Chapter
1 Name (Back to Top)
The name of this chapter shall be the Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter
of Phi Theta KappA. Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter is an affiliate
of the International Phi Theta Kappa Organization and of Valencia
Community College East Campus.
Chapter 2 Purpose
(Back to Top)
The purpose of Alpha Gamma Omega shall be to recognize and encourage
scholastic excellence, provide service to the college and community,
provide opportunities to develop leadership skills and the spirit
of fellowship among Phi Theta Kappans.
Chapter
3 Membership (Back
to Top)
This chapter shall consist of full members, honorary members
and alumni members as defined by the requirements set forth
below.
Section
1 Regular Membership (Back
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Full members are Valencia Community College East students who
have met all of the requirements for local and international
membership. Full membership shall be open to Valencia Community
College East students who have:
A. Earned a cumulative 3.5 grade point average for course work
completed at Valencia Community College.
B. Completed a minimum of 12 hours of college-level course work
during their enrollment at Valencia Community College.
C. Paid the one time international, regional and local dues.
D. Been inducted into Alpha Gamma Omega through the proper completion
of the Phi Theta Kappa Membership form.
E. The letter of invitation for full membership is only valid
for one academic semester (fall or spring).
Section 2 Honorary
Membership (Back to
Top)
Honorary Alpha Gamma Omega Membership may be granted to a person
who has rendered distinguished service to Alpha Gamma Omega
Chapter. Any full chapter member or advisor may recommend a
candidate for Honorary Membership. Honorary Membership shall
be granted upon approval by a 2/3 majority of the voting members.
Section
3 Alumni Membership (Back
to Top)
Alumni Members are former members of Alpha Gamma Omega who terminated
their membership in good standing and who were enrolled at Valencia
Community College for at least one semester.
Section 4 Membership
in Good Standing (Back
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A full member in good standing is one who maintains the payment
of their dues and maintains no less than a 3.0 G.P.A. after
induction. Any member not in good standing will be dropped from
the active membership list.
Section 5 Membership
Privileges (Back to
Top)
A. Members shall be entitled to all privileges of International
and Local membership including but not limited to:
1. International Membership Privileges which consist of:
Being included on International Membership Rolls.
Having the gold Phi Theta Kappa seal affixed to the member's
college diploma.
Having the Phi Theta Kappa stamp on the members college transcript.
Wearing the Phi Theta Kappa stole at Graduation.
Wearing jewelry and clothing bearing the Phi Theta Kappa insignia.
2. Regional Membership
3. Chapter Privileges
To serve and /or chair on any committee(s) in which they have
an interest.
Opportunity to participate in the Enhanced Membership Program.
Chapter 4 Governance
(Back to Top)
Section 1
Officers (Back to Top)
The officers of Alpha Gamma Omega shall be the President, Vice
President, Senator for Scholarship, Senator for Finance, Senator
for Communications, Senator for Fellowship, Senator for Membership,
Senator for Records, Senator for Service, and advisors. Complete
terms of office shall begin on May 1st and end on April 30th.
Section
2 Duties of the Officers (Back
to Top)
A. President: (Back
to Top)
It shall be the duty of the President of Alpha Gamma Omega to
carry out these responsibilities:
1. Serve as Chairperson of the Executive Council.
2. Preside over all Alpha Gamma Omega day and evening meetings.
3. Serve as ex officio member on all committees.
4. Present business to the general membership.
5. Represent the chapter at all times.
6. Inform officers and advisors of all meeting times and locations.
7. Induct new members at Induction Ceremonies and participate
in Orientations.
8. Speak (impromptu and prepared) at conferences, meetings and
ceremonies.
9. Submit committee reports to the Senator for Records and Advisors
by the 5th of each month.
11. Conduct general meetings at least twice monthly
11. Conduct Executive Council meetings, for the purpose of planning,
at least one month prior to each general meeting.
12. Appoint an Executive Council member as Inter Club Council
Representative or a non-executive council member if no executive
member is available or feasible.
13. Obtain committee reports from all committee chairs by the
5th of each month.
14. Submit request for yearly funds to the Senator for Finance.
B. Vice President: (Back
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It shall be the duty of the Vice President to carry out these
responsibilities:
1. Coordinate and oversee all chapter committees.
2. Form and serve as chairperson of the Leadership Committee
consisting of at least two members other than the chairperson.
3. Maintain records of membership participation in all chapter
activities coordinated by the Vice President and submit a list
of earned points to the Senator for Membership following each
activity.
4. Submit committee reports to the Senator for Records, President
and Advisors by the 5th of each month.
5. Perform duties of the president in the President's absence.
6. Invite guest speakers and send written acknowledgment of
thanks.
7. Chairperson of Founders' Day activities.
8. Participate in the Orientation and Induction Ceremonies.
9. Submit request for yearly funds to the Senator for Finance.
C. Senator for Scholarship:
(Back to Top)
It shall be the duty of the Senator for Scholarship to carry
out these responsibilities:
1. Form and serve as chairperson of the Scholarship Committee
consisting of at least two members other than the chairperson.
2. Develop programs for the chapter which implement the Honors
Study Topic.
3. Make membership aware of available scholarships for Phi Theta
Kappa Members.
4. Invite guest speakers to discuss Honors Study Topic issues.
5. Maintain records of membership participation in all chapter
activities coordinated by the Senator for Scholarship and submit
a list of earned points to the Senator for Membership following
each activity.
6. Submit committee reports to the Senator for Records, President
and Advisors by the 5th of each month.
7. Participate in the Orientation and Induction Ceremonies.
8. Submit request for yearly funds to the Senator for Finance.
D. Senator for Finance: (Back
to Top)
It shall be the duty of the Senator for Finance to carry out
these responsibilities:
1. Form and serve as chairperson of the Finance Committee consisting
of at least two members other than the chairperson.
2. Maintain records of membership participation in all chapter
activities coordinated by the Senator for Finance and submit
a list of earned points to the Senator for Membership following
each activity.
3. Submit committee reports to the Senator for Records, President
and Advisors by the 5th of each month.
4. Appoint a Fund-raising Chairperson to coordinate all fund-raising
projects.
5. Inform the chapter of the financial outcome of fund-raising
efforts.
6. Keep itemized ledger of all financial activities and handle
chapter financial transactions with consent of advisors and
president.
7. Collect dues from all members.
8. Prepare a chapter budget prior to the Student Activities
Funds Allocation Committee meeting.
9. Participate in the Orientation and Induction Ceremonies.
E. Senator for Communications: (Back
to Top)
It shall be the duty of the Senator for Communications to carry
out these responsibilities:
1. Form and serve as chairperson of the Communications Committee
consisting of at least two members other than the chairperson.
2. Maintain records of membership participation in all chapter
activities coordinated by the Senator for Communications and
submit a list of earned points to the Senator for Membership
following each activity.
3. Submit committee reports to the Senator for Records, President
and Advisors by the 5th of each month.
4. Be responsible for the preparation and distribution of the
chapter newsletter and submitting to the Regional Newsletter.
5. Serve as reporter of chapter activities to college newspaper
and college and campus publications.
6. Prepare and distribute press releases for off campus media.
7. Participate in the Orientation and Induction Ceremonies.
8. Submit request for yearly funds to the Senator for Finance.
F. Senator for Fellowship: (Back
to Top)
It shall be the duty of the Senator for Fellowship to carry
out these responsibilities:
1. Form and serve as chairperson of the Fellowship Committee
consisting of at least two members other than the chairperson.
2. Responsible for implementing the chapter's social activities.
3. Arranges fellowship meetings with other chapters.
4. Coordinates travel to official Phi Theta Kappa activities.
5. Maintain records of membership participation in all chapter
activities coordinated by the Senator for Fellowship and submit
a list of earned points to the Senator for Membership following
each activity.
6. Submit committee reports to the Senator for Records, President
and Advisors by the 5th of each month.
7. Participate in the Orientation and Induction Ceremonies.
8. Submit request for yearly funds to the Senator for Finance.
G. Senator for Membership: (Back
to Top)
It shall be the duty of the Senator for Membership to carry
out these responsibilities:
1. Form and serve as chairperson of the Membership Committee
consisting of at least two members other than the chairperson.
2. Take roll at all membership meetings.
3. Maintain records of membership participation in all chapter
activities coordinated by the Senator for Membership and submit
a list of earned points to the Senator for Membership following
each activity.
4. Submit committee reports to the Senator for Records, President
and Advisors by the 5th of each month.
5. Collect all membership participation lists from committee
chairs and record all earned points.
6. Maintain an updated point book for all active members.
7. Obtain the names of students who are eligible for Phi Theta
Kappa membership.
8. Send out invitation letters to potential members.
9. Coordinate and host the Orientation and Induction Ceremonies.
11. Submit request for yearly funds to the Senator for Finance.
11. Recognize members who attain Enhanced Membership levels
and recognize the member of the month.
H. Senator for Records: (Back
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It shall be the duty of the Senator for Records to carry out
these responsibilities:
1. Form and serve as chairperson of the Records Committee consisting
of at least two members other than the chairperson.
2. Maintain records of membership participation in all chapter
activities coordinated by the Senator of Records and submit
a list of earned points to the Senator for Membership following
each activity.
3. Submit committee reports to President and Advisors by the
5th of each month.
4. Prepare and submit the International Report to the International
Headquarters, Chapter President and advisors.
5. Prepare and submit Regional Reports to the Regional Headquarters,
Chapter President and advisors.
6. Obtain committee reports from all committee chairs by the
5th of each month.
7. Maintain files of all chapter correspondence.
8. Take roll at all Executive council meetings.
9. Take minutes at all chapter and executive council meetings.
11. Distribute minutes of previous Executive council meeting
and secure approval of minutes.
11. Prepare the yearbook.
12. Appoint a Historian to catalog all events and activities
of the chapter and its members.
13. Participate in the Orientation and Induction Ceremonies
14. Submit request for yearly funds to the Senator for Finance.
I. Senator for Service: (Back
to Top)
It shall be the duty of the Senator for Service to carry out
these responsibilities.
1. Form and serve as chairperson of the Service Committee consisting
of at least two members other than the chairperson.
2. Responsible for overseeing implementation of the Society's
Service Project.
3. Maintain records of membership participation in all chapter
activities coordinated by the Senator of Service and submit
a list of earned points to the Senator for Membership following
each activity.
4. Submit committee reports to the Senator for Records, President
and Advisors by the 5th of each month.
5. Coordinate the chapter's service projects on campus and in
the community.
6. Maintain liaisons with appropriate college officials to facilitate
all chapter service projects.
7. Participate in the Orientation and Induction Ceremonies.
8. Submit request for yearly funds to the Senator for Finance.
J. Inter Club Council (ICC) Representative:
(Back to Top)
It shall be the duty of the ICC Representative to carry out
these responsibilities:
1. Represent the chapter at mandatory monthly ICC and SGA meetings.
2. Inform both the Advisor and the ICC Chair if unable to attend
an ICC or SGA meeting so that another officer or full member
can represent the chapter.
3. Submit reports of ICC and SGA meetings to the Senator for
Records, President and Advisors after each meeting.
4. Inform the ICC and SGA of all chapter activities and inform
the chapter of all ICC and SGA activities which require consideration
and attention.
K. Advisors: (Back
to Top)
It shall be the duty of the Advisors to carry out these responsibilities:
1. Carry out all duties as stated in the Phi Theta Kappa International
Bylaws, Chapter IV, Section 5.
2. Oversee the completion and submission of Membership Report
Forms, Student Profile Forms and fees to Headquarters.
3. Attend advisor workshops and meetings at all conventions
at which the advisors are in attendance.
4. Participate in the Orientation and Induction Ceremonies.
5. Hold status as a non-voting member of the chapter.
6. Make ready the list of eligible members for Phi Theta Kappa.
7. Obtain committee reports from all committee chairs by the
5th of each month.
8. Inform members whose grade point average falls below a 3.0.
9. Act as a liaison between college officials and members.
L. Co-Officers: (Back
to Top)
1. Although not desirable, if the chapter deems it necessary,
the responsibilities of one office may be shared equally between
the current officer and a second officer to be elected by the
chapter.
2. Both officers shall have all the rights and privileges of
said office.
Section 3 Election
of Officers (Back to
Top)
A. The date for the election shall be determined by the Executive
Council.
B. Any member or inductee, with a minimum cumulative Valencia G.P.A. or 3.25, may declare intent to seek an office in Alpha Gamma Omega.
C. Members intending to run for office must be nominated and
seconded by full members by the 5th or 6th general meeting of the
Spring Term or as deemed necessary by the executive council.
D. Members can only run for one officer position during a given election period.
E. Elections shall take place by the 7th general membership meeting of the Spring Term.
F. Any member seeking an office must attend a mandatory officer interest
meeting, prior to being nominated.
G. The date for the Installation Ceremony shall be the same as the date for the
Spring Term new member induction.
Section 4 Replacing
Officers (due to graduation or inability to fulfill term) (Back
to Top)
A. If the office of the President should become vacant, the
Vice President shall become President.
B. If the Vice President should be unable to assume the responsibilities
of a vacant presidential office, the Senator for Scholarship
shall become President.
C. If the Senator for Scholarship should be unable to assume
the responsibilities of a vacant presidential office, a general
election shall be held.
D. The Executive Council, with the consent of an advisor, shall
have the power to appoint any full member to a vacant position
until such time as an election can be held.
Section 5 Selection
of Advisors (Back to
Top)
A. The advisors are to be nominated by either the active membership
of Alpha Gamma Omega, the administration, or a representative
of Phi Theta Kappa International.
B. Final appointment of advisors rests with the campus administration.
Chapter 5 The
Executive Council (Back
to Top)
Section 1 Composition
(Back to Top)
A. The Executive Council shall consist of the President, who
shall serve as chairperson, and of the Vice President and Senators
listed in Chapter IV, Section I, as well as the chapter advisors.
B. Fifty-one percent of the Executive Council and one advisor
shall constitute a quorum.
Section 2
Terms of Office (Back
to Top)
The terms of office for the Executive Council shall begin on
May 1st and expire on April 30tH. All records must be transferred
to the incoming officers by May 1st.
Section 3 Meetings
(Back to Top)
It shall be the duty of the Executive Council to:
A. Coordinate the activities of Alpha Gamma Omega.
B. Conduct the business of Alpha Gamma Omega.
C. Develop goals for Alpha Gamma Omega.
D. Establish dates and times for chapter meetings.
E. Devise a time line for Session I and Session II chapter activities
during the summer session.
F. All meeting are open to the public with the exception of
those determined to be of a sensitive nature by the Executive
Council.
Chapter
6 Chapter Meetings (Back to
Top)
Section 1 Regular Meetings
A. The Chapter shall hold not less than two regularly scheduled
meetings per month during Session I and Session II.
B. The members present at a chapter meeting shall constitute
a quorum.
C. At the beginning of each session, the day and time for chapter
meetings shall be established by the Executive Council.
D. Attendance
1. Officers
Attendance for all officers is mandatory at all meetings. Exceptions
will be considered on an individual basis if prior notice is
given to the Chapter President or an advisor. Meetings missed
without approval will result in the following penalties:
A. One unexcused absence will result in a verbal reprimand.
B. Two unexcused absence will result in a written warning of
pending expulsion.
C. Three unexcused absences will result in removal from office.
In case of an emergency, the chapter President or an advisor
must be contacted within 24 hours of the meeting to be considered
an excused absence.
2. Members
Every chapter member and inductee is required to attend one
of the two general meetings each month during Session I and
Session II to be eligible for EMAP awards.
Section
2 Orientation Meetings (Back
to Top)
Orientation shall be held by the third week of Session I and
Session II.
Section
3 Officer Training Meetings (Back
to Top)
Officers are mandated to attend a summer training session. Dates
are to be set by an advisor. Two training sessions a month are
required.
Section
4 Induction Meetings (Back
to Top)
Induction ceremonies shall be as follows:
A. The Session I Induction Ceremony shall be held no later than
the Sunday before finals begin.
B. The Session II Induction Ceremony shall be held no later
than the Sunday before finals begin.
Section 5
Rules of Order (Back
to Top)
A. Agendas
For every regularly scheduled meeting, the Chapter President
shall submit an agenda for approval by the body and the advisors.
B. Procedures
1. From call to order to adjournment, parliamentary procedure
will be followed by all present.
2. All statements, motions and discussions that do not adhere
to proper procedure will not be considered by the body.
3. Failure to comply with the above procedure will result in
a warninG. Further infractions will result in removal by a simple
majority votE.
C. Minutes
Minutes shall be taken by the Senator for Records at every regularly
scheduled chapter and executive council meetinG. Minutes of
each meeting must be submitted at the next regularly scheduled
meeting for approval by the body.
Chapter 7 Committees
(Back to Top)
Section 1 Duties of Committee Chairpersons
1. Submit all reports of committee meetings and activities to
the Vice President.
2. Responsible for formation of committeE.
3. Delegate appropriate duties of committee members.
4. Maintain membership participation records of all committee
activities and submit a list of earned points to the Senator
for Membership. These points must be submitted by the first
executive council meeting following each activity.
5. All committee reports must be submitted to the Senator for
Records, President and Advisors by the 5th of each montH.
6. Secure majority vote from the Executive Council for all proposed
activities which are expected to require chapter funds or more
than five chapter members.
7. Not vote on any matter, unless there is a tie.
Section
2 Standing Committees (Back
to Top)
A. Executive Council:
Chairperson: President
Members: Vice President, all senators and advisors. Advisors
and the chairperson are non-voting members.
Duties:Refer to Chapter 5.
B. Leadership Committee:
Chairperson: Vice President
Duties:
1. Organize activities implementing the Leadership HallmarK.
2. Invite guest speakers to lecture on subjects pertaining to
the Leadership Hallmark.
3. Be responsible for the coordination of officer elections.
C. Scholarship Committee:
Chairperson: Senator for Scholarship
Duties:
1. Assist in implementation of Honors Study Topic at Valencia
Community College East Campus.
2. Provide information to the membership regarding scholarship
opportunities.
3. Hold workshops on the scholarship application process.
4. Research and list Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarships.
D. Finance Committee:
Chairperson: Senator for Finance
Duties:
1. Review requests for the allocation of chapter funds.
E. Fund-Raising Committee:
Chairperson: Appointed by the Senator for Finance
Duties:
1. Be responsible for organizing fund-raisers to supply revenue
for expenses.
F. Communications Committee:
Chairperson: Senator for Communications
Duties:
1. Be responsible for the preparation and distribution of a
chapter newsletter to all members of Alpha Gamma Omega and to
all other chapters within the region.
2. Report chapter activities and information to all college
and campus publications.
G. Fellowship Committee:
Chairperson: Senator for Fellowship
Duties:
1. Responsible for organizing and implementing the chapters
social activities.
2. Arrange fellowship meetings with other chapters and campus
clubs.
3. Coordinate travel to official Phi Theta Kappa activities.
4. Organize and Promote the Phi Theta Kappa Annual Olympics
and Kamp Kappa.
H. Membership Committee:
Chairperson: Senator for Membership
Duties:
1. Actively recruit new members through mailings.
2. Coordinate the Orientation Meetings.
3. Assist with the induction process from the initial mailings
through the Induction Ceremony.
4. Maintain current point database with all active members.
I. Records Committee:
Chairperson: Senator for Records
Duties:
1. Prepare a yearbook containing chapter activities.
2. Report chapter activities to Phi Theta Kappa International
Publications.
3. Prepare the International Reports.
J. Service Committee:
Chairperson: Senator for Service
Duties:
1. Responsible for overseeing implementation of the society?s
service project.
2. Seek Philanthropies to assist.
3. Assist Valencia Community College in its activities.
K. Elections Committees
Chairperson: Vice President
Section 1. The Vice President will serve as the Chair of the Elections Committee; which consists of the Vice President, another officer, one general member and an advisor. The advisor serves as an
ex-officio member and must be present at all committee meetings. If the Vice President is running for an office or is otherwise unable to serve on the committee, another officer will be selected by the President to serve as Chair of the Elections Committee.
Section 2. Issues concerning election procedures or disputes will be handled
solely by the Election Committee.
Section 3. Campaign Rules:
A. A brief campaign speech must be given by each candidate on the date of the election.
B. Candidates are to be present at both general meetings, on the day of elections. Each candidate will be given two (2) minutes to present a speech. A thirty (30) second warning will be given when the two (2) minutes are about to expire. All candidates must be present during the time allotted for election speeches. No speeches will be given before or after allotted time.
Section 4. Voting Rules
A. Each member and officer get one vote for each position contested.
B. All ballots will be placed in a sealed ballot box. The ballot box will be left in the custody of the Vice President, Senator of Records or an advisor. Ballots will be counted in the presence of the entire Election Committee.
C. All votes will be counted during the following business day.
D. The candidate receiving a majority vote shall be declared officer-elect and shall assume the duties of the office on May 1st.
E. If there is a no candidate receiving a majority or a tie vote for first place, a runoff election will be held at the next general between the top two candidates.
Chapter 8 Dues
(Back to Top)
Section 1. Induction dues must be paid one month prior to the
induction ceremony. Induction dues consist of a one-time International
fee and Regional and Local dues. Date of induction shall be
set by the Senator for Membership. Dues are set by the International,
Regional, and Chapter organizations.
Section 2. Current member dues for Session I and Session II
must be paid during the course of the semester and are set at
$10.00 per session.
Chapter 9 Conventions
(Back to Top)
Section 1 Travel Priority System
A. Regionally held conventions and the International Conventions
The order in which chapter or college monies are to be allocated
for conventions and seminars is as follows:
1. Officers and advisors
2. Committee members
3. General membership
B. Honors Institute
The order in which chapter or college monies are to be allocated
for the Annual Honors Institute is as follows:
1. Senator for Scholarship
2. President
3. Vice President
4. Current officers
5. General membership
Section
2 Attendance at Conventions and Seminars (Back
to Top)
All officers, general members and alumni members are required
to attend all general assemblies, workshops, and/ or any meetings
at a convention or seminar, when the chapter is responsible
for any part of convention costs. All attendees must sign a
form denoting the acknowledgment of member responsibilities
at conventions.
Chapter 10
Amendments and Ratification (Back
to Top)
Section 1 Amendments (Back
to Top)
All proposed amendments to these Bylaws can originate from any
member or officer in good standinG. Proposed amendments must
be submitted to and approved by the Executive Council and the
East Campus Provost at Valencia Community College before being
voted on by the general membership. Proposed amendments must
also be publicized by appropriate means and at one regularly
scheduled meeting at least one month before being voted on by
the general membership. Amendments must be approved by at least
a 2/3 vote of voting members in attendance.
Section 2
Ratification (Back
to Top)
Upon ratification of these Bylaws, all previous Bylaws and standing
orders shall be declared null and void. Any changes to the bylaws
must be sent to the International Headquarters for final approval.
Chapter 11 Reference (Back
to Top)
Any situation not completely outlined in the international Phi
Theta Kappa Constitution or the Alpha Gamma Omega Bylaws shall
be referred to Robert's Rule's of Order.
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