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Preamble
We, the chapters, set forth the following bylaws to establish an Iowa Region of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society in keeping with the tradition in the State of Iowa of valuing and promoting excellence in education. Our goals are to recognize the academic excellence of Iowa students, to encourage continued achievement, and to enhance the development and growth of society through our students’ pursuit of lifelong learning at Iowa’s associate degree-granting institutions. We believe these goals can best be achieved by developing leadership, scholarship, fellowship, and service opportunities for our members at all levels of Phi Theta Kappa.
Name of Organization
The name of this organization shall hereafter be known as the Iowa Region of Phi Theta Kappa.
Article II. Purpose of Organization
The purpose of this organization shall be to provide a means through which Phi Theta Kappa chapters in the Iowa Region may better achieve the goals and purposes of Phi Theta Kappa in the hallmark areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship, and to encourage and promote participation of individual members in Phi Theta Kappa activities.
Article III. Voting
Each active chapter has one vote in regional elections and shall designate one member to serve as the chapter’s voting delegate. A quorum shall consist of those chapters in good standing present at the Regional Meeting. A simple majority shall be required for all votes except those specified otherwise within the bylaws.
Article IV. Divisions of Organization
Section 1. Membership
A. Members of the Iowa Region of Phi Theta Kappa shall consist of all Phi Theta Kappa chapters in Iowa that have been chartered by the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and that are in good standing, A chapter in good standing shall be defined as one which has paid all Regional Fees and maintains a current Chapter Annual Report on file at International Headquarters.
B. Regional fees will be set by the Executive Board of the Region. To remain in good standing, chapters must collect regional fees prior to induction ceremonies and submit them to the Regional Coordinator.
C. Regional fees must be paid in order for the chapter to retain voting right and membership is good standing.
D. Alumni shall be entitled to all the privileges of active membership except the right to vote or hold office.
Section 2. Districts (See Appendices)
A. The Northeast District (#1) shall be made up of present and future chapters in the area bordered on the both by Highway 30 from east and west and bordered on the west by Interstate 35 from north and south.
B. The Southeast District (#2) shall be made up of present and future chapters in the area bordered on the north by Highway 30 from east and west and bordered on the west by Interstate 35 from north and south.
C. The Southwest District (#3) shall be made up of present and future chapters in the area bordered on the north by Highway 30 from east and west and bordered on the east by Interstate 35 from north and south.
D. The Northwest District (#4) shall be made up of present and future chapters in the area bordered on the south by Highway 30 from east and west and bordered on the east by Interstate 35 from north and south.
Section 3. Regional Leadership
A. The Regional Coordinator shall serve as a nonvoting, ex-official member of the Executive Board and shall be appointed by the Executive Director of Phi Theta Kappa International.
B. The Executive Board shall consist of
- The Regional Coordinator.
- An Executive Board Advisor from each of the Four Districts to be elected by the advisors. Executive Board Advisors will serve a three year staggered term and shall be voting members of the Executive Board.
- Annually elected student officers of President, at large, and a Vice President from each District.
- A Newsletter Editor elected annually or appointed by the Executive Board and shall serve as a nonvoting, ex-official member of the Executive Board.
Section 4. Standing Committees
A. Standing committees may be created by the Regional Coordinator and the Executive Board.
B. Members of standing committees shall be appointed by the Regional coordinator and the Executive Board.
C. Members of standing committees shall be appointed by the Regional Coordinator and the Executive Board.
Article V. election of Regional Officer
Section 1. Election Process
A. The Regional Officers shall be elected annually at the Regional Convention.
B. Officers shall be elected by a majority of the voting delegates at the Regional Convention,
C. Officers shall be installed at the last general session of the Regional Convention and shall assume the duties of their offices immediately.
D. Officers may be removed from office when
- A petition for removal is received by the Executive Board from a. at least two chapters in good standing or from b. the Regional Coordinator for cause.
- Such officer is given an opportunity to respond to the allegations at a special meeting of the Executive Board, who determines the merit of the petition.
- The complaint is subsequently supported by a vote conducted by the Regional Coordinator. A simple majority of two-thirds (2/3) of the Region’s chapters in good standing is required for removal.
E. The Regional Coordinator, with the approval of the Executive Board, may appoint a replacement for a Regional Officer or an Executive Board Advisor if it is deemed necessary and if the time remaining in the term justifies such a replacement.
- If the presidency is vacated, the replacement is elected from among the Vice Presidents; that person will serve in a dual role for the remainder of the term.
- In the case of a tie vote, the Regional Coordinator may vote.
Section 2. Election Requirements
A. Officer candidates must be from a chapter in good standing and the officer candidates must meet all requirements of membership in that chapter.
B. Candidate nominations should be sent to the Regional Coordinator prior to the Regional Convention. Nominations may also be made from the floor at Regional Convention.
C. A student may be a candidate for only one Regional Office.
D. Candidates must be present at the Regional Convention in order to participate in the election.
E. Regional Officers must be enrolled and taking a class(es) for credit at an associate degree-granting institution with a Phi Theta Kappa chapter.
F. The Regional Newsletter Editor’s chapter will assume the responsibility for publishing and distributing the Regional Newsletter during a designated term or terms.
G. All candidates will be required to meet with the general assembly at Regional Convention in a session prior to the election in order to present their qualifications and to respond to questions from the general assembly.
H. The Regional Officers adhere to the Regional Officer Honor Code as adopted by the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors (See Appendices).
Article VI. Powers and Duties of the Executive Board
Section 1. The Executive Board shall
A. Assist the Regional Coordinator in the direction of Regional Activities and Projects.
B. Assist in the planning of the Regional Leadership Conference and the Regional Convention.
C. Approve the annual budget for Regional Activities.
D. Attend all Regional Meetings.
E. Draft annual Regional Goals.
Section 2. The President shall
A. Preside over all Regional Meetings.
B. Submit proposed activities to the Regional Coordinator of all planned activities for approval. Matters of concern shall be referred to the Executive Board for resolution.
C. Assist the Regional Coordinator in the direction of all regional activities and projects.
D. Perform additional duties as delegated.
E. Appoint ad-hoc committees as necessary in consultation with the Regional Coordinator
F. Appoint a Secretary and Parliamentarian from among the Vice Presidents.
Section 3. The District Vice President shall
A. In the absence of the President, select one District Vice President by lot to serve as Acting President.
B. Assist the President when called upon.
C. Act as liaisons between the Regional Coordinator and Regional President and among chapters in their district.
Section 4. The Secretary shall
A. Record minutes of all Regional Meetings and send copies of the minutes to each chapter, the Regional Coordinator, and Phi Theta Kappa International Headquarters.
B. Maintain a Regional Directory listing chapters, officers, advisors, and their addresses and distribute this directory to all chapters.
Section 5. The Newsletter Editor shall
A. Work with the Executive Board and Regional Coordinator to oversee publication of a newsletter to be distributed to all chapters, the publication dates to be set by the Executive Board.
B. Establish and publicize deadlines for the submission of articles and other information.
C. Solicit content from chapters for the newsletter.
D. Edit and format the content and submit it to the Regional Coordinator for final approval.
E. Work with the Regional Coordinator to establish and maintain a mailing list and a mailing process for the newsletter.
Section 6. Executive Board Advisors shall
A. Assist the Regional Coordinator and Regional Officers in accomplishing all regional goals and additional duties as delegated.
B. Foster leadership and professional growth in all chapters by cultivating fellowship and professional growth among all chapter advisors in the best interests of the Region.
Article VII. Regional Coordinator
The Regional Coordinator shall meet the qualifications and fulfill responsibilities outlined in the Phi Theta Kappa Constitution and Bylaws and as stated by Phi Theta Kappa’s Board of Directors. (See Appendices).
Article VIII. Presidental Ambassador
Section 1.
The Presidential Ambassador shall perform his/her duties in keeping with the guidelines set forth by the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors.
Section 2.
The Presidential Ambassador will be appointed by Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters in consultation with the Regional coordinator.
Section 3.
The Presidential Ambassador will serve for a term of one year and may succeed himself or herself in office.
Section 4. The Presidential Ambassador will
A. Represent Phi Theta Kappa at President’s Council meetings to facilitate the communication of current Society programs.
B. Arrange, as needed, a representative from the Region o address a President’s Council meeting.
C. Promote Phi Theta Kappa to other college presidents to help the society re-active inactive chapters, establish new chapters, establish Phi Theta Kappa honors courses and seminars and encourage chapter participation in regional and international programs, and promote financial support for Phi Theta Kappa scholars.
D. Participate, at least once per year, at a regional meeting of Phi Theta Kappa; ideally, participation should include
- an address to the meeting participants in which the Presidential Ambassador presents the issues and agenda that the presidents feel are important to the progress of colleges in Iowa.
- a meeting with chapter advisors and the Regional Coordinator in which annual regional goals can be discussed and issues of concern can be shared on both sides.
- an opportunity for dialogue with Phi Theta Kappa members.
E. Participate in the All-Iowa Academic Team Ceremony.
Article IX. Presidential Ambassador of the Michigan Region
Section 1. Selection Process
The Presidential Ambassador shall be a College President at a college in the State of Michigan. The Presidential Ambassador shall be appointed by the Regional Coordinator.
Section 2. Term Office
The Presidential Ambassador shall serve a term of one year and may succeed himself/herself in office.
Section 3. Responsibilities of the Presidential Ambassador
The duties of the Presidential Ambassador of the Michigan Region shall be as follows:
A. The Presidential Ambassador shall represent Phi Theta Kappa at meetings of the Michigan Association of Community Colleges to facilitate the communication of current Society programs.
B. The Presidential Ambassador shall promote Phi Theta Kappa to other college presidents to help the society re-activate inactive chapters, establish new chapters, establish Phi Theta Kappa honors courses and seminars, and encourage chapter participation in Regional and International programs.
C. The Presidential Ambassador shall participate in a regional meeting of Phi Theta Kappa at least once during their year of service. His/Her participation should include the following:
1. An address to the meeting participants in which he/she presents the issues and agenda that the presidents feel are important to the progress of colleges in Michigan.
2. A meeting with the Regional Coordinator in which annual regional goals can be discussed and issues of concern can be shared on both sides.
3. An opportunity for dialogue with Phi Theta Kappa members.
Article X. Regional Meetings
Section 1. Regular Meetings
There shall be at least three regular regional meetings per year: the Leadership Conference, the Mini-Honors Institute and the Regional Convention.
Section 2. Hosts for Regional Meetings
The Presidential Ambassador shall serve a term of one year and may succeed himself/herself in office.
A. Any chapter wishing to host a Regional Meeting shall submit the appropriate application with support from their contact advisor and college president.
B. The host chapter for the regional meetings shall be chosen by a simple majority vote of the chapters present at the Regional Convention.
C. The host chapter, with the assistance of the Executive Board, shall:
1. Provide a suitable time and location for the meeting.
2. Provide an agenda for the meeting, to be approved by the Regional Coordinator.
3. Provide a list of those attending the meeting according to chapter and their designation as member or advisor, and a report of the proceedings to the Regional Secretary, Regional Coordinator and to Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters.
Section 3. Executive Board Meetings
Executive Board meetings may be called at any time by the Executive Board.
Section 4. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called at any time by the Executive Board. All chapter presidents and advisors shall be notified two weeks in advance of any special meeting.
Section 5. Minutes of Regional Meetings
Minutes, taken by the Regional Secretary, shall be sent to all chapters in the region, the Executive Board, the Regional Coordinator and International Headquarters within two weeks following the meeting.
Section 6. Procedure at Meetings
The procedural rules governing the meetings of the Michigan Region shall be the Newly Revised Robert’s Rules of Order.
Article XI. Regional Finances
Section 1. Fees
A. Each student inducted into a Phi Theta Kappa chapter shall pay a one-time Regional fee of $5.00. This fee shall be collected by chapters and sent to Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters, or collected by Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters.
B. Any chapter that has not paid its regional fees, within ninety days of the induction, shall not be in good standing. Once the fees have been paid, the chapter shall immediately be reinstated in good standing.
Section 2. Regional Treasury
A. The Regional Coordinator shall be responsible for the supervision of the Regional Treasury.
B. The Executive Board shall prepare an annual budget. The budget shall be presented by the Secretary/Treasurer to the entire membership at the annual Leadership Conference for approval.
Article XII. Amendment Procedures
Section 1. Proposing an Amendment
A. Any chapter in good standing may initiate an amendment proposal by presenting the amendment, in writing, and signed by the chapter’s president, to the Regional Coordinator and the Regional Officers 45 days prior to the next official Regional meeting.
B. The Executive Board shall send copies of the proposed amendment to every chapter at least two weeks prior to voting.
Section 2. Approval of Amendment
In order to hold a vote on any amendment, there must be a simple majority of the chapters in good standing present. The amendment shall require a two-thirds affirmative vote to pass. If there is an insufficient representation of chapters at the Regional Meeting, a mailed ballot shall be required. The vote by mail shall be conducted by the Election Committee within sixty days, with a simple majority vote of responding chapters passing the amendment.
Article XIII. Interpretation
Interpretation of these by-laws will be the responsibility of the Regional Executive Board.
Article XIV. Ratification
These by-laws became effective by two-thirds affirmative of the voting delegates attending the 1997 Leadership Conference & Mini-Honors Institute. The voting colleges were as follows:
- Alpha Delta Omega Chapter - Glen Oaks Community College
- Alpha Omicron Iota Chapter - Mott Community College
- Alpha Omicron Omicron Chapter - Mid Michigan Community College
- Alpha Omicron Rho Chapter - Oakland Community College, Auburn Hills Campus
- Alpha Omicron Xi Chapter - Oakland Community College, Orchard Ridge Campus
- Alpha Rho Pi Chapter - Northwestern Michigan College
- Alpha Rho Rho Chapter - Macomb Community College, South Campus
- Alpha Rho Chi Chapter - Gogebic Community College
- Alpha Tau Alpha Chapter - Montcalm Community College
- Alpha Upsilon Xi Chapter - Macomb Community College, Center Campus
- Alpha Xi Delta Chapter - Bay de Noc Community College
- Lambda Mu Chapter - St. Clair County Community College
- Beta Gamma Alpha - Washtenaw Community College
- Mu Tau Chapter - Lansing Community College
- Nu Omicron Chapter - Alpena Community College
- Omicron Iota Chapter - Schoolcraft College
- Sigma Psi Chapter - Southwestern Michigan College
- Xi Delta Chapter - Delta College
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Amendments: Original Wording of Successfully Amended Text
Amended May 16, 1999 by a two-thirds affirmation of the voting delegates attending the 1999 Michigan Region Convention: Original Wording:
Article XII. Amendment Procedures
Section 1. Proposing an Amendment
A. Any chapter in good standing may initiate an amendment proposal by presenting the amendment, in writing, and signed by the chapter’s president, to the Regional Coordinator and the Executive Board thirty days prior to the Regional meeting at which it is to be voted upon.
Amended November 14, 1999 by a unanimous affirmation of the voting delegates attending the 1999 Leadership Conference: Original Wording:
Article V. Executive BoardSection 1. Term of Office
Each of the Michigan Regional Officers shall serve a one-year term. Officers will be installed at the last General Session of the Regional Convention and shall assume their duties immediately. They shall hold office until the subsequent Regional Convention.
Amended April 21, 2001 by a vote of the entire delegation at the 2001 Regional Convention with only one nay vote: Original Wording:
Article V. Executive Board
Section 3. Qualifications
There was no Paragraph G.
Amended September 2004 by a unanimous affirmation of the voting delegates attending the 2003 Mock Chapter/Leadership Conference: Original Wording:
Article V. Executive Board
Section 2. Election to Office
B. Officers shall be elected by a simple majority of the voting delegates at the Regional Convention. Each chapter shall have one vote and shall designate one member to serve as the chapter’s voting delegate. The Alumni Representative shall be elected by the alumni members attending the Regional Convention.
Amended September 2004 by a unanimous affirmation of the voting delegates attending the 2003 Mock Chapter/Leadership Conference: Original Wording:
Section 5: Duties of Regional Officers
E. The Alumni Representative of the Michigan Region shall
1. Preside over all Regional Alumni meetings
2. Serve as a voice for alumni members at meetings of the Regional Executive Board; however, he/she does not have a vote in Regional decisions.
3. Work to facilitate the activities of the Michigan Region
4. Maintain communication with all alumni chapters
5. Assist chapters in chartering their alumni status
6. Assist the International Alumni Association in their activities
7. Appoint Alumni Committees as needed
The following were amended November 3, 2007 by a unanimous vote of chapters attending the Regional Mini-Honors Conference. Delete Article IV, Section 4: (Regional Coordinator, Complaints Regarding…): Original Wording:
Section 4: Complaints Regarding the Regional Coordinator
If in the opinion of two or more members of the Executive Board or two or more chapter presidents, the Coordinator is not fulfilling his/her duties as described in Article IV, Section 2, or is operating in an arbitrary manner, they shall informally notify the Coordinator of their concerns.
A. If the complainants believe the Coordinator’s response to their complaints is unsatisfactory or their concerns are not rectified after two weeks of the informal complaint, they may appeal to a member of the Executive Board who shall within two weeks consult with the Coordinator and the other Executive Board members. The Executive Board shall determine the merit of the complaint and inform the Coordinator and the complainants.
B. If the concerns are not rectified within two weeks of the Executive Board’s determination, the Executive Board may appeal to the Chair of the Advisory Committee who shall within two weeks consult with the Coordinator and the other Advisory Committee members. The Advisory Committee shall determine the merit of the complaint and inform the Coordinator and the complainants.
C. If either the Executive Board or the Advisory Committee find merit to the complaint, the Regional President shall convene a special meeting, within three weeks, of Chapter Presidents, the Advisory Committee, and the Coordinator at which time the complaints will be formally presented to the Coordinator who shall have the opportunity to respond. Members of the Advisory Committee may also make a presentation. If a simple majority of the attending chapters vote to sustain the Coordinator, the complaint is null and void.
D. If a simple majority of the attending chapters sustain the complaints, the Regional President shall appeal to the Executive Director of Phi Theta Kappa who will make a final determination. He/she may sustain the Coordinator, reprimand the Coordinator and insist the problem be resolved favorably to the complainants, or remove the Coordinator.
Amend Article V, Section Three (Executive Board, Qualifications), approved unanimously by the membership attending Mini-Honors Conference on Nov. , 2007: Original wording:
E. Regional Officers must be attending an accredited community, junior, vocational, or technical college during their entire terms of office.
Amend Article XI, Section 1A (Regional Finance, Fees): Original Wording:
A. Each student inducted into a Phi Theta Kappa chapter shall pay a one-time fee of $4.00. This fee shall be collected by the chapter and send to the Regional Coordinator after each induction.
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