Constitution
Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
Article I. | Organization Name
The name of this organization shall be the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. The organization may also refer to itself as “Psi Chi”.
Article II. | Purpose
Psi Chi is an international honor society whose purpose shall be to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. Our main chapter goals include:
Section 1. Classes of Members.
Membership Statement: Membership is limited to all students who are enrolled at the Florida State University. Members shall meet the following minimum criteria for membership.
Active Members. Active members are those who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests and who are students at Florida State University, where a chapter is located. They shall have high standards of personal behavior. Active members are those who attend meetings and actively participate throughout the semester. This is measured by a point system in which each activity is assigned certain amount of points by the executive board at the beginning of each semester.
Student Members. Student members shall be students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs in the institution represented by the chapter at the time of induction.
Undergraduate students shall have completed at least three semesters, have completed twelve semester hours of psychology courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.2 in those courses, have registered for major or minor standing in psychology, and have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 3.2.
Graduate students shall have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 3.2 in all graduate courses, including psychology.
Non-hazing Statement: No hazing or discrimination will be used as a condition of membership in this organization. Information regarding hazing can be found at http://hazing.fsu.edu.
University Non-discrimination Statement: This organization agrees to adhere to the University non-discrimination statement: No university student may be denied membership on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veterans’ or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected group status.
Section 2. Revocation of Membership
Membership may be revoked without mutual agreement for non-participation, misconduct, or violations of any provisions of the Constitution. The member will be notified in writing of the possible revocation at least 72 hours prior to the vote and will be allowed to address the organization in order to relate to members any relevant defense prior to the voting for removal. Membership can only be revoked upon a 2/3 majority vote of active members. Revocation of membership will be valid for three (3) semesters.
Section 3. Appeal Process
Any student whose membership is revoked will have seven (7) calendar days to appeal the revocation. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the President and Secretary, and must include any relevant information that has not already been presented. The President will then submit the appeal to the Appeals Committee. This committee consists of 3 executive board members and 4 general members. This committee will then render a decision at the next general body meeting or in seven (7) calendar days, whichever occurs first.
Article IV. | Officers
Section 1. Eligibility
All officers of Psi Chi shall be enrolled at least part time at the Florida State University and be an active member in the organization (point system).
Section 2. Titles and duties
The offices of this organization shall include a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Chair, two (2) Co-Service Project Coordinators, two (2) Co-Marketing/Social Media Coordinators, Alumni Relations, and Mentorship Program Coordinator. No officer will be permitted to hold more than one officer position. All officers shall retain voting rights, however, the President shall only vote in the case of a tie. Any officer may be re-elected however not for more than two consecutive terms.
Officers cannot reappoint themselves for a second term they must be re-elected as described in Article V.
The President shall:
Section 1. Eligibility to Vote
Ability to vote will be limited to all students who are active members in good standing. Only active voting members who meet the requirements stated in Article IV, Section 1 are eligible to hold offices.
Section 2. Nomination Process
Active members of Psi Chi shall complete an application and go through an interview process with Psi Chi executive board. It is under the executive board’s discretion which members will be able to run for general body election. They must consider the point system (active participation, explained in Article III, Section 1), the applicant’s knowledge of the processes behind the executive board, and fulfill all requirements stated in Article III Section 1.
Section 3. Election Process
The election of officers shall occur at the last meeting during the spring semester. The nominated candidates will be given a chance to address the organization to discuss his/her qualifications and reasons why they should be selected. Once each candidate has had the opportunity to speak, all eligible members (as defined in Article III Section 1) present will have the opportunity to vote by secret ballot. The faculty/staff advisor and current highest-ranking officer not running for office will tabulate all votes. The highest-ranking officer not running for office shall announce the officer with a simple majority of votes cast by eligible members. After announcing the new officer the highest-ranking officer not running for office shall ask if any eligible members contest the count. If no eligible member contests the count the new officer shall take office immediately. If an eligible member contests the count the faculty/staff advisor and the highest-ranking officer not running for office will recount all votes. In the event of a tie, the President shall cast the deciding vote for office unless he/she is running for the said position.
Section 4. Term of Office
The length of office shall be no longer than one calendar year. Newly elected officers shall take office immediately after the announcement at the last meeting during the spring semester and their term will end at the last meeting the following spring semester once new officers are announced.
Article VI. | Officer Vacancies
Section 1: Removal of Officers
Any officer may be removed from office upon a 2/3 majority vote of active members. The officer will be notified in writing of the possible termination or removal at least 72 hours prior to the vote and will be allowed to address the organization in order to relate to members any relevant defense prior to the voting for removal.
Section 2: Resignation
Officers no longer wishing to serve on the board must submit their resignation to the President at least two (2) weeks in advance. Prior to the officers final day he/she shall provide all documents relating to the organization and brief his/her replacement of current projects in his/her care.
Section 3: Filling Vacant Officer Positions
In the event an officer is removed or resigns, the nomination process as stated in Article V Section 2 will take place. The election process will take place as stated in Article V Section 3 at the next scheduled meeting following nomination. The newly elected officers term shall end at the annual election scheduled in the spring.
Article VII. | Advisor
Section 1: Nomination and Role
The advisor shall be selected by the officers of this organization and must be approved by a simple majority vote of executive officers. The advisor shall serve as a mentor to the organization providing guidance to the officers and members. He/she does not have the last word on the officer nomination process, this shall be decided by the executive officers, the advisor may be present. The advisor position has no term limit other than he/she must be a current FSU faculty or staff member.
Section 2: Removal and Replacement of Advisor
The advisor will be notified in writing of the possible removal at least 72 hours prior to the vote and will be allowed to address the organization in order to relate to members any relevant defense prior to the voting for removal. Upon a 2/3 majority vote of active members, the advisor will be remove from his/her duties. In the event that an advisor is removed or resigns, a new advisor shall be elected within 14 calendar days.
Article VIII. | Finances Information
Section 1. Membership Dues
Each person inducted as a member of the Society shall pay a one time only induction fee of $65, which $45 goes to the Central Office of the Society. This fee entitles the member to life membership without payment of further Central Office dues or assessments. The remaining amount of the induction fee will stay in the chapter and be used for activities within the chapter. By accepting membership in the Society, members accept the Constitution, Bylaws, and policies of Psi Chi.
Section 2. Inability to Pay Dues Statement
No university student may be denied membership due to inability to pay dues. If a member is not able to pay dues, other arrangements will be made.
Article IX. | Publications
Section 1: Compliance
All advertisements of the organization must comply with the University Posting Policy (http://posting.fsu.edu).
Section 2. Approval
The Secretary and President must approve all publications, shirts, flyers, ect prior to duplication and distribution.
Article X. | Amendment Process
Amendments to the constitution must be proposed in writing to the President. The amendment must then be presented to the organization during a scheduled meeting and should include a full explanation and/or rationale for the amendment. The amendment must be voted on at the next scheduled meeting. The amendment shall not take effect until approved by a 2/3 majority vote of the active members of the organization.
History of Constitution
Created: 6th day of September in the year 2013
Article I. | Organization Name
The name of this organization shall be the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. The organization may also refer to itself as “Psi Chi”.
Article II. | Purpose
Psi Chi is an international honor society whose purpose shall be to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. Our main chapter goals include:
- Providing high-impact service opportunities for members that allow them to gain career-relevant experience while serving the community;
- Connecting members to the professional knowledge and advice of Psychology faculty, graduate students, alumni and other members;
- Providing opportunities for the campus community to be exposed to the knowledge of our science.
Section 1. Classes of Members.
Membership Statement: Membership is limited to all students who are enrolled at the Florida State University. Members shall meet the following minimum criteria for membership.
Active Members. Active members are those who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests and who are students at Florida State University, where a chapter is located. They shall have high standards of personal behavior. Active members are those who attend meetings and actively participate throughout the semester. This is measured by a point system in which each activity is assigned certain amount of points by the executive board at the beginning of each semester.
Student Members. Student members shall be students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs in the institution represented by the chapter at the time of induction.
Undergraduate students shall have completed at least three semesters, have completed twelve semester hours of psychology courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.2 in those courses, have registered for major or minor standing in psychology, and have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 3.2.
Graduate students shall have a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 3.2 in all graduate courses, including psychology.
Non-hazing Statement: No hazing or discrimination will be used as a condition of membership in this organization. Information regarding hazing can be found at http://hazing.fsu.edu.
University Non-discrimination Statement: This organization agrees to adhere to the University non-discrimination statement: No university student may be denied membership on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, veterans’ or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected group status.
Section 2. Revocation of Membership
Membership may be revoked without mutual agreement for non-participation, misconduct, or violations of any provisions of the Constitution. The member will be notified in writing of the possible revocation at least 72 hours prior to the vote and will be allowed to address the organization in order to relate to members any relevant defense prior to the voting for removal. Membership can only be revoked upon a 2/3 majority vote of active members. Revocation of membership will be valid for three (3) semesters.
Section 3. Appeal Process
Any student whose membership is revoked will have seven (7) calendar days to appeal the revocation. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the President and Secretary, and must include any relevant information that has not already been presented. The President will then submit the appeal to the Appeals Committee. This committee consists of 3 executive board members and 4 general members. This committee will then render a decision at the next general body meeting or in seven (7) calendar days, whichever occurs first.
Article IV. | Officers
Section 1. Eligibility
All officers of Psi Chi shall be enrolled at least part time at the Florida State University and be an active member in the organization (point system).
Section 2. Titles and duties
The offices of this organization shall include a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Chair, two (2) Co-Service Project Coordinators, two (2) Co-Marketing/Social Media Coordinators, Alumni Relations, and Mentorship Program Coordinator. No officer will be permitted to hold more than one officer position. All officers shall retain voting rights, however, the President shall only vote in the case of a tie. Any officer may be re-elected however not for more than two consecutive terms.
Officers cannot reappoint themselves for a second term they must be re-elected as described in Article V.
The President shall:
- Supervise the activities of the organization.
- Preside over all meetings and call all meetings to order.
- Be one of three signers on financial documents.
- Coordinate all conferences.
- Ensure all officers are performing their duties as defined in this Constitution.
- Assign special projects to officers.
- Assist the President in his/her duties
- Assumes the President’s responsibilities in his/her absence.
- Keep accurate records of all meetings in the Secretary’s absence.
- Assist in special projects as assigned by the President.
- Notify members of meetings via e-mail at least 48 hours in advance.
- Keep accurate records of all meetings.
- Maintain accurate list of members and their contact information.
- Maintain an attendance record of all meetings.
- Prepare ballots for elections.
- Keep copy of constitution and have available for members
- Assist in special projects as assigned by the President.
- Keep an accurate account of all funds received and expended.
- Be one of three signers on financial documents.
- Be responsible for collecting dues and notifying members who are delinquent in their payments.
- Perform end of the academic year audit with President or Vice President.
- Assist in special projects as assigned by the President.
- Be responsible for organizing social events.
- Make lists of supplies needed for events.
- Perform icebreakers during events.
- Be first to arrive at events to set up and assign duties.
- Assist in special projects as assigned by the President.
- Be responsible for organizing service projects.
- Organize fundraising events for service projects.
- Update officers about upcoming dates for service project events.
- Organize a service project committee.
- Keep track of member’s service hours.
- Help members enter service scripts online.
- Assist in special projects as assigned by the President.
- Update the Psi Chi Website with current pictures, dates, and information.
- Update the Facebook page and answer questions.
- Take pictures at events, and put them online.
- Make flyers for events and post them around the Psychology Building.
- Post events on PsiChi.org to go in their newsletter.
- Decorate the Psi Chi Board, and update it with relevant information.
- Decorate donation boxes.
- Organize tabling events.
- Assist in special projects as assigned by the President.
- Compile a database of Psi Chi alumni.
- Update the Psi Chi Board with information about prior alumni.
- Update members about scholarships and grants.
- Assist in special projects as assigned by the President.
- Be responsible for the Mentorship Program and ensure that mentors are performing their duties throughout the program.
- Match the mentor and student based on similar interests.
- Compile a list of active members and their attendance/participation points.
- Assist in special projects as assigned by the President.
Section 1. Eligibility to Vote
Ability to vote will be limited to all students who are active members in good standing. Only active voting members who meet the requirements stated in Article IV, Section 1 are eligible to hold offices.
Section 2. Nomination Process
Active members of Psi Chi shall complete an application and go through an interview process with Psi Chi executive board. It is under the executive board’s discretion which members will be able to run for general body election. They must consider the point system (active participation, explained in Article III, Section 1), the applicant’s knowledge of the processes behind the executive board, and fulfill all requirements stated in Article III Section 1.
Section 3. Election Process
The election of officers shall occur at the last meeting during the spring semester. The nominated candidates will be given a chance to address the organization to discuss his/her qualifications and reasons why they should be selected. Once each candidate has had the opportunity to speak, all eligible members (as defined in Article III Section 1) present will have the opportunity to vote by secret ballot. The faculty/staff advisor and current highest-ranking officer not running for office will tabulate all votes. The highest-ranking officer not running for office shall announce the officer with a simple majority of votes cast by eligible members. After announcing the new officer the highest-ranking officer not running for office shall ask if any eligible members contest the count. If no eligible member contests the count the new officer shall take office immediately. If an eligible member contests the count the faculty/staff advisor and the highest-ranking officer not running for office will recount all votes. In the event of a tie, the President shall cast the deciding vote for office unless he/she is running for the said position.
Section 4. Term of Office
The length of office shall be no longer than one calendar year. Newly elected officers shall take office immediately after the announcement at the last meeting during the spring semester and their term will end at the last meeting the following spring semester once new officers are announced.
Article VI. | Officer Vacancies
Section 1: Removal of Officers
Any officer may be removed from office upon a 2/3 majority vote of active members. The officer will be notified in writing of the possible termination or removal at least 72 hours prior to the vote and will be allowed to address the organization in order to relate to members any relevant defense prior to the voting for removal.
Section 2: Resignation
Officers no longer wishing to serve on the board must submit their resignation to the President at least two (2) weeks in advance. Prior to the officers final day he/she shall provide all documents relating to the organization and brief his/her replacement of current projects in his/her care.
Section 3: Filling Vacant Officer Positions
In the event an officer is removed or resigns, the nomination process as stated in Article V Section 2 will take place. The election process will take place as stated in Article V Section 3 at the next scheduled meeting following nomination. The newly elected officers term shall end at the annual election scheduled in the spring.
Article VII. | Advisor
Section 1: Nomination and Role
The advisor shall be selected by the officers of this organization and must be approved by a simple majority vote of executive officers. The advisor shall serve as a mentor to the organization providing guidance to the officers and members. He/she does not have the last word on the officer nomination process, this shall be decided by the executive officers, the advisor may be present. The advisor position has no term limit other than he/she must be a current FSU faculty or staff member.
Section 2: Removal and Replacement of Advisor
The advisor will be notified in writing of the possible removal at least 72 hours prior to the vote and will be allowed to address the organization in order to relate to members any relevant defense prior to the voting for removal. Upon a 2/3 majority vote of active members, the advisor will be remove from his/her duties. In the event that an advisor is removed or resigns, a new advisor shall be elected within 14 calendar days.
Article VIII. | Finances Information
Section 1. Membership Dues
Each person inducted as a member of the Society shall pay a one time only induction fee of $65, which $45 goes to the Central Office of the Society. This fee entitles the member to life membership without payment of further Central Office dues or assessments. The remaining amount of the induction fee will stay in the chapter and be used for activities within the chapter. By accepting membership in the Society, members accept the Constitution, Bylaws, and policies of Psi Chi.
Section 2. Inability to Pay Dues Statement
No university student may be denied membership due to inability to pay dues. If a member is not able to pay dues, other arrangements will be made.
Article IX. | Publications
Section 1: Compliance
All advertisements of the organization must comply with the University Posting Policy (http://posting.fsu.edu).
Section 2. Approval
The Secretary and President must approve all publications, shirts, flyers, ect prior to duplication and distribution.
Article X. | Amendment Process
Amendments to the constitution must be proposed in writing to the President. The amendment must then be presented to the organization during a scheduled meeting and should include a full explanation and/or rationale for the amendment. The amendment must be voted on at the next scheduled meeting. The amendment shall not take effect until approved by a 2/3 majority vote of the active members of the organization.
History of Constitution
Created: 6th day of September in the year 2013