paid two weeks after the first meeting of the semester.Dues paid after this initial deadline will be increased by five dollars but may still contribute to active status.Dues in full or fundraising obligations must be fulfilled in full two weeks prior to InitiationIf dues are not paid by this final deadline, the member will be considered inactiveThe chapter is not required to pay for a pledge or brother’s financial obligations. If a member refuses to pay their fees, the Treasurer has two options:Request the assistance of the National OfficeWhen a member refuses to meet financial obligations within the Chapter, the Treasurer may request assistance from the National Office in attempting to collect debts from the member.The National Office must be given a detailed statement of the obligation of each member, as well as a separate statement for the member.Expulsion of the memberFailure to meet obligations is a cause for expulsion from the FraternityArticle II. Officer Requirements Section 1. Officer EligibilityTo be eligible for an officer position, a member must: Be an active collegiate member meeting the requirements as set in Article I Section 4.Exception being the Alumni Secretary, whose position may be held by an active alumni and/or professional member.Be an active member for at least 2 semesters following the semester they initiated to run for MA or VMABe an active member for 1 semester following the semester they initiated and have helped in depth with the most recent Initiation(s) if running for MCHave a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5Meet and discuss duties with the current officers before elections if running for MA, VMA, or MCHave not stepped down or have been removed from an officer position the semester before Section 2. Officer Term LimitsReporter, Treasurer, and Alumni Secretary shall be elected for a term of one year. All other officers shall be elected for a term of one semester. Section 3. Officer StatusIn order to maintain status as an officer, the following conditions must be met:Fulfill the responsibilities of their position listed in Article 2 Section 4 to the best of their abilities Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5Comply with active membership requirementsNot miss 2 consecutive officer meetings If an officer is unable to fulfill these requirements, they should inform their fellow officers who will decide if their responsibilities can be delegated to another party or if the officer should resign. If the officer does not inform their fellow officers of their inability to fulfill these requirements, the officer team should ask the offending officer to step down. If the officer refuses to step down, the officer team will bring it to the brothers to vote to remove the officer from their office following the procedures of national Bylaws. Benefits of officer status:All benefits of active brothersUpon one year of service as an officer or service as an officer in the semester of graduation/PIC, the member will receive a graduation medallion paid for by the chapterSection 4. Officer Responsibilities All officers:Should support expanding the role of the fraternity and accept all new responsibilities as they are decided by the board of officersShould be neutral, trustworthy brothers to which others can go to for help, guidance, or supportWill uphold the fraternal rules with the best interests of all members in mindWill seek to expand and encourage these rules in a sense of fostering a healthy and productive environmentResponsibilities of Master AlchemistOutside of the Fraternity, this position is identified as the president of the organization.Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Executive officerMust decide on members for membership committee a week before the semester starts. For the fall, this would be in the summer and not the spring semester. Preside at meetingsCommit ritual parts to memoryResponsible for the condition of the chapterResponsible for the chapter’s vote in the grand chapter activitiesMeet with the chapter advisorBe present for pre-planned visits by the district counselorBe present for pre-planned visits by the national officersMeet with successorMember of the budgeting committeeThe specifics of these responsibilities and duties are listed in the procedure manual for Master Alchemist on the Alpha Chi Sigma national website. Responsibilities of Vice Master AlchemistOutside of the Fraternity, this position is identified as the vice president of the organization.Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Vice presidentPledge educatorThis responsibility may be delegated to another current officer or membership committee member in the event that the VMA cannot attend a class/eventMember of membership committeeChairman of the auditing committeeProfessional branch inductionMeet with successorThe specifics of these responsibilities and duties are listed in the procedure manual for VMA on the Alpha Chi Sigma national website. Responsibilities of Master of CeremoniesThis position plans and stages any ceremonies, including Initiation.Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Sergeant at Arms at MeetingsPrepare and secure the meeting roomStand or post guard at all entrancesResponsible for pledging and Initiation Safety Pledge CeremonyInitiation ceremonyArrange facilitiesAssign memorization and role preparationDirect the ceremonyEnsure the no-hazing policy is followedSafekeeping and maintaining the ritual and regaliaStorageCare and cleaningReplacementKeep an account for the ritualStorageReplacementRevisionReportingComplete CRRI formMeet with successorThe specifics of these responsibilities and duties are listed in the procedure manual for Master of Ceremonies on the Alpha Chi Sigma national website. Responsibilities of RecorderOutside of the Fraternity, this position is identified as the secretary of the organization.Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Keep meeting minutesMaintain chapter recordsSend minutes to Reporter in a timely mannerMaintain member recordsKeep track of all member attendance at meetings and eventsWork with VMA to keep track of pledge attendance and record as seen fitOrganize all minutes and other important documents in a collected location accessible to all membersThe specifics of these responsibilities and duties are listed in the procedure manual for Recorder on the Alpha Chi Sigma national website. Responsibilities of TreasurerResponsibilities include but are not limited to: Collect and disburse chapter fundsKeep systematic financial recordsSubmit reports as requestedBe a member of the budgeting committeeEstablish semesterly membership dues The due amount should be considered against the chapter’s expenditures and income from the last several semesters. All chapter members should be notified of due amounts and how they may pay them at least a month before they are due.Determine the monetary value of participation in fundraising events as they contribute to dues. Provide timely reimbursements To be reimbursed for purchases made for the fraternity, the purchase must first be approved by either the Treasurer or the Master Alchemist. Upon approval, the receipt of purchase must be presented to the Treasurer within two weeks of the purchase or a time agreed upon by the purchaser and Treasurer prior to the purchase to receive a full reimbursement.Any other duties involving chapter financesThe specifics of these responsibilities and duties are listed in the procedure manual for Treasurer on the Alpha Chi Sigma national website. Responsibilities of ReporterResponsibilities include but are not limited to: Carry on correspondenceReport election of new membersReport initiation of membersReport election of officersReport collegiate member registerSubmit annual report of collegiate activitiesReport matters of recordReport expulsionsReport deathsMeet with successorCorrespond with membersOf the chapter about all aspects concerning the Fraternity with emails in a timely mannerThe specifics of these responsibilities and duties are listed in the procedure manual for Reporter on the Alpha Chi Sigma national website.Responsibilities of Alumni SecretaryResponsibilities include but are not limited to: Assist the chapter in its professional activitiesHistorian of the professional membersAssist historian of collegiate chapterSolicit articles for the HexagonReport changes of addressHandle Alumni NewsletterMust send out two newsletters a semesterAlumni EventMust plan one event a semesterThe specifics of these responsibilities and duties are listed in the procedure manual for Alumni Secretary on the Alpha Chi Sigma national website. Responsibilities of WebmasterResponsibilities include but are not limited to: Update the website at least once per monthKeep events updated and currentUpload current photosUpload alumni newsletterUpload updated chapter Constitution and Bylaws within one week Update/monitor the chapter’s social media accountsWork with Historian on scrapbookConsolidate photosResponsibilities of Historian Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Fraternity ScrapbookObtain/Retrieve content for the scrapbookAuthorized to purchase supplies and materials for scrapbookOrganize scrapbook crafting events for brother involvement if possibleOversee the content of the scrapbookAssist WebmasterAssist with Alumni NewsletterHelp in any way as asked by the Alumni SecretarySection 5. Officer electionsTo elect new officers, there shall be:Two weeks’ notice prior to meetingList of nominations presented to the chapter one week prior to votingQuorumVotes must be anonymousCandidates must win by a minimum of 50% + 1 vote of all votes cast, if not, a runoff is requiredThe runoff vote will be between the candidates with the two highest vote totals If the minimum 50% + 1 vote is not met after the runoff, nominations for the position may be reopenedArticle III. Standing Committees The chapter shall have the following standing committees:AuditingAs laid out by NationalsMembershipThe Membership Committee is responsible for the planning of social events, rush events, and pledge events. The Membership Committee is also responsible for confidential issues amongst the Fraternity. Each member of the Committee is required to sign a confidentiality agreement.They will also assist the VMA in pledge education at the discretion of the VMA.BudgetingAs laid out by NationalsOutreachThe Outreach Committee is responsible for the planning of all outreach activities in the Fraternity. The requirements of the committee include:All outreach programs must be approved by Master AlchemistMust be at least two outreach events per semesterOutreach programs may be taken up by any member if they are under active statusIt is the Master Alchemist’s responsibility to assist with Wyvern pin applicationsOutreach programs are defined as any community event that does not directly benefit the chapterThe outreach committee shall be comprised of volunteersThe chair of the committee shall be a non-officer member and shall be appointed by the Master AlchemistCurrent officers may participate on committees so long as the number of officers on the committee does not exceed the number of non-officer brothers and so long as participation does not cause a conflict of interest in the officer’s official responsibility. The makeup and duties of these committees not outlined here shall be as described in the Bylaws of the national organization. Other committees may be appointed by the officers on a yearly basis if the need arises. Article IV. QuorumFor matters of voting and other issues necessitating a chapter consensus, a two-thirds attendance of active members, as defined in Article I of this document, shall constitute a quorum. Members unable to make it to the meeting in which the voting takes place for an excused reason as stated in the active membership requirements in Article I of the bylaws can submit a vote in writing prior to the meetings start time. Motions will be accepted by a majority of votes of active members present at the meeting and absentee votes (50% + 1 vote) unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws or by the National Constitution and/or Bylaws. Re-voting on motions will be allowed at the discretion of the officers and Chapter Advisor so long as it does not violate the National Constitution and/or Bylaws. Members may choose to vote yes, no, or to abstain.Article V. Vacancies in Office Vacancies in the chapter offices shall be filled as follows:The Vice Master Alchemist shall succeed the Master Alchemist, with the election of a new Vice Master Alchemist. The Recorder shall succeed the Reporter, with the election of a new Recorder. Vacancies not covered by the above successions shall be filled by chapter election. The Master Alchemist may appoint temporary officers to fill vacancies until the next meeting of the chapter when an election shall be held.Article VI. Miscellaneous In matters of parliamentary procedure not otherwise covered by the Gamma Eta Chapter Constitution and Bylaws, Robert’s Rules of Order (Revised) shall be considered the authority.Article VII. Amendments These Bylaws may be extended or amended, but not in violation of any provision of the Constitution, by a majority vote of a quorum present and voting, and approval of the Student Conduct and Welfare Committee and the Student Activities Office.All amendments to these Bylaws will take effect upon ratification unless otherwise directed by chapter vote. ................
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