Phi Beta Delta - Theta Iota Chapter By-Laws
Article I - Name
The name of this society shall be the Theta Iota Chapter of Phi Beta Delta.
Article II - Aim
The aim of Phi Beta Delta is to recognize and encourage high professional, intellectual and personal achievements in the field of International Education. The Society will serve as a means of encouraging interdisciplinary and intergenerational contacts and promoting the exchange of ideas and information in the area of international affairs among students, faculty and staff of the College of Coastal Georgia and other academic institutions.
Article III - Membership
Section I
Membership shall be based on criteria established by the membership committee and approved by the governing board in accordance with the aims of the organization. The criteria are as follows:
For Study Abroad Students:
Upper division or graduate standing.
Completion of a minimum of one semester of study abroad or a summer experience of no less than five weeks in length and approved by the Director of International Education. Any exceptions to this policy will be adjudicated on a case by case basis by the membership committee.
Demonstrated academic excellence (Minimum Cumulative GPA): Undergraduate Students - 3.2
For International Students:
Upper division or graduate standing.
Minimum of one year residence at the College of Coastal Georgia.
Demonstrated academic excellence (Minimum Cumulative GPA): Undergrad students - 3.2
For Faculty and Staff:
Nomination by two members in good standing.
Demonstrated interest and involvement in international scholarly activities (e.g. Fulbright, research, service or teaching overseas, publications/presentations, significant contribution to campus international educational programs).
Section II - Honorary Membership
The governing board may, from time to time, name honorary members who would not normally qualify for regular membership, or whom it is desired to honor in a special way. Such persons shall pay no dues or fees.
Section III
Candidates for membership will be approved by the members of the governing board of the chapter and will be offered the opportunity to participate in the annual initiation ceremony. Participation in the ceremony is expected, although exceptions may be made due to the existence of extenuating circumstances.
Article IV - Governing Board
Section I
The Governing Board shall include faculty, staff and student members.
Section II
The Governing Board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer plus the Chapter Coordinator.
Section III
The Governing Board shall establish standing committees, all of which must include faculty, staff and student members.
Article V - Officers
Section I
The elected officers shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
The Chapter Coordinator shall be appointed by the Director of International Education with the concurrence of the Governing Board of the Chapter.
Section II
The President shall preside over meetings of the society, shall appoint committees with the approval of the Governing Board, and shall perform all other duties belonging to the Chief Executive Officer. This officer shall serve as Chair of the Scholarship Development and Awards Committee.
Section III
The Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President and shall serve as Chair of the Membership Committee. This officer shall perform other duties as assigned by the President.
Section IV
The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings, shall handle chapter communications, shall keep a complete roster of all members initiated and shall keep a record of candidates eligible for membership.
Section V
The Treasurer shall collect and give receipts for all monies collected, shall make disbursements upon order of the Society, shall keep an accurate and complete record of all receipts and disbursements and shall report this record of funds to the Society on a regular basis.
Article VI - Committees
Section I
The standing committees of the Society shall include the following:
Membership Committee
Program Committee
Publication Committee
Scholarship Development and Awards Committee.
Other committees may be established by the Governing Board as needed.
Section II - Membership Committee
The membership Committee shall recommend standards for admission to the Society and will receive and recommend nominations for membership, and shall consist, at a minimum of the Chair, who shall be The Faculty Vice President, plus a minimum of three additional members of the Society.
Section III - Program Committee
The Program Committee shall plan activities and ceremonies for the Society and shall consist, as a minimum of the Chair, who shall be the International Student Vice President, plus a minimum of three additional members of the Society.
Section IV - Publication Committee
The Publication Committee shall plan and arrange for the publicity of the activities and accomplishments of the Society and shall consist of the Chair, who shall be the U.S. student Vice President, plus a minimum of three additional members of the Society.
Section V - Scholarship and Awards Committee
The Scholarship and Awards Committee shall plan, coordinate, and implement appropriate mechanisms to recognize academic achievement in the international arena and shall consist of the Chair, who shall be the President of the Society, plus a minimum of three additional members of the Society.
Article VI - Dues and Fees
The membership initiation fee shall be paid by each undergraduate, graduate, faculty and staff candidate at or before the time of initiation into the Society. The amount of this fee shall be determined by the Governing Board and shall be paid to the treasurer prior to the initiation ceremony.
Article VII - Elections
Section I
The Governing Board shall establish a nomination committee, which will recommend a single slate of officers to the board during the spring semester.
Section II
Elections will be conducted by secret ballot and shall include a provision for write-in candidates. Secret ballots shall be mailed to the general membership at least two weeks prior to the date set for the counting of ballots.
Section III
Election to office will require receipt of a majority of valid ballots cast.
Section IV
In the event of resignation or inability to serve on the part of an elected officer of the Chapter, the Governing Board shall, after consultation with knowledgeable members of the Chapter, appoint a replacement who shall serve until the next regular election.
Article VIII - Amendment of the Bylaws
Section I
Proposed amendments to the by-laws may be presented to the Society, in writing, at least one meeting before it/they are to be voted upon.
Section II
Approval by a majority of the voting member present at a regular meeting shall be required for passage of a proposed amendment. The amendment shall become binding immediately thereafter.
Article IX - Quorum
Section I
The percentage of members constituting a quorum shall be 35%.
Section II
In voting, a majority shall consist of over fifty percent of those voting.
Article X - Parliamentary Authority
Robert's Rules of Order, (Revised), shall govern the Society in all cases to which they are applicable.
Source: Based on Phi Beta Delta Chapter best practices