Delta Epsilon Chapter of the
Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society
Constitution and Bylaws
Article I-Organization Name
The name of this organization shall be the Delta Epsilon Chapter of the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, Inc. The organization may also refer to itself as Delta Epsilon Iota, Delta Epsilon Iota AHS, or DEI.
Article II-Mission and Goals
Section 1: Mission
To promote the ideals of Dedication, Enthusiasm, and Initiative at the University of Central Florida through student leadership, special programs coordinated with the Career Services, campus and community service projects, and regular networking opportunities for members.
Active chapter members benefit from their heightened awareness of campus career services, leadership opportunities in designing career-oriented programs, and from the experience of coordinating career goals, academic achievements, and community involvement.
Section 2: Goals
1) To embody the ideals of the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society at the local level
2) To be an effective, contributing organization within the university community
3) To provide its membership with “education beyond the classroom”
Section 3: Governing Authority
All activities and functions of the organization must be legal under University, local, state, and federal laws. The most recent version of The Golden Rule will supersede all requirements set forth during the creation and revision of this constitution.
Article III-Membership
Section 1: Membership Statement
Student membership is limited to any student who is currently paying Activity and Service Fees and is enrolled at the University of Central Florida. Honorary membership is limited to UCF faculty,
staff, alumni, and Central Florida Research Park employees. No discrimination shall be made on the basis of sex, race, age, religion, disability, national origin, marital or parental status, veteran‘s status, or sexual orientation. Hazing will not be used as a condition of membership in this organization.
Section 2: Additional Membership Requirements
Students shall be invited into membership only by the authority and established procedures of the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society. The academic requirements for undergraduate membership at the University of Central Florida will be Sophomore status (and above) having earned at least 30 semester hours with a Cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 (based on a 4.00 scale). The academic requirements for graduate membership at the University of Central Florida will have earned at least a Cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 (based on a 4.00 scale). All members are required to pay the one time membership fee.
Members may claim “active status” in the local chapter by attending at least one meeting per year, and by participating in at least one chapter activity per year.
Section 3: Recruitment
Recruitment shall take place during an annual fall membership drive, yet membership is open at all times.
Section 4: Voting Rights
Only student members who are active and in good standing are eligible to vote. Honorary members may not vote.
Section 5: Revocation of Chapter Participation
The ability to participate in chapter programs and activities 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 affirmative vote of active student members, and then must be approved by the National Office.
Section 6: Reinstatement of Chapter Participation
After a period of three (3) months from the date of removal, the member may request reinstatement in writing to the president of the chapter. The ability to participate in chapter programs and activities can only be reinstated upon a 2/3 affirmative vote of active student members, and then must be approved by the National Office.
Article IV-Officers
Section 1: Eligibility
All officers of the organization shall possess (at the time of election and during their term) at least the minimum requirements regarding enrollment hours, GPA, academic and disciplinary standing, and financial and disciplinary holds to serve in a leadership position, as stated in the most recent
version of The Golden Rule of the University of Central Florida. Officers who do not meet these requirements during their term shall be resigned or removed. Additionally, only active student members are eligible for selection to an officer position. Honorary members may not hold office.
Section 2: Titles and Duties
The officers of this organization shall include (in order of succession)a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Webmaster. No officer will be permitted to hold more than one officer position, but may assist in the duties of that position if it is vacant.
The President shall:
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of the organization.
• Announce and preside over all meetings and call meetings to order.
• Maintain communication with the Office of Student Involvement and ensure that all paperwork is current.
• Be one of three signers on financial documents.
• Collaborate with other officers to assign special projects.
• Ensure that all officers are performing their duties as defined in this Constitution.
• Keep advisor informed of activities and functions of the organization.
• Administer the policies and procedures of the national organization.
• Be familiar with Robert’s Rules of Order to conduct meetings.
• Assume responsibility for the overall success of the chapter.
The Vice President shall:
• Assist the President in his/her duties.
• Assume the duties of the President in the event that he or she is unable to serve.
• Keep accurate records of all meetings in the Secretary’s absence.
• Assist in special projects as assigned by the President.
• Welcome new members.
• Encourage participation in chapter activities.
The Treasure shall:
• Keep an accurate account of all funds received and expended.
• Present a budget report of deposits and expenditures to the membership at least once per month, and as requested by the President, Vice President, or advisor.
• Be responsible for creating a budget at the beginning of each fall and spring semester, in conjunction
with the President.
• Assist in special projects as assigned by the President.
• Control local funds on behalf of the chapter and the national organization.
• Report regularly to the national organization on the financial status of the chapter.
The Secretary shall:
• Notify members of meetings via e-mail and/or telephone at least 48 hours in advance.
• Keep accurate minutes and records of all meetings.
• Maintain accurate list of members and their contact information.
• Perform a verbal role call of all members and maintain an attendance record.
• Prepare ballots for elections.
• Keep copy of constitution and have available for members.
• Assist in special projects as assigned by the President.
• Assist in the communication between the chapter and the DEI national office.
The Webmaster shall:
• Establish, maintain, and regularly update the chapter website and member email list.
Section 3: Voting Rights
All officers shall retain voting rights; however, the President shall only vote in the case of a tie.
Section 4: Term of Office
The length of term of office shall be no longer than one calendar year.
Article V-Selection of Officers
Section 1: Nomination Process
The nomination of officers shall occur each academic year at the first membership meeting held in March. Any active student member present may nominate someone or him/herself for office by verbally nominating the individual during this procedure. However, the nominee must be considered eligible for an officer position (as defined in Article IV, Section 1). Absentee/proxy ballots are not permitted in the nomination process.
Section 2: Election Process
The election of officers shall occur at the second membership meeting held in March. The order of elections shall begin with the President and proceed in order of succession. The organization may not proceed to the election of the next officer until the current one has been resolved.
The nominated candidates for each office will be given a chance to address the organization to discuss their qualifications and reasons why they should be selected to that office. Candidates will speak to the organization in alphabetical order by last name. Once each candidate for that office hashad the opportunity to speak, all active student members present will have the opportunity to vote by secret ballot. Absentee ballots and proxy ballots are not permitted in the election process.
The 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 (more than 50%) of all votes cast by active student members. If no candidate receives a majority of votes, the top two candidates will enter into a run-off election. In the event of a tie, the President shall cast a vote to break the tie, unless he/she is running for said office. In that case, the next highest-ranking officer not
running for office shall cast the deciding vote.
After announcing the new officer, the highest-ranking officer not running for office shall ask if any active student member contests the count. If no active student member contests the count, the new
officer shall take office as per Article V, Section 3. If an active student member contests the count, each candidate may select an active student member to supervise the recount. The advisor and highest-ranking officer not running for office will recount all votes in the presence of the selected representatives.
Section 3: Installation of Officers
Newly elected officers shall take office immediately following the first membership meeting in April and their term will end immediately following the first membership meeting the following April. Current officers should assist in the transition and training of the officers-elect, from elections until installation.
Section 4: Re-election
Any officer may be re-elected; however, not for more than two consecutive terms in the same officer position. Officers cannot reappoint themselves for a subsequent term, they must be re-elected as described in Article V.
Article VI-Officer Vacancies
Section 1: Removal of Officers
Leadership may be revoked without mutual agreement for non-participation, misconduct, failure to fulfill job duties, or violations of any provisions of the Constitution. The officer will be notified in writing of the possible removal from office 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. Any officer may be removed from office upon a 2/3 affirmative vote of active student members and official notification to the National Office.
Section 2: Resignation
Officers no longer wishing to serve on the board must submit their resignation to the highest ranking officer and advisor at least two (2) weeks in advance. Prior to the officer‘s 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 (besides President) is removed or resigns, the remaining officers, by majority vote, will decide if the position is to be filled. If it is to be filled, the nomination process as stated in Article V, Section 1 will take place at the next membership meeting. The election process will take place as stated in Article V, Section 2 at the next membership meeting following nomination.
If the President is removed or resigns, the Vice President will assume the role of President upon a majority confirmation of the remaining officers. If not confirmed, the position of the President will be filled as per the paragraph above.
The newly elected officer‘s term shall end at the annual installation of officers in April. A change in officer information should be reported to the Office of Student Involvement.
Article VII-Meetings
Section 1: Membership Meetings
The membership should meet at least once per month during the fall and spring semesters. Meetings are open to those defined in ArticleIII, Section 1, and officers (except the President) and active student members are allowed one vote per motion. The quorum required to conduct business is a majority (more than fifty percent) of the officers and the organization‘s active student members.
Section 2: Officer Meetings
The officers should meet at least once per month during the fall and spring semesters. Meetings are open to those defined in Article III, Section 1. Each officer (except the President) is allowed one vote per motion. The quorum required to conduct business is a majority (more than fifty percent) of the officers.
Section 3: Calling Meetings
The President will be in charge of calling meetings and the Secretary will be responsible to notify all members and/or officers at least 48 hours in advance, by e-mail and/or telephone.
Section 4: Meeting Procedure
The President shall use his/her discretion as to the manner and process in which he/she presides over meetings. However, the President shall follow Robert‘s Rules of Order in a given meeting if 2/3 of the active student members so request.
Article VIII-Advisor
Section 1: Selection
The advisor shall be selected by a majority vote of the officers and must be approved by a majorityvote of active student members. To be eligible to serve as the advisor, the person must be a contracted UCF employee (A and P or faculty), as defined by Human Resources. The National Office strongly encourages the chapter advisor to be a staff member at the office of Career Services and Experiential Learning.
Section 2: Role and Authority
The advisor shall serve as a mentor to the organization-- providing guidance to the officers and members in the development and implementation of programs and activities, as well as UCF policy and procedure. Additionally, the advisor will monitor all expenditures of the organization. The advisor has no voting rights. The advisor must be willing to obtain an appropriate level of experience, resource information, and knowledge related to the mission, purpose, and activities of the organization.
Section 3: Length of Term
The advisor has no term limit as long as he/she remains a contracted UCF faculty or staff member.
Section 4: 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. The advisor will be removed from his/her duties upon a 2/3 affirmative vote of active student members and official notification to the National Office. In the event that an advisor is removedor resigns, a new advisor shall be elected within 15 school days. A change in advisor information should be reported to the Office of Student Involvement.
Article IX-Finances
Section 1: Membership Dues
There will be no dues or fees collected at the local chapter level. Membership in Delta Epsilon Iota is organized at the national level and each member pays a one-time, life-time membership fee to the national organization. The chapter shall receive a portion of membership fee revenue from the national organization for the purpose of funding chapter activities and expenses. Any additional fund-raising activity for any purpose must have prior approval by the National Office.
Section 2: Budget Approval
The Treasurer (in conjunction with the President) shall create a budget for the fall and spring semesters. The officers, by majority vote, and active student members, by majority vote, must approve the budget within the first month of each semester.
Section 3: Financial Authority
For the protection of the organization and its officers, it is required that two authorized persons sign all monetary transactions. Only the President, Treasurer, and Advisor can be signers on the organization‘s account. The advisor must approve and sign off on each expenditure before payment. Organizational funds may be spent on items such as office supplies, events and activities, publicity,
travel expenses, and conference fees, but will not be used for anything illegal under University, local, state, and federal laws. All funds must be deposited within 24 business hours after collection.
Section 4: Officer Transition
It shall be the responsibility of all account signers to change contact information, as well as assist in the update of new account signatures with the organization‘s financial institution after each election. These signature cards may be requested from the bank via the National Office. In addition, it is the current Treasurer‘s responsibility to compile and present all banking documents and
information about the previous and current budget to the new Treasurer.
Section 5: Dissolution of Organization
In the event that the local organization ceases to exist, all materials relating to Delta Epsilon Iota, including chapter funds, officer handbooks, etc. are considered the property of the national organization, and shall be returned to the DEI National Office.
Address:
795 Hammond Drive
Suite 610
Atlanta, GA 30328
Telephone: 404-459-9689
Article X-External Affiliations
This organization is to be considered a Chapter of the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society, and shall operate in a consistent, non-commercial nature.
The purpose of this chapter shall be to embody the philosophy and ideals of the Society at the local level. This chapter will strive to be an effective, contributing organization by providing its membership with programs and activities that promote academic achievement, career development education, and campus involvement.
The local watchwords, colors, and coat of arms shall be those of the national organization.
Chapter activity shall honor the policies and procedures of the national organization as set forth in the national constitution when not inconsistent with the rules and regulations of this constitution and University of Central Florida.
Article XI-Committees
Chapter committees as may be needed for the effective management of chapter activities may be authorized by majority vote of the chapter officers.
Each committee will be open to those members (including officers) defined in Article III, Section 1 and 2.
The nomination and election process for committee chairpersons will take place as stated in Article V, Section 1 and 2 at the next membership meeting following committee authorization.
Each committee chairperson will be responsible for the activities of their respective committee and for the communication between the committee and the chapter officers.
Article XII-Publications and Advertising
Section 1: Compliance
All publications of the organization must comply with the Golden Rule "Advertising" and "Misuse or Infringement of University‘s Names or Marks" sections, Event Policies, Student Union Guidelines, and the UCF University Marketing Graphic Standards.
Section 2: Approval
The Secretary and President must unanimously approve all publications, shirts, flyers, and other forms of advertising/marketing prior to duplication and distribution.
Article XIII-Ratification and Empowerment
Section 1: Ratification
This constitution will become ratified by a 2/3 approval of the officers and active student membership of the organization.
Section 2: Empowerment
This constitution will take effect only after it is approved by the Student Government Association and Office of Student Involvement.
Article XIV-Amendments
Amendments to the constitution must be proposed in writing to the President. The amendment must then be presented to the organization during a membership meeting and should include a full explanation and/or rationale for the amendment. The amendment must be voted on at the following membership meeting. The amendment shall not take effect until approved by a 2/3 affirmative vote of
active student members of the organization and approval of the Office of Student Involvement.
History of Constitution
Created: 08/08/2005
Revised: 01/14/2006
