The National Political Science Honor Society

XI KAPPA CHAPTER - NORTH GEORGIA COLLEGE AND STATE UNIVERSITY

Article I. Name and Location

The name of this organization shall be the Xi Kappa Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha (hereinafter referred to as "the chapter"). The chapter shall be located at North Georgia College and State University.

Article II. Membership

Section 1. Student Membership

a. A North Georgia College and State University student of sound character who is pursuing a bachelor's degree shall be eligible for membership if he or she satisfies the following requirements at the end of any semester or session:

b. A North Georgia College and State University student of sound character who is pursuing a master's degree shall be eligible for membership if he or she satisfies the following requirements at the end of any fall semester:

c. The Secretary-Treasurer and the Faculty Advisor shall certify the eligibility of student initiates. No election of initiates shall be necessary.

d. The regularly scheduled determination of eligible students will ordinarily occur annually, after the end of the fall semester. This schedule shall not preclude consideration of eligible students at other times of the year, when their eligibility is brought to the attention of the officers. If a student is ineligible for membership at the end of a fall semester because of an insufficient number of semester credits, but becomes eligible by the time that he or she graduates, the student may, within three month of his or her last semester or session of course work, petition for membership candidacy. The Secretary-Treasurer and the Faculty Advisor shall evaluate the candidacy to determine eligibility. If the candidate qualifies, the Secretary-Treasurer shall notify the applicant that he or she is eligible for initiation, receive payment of initiation fees, and arrange for the student to be initiated. This provision shall not be construed to obligate the chapter to provide the student with a certificate and other symbols of membership any earlier than the next regularly scheduled initiation ceremony.

Section 2.  Faculty Membership

Members of the political-science faculty at North Georgia College and State University may be elected to membership. A member of Pi Sigma Alpha who was inducted at another institution and who joins the faculty of North Georgia College and State University may apply for the status of faculty membership in the chapter.

Section 3. Honorary Membership

Any person of recognized ability and achievement in the field of political science may be elected an honorary member. No more than two individuals may be elected to honorary membership in any one year.

Section 4. Alumnus Membership

A member of this chapter who earns a degree in political science at North Georgia College and State University shall assume the status of alumnus membership. A member of Pi Sigma Alpha who was inducted at another institution and earned a degree in political science from that institution, and who relocates to the vicinity of Dahlonega, Georgia, may apply for the status of alumnus membership in the chapter.

Section 5. Election of Faculty and Honorary Members

Election to faculty membership or honorary membership shall be by a vote of not less than two-thirds of those voting.

Section 6. Fees and Dues

Each member shall pay such initiation fees and annual dues as may be prescribed by the Council of Pi Sigma Alpha and by the chapter. Members in arrears of annual dues forfeit the right to hold office, serve on committees, or vote.

Article III. Officers

Section 1. Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall comprise the three elected officers of the chapter.

Section 2. Elected Officers

The elected officers shall be as follows:

a. The President shall provide leadership to the chapter and administer decisions of the membership and the Executive Committee. He or she shall appoint the chairpersons and members of other committees.

b. The Vice President shall assist the President and preside at meetings in the absence of the President.

c. The Secretary-Treasurer shall collect dues, provide for the safekeeping of chapter funds in an account at a bank or credit union, make disbursals authorized by the membership or the Executive Committee, distribute financial reports, record minutes and preserve them, and prepare reports to the national office.

Section 3. Qualifications

The officers shall be student members currently having a declared major in political science at North Georgia College and State University. At least one officer shall be an undergraduate student.

Section 4. Elections

Officers shall be elected for a term of one year at an election held during the spring semester. A plurality vote shall suffice. The term of office shall begin at the conclusion of the spring semester.

Section 5. Faculty Advisor

The head of the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice will designate the faculty advisor.

Section 6. Meetings of the Executive Committee

The President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer shall have one vote each at meetings of the Executive Committee. Two members constitute a quorum. On any motion or resolution, the votes of two officers in the affirmative shall be necessary.

Section 7. Succession and Removal

a. An office shall be deemed vacant if the incumbent resigns or becomes disqualified by failing to meet qualifications specified in Section 3. The Executive Committee may also declare an office to be vacant if the incumbent is neglecting to fulfill the duties of the office. The chapter meeting may reverse any such finding and restore said incumbent to office.

b. A vacancy in the office of President shall be resolved by the elevation of the Vice President to the office of President. A vacancy in the office of Vice President or Secretary-Treasurer shall be filled by appointment of the President and a majority vote of confirmation by the chapter meeting.

Article IV. Meetings

Section 1. Frequency and Notices of Meetings

The chapter shall hold two or more meetings during each academic year. Any initiation ceremony shall constitute a meeting. Meetings shall be called by the President. The President or Secretary-Treasurer shall provide at least one week's notice to student and faculty members.

Section 2. Quorum and Voting

a. The quorum at any meeting shall be one-fourth of the number of student and faculty members, or five members, whichever is smaller.

b. All chapter members, except the presiding officer, are eligible to vote at chapter meetings. The presiding officer shall vote only to break a tie.

c. All members of committees, including the chairperson, are eligible to vote at committee meetings.

d. At chapter meetings and at committee meetings, a majority vote shall suffice, except where the Constitution of Pi Sigma Alpha, these bylaws, or Robert's Rules of Order provides otherwise.

Section 3. Rules

Chapter meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order, except where its provisions are inconsistent with the Constitution of Pi Sigma Alpha or these bylaws.

Article V. Distribution of Assets Upon Dissolution

If the chapter meeting votes, pursuant to Article VI, to dissolve the chapter, the members may by majority vote distribute the assets in accordance with the nonprofit character of the honor society. Should the chapter dissolve without such a decision being made, the head of the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice shall cause the chapter's remaining assets to be transferred as a donation to the national council of Pi Sigma Alpha.

Article VI. Amendments

The Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the voting members present at a meeting providing notification of the proposed amendment has been sent to all student and faculty members at least seven days prior to the meeting.

RATIFIED: May 17, 1994
AMENDED:  October 5, 1994 (effective January 1, 1995)
AMENDED: November 29, 1995
AMENDED: September 15, 1998