Bylaws

The Bylaws of the Gamma Theta Chapter of the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity Last Updated 04/2024

Truman State University

Kirksville, MO 63501

The rules and regulations contained herein are in accordance and subservient to the Constitution, Bylaws, and Edicts of the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity as determined by the Supreme Council (National Constitution and Bylaws last updated 08/2022)

ARTICLE I – GENERAL ORGANIZATION

Section A – The Name of the Organization

The name of the organization shall be Gamma Theta chapter of the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity.

Section B – The Purposes of the Organization

The purposes of the organization shall be education and charitable.

Section C – The Objects of the Organization

The objects of the organization shall be:

To bind its members with a tie of true and lasting friendship.
To strive for the advancement of chemistry both as a science and as a profession.
To aid its members by every honorable means in the attainment of their ambitions as chemists throughout their mortal lives.

ARTICLE II – JURISDICTION AND DUTIES

According to the Alpha Chi Sigma National Constitution (Article IV, Section C): “The Collegiate Chapters shall: 1. Have the sole right of initiating members into the Fraternity except at the installation of new chapters. 2. Engage in professional and service activities that advance the objects of the Fraternity.

Hold meetings and engage in fraternal activities for the good of the order.
Require attendance of Collegiate members at chapter meetings.
Maintain and keep chapter records and property in good condition.
Preserve the property of the Grand Chapter entrusted to them.
Report to the Supreme Council, the Grand Chapter, and the District Counselors upon request. 8. Adopt bylaws for their own governance, provided these are in accord with the laws of the Fraternity. 9. Levy and collect dues for the support of the local chapters and the Grand Chapter.
Conduct Chapter Conduct Committee proceedings, institute sanctions, and carry out sanctions when necessary. 11. Have the power to bond the office of Chapter Treasurer”.

ARTICLE III – CHAPTER PROCEEDINGS

Section A – Meetings

According to the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw VI, Section C, Point 1): “A Manual of Procedure shall be provided by the Supreme Council for the guidance of all officers and chapters in routine Fraternity matters.” The Manual of Procedure shall be kept in the Emerald Tablet.
Regular meetings of the chapter shall be conducted at least twice a month during the regular academic year with the dates and times to be determined by the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee may call for special meetings when deemed necessary. These may deviate from the dates and times set as described in Point 2.
The chapter advisors cannot reserve rooms under the Gamma Theta chapter’s name for activities that are not related or associated with the chapter.
Business cannot be conducted at a meeting for holding a chapter vote unless a quorum, defined as a simple majority of members by voting privileges, is present.
Attendance by all Collegiate members is required.
A member may be excused from a meeting by supplying the Chapter Recorder with an excuse in advance of the meeting. A member may also be excused by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
Any member with two consecutive unexcused absences will have their voting privileges revoked. Official Copy – Last Updated 04/2024 | 1
A member can have their voting privileges reinstated by:
Bringing their case before the Executive Committee who will then decide whether to reinstate the member’s voting privileges by a simple majority.
In the event the voting privileges are denied via a vote by the Executive Committee vote, the member must attend three consecutive meetings and the voting privileges will be reinstated at the beginning of the third meeting.
According to the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw VI, Section C, Point 6): “the suggested order of business at Collegiate Chapter meetings shall be as follows:
Call to order
Secret ritual opening
Roll Call
Reading of the minutes
Reports of officers
Reading of correspondence
Reports of regular committees
Reports of special committees
Unfinished business
New business
Proposals for membership
Election to membership
Appointment of committees
Election of officers
Installation of officers
Secret ritual closing.”
According to the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw XI, Section B): “In matters of parliamentary procedure not otherwise covered by this Constitution and Bylaws, the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall be considered the authority.”

Section B – Voting Procedures

Voting procedures shall be as follows:

For questions raised at meetings that do not require secret ballot voting, a survey of yeas and nays shall be called for by the Master Alchemist.
For matters that require secret ballot voting, only active Collegiate members that are currently enrolled at Truman State University and in compliance with Chapter rules may vote. Ballots shall be tallied by the Chapter Advisors. A professional member is suggested.
If a member so desires, it is his or her responsibility to request an absentee ballot from a Chapter Advisor and then turn the completed ballot into either the Recorder or a Chapter Advisor. Any outstanding ballots will be omitted when counting.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

Section A – Qualifications for Pledgeship

All candidates for pledgeship will meet the following qualifications as set forth by the Alpha Chi Sigma National Constitution (Article I, Section B, Point 2) and Bylaws (Bylaw I, Section A) that stipulate:

(Constitution, Subpoints a and c) “A candidate for Collegiate membership shall be a student of chemistry who intends to pursue a career in pure or applied chemistry. Reference to chemistry and chemists in connection with membership qualifications shall be interpreted as including chemists, chemical engineers, and members of allied professions in which chemistry predominates.”
(Constitution, Subpoint d) “A candidate for membership shall be professionally acceptable to the Grand Chapter.” 3. (Bylaws, Point 5) “Membership in Alpha Chi Sigma precludes membership in any other national professional chemistry fraternity.”
(Bylaws, Point 1) “Discrimination based on race, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity is prohibited.” Should a violation of the Student Code of Conduct or Non-Discrimination/Title IX occur, the Gamma Theta chapter will report details of the incident to the appropriate offices.
(Bylaws, Point 6) “A person may be pledged in the first half of their first college year.”
No candidate for pledgeship shall be accepted if on academic probation.

Section B – Pledging

Prior to the Pledge Ceremony, each member of the chapter will be presented with a ballot containing the names of all those who wish to become a pledge. Election to pledgeship shall follow election to membership as per the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw I, Section A, Point 2, Subpoint b): “A four-fifth’s majority of the chapter’s active members must approve of the nomination by secret ballot.”
As per the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw VIII, Section B, Point 1) No candidate shall be allowed to become a pledge before paying the pledge fee. “Immediately following the Pledge Ceremony, a pledge fee for each candidate shall be paid directly to the Grand Chapter or, alternatively, shall be collected by the Collegiate Chapter and forwarded promptly to the Grand Recorder. For each biennium the pledge fee shall be established by the Supreme Council with the concurrence of the Grand Chapter. From time to time, the Supreme Council also may assess a mandatory surcharge on the pledge fee for a period not exceeding two years. The pledge fee is non-refundable.”
A Pledge Ceremony shall occur at least once per year and no more than once per semester except in the event one or more candidates provide legitimate excuses for being absent at the regularly scheduled ceremony. In such a case, a second Pledge Ceremony can be called in a given semester at the discretion of the Master Alchemist and the Master of Ceremonies.
A pledge class shall consist of no fewer than six pledges. This may be overridden at the discretion of the Executive Committee via a simple majority.
Pledge season shall begin immediately upon the completion of the Pledge Ceremony.
Pledge season shall last no fewer than six weeks of each semester.
Immediately upon the completion of the Pledge Ceremony, all pledges will be required to conduct themselves in accordance with the standards set forth by the Supreme Council of the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity, as well as this chapter’s standards of conduct.
The procedure for withdrawal of an invitation to pledgeship shall follow the procedure for withdrawal of an invitation to membership as set forth by the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw I, Section B, Point 8) shall be as follows: a. “Any chapter member, at a regular meeting of the chapter, may move for the withdrawal of an invitation to pledgeship for reasons involving [1)] dishonorable conduct, [2)] consistent scholastic failure, [3)] lack of interest in the Fraternity, or [4)] injury to the Fraternity if the person is initiated.”
“At least seven days prior to the meeting at which a vote on the motion will be taken, the chapter shall give all of its active members written notice that a motion to withdraw an invitation to membership is pending and the time and place of the meeting.”
“A one-third vote of the chapter’s active members by ballot shall be necessary for the withdrawal of invitation to membership.”
“Members unavoidably absent from the meeting at which the vote will be held may submit their ballots to the Recorder prior to the meeting.”
“The withdrawal of an invitation to membership is the dissolution of the fraternal relationship between the individual and the Fraternity. The individual whose invitation to membership has been revoked loses all rights and privileges and forfeits all claims on the Fraternity. The individual may not again become a pledge of the Fraternity unless another invitation to membership is extended in accordance with the chapter bylaws.”
The Gamma Theta chapter fully understands and will abide by the anti-hazing policy (abusive affiliation) as set forth in the Student Conduct Code of Truman State University 8.050.2 – Expectations for Student Organization Conduct Section 14: Abusive Affiliation. Additionally, the Gamma Theta chapter complies with the anti-hazing requirements of the Health and Safety Policy as set forth by Alpha Chi Sigma Supreme Council. This pertains to both pledges as well as active members.

Section C – Qualifications for Membership

All candidates for initiation will meet the following qualifications as set forth by the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw I, Section B, Point 9) that stipulate:

“No person shall be initiated into the Fraternity until having complied with the following conditions: a. State the desire to further chemistry as a science and as a profession.
Have paid all applicable fees due the Grand Chapter.”

All candidates for initiation will meet the following qualifications as set for by the Gamma Theta chapter of the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity that stipulate:

The Gamma Theta chapter further requires that no person shall be initiated into the Fraternity until having complied with the following conditions:
Be currently enrolled in, or have successfully completed, the second introductory course of the student’s intended course of study.
Have successfully received credit for at least one college-level chemistry course.
Be without condition in any current college work.
Every candidate shall have at least one full academic semester during the regular school year in which to participate in activities of the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity as a full member.
No pledge shall be initiated before attaining the minimum score on the fraternal knowledge exam as set by the current Vice Master Alchemist.
First semester freshmen cannot be initiated. Transfer students in their first semester at Truman State University will be eligible for membership, given that they have taken at least one semester of a chemistry course.

Section D – Election to Membership

The election of Collegiate members is outlined in the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw I, Section A) that stipulate:
(National Bylaws, …, Point 2, Subpoint a) “A chapter shall give all its active members prior notice of meetings at which it will receive or vote on nominations for membership.” This chapter will require at least one week’s notice be given of such meetings and that aforementioned meetings will occur no later than three weeks prior to the initiation ceremony.
(National Bylaws, …, Point 2, Subpoint b) “A four-fifth’s majority of the chapter’s active members must approve the nomination by secret ballot.” See Gamma Theta Bylaws (Article III, Section B) for voting procedures.
(National Bylaws, …, Point 4) “No person’s nomination for membership shall be voted on more than twice during any one Grand Chapter fiscal year.”
(National Bylaws, …, Point 2, Subpoint d) “A Collegiate Chapter may, with the approval of the Supreme Council, elect and initiate any properly qualified student of a neighboring college or university where a chapter of this Fraternity does not exist, provided such action is in accord with the regulations of both institutions.”
Alpha Chi Sigma National Constitution (Article I, Section B, Point 3) states: “Candidates elected to membership shall be initiated according to the official Fraternity ritual.”
The procedure for withdrawal of an invitation to membership as set forth by the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw I, Section A, Point 8) shall be as described in the Gamma Theta Bylaws (Article IV, Section B, Point 8).

Section E – Initiation

Initiation shall be conducted at least once per year and no more than once per semester.
The date of Initiation shall be set by the Executive Committee.
As per Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw I, Section A, Point 9, Subpoint (b) & Bylaw VIII, Section B, Point 2, Subpoints a and c): “No person shall be initiated into the Fraternity until having […] paid all applicable fees due the Grand Chapter. The fee shall be collected by the Treasurer of the chapter or paid directly to the Grand chapter. The Treasurer shall forward all fees collected on the behalf of the Grand Chapter to the Grand Recorder prior to the initiation date.”
The Master of Ceremonies shall be charged with the responsibility of assigning parts for Initiation no less than two weeks prior to the Initiation date.
Those members assigned parts by the Master of Ceremonies shall be charged with the responsibility of memorizing their parts.
Initiation proceedings will not deviate from the official Fraternity ritual.

Section F – Membership

According to the Alpha Chi Sigma National Constitution (Article I, Section B, Point 4): “Every member shall be granted the privileges of the Fraternity, and shall assume the obligations of membership, for life.” 2. Active membership in the Gamma Theta chapter will be reevaluated each semester. Evaluation shall be made on the basis of the previous semester’s events.
Active members of the Gamma Theta chapter will be defined as:
National members of Alpha Chi Sigma
Dues paid to Gamma Theta
Who have participated in the most recently held Initiation Ceremony
Who have no more than four absences, one of which may be unexcused
Who attend at least two pledge events (these may include pledge meetings, the pledge social, etc.) per semester
Who attend at least one rush week event per semester
Who attend at least one fundraising service event per semester
Who attend the alcohol awareness presentation provided by the Master of Catalysis at least once per year. 4. Appeals may be made to the Executive Committee regarding active status.
According to the Alpha Chi Sigma National Constitution (Article I, Section B, Point 5): “Any member may be expelled [1)] for violating the oath of membership, [2)] for dishonorable or improper conduct, [3)] for neglecting to meet indebtedness to the Fraternity, [4)] for disloyalty to the Fraternity, or [5)] when that person’s membership becomes injurious to the Fraternity.”
Any expulsion proceedings must follow the procedure described in the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw II, Sections C and E) on general expulsion procedures for Collegiate members.

ARTICLE V – CHAPTER OFFICERS

Section A – Definition of Officers

According to the Alpha Chi Sigma National Constitution (Article IV, Section D, Point 1): “The officers of each Collegiate Chapter shall be a Master Alchemist, Vice Master Alchemist, Reporter, Recorder, Treasurer, Master of Ceremonies, Alumni Secretary, Health & Safety Officer, and other such officers as the chapter may desire.” 2. The Gamma Theta chapter has added the offices of:
Tutor Coordinator as an elected officer.
Cyber Alchemist as an appointed officer.
Master of Catalysis as an elected officer.
The Gamma Theta chapter maintains four advisor positions:
The Chapter Advisor as a position appointed by the District Counselor upon the chapter’s recommendation. b. Three Degenerate Advisors as positions appointed by the District Counselor upon the chapter’s recommendation.

Section B – Officer Qualifications

According to the Alpha Chi Sigma National Constitution (Article IV, Section D, Point 2): “The officers, with the exception of the Alumni Secretary, must be active members of the chapter.” This chapter shall only elect officers who are current students at Truman State University.
Only full-time, degree seeking students can hold office within a Union and Involvement Services recognized student organization (RSO).
A person must be in good standing financially and scholastically with the chapter in order to hold any office. a. Good financial standing shall be defined as having all fraternal financial obligations met.
Good scholastic standing shall be defined as eligible to enroll in university classes.
In order to be nominated, elected, and hold the office of Master Alchemist, one must have been a full member of Gamma Theta for at least one full regular academic semester.
In order to be nominated, elected, and hold the office of Master of Ceremonies, one must have been a full member of Gamma Theta for at least one full regular academic semester, and have been involved in at least one initiation as an active member of the chapter.
In order to be nominated, elected, and hold any office, a person must be an active member of the Gamma Theta chapter and may not have more than one unexcused absence from chapter meetings or rush events of the semester the election is held. In addition, they must attend initiation and at least two pledge meetings of the semester the election is held.
In order to be nominated, elected, and hold the office of Master Alchemist, Vice Master Alchemist, or Master of Ceremonies, a person must complete ten hours of participation in chapter related events during the semester the election is held. This includes all volunteer and intramural activities, but does not include regular chapter meetings or the attendance requirements listed above. Nominated members who currently hold an office or a chair are assumed to meet this requirement.
In order to hold the position of Chapter Advisor or Degenerate Advisor, a person must be a current faculty or staff member of Truman State University’s Department of Chemistry.

Section C – General

According to the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw VI, Section A, Points 1-3):

“The Reporter, Treasurer, and Alumni Secretary shall be elected for a term of one year. All other officers shall be elected for a term of no longer than one year.” All other officers shall be elected for a term of one semester. 2. “Officers may be reelected.”
“All officers shall serve until the installation of their successors.”

Section D – Duties of Offices

Each officer is responsible for understanding and carrying out their duties as outlined in the Alpha Chi Sigma National Constitution (Article IV, Section E) and per the guidelines provided in the chapter’s Manual of Procedure. 2. “The Master Alchemist shall:
Be the executive officer of the chapter.
Preside at chapter meetings.
Commit to memory the parts of the ritual assigned to Master Alchemist.
Appoint such committees as necessary for the efficient operation of the chapter.
Be responsible for the condition of the chapter and the proper discharge of the duties of its officers. f. Be responsible for the vote of the chapter in the Grand Chapter during the period between conclaves.”
Be listed as the primary contact for Truman State University’s Union and Involvement Services.” 3. “The Vice Master Alchemist shall:
Assist the Master Alchemist.
Act as Master Alchemist in the absence of the Master Alchemist.
Supervise all pledge functions.
Arrange for the chapter’s Professional Recognition Ceremony or Professional Induction Ceremony when any chapter members are to join the Professional Branch.”
“The Reporter shall:
Carry out the chapter’s correspondence with the Grand Chapter.
Report elections, initiations, deaths, votes to suspend or expel a member as a result of Chapter Conduct Committee proceedings, changes in status of members, election of officers, and matters of record as required by the Supreme Council.
Give the chapter a summary of the Chrome & Blue newsletter at the first regular business meeting of every month.
“The Recorder shall:
Keep the minutes of the chapter meetings.
Be responsible for the documents and records of the chapter.
Assist the Reporter.
Act as Reporter in the absence of the Reporter.
Maintain a record, including contact information, of the chapter members.”
“The Treasurer shall:
Be responsible for the collection and disbursement of the chapter monies.
Keep a systematic financial record of the chapter finances.
Report on the chapter’s finances upon the request of the Master Alchemist, the Grand Recorder, the District Counselor, or the Supreme Council.
Submit to the Supreme Council, the District Counselor, and the Chapter Advisor a standardized financial statement of the chapter’s financial condition including a detailed report of delinquencies.”
“The Master of Ceremonies shall:
Organize and supervise all chapter ceremonial activities except the Professional Recognition Ceremony and Professional Induction Ceremony.
Be responsible for the safekeeping and good condition of the regalia entrusted to the chapter. c. Keep and account for all copies of the ritual lent to the chapter and be responsible to the Grand Chapter for them.”
“The Alumni Secretary shall:
Assist the chapter in its professional activities.
Gather and preserve the historical data of the chapter and make an annual report to the Grand Historian. c. Solicit information from alumni for the official journal of the Fraternity.
Report promptly all changes of address of chapter alumni to the Office of the Grand Recorder. e. May assist the Master Alchemist in familiarizing new chapter officers with their duties.”
“The Health and Safety Officer shall:
Be familiar with the Health and Safety Philosophy and Health and Safety Policies of Alpha Chi Sigma. b. Be familiar with campus, local and national policies and regulations as they relate to the chapter. c. Be a member of the Chapter Conduct Committee.
Assist with planning chapter events to ensure compliance with all policies and regulations.” e. May be referred to as the Master of Catalysis and additionally shall:
Be a person within their final year of undergraduate study.
Ensure that chapter meetings move at a rapid pace with few distractions.

iii. Redirect those who are interfering with the rate of the meetings.

Assist the Master Alchemist in all tasks that he or she requests.
Be familiar with Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure and answer questions thereof. vi. Be chairperson of all Bylaws revision committees.

vii. Be responsible for executing at least one alcohol awareness presentation during the semester he or she was appointed.

viii. Be responsible to ensure the chapter is compliant with Grand Chapter and University Health and Safety Policy and risk management policy, respectively.

Oversee and document that at least one CPR certified member of the Fraternity attends chapter events and activities.
The Tutor Coordinator shall:
1. Obtain a room and time for tutoring and verify that it is open each night of tutoring.
2. Publicize tutoring to students and faculty.
3. Be responsible for finding tutors and filling vacancies in the schedule if tutors are not found.
4. 11. The Cyber Alchemist shall:

Maintain a current list of officers, actives, alumni, and faculty on the website.
Publish a current copy of the chapter bylaws on the website.
Maintain a listserve, email alias, that includes all active brothers.
Work with the Chapter Historian on maintaining a written and pictorial archive on the website. e. Update the Cyber Alchemist’s Manual of Procedure every semester.
The Chapter Advisor and Degenerate Advisors shouldall (Article IV, Section F):
“Attend chapter meetings and ritual events when possible.
Mentor chapter members and officers and promote chapter community.
Confirm the chapter’s established standards for membership and monitor adherence to that standard. d. Act as the faculty or staff member of record with the institution for the chapter.”
Serve to answer any inquiries regarding chapter procedures.
Resolve any disputes in the chapter that cannot be settled by the Executive Committee.
Ensure the professional qualifications of approved candidates before the extension of an invitation of membership.
Report unresolved disputes regarding chapter membership to the District Counselor, who shall report unresolved disputes to the Grand Collegiate Alchemist for final resolution.
Tally the ballots during secret ballot elections.
Cast the tie-breaking vote in the event of a draw.
Act as the primary holder of the chapter’s bank account.

Section E – Election of Officers

Nomination Proceedings
The chapter shall give all of its active members at least one-week prior notice of meetings at which it will consider nominations for officers.
Nominations will be taken for each office individually.
Nominations will begin with the office of Master Alchemist followed by Vice Master Alchemist, Reporter, Recorder, Treasurer, Master of Ceremonies, Alumni Secretary, Tutor Coordinator, and the Health and Safety Officer. All nominations must be seconded and the person nominated must be present to either accept or decline the nomination. Eligible members may be nominated for multiple positions.
Upon the conclusion of the meeting, nominations shall be deemed closed. Nominations shall occur once a semester unless [1)] any candidate wishes to be nominated for another office, [2)] all nominated persons withdraw from the running, [3)] Initiation has occurred between nominations and elections, in which case nominations are reopened for nomination of new initiates only, or [4)] a vacancy needs to be filled. See Gamma Theta Bylaws (Article V, Section G).
Exceptions to Subpoint d will be made for excused absences on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by a simple chapter majority.
Election Proceedings
The Master Alchemist and Chapter Advisor may not have a vote during Officer elections unless otherwise noted. See Gamma Theta Bylaws (Article V, Section E, Point 2, Subpoint e).
The chapter shall give all of its active members at least one-week prior notice of meetings at which it will elect officers.
The elections for offices will take place one at a time in the following order: Master Alchemist, Vice Master Alchemist, Reporter, Recorder, Treasurer, Master of Ceremonies, Alumni Secretary, Tutor Coordinator, and the Health and Safety Officer. Each nominee will be given an appropriate amount of time, as deemed by the Executive Committee, to speak on their own behalf. Once all nominees for an office have spoken, the Master Alchemist shall open a pro/con debate on each candidate. At the Master Alchemist’s discretion, alternating pros and cons will be opened for chapter discussion. This discussion may be skipped at the discretion of the Master Alchemist for any office excluding Master Alchemist, Vice Master Alchemist, and Master of Ceremonies. Once all nominees for an office have spoken, election for the office will take place via secret ballot.
Tallying of votes shall be conducted by the Chapter Advisor(s). The Master Alchemist will announce the elected officers. In the event that the Master Alchemist is also a nominee, any person not running for an office shall be selected to assist the Chapter Advisor. A professional member is suggested.
In the event of a tie, a second vote will be taken in which only the tied candidates are on the ballot. In case there is still a tie, the Master Alchemist shall cast the tie-breaking vote, unless the Master Alchemist is a nominee. (See point d). Once a member is elected for a position, that member’s nomination will be removed from all subsequent officer elections that semester.
Installation of new officers will occur once all officers have been elected. In the event the Master Alchemist has been reelected, the Vice Master Alchemist will perform the installation proceedings for the office of Master Alchemist.
Nominees may only be added to the list of those running for a specific office if the following conditions are met:

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The nominee was nominated for a previous office and lost that election
The office in question was previously requested by the nominee.

Section F – Appointment of Officers

Appointed positions will be approved by the Executive Committee.
If an appointed officer neglects the duties as outlined for his or her office, he or she may be replaced at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

Section G – Filling Vacancies

According to the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw VI, Section A, Point 4): “Vacancies in the Collegiate Chapter shall be filled as follows:

The Vice Master Alchemist shall succeed the Master Alchemist, and a new Vice Master Alchemist will be elected. 2. The Recorder shall succeed the Reporter, and a new Recorder will be elected.
Vacancies not otherwise provided for shall be filled by chapter election.
The Master Alchemist may appoint a temporary officer to fill a vacancy until a replacement officer has been elected. This temporary appointment shall not extend beyond the second chapter meeting after the vacancy occurs.”

ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES

Section A – National Standing Committees

According to the Alpha Chi Sigma National Bylaws (Bylaw VI, Section B): “Each Collegiate Chapter shall have the following standing committees:

Auditing – to consist of the Vice Master Alchemist and two other members of the chapter appointed by the Master Alchemist. It shall audit the books of the Treasurer at least once annually and immediately following the Treasurer’s installation.
Membership – to consist of the Vice Master Alchemist and two collegiate members of the chapter appointed by the Master Alchemist. It shall investigate the qualifications of persons proposed for membership and shall report to the chapter those eligible for membership.
Budget – to consist of the Treasurer and the members of the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall provide a draft budget to the Executive Committee for approval by all members of the Executive Committee.”
Conduct – to serve as the internal investigatory committee regarding compliance to good conduct policies and shall consist minimally of either:
no less than 5 active members, including the Health and Safety Officer, appointed as described in chapter bylaws.

Section B – Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall consist of the Chapter Officers and the Chapter Advisor(s). Chairpersons of standing and chapter committees are required to attend, at minimum, the first Executive Committee meeting of each month. The Chapter Advisor(s) shall serve in a non-voting, advisory capacity. Any appointed positions are not eligible to vote. At the discretion of the Master Alchemist, the previous Master Alchemist may serve on the committee without voting privileges. Its responsibilities shall be:

Enforce the rules and regulations of the Alpha Chi Sigma National Constitution and Bylaws, as well as the Bylaws of the Gamma Theta chapter.
Suggest legislation for cases not covered by the Constitution and Bylaws of the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity or the Bylaws of the Gamma Theta chapter.
Create additional committees and define the members, duties, and length of term of said committees as it deems necessary.
General planning and governing of the chapter.

Section C – Chapter Committees

The Gamma Theta chapter will have the following optional chapter committees, including but not limited to: Social, Intramurals, Service, Fundraising, Historian, Outreach, Tie-Dye, Demos, ACS, oSTEM, Chemistry Contact Center Community Curator & Creative Cafe Cart Coordinator (Cubed Cubed), and Happiness & Joy. Each active committee will have a chairperson recruited by the chapter or previous chairperson and approved by the Executive Committee by a simple majority. The chairperson of each active committee may be reassessed each regular academic semester and may serve as chairperson for a maximum of four consecutive regular academic semesters.

ARTICLE VII – CHAPTER FINANCE

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Section A – Chapter Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Gamma Theta chapter shall coincide with the calendar year.

Section B – Active Member Dues

The amount of dues and payment period for active members shall be set annually by the Treasurer with the approval of the Executive Committee and the chapter at the first chapter meeting of the academic year, both via a simple majority. While faculty members may make donations to the chapter, they will never be required to pay dues.

Section C – Appropriation of Funds and Reimbursement Procedures

Chapter funds shall be kept in a joint bank account, held by the Chapter Advisor and the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall present the chapter budget for approval to the Executive Committee at the beginning of each fiscal year. See Gamma Theta Bylaws (Article VI, Section A). The Treasurer shall be responsible for providing a copy of this financial report to all members upon request. Reasonable and customary business expenses incurred in and attributable to service to the chapter may be reimbursed from chapter funds upon the approval of the Treasurer. Upon dissolution of the Gamma Theta chapter, any remaining funds cannot be distributed among remaining active members, as per Bylaw III, Section C, Point 3.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS

These Bylaws may be amended by the chapter as follows:

A proposed bylaw change may be submitted in writing by an active member at any regular chapter meeting, at which time the proposal shall be referred to the Executive Committee for study.
The chapter will notify all members one week in advance that the consideration of an amendment to the Bylaws will take place at the next meeting.
The Executive Committee or the Bylaws Committee, when in session, after consultation with the Chapter Advisor, shall present its recommendations relative to such an amendment to the chapter at the next regular meeting and the members of the chapter shall be polled by a show of hands.
A three-fourth’s vote of those present with voting privileges plus any absentee ballots is required to amend the Bylaws. 5. If passed, the proposal must be approved a second time with a three-fourth’s vote at the next regular business meeting. 6. The Master of Catalysis “shall be responsible for updating the official copy of the Bylaws, as well as maintaining a

complete record of all amendments that have been passed.” The Health and Safety Officer will provide an electronic copy to the Cyber Alchemist, Master Alchemist, Recorder, and Chapter Advisor(s).

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